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I've always had an interest in videography and decided to volunteer to do a wedding video of Briana & Jon's special day in New Hope! There's definitely a lot to learn but I had so much fun doing this and editing it!
Congratulations Briana & Jon and thank you for allowing me to be a part of your day!
Yesterday, I received my very first studio light kit in the mail! I've used Neewer products before, such as their reflectors and speedlite flashes. I was always pleased with them and the prices were amazing! 5 years ago, I bought a Neewer Speedlite for my very first wedding I was hired to photograph and I still use the flash today! The batteries don't really last that long but still an amazing flash for $30.
I decided to purchase the Neewer light kit because of a new job and they were a lot cheaper than other companies. The kit came with 2 600 watt studio lights with 2 sync cords and power cords, 2 50x70 softboxes, 2 light stands, 1 radio transmitter and receiver, and 1 carrying bag.
The first thing I noticed about the lights was that it didn't come with a cover to protect the strobe and modeling light bulb. Which isn't really a big deal, just means I have to be extra careful when traveling with them and storing them.
It's very easy to control the power with a dial and has the ability to turn the modeling light off and on. One of the biggest downfalls with these strobes is the BEEEEP. When the strobe is fully charged again, it makes a loud beep, telling you that it's ready to shoot again. There's no way to turn it off and I'm very concerned about my employers and clients getting annoyed with it, especially when taking multiple shots in a row.
But other than that, these lights are POWERFUL. I had the power turned down to the lowest setting and shot the image of my succulent at 1/125th at f16, iso 200. These lights are great for photographers looking for their first studio lights at a great price. Just hope Neewer fixes the beeping or at least have it so you can turn it off manually. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. Below is the Amazon link if you are thinking about purchasing!
I had the amazing honor of photographing Alexis and David's beautiful beach wedding last month! The day started off a little cloudy with light rain but just before the ceremony started the sun came out and so did the heat! We really lucked out with the weather even if it was a little hot and windy.
The reception was held at the cutest restaurant in Ocean City, NJ called The Sindia. The food was amazing and the music was poppin' thanks to the awesome DJ, Jordan! They ended the night was a beautiful sparkler send-off and off to Jamaica they went!
Thank you David and Alexis for letting me part of your amazing day and I wish you both a lifetime of happiness together! Love you guys!
Film has been making a big come back within the past year. I love photographing with film because of the way it looks and feels. Although I thoroughly enjoy shooting with film, the return time could take hours or even days to develop, scan, and print. Which is why digital photography is so much more reliable and quicker.
Since I love the look of film, I enjoy editing my digital photographs to look like they were taken with a film camera instead of a digital one. I've been noticing on Instagram that I'm not the only one that does this. Below are 2 other examples I found on Instagram of digital images edited to look like film.
Light leaks are normally unwanted anomalies that happen when film gets partially exposed to outside light. Because Digital cameras use a digital sensor instead of light sensitive materials, light leaks do not happen. But they are a commonly associated with film and are known to be quite beautiful when done correctly. People, including myself, like to edit photographs to look like film to become different from the rest and adds an artistic element to our photography. It has become an big trend since 2015 when film began making it's come-back. Now instead of sending your film away for days to get developed and hoping it came out correctly, beautiful film edits are in reach within minutes for digital images.
This post is directed towards anyone willing to learn a new editing technique! The photos above are actually the same photograph but look like they were taken at different times of the year. To achieve this look, it's actually quite simple. I will be showing you how to do this in Adobe Lightroom.
So first, you wanna import the photograph and then click on the Develop module at the top.
Once in the develop module, you want to make your photograph a little warmer. On the right side, there is a column labeled Basic. Once you click on that, you will see the white balance dial. You can adjust this however you feel looks the best. The image I'm using is a raw file so it may look different if you captured in a jpeg. You can also adjust the contrast if you'd like.
After you do that, it's now time to change the color of the leaves! Still in the develop module, you can click on the column on the right that reads HSL / Color / B&W. You want to adjust the green filter in HSL Hue to yellow and you can turn the yellows down to look a bit more orange.
And voilà! You now have an autumn photograph! You may also have to go in Saturation and turn down the Blue's and Aqua's.
Note: This may not work if there are people in the photograph.
Well I have officially finished my first year of school and am halfway to obtaining my degree in photography!
This semester was a huge step from my first. We started working with digital, and although I have been working with digital for about 4 years, I basically had to start over learning completely new things with color photography. A lot more went into it than I originally thought. This semester was really about covering the basics with digital photography and digital printing.
It was a lot of fun, and I can't wait for my next semester to start in the fall!
All photographs are property of Jackie Pursell.
Check out my work from this semester below:
The photo of the girls hugging was for my photojournalism class for the Visualization assignment. For the assignment, we had to take photos and use a single word to describe it. I decided that joy best described the image.
For the Community Service assignment, we had to volunteer our services for an event. I got in touch with Cupid's Chase 5K in Philadelphia and they allowed me to come along.
We had to photograph the hands working in action.
We had to produce two different images that were monochromatic, meaning mostly containing the same tones.
For the character portrait, we had to photograph someone that showed character and then also a close-up of one of their best features. I chose the hands for this portrait, to show off her beautiful jewelry!
For the couples assignment, we could show family members or 2 people in a relationship. The first one features my two younger brothers, and the second features my friends Adam and Ashley.
This assignment was one of my favorites to shoot. We had to use the lighting from the sunset to light the mood of a scene and this one came out the best.
Model: Erik
With the same requirements as sunset, we had to use the light from a sunrise. I chose to backlight these flowers on a tree and really liked the outcome.
This assignment was another one for my photojournalism class where we attended a charity hockey tournament at Ice Line in West Chester, PA.
This assignment was for my portraiture/lighting class where we had to create an image inspired from another photographer. This photo was inspired by Lauren Naylor Photography. I used natural window lighting for this photograph and a fog machine to create the illusion of steam.
Model: Shannon
For my mini portfolio, I chose to photograph girls all with different types of flowers to symbolize their personality. I also had lipstick match the color of the flowers they posed with.
Models: (Roses) Sarah, (Purple Aster) Julia, (Country Poms) Katie, (Pink Poms) Ashley, (Sunflowers) Natalie, (Hydrangeas) Lauren, (Tulips) Bri.
For my final project in my photoshop class, we had to photograph a project and use a technique learned in class throughout the semester. I chose to photograph lotion and overlayed a photograph of rain.
This photograph was one of the outtakes from my mini portfolio and felt the need to include this one. Her gaze brings me in every time. Definitely one of my absolute favorites from this semester.
Model: Sarah.
On February 13th, I volunteered to photograph the Cupid's Chase 5k at the Philadelphia Zoo. The day started just after sunrise as people collected their shirts and packets. There was a refreshment table with a variety of snacks and drinks which people seemed to very much enjoy. The day was definitely a cold one with a wind chill of -16˚F so everyone was taking advantage of the warmth from the inside building.
The race started at around 8am where people started off with a great start! The ladies outran the guys and the first and second finishers were female (girl power!). The guys soon followed behind. The first place winner finished the 5K in about 18 minutes! What an awesome, fun-filled day!
The Cupid's Chase 5K raises money to support people with disabilities. If you wish to donate and learn more about this awesome organization, visit www.comop.org/cupidschase.
Last week I finished my first semester at Antonelli Institute. Everything that was assigned to us we had to shoot entirely with 35mm film and 4x5 Large Format, and I loved every minute of it! I'm definitely going to continue with film as a hobby for personal projects. Check out my prints below.
Shot with Nikon FM-10 using Ilford HP5 400 B&W Film
Shot with Nikon FM-10 using Ilford HP5 400 B&W Film
Model: Sarah S.
Shot with Nikon FM-10 using Ilford HP5 400 B&W Film
Model: Erik S.
Shot with Nikon FM-10 using Ilford HP5 400 B&W Film
Model: Shannon D.
Shot with Nikon FM-10 using Ilford HP5 400 B&W Film
Shot with Nikon FM-10 using Ilford HP5 400 B&W Film
Shot with Canon AE-1 using Ilford HP5 400 B&W Film
Shot with Nikon FM-10 using Ilford HP5 400 B&W Film
Model: Holly H.
Shot with Nikon FM-10 using Ilford HP5 400 B&W Film
Model: Lance B.
Shot with Canon AE-1 using Ilford HP5 400 B&W Film
Shot with Nikon FM-10 using Ilford HP5 400 B&W Film
Shot with Canon AE-1 using Ilford HP5 400 B&W Film
INTRODUCING, new custom USB's that come included with your session! I noticed while shopping for laptops that barely any new computers still have the CD drive in them, so I figured it was time to add the USB to my sessions.
I didn't want just some plain old USB, I wanted it to be unique and one of a kind. When I found these online I knew they would be perfect! You have the option of choosing your favorite photograph from your session to be on the USB. My prices were slightly increased to accommodate it. If you did not want the USB, you still have the option of getting the CD for a lower price.
For pricing information click here or contact me!
For this family session we went to the beautiful Tyler State Park in Newtown, PA. It was a little chilly but the weather held up and we got some gorgeous shots! Little Madeline is 2 1/2 years old and was only content when holding a leaf. But we got some adorable smiles and candid moments. For anyone wanting to hike around and check out some gorgeous scenery, Tyler State Park is the place to go!
On Sunday, I went to the PA Renaissance Faire with my cousin and fellow photographer, Delaney Dobson! Yes, she is a girl and yes, her make-up is incredible! She did her whole costume and make-up completely on her own and it was very impressive! When she asked me to take photos of her dressed up as Jack Sparrow, I just couldn't say no.
During the day, we walked around and found a couple cool spots to take photos, went into some of the adorable shops, and also ate some turkey legs! (As you can see in the 6th photo). We also got an amazing reaction from a bystander when they realized she was female! It was such an awesome day and I had a blast!
Thanks to Delaney Dobson Photography for allowing me to use some of your equipment!
Almost a year ago, I did this beautiful little girl's newborn photos. She was born prematurely and fortunately the only problem she had was that she was just a little small and ended up being released from the hospital within a few short weeks! This girl has definitely come a long way since then, and she's ready to celebrate her first birthday next month! Those eyes are seriously gorgeous and I had an amazing time photographing her. Happy first birthday Spencer June!
What a gorgeous spring day for this photo session! These girls wanted to get photos done to give to their mom for Mother's Day as a thank you for everything she's done for them. With the help of a family friend, they were able to do so! Hope your mom liked the pictures, girls!
Jackie Pursell Photography © 2018
