A couple of years ago, something happened.

I discovered the wild and whacky world of the Cinemagraph.
Imagine if you will a still image you've come across while cruising your regular social media feed. You look briefly then before you can exercise your digit's right to  swipe, you notice that a small part of the image is moving.

That, my friend, is a Cinemagraph.  A blend of moving and still images.

It's different. It's unique. And people are starting to use them in advertising projects the world over. BTW, they're also a lot of fun to make even if they can be bothersome to conceptualize and pump through a computer program.
Sadly, that ol standby that is Instagram, doesn't allow GIF files. (Which are perfect for Cinemagraphs.) I'm hoping that will change in the near future. Until that happens, I will continue to load my GIF Cinemagraphs onto my Facebook page and everywhere else that accepts them. (You can't stop me Instagram!)

Watch for more Cinemagraphs from me as well as Stop-Motion Animations with a bent towards the commercial product world.
Peace be with you. 

Lately I've been looking at how much there is a growing demand for images that move. You know, videos, animations, GIFs and that sort of thing.

Over the past couple of years I've taken a growing interest in the making of cinemagraphs and stop-motion animations. I've dabbled here and there. Tested different techniques and in that I've found that I like the experience.

Should I offer these things to prospective clients ? Well, maybe.
Meanwhile, I'll keep experimenting and learning how still images can be converted into moving images. Images that grab attention while telling a story.

​I'll keep you posted.

Environmental portraits, or at least, portraits done in the location where the subject lives and or works, gives me a sense of creation and respect.
I enjoy making these portraits of people who are involved in an endeavour that gives them joy, and perhaps provides an income from which they rely on.
I've done a bunch of them a few years back. Driving all over Ontario, visiting people in their studios or homes.
Yes, it involved time and effort. I suppose that is part of the allure of it for me. I enjoy doing projects that take effort and that are rather unique.

I don't know of any other photographer who went around the Province photographing the same group of individuals that I did. If there was such a photographer, I don't know who it might have been.
I didn't do those projects for monetary gain. On the contrary, I did them for emotional gain.
I did them to satisfy a personal desire to make something that recognizes them for what they have achieved. In the meantime, I suppose I also did it for me.  Having the ability to say, "I did that" gives me a sense of satisfaction. If I can't do something now and then that gives me that knowledge, I would surely go mad.
I wonder what the next project will involve.

Always trying new things can be a rewarding experience. At least if they are with good intentions. 
My goal this year is to experience new ways of expressing my creativity with photography, and hopefully to find a new income source along the way.

Having taken the dive into product photography, I've learned some new techniques, made a few contacts and have indeed added some income to the coffers. So far so good.

Trying new things may work out after all. 
Better to experience life than to sit on your meaty bits and watch it pass you by.
​

Yesterday I was reminded of the importance for a business to use proper practices when uploading images to their business website.

Specifically when naming the image files. Since the almighty Google uses all the text on a page to do a search, and to decide what it presents in a query the file names also count. (as do the Alt text btw)

For example, let's say you sell horse blankets. If your images are named something like: 455khorsered.jpg, this doesn't tell Google anything about the image and it is more likely to be ignored. If it was named: blanket-wool-red-striped--60-inch-horse.jpg, you are much more likely to have this listed as a result in a search.

For a good part of the day, I combed through my website, specifically the "Product" page, and re-named a good number of my image files. From now on I will be much more attentive to such things. The competition is fierce and never-ending. Every bit of attention counts.

If you have control of your website, you may want to take the necessary steps to improve it's performance. Even if it means simply changing the file names of your images.

Human perception of colour is a complex process involving both physiological and psychological factors. The process begins with light entering the eye and stimulating specialized cells called cones in the retina. These cones are sensitive to different wavelengths of light, which correspond to different colours.
There are three types of cones, each sensitive to either short (blue), medium (green), or long (red) wavelengths of light. The brain then processes the signals from these cones to create the perception of colour. Additionally, there are also rods in the retina that are more sensitive to low light levels and do not perceive colour.
Colour perception can have a significant impact on mood and emotions. Different colours are associated with various psychological effects:

1. Red: Often associated with energy, passion, and excitement. It can also evoke feelings of danger or aggression.
2. Blue: Known for its calming and tranquil qualities. Blue is often associated with stability, trust, and serenity.
3. Green: Linked with nature, growth, and harmony. It can promote feelings of balance and renewal.
4. Yellow: Typically associated with happiness, optimism, and warmth. However, it can also be overwhelming in large doses.
5. Orange: Combines the energy of red with the cheerfulness of yellow. It can evoke feelings of enthusiasm and vitality.
6. Purple: Associated with luxury, creativity, and spirituality. It often evokes a sense of mystery and sophistication.
7. White: Symbolizes purity, innocence, and cleanliness. It can also create a sense of spaciousness and simplicity.
8. Black: Represents power, elegance, and authority. It can also be associated with mystery or negativity.

These associations are not universal and can vary depending on cultural and personal experiences. However, colour psychology is widely used in marketing, interior design, and art therapy to influence mood, behavior, and perceptions.

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As a professional product photographer here in Peterborough, I think about colours every single time I am given a project. These definitions and descriptions are so important to everything I do, none can be taken for granted. My studio here in Peterborough where I shoot products for businesses of various types, is a colour calibrated studio.  My cameras are calibrated, as is my computer monitor.
The lights I use are all near to the same colour balance to assure that my customers get the best quality that I can achieve.
Every month I recalibrate my equipment and double check my workflow. I'm constantly updating my skills in post-production to make sure I have a thorough understanding of what's achievable in the current software. These things matter.
I care about the results, so it matters that I pay attention to all the relevant details that could potentially affect the results of my efforts.

Go on to the Google and punch in your own name.

It's interesting to see what comes up in the first, second and third pages.
You may be pleasantly (or not so pleasantly) surprised what options are shown. I on occasion will put my name in to the search bar, in a normal way and sometimes in a more creative fashion, just to see what pops up.

It tends to change as the years go by, but not by much.
I've learned that my name is owned by hundreds if not thousands of fellow humans across the globe. Some of us are photographers, musicians, painters and one I know of is a pro football player in the USA.  Some of us use the short form and some use the more official form. Most of the spellings are the same but some variations to show up now and then.

On occasion I will find listings that I had completely forgot about or never even knew existed. What an adventure.
Mike Taylor Photo Arts however, is mine. Only mine. I made sure of that when I registered the business name. I named it that to remove any doubt. I'm not an artist in the traditional sense, nor am I a football player or saxophone player. I work only in the photographic arts.

Shooting photos for businesses of various sizes and for various purposes since about 1996. Who knows, I may venture into the world of painting way down the road, but for now, my only tool is a camera and a never-ending interest in creating images.
​Mike Taylor

The learning in photography, well it just never stops.

I take on projects now and then that challenge me as a technician. Sometimes there are assignments which require me to take a closer look at how I achieve my goals.  New equipment, new software, new demands. Each require a photographer to in a sense, go back to school. To brush up and reacquaint themselves with things new and fresh.

I'm not complaining. Quite the contrary. I enjoy looking at the process with a fresh interest in those new challenges. It keeps one from getting stale or bored. 
Case in point, the images below.
Here is a study of technique. One image (on the left) is a blend of 6 images combined in a HDR (high dynamic range) process made to create a richer image than one alone could produce. Along the lines of making an image with a camera that has a huge image sensor or a piece of large format film on a view camera.
On the right is the identical subject matter, but this one is shot with only one ISO setting however it is 3 images that are "focus stacked" in order to achieve a deeper depth of field. Greater focus, more detail.

Barring the obvious increase in saturation and contrast in the left version, I feel that the "focus stacked" version is a more successful image. It has more detail, which is probably important for a manufacturer or an artist who needs to provide information to the viewer.
The HDR technique has it's place. It also has a huge potential for variance, depending on the software and the post-processing approach. There is a liveliness and robustness to it.

Both techniques provide results which may be applicable to a number of situations. If I could provide BOTH techniques to every, let's say "product" image, I would more likely be satisfied every time I shoot. To do so would mean a considerable increase in shoot time AND post-production time too. I need to ask myself it that is reasonable. Is it worth the investment in order to produce the results I think I can provide?  Are both of these results really necessary ?

I say to myself, "I'll take that under advisement" and move on with the experiments.

In product photography, lighting is the unsung hero that can make or break a shot. Over the past twenty years, advancements in technology and shifts in creative trends have revolutionized how photographers approach illuminating their subjects. From the traditional studio setups to the advent of LED panels and sophisticated software, let's embark on a journey through time to explore the innovative evolution of lighting in product photography.
The Traditional Studio Setup: Two decades ago, product photographers primarily relied on conventional studio setups comprising strobe lights, softboxes, and reflectors. These tools provided a controlled environment where light could be manipulated to highlight textures, shapes, and colors of the product. However, this approach often required extensive expertise and meticulous adjustments to achieve the desired results. Despite its effectiveness, the traditional setup limited creativity and flexibility in capturing dynamic product shots.
The Rise of LED Technology: As technology progressed, the introduction of Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting systems marked a significant turning point in product photography. Unlike traditional strobes, LEDs offered several advantages, including lower power consumption, adjustable color temperature, and compact size. These features revolutionized the way photographers illuminated their subjects, allowing for greater mobility and versatility. Moreover, the consistent and flicker-free output of LED panels ensured uniform lighting, resulting in enhanced image quality and reduced post-processing efforts.
Embracing Natural Light: In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in using natural light as a primary source of illumination in product photography. This shift is fueled by the desire for authentic and organic visuals that resonate with consumers. By harnessing the beauty of natural sunlight, photographers can create compelling images that evoke emotions and tell a story. Additionally, advancements in light-modifying tools, such as diffusers and reflectors, enable photographers to harness the full potential of natural light while maintaining control over shadows and highlights.
The Role of Post-Processing Software: Alongside technological advancements in lighting hardware, post-processing software has played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of product photography. Tools like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom offer photographers a plethora of creative options to fine-tune lighting, colour, and contrast in their images. Through techniques such as dodging and burning, photographers can further enhance the visual impact of their product shots, achieving a balance between realism and artistic expression.
Adapting to Changing Trends: In the fast-paced world of product photography, staying abreast of changing trends is essential for success. With the proliferation of e-commerce platforms and social media channels, photographers are tasked with creating visually captivating images that stand out in a crowded digital landscape. From minimalist compositions to bold and vibrant lighting schemes, photographers must continually innovate and experiment to capture the attention of their audience.
Conclusion: The evolution of lighting in product photography over the last twenty years has been nothing short of extraordinary. From traditional studio setups to cutting-edge LED technology and the resurgence of natural light, photographers have embraced innovation to elevate their craft. As we look towards the future, one thing remains certain: lighting will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the visual narrative of product photography, inspiring creativity and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

In the digital age, where attention spans are short and competition is fierce, businesses must find innovative ways to connect with their customers. One powerful tool that has emerged as a game-changer in marketing is visual storytelling, and at the heart of it lies photography.

Visual storytelling goes beyond traditional advertising tactics by creating narratives that resonate with audiences on a deeper level. It's about weaving a compelling story through images that evoke emotion, spark curiosity, and forge meaningful connections.

Photography, as a visual medium, is uniquely positioned to convey these narratives effectively. A well-crafted photograph has the ability to capture the essence of a brand, communicate its values, and leave a lasting impression on viewers.

One of the key advantages of visual storytelling through photography is its universality. Images transcend language barriers, allowing businesses to connect with diverse audiences across cultures and geographies. Whether it's a striking product photo or a behind-the-scenes snapshot of your team, visual storytelling speaks a universal language that resonates with customers worldwide.

Moreover, visual storytelling through photography fosters authenticity, which is increasingly valued by consumers in today's marketplace. By showcasing real people, real experiences, and real moments, businesses can build trust and credibility with their audience. Authenticity breeds loyalty, and loyal customers are more likely to become brand advocates, spreading the word about your business to their networks.

Furthermore, visual storytelling enables businesses to differentiate themselves in a crowded market. In a sea of generic stock photos and cookie-cutter marketing messages, authentic and compelling imagery stands out like a beacon, attracting attention and driving engagement.

Social media platforms, in particular, offer fertile ground for visual storytelling through photography. Platforms like Instagram, with its emphasis on visuals, provide businesses with an opportunity to showcase their brand story in a visually captivating way. From curated feeds to Instagram Stories, businesses can leverage photography to create immersive brand experiences that captivate and engage their audience.

The power of visual storytelling cannot be overstated. By leveraging photography to convey compelling narratives, businesses can forge deeper connections with their customers, foster authenticity, and differentiate themselves in a competitive marketplace. So, if you're looking to make an impact with your marketing efforts, harness the power of visual storytelling and let your images do the talking.

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Full disclosure, I asked ChatGPT to write this article based on parameters I provided. I agree completely with everything within.