Category Archives: Paul James
Burano Lights – Venetian Lagoon
Night Image of Burano Island Italy
During the workshops I give in Venice, I usually visit Burano one of the islands in the Northern Venetian Lagoon. Burano is 45 minute Vaporetto Ride from Venice. the Vaporetto Ride itself is an experience, it’s great to see Venice from the sea.
Burano is known for its lace and its gorgeous colored buildings and home. Around 3000 residents live on the island, in houses that are painted in all the colors of a rainbow. I would highly recommend visiting Burano, you can wander the streets and take photos of this beautifully colorful fishing town, where women stayed home making lace, while the fishermen went out to the sea to fish. Each fisherman was able to recognize their house from afar Because every house was painted in a different color of the rainbow.
1-I opened several raw images and after checking for motion blur and I selected Raw image 4032 CR2 to work with.
CR2 Raw image
2-In the basic pallet I made adjustments with the exposure +0.60 Highlights -28 and Shadows +27 and set Daylight on the White Balance drop down menu.
Adj made in Basic Pallet
3-Using the Clone and Healing tools I removed a few people, antennas and other distracting
Distractions cleaned with the Cloning and Healing brushes
4-With Nik software Color Efex Pro I used Tonal Contrast to bring down the highlights and pull out the shadows.
Nik software Color Efex Pro I used Tonal Contrast
5-Next in Color Efex Pro 3.0 I used the Film Effects. In the film drop down menu I selected Kodak Portra 160NC
Color Efex Pro 3.0 – Film Effects – Kodak Portra 160NC
6- In the Film Effects pallet I selected the Film Details dropdown menu which shows the presets for Sensitivity and Saturation.
Film Effects pallet – Film Details dropdown menu
7-Using the adjustment sliders I tweaked the Color Sensitivity and Saturation.
Adjustment sliders tweaked in Color Sensitivity and Saturation
8- In the Film Effects pallet I selected the Film Details dropdown menu which shows the presets for Grain.
Film Effects pallet – Film Details dropdown menu Grain presets
9-I set the sliders to 0 on all grain setting to removed the grain preset for the film type selected. I usually do not want grain effects on my images.
Film Effects pallet – Film Details dropdown menu Grain set sliders to 0
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2 Comments | tags: Burano Italy, Charleston Spring Photo workshop, Digital Photographic Workshop, Nik Software, Venice Photo Workshop | posted in 2013 Italian Photographic Workshop, Adobe CS6, Burano Italy, Color Efex Pro 3.0 Complete, Digital Photo Workshop, Italian Photographic Workshop, Nik Software, Paul Christopher James, Paul James, Uncategorized, Venice Carnival - Photographic Workshop Tour, Venice Italy Photographic Workshop
The Ogle Cabin is a Photographers paradise. Martha Jane Huskey Ogle, her children and several other family members arrived in a remote locale of the Great Smoky Mountains inEast Tennessee called White Oak Flats in 1807. It was their wish to honor her recently deceased husband, William and settle in the “land of paradise” he had found for them. That paradise the Ogle Cabin in Gatlinburg which is one of my all time favorite locations in the Smokey Mountains to work with clients.
Photoshop CS 5.5 – Camera Raw 6.6
After I opened the Canon CR file in Camera Raw 6.6 I made minor adjustments in the Basic Pallet. In the White Balance drop down menu I selected Auto Temperature 4850 Tint +30 and adjusted the Fill Light to 30
Basic Processing in Camera Raw 6.6
This image opened out of Camera Raw 6.6 would look good if you haven’t seen the image finished using Nik Software.
Color Efex Pro 3.0 Complete – Film Efex – Kodak Portra 400 VC
Using Color Efex Pro 3.0 I selected Film Efex 3.0 and selected Kodak Portra 400VC from the drop down Menu.
Color Efex Pro 3.0 Complete – Graduated Neutral Density Filter
Using Color Efex Pro 3.0 I selected Film Efex 3.0 and selected Kodak Portra 400VC from the drop down Menu.
Color Efex Pro 3.0 Complete – Tonal Contrast
Next with Color Efex Pro 3.0 Complete I used Tonal Contrast
Color Efex Pro 3.0 Complete – Remove Color Cast
Next with Color Efex Pro 3.0 Complete I used Remove Color Cast and using 50% Opacity in the Blend Modes
Ogle Cabin Finished using Nik Software
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Leave a comment | tags: Digital Photographic Workshop, Nik Software, Paul James, Photographic Workshops, Smokey Mountain Photo Workshop | posted in Color Efex Pro 3.0 Complete, Italian Photographic Workshop, Ogle Cabin, Paul Christopher James, Paul James, Photographic Workshops, Smokey Mountain National Park, Smokey Mountain Photographic Workshop, Smokey Mountains
On one of my photographic trips to Paris I spent some time strolling the side streets near the Eiffel Tower. Just a few blocks from the Eiffel Tower is 29 avenue Rapp, 7th arrondissement built by Jules Aimé Lavirotte in 1901 which is my all time favorite buildings and I think the most unique of the Art Nouveau Period.
Art Nouveau - Paris, France
After making a few adjustments in Photoshop I used Nik software HDR effects Realistic (Subtle) and then I used Nik software RAW Presharpener on all three images.
Art Nouveau - Paris, FranceArt Nouveau - Paris, France
29 avenue Rapp, 7th arrondissement
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Leave a comment | tags: Digital Photographic Workshop, European Images, Paul James, Photographic Workshops, Photoshop training | posted in 7th arrondissement, Art Nouveau, European Images, Jules Aimé Lavirotte, Paris, Paris France Workshop, Paul James, Photographic Workshops
Carnival – Venice, Italy
February 12 – 16
$750, Limit 5 students
Gondolas - Piazza San Marco
The rich colorful palette of Venice with its canals, bridges and the amazing architecture of San Marco Piazza and the Rialto bridge provide some of my favorite compositions to photograph. This February during historic Carnival I will be taking a small group to capture the architectural images as well as a the historic costumes of Carnival. The Colors of the and medieval architecture that Venice provides for our backdrops will give you breathtaking images, some of the best images you will ever capture. This Island City is a great time to shoot through the year. Capturing images during Carnival when residents and visitors compete with each other for the most authentic and sometimes the most outrageous costumes is a must for every photographer.
• Learn tips and tricks used by the professionals to create impressive photographs.
• Discover new viewpoints, interesting details which might be overlooked, see the
world photographically.
• Learn to sense the direction of light and how to capture the magic moment.
• Improve your photographic technique.
• Learn your camera and how to get the most out of it.
• Have fun
Brief Itinerary:
Day One: 5 pm get together in Veniceto go over equipment and if time allows Photograph at sunset.
Day Two– Four: Photograph at sunrise and sunset and when the light is right.
Day six: PhotographSunrise and go over final thoughts before saying goodbye.
A Journey shared is truly a Journey remembered
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Leave a comment | tags: Carnival Venice, Italian Photographic Workshop, Photographic Workshops, Photoshop training, Venice Photo Workshop | posted in European Images, Italian Photographic Workshop, Paul James, Photographic Workshops, Uncategorized, Venice Carnival - Photographic Workshop Tour, Venice Italy Photographic Workshop, Vernice Carnival
Charleston, South Carolina
March 27 – April 1 2012
$700.00, Limited to 8 Students
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is a city rich in history, tradition, Southern charm and beauty. The Battery Park area is one of the oldest communities in the U.S. and offers a wide range of photographic opportunities. We will be spending time photographing gardens, reflection ponds and cypress swamps. Angle Oak a 1500 year old Live Oak is the oldest living tree east of the Rockies and is one of the locations we will be visiting during the workshop. Our field time will be spent on composition and proper use of light. We will spend sometime processing images using Photoshop and Nik Software to help you with your processing skills. A training video is included that you will be able reference when you are processing images at home. Our goal is to teach you how to capture beautiful images and explore how to create the images that continue to inspire.
• Learn tips and tricks used by the professionals to create impressive photographs.
• Discover new viewpoints, interesting details which might be overlooked, see the
world photographically.
• Learn to sense the direction of light and how to capture the magic moment.
• Improve your photographic technique.
• Learn your camera and how to get the most out of it.
• Have fun!
Brief Itinerary:
Day One: 5 pm get together in Charleston to go over equipment and if time allows Photograph at sunset.
Day Two– Five: Photograph at sunrise in the Old Charleston and when the light is right.
Day six: Photograph Sunrise and go over final thoughts before saying goodbye.
A Journey shared is truly a Journey remembered
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Leave a comment | tags: Ashley River, Charleston, Charleston South Carolina, Charleston Spring Photo workshop, Digital Photographic Workshop, Nik Software | posted in Azaleas, Charleston South Carolina, Magnolia Plantation, Paul James, Photographic Workshops
SmokeyMountains, Tennessee
April 22-27 2012
$700.00, Limited to 8 Students
Bonsai Dogwood - Smokey Mountains
The Smokey Mountains come alive during the spring. This is the time that the dogwoods come into bloom and the streams run fast from spring rains and winter run off. This is the time that early morning mist looks like early morning mist can give you some dramatic images. Our field time will be spent on composition and proper use of light. We will spend sometime processing Raw images using Photoshop and Nik Software to help you with your processing skills. A training video is included that you will be able reference when you are processing images at home. Our goal is to teach you how to capture beautiful images and explore how to create the images that continue to inspire.
• Learn tips and tricks used by the professionals to create impressive photographs.
• Discover new viewpoints, interesting details which might be overlooked, see the
world photographically.
• Learn to sense the direction of light and how to capture the magic moment.
• Improve your photographic technique.
• Learn your camera and how to get the most out of it.
• Have fun!
Brief Itinerary:
Day One: 5pm get together in Townsend to go over equipment and if time allows Photograph at sunset.
Day Two– Five: Photograph at sunrise in the Smokies and when the light is right.
Day six: Photograph Sunrise and go over final thoughts before saying goodbye.
A Journey shared is truly a Journey remembered
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Leave a comment | tags: Bonsai Dogwood, Paul James, Photographic Workshops, Smokey Mountain Photo Workshop, Smokey Mountains | posted in Bonsai, Bonsai Dogwood, Dogwood, Paul James, Photographic Workshops, Smokey Mountain National Park, Smokey Mountain Photo Workshop, Smokey Mountains, Smokies, Uncategorized
Venice, Cinque Terre andPisa
Oct. 18-24 2012
$750.00, Limited to 8 Students
Romance Awaits-Venice
The colorful palette of Venice, The Cinque Terre and Pisa with there rich history is the perfect photographic venue. In Venice the Piazza San Marco and the Canals offer a variety of images that are wonderfully unique. The Cinque Terre a beautifully rugged stretch of coastline with five tiny villages set like jewels into the Ligurian Coast, we’ll capture it’s charm and beauty. It is one of those places people tend to read about once and then dream about forever. Pisa famous for its Leaning Tower and the Piazza dei Miracoli is a great place to spend our last day capturing images. Pisa is a wonderful hub where you can catch a train for Florence or Rome, or a flights home. We will photograph sunrise and sunset in these wonderful cities. Our field time will be spent on composition and proper use of light. We will spend some time processing images using Photoshop and Nik Software to help you with your processing skills. There is a training video at my website that you will be able to reference when you are processing images at home. Our goal is to teach you how to capture beautiful images and explore how to create the images that continue to inspire.
Brief Itinerary
Day One: 5pm get together in Venice to go over equipment and if time allows Photograph at sunset.
Day Two: Photograph at sunrise and sunset and when the light is right.
Day Three: Photograph at Sun rise in Venice have breakfast and Travel to Cinque Terre for afternoon and evening images.
Day Four and Five: Photograph at sunrise and sunset and when the light is right.
Day Six: Photograph at sunrise have breakfast and Travel to Pisa for afternoon and evening images. .
Day Seven: Photograph Sunrise and go over final thoughts over breakfast before saying goodbye.
• Learn tips and tricks used by the professionals to create impressive photographs.
• Discover new viewpoints, interesting details which might be overlooked, see the
world photographically.
• Learn to sense the direction of light and how to capture the magic moment.
• Improve your photographic technique.
• Learn your camera and how to get the most out of it.
• Have fun!
Workshop Information
In these workshops we will capture landscape images that excite and move, images that trace where the mind has been and form a unique vision that will last a lifetime. These workshops are about applying new skills learned daily and sharing our collective knowledge to take that next step in a supportive environment. We hold a deep passion for the places we travel to, and will help you explore how to create the images that continue to inspire. What takes time to create, time respects, good images don’t just happen. Most often, our best images lie just beyond our greatest failures. We believe through photography and an open mind the best is yet to come.
Paul James is a published, award winning photographer from Southeastern Michigan who offers the best in personalized photographic instruction on every level; whether you’re just beginning or a seasoned veteran. Paul takes great pride in his work, and this translates to some great teaching techniques. He has vast experience in both the artistic and technical aspects of photography; he is adept in Digital, Medium and Large format Cameras, which includes a large range of camera brands and models. He welcomes photographers of all formats and skill levels; however, this class will be geared for the digital photographer.
The October – November 2011 Florence Tuscan and Roma photographic workshops trips were a great success. Each groups came home with some wonderful images and some wonderful memories. I have been posting some of the new images on the website and hope that you enjoy them as much as we enjoyed taking them. Many thanks to my two wonderful friends Steve and Grazia who helped make the Rome workshop very special. For anyone traveling to Roma for a holiday, taking one of their personalized day tours is a must.
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Leave a comment | tags: Cinque Terre Photographic Workshop, Digital Photographic Workshop, European Images, Italian Photographic Workshop, Manarola Italy, Paul James, Sunset, Sunset-Santa Rosa, Vernazza Italy | posted in Cinque Terre Photo Workshop, European Images, Italian Photographic Workshop, Nik Software, Paul James, Photographic Workshops, Pisa Photo Workshop, Uncategorized, Venice Italy Photographic Workshop, Vernazza, Vernice Carnival
