I’m not sure if my new addiction to Topaz Impressions is a good thing. All I know is that this plug-in software allows me to be a digital painter like no other software can provide. And I LOVE IT !!
Blame it on Denise Ippolito who’s unique art and impressive photographic ability has inspired me. She recently added a blog post showing a mundane dahlia capture and turned it quickly into a work of art using the digital darkroom.
As a photographer, we think about finding our true calling. What is it that inspires us to go out and photograph? In our innate need to pursue the path of self-improvement, challenging ourselves to question the status quo can bring forth magic.
Another inspiring photographer that I’ve had the good grace to learn from is Rob Sheppard who recently gave a short blog post series on the Photographic Voice. He talks about style, voice and craft as elements in what creates our individual Photographic Voice.
It is only through trials and tribulations, experimentations with success and failure that will guide us to our unique voice. I recall a not-so-faraway past when I was participating in several photo walkabouts with local photo coach Lynford Morton of Phototour DC and Shutterbug Life who literally has taught thousands of budding photographers in our nation’s capital.
It was with Lynford’s guidance that I began this wonderful photographic journey. But it was his incredible passion and enthusiasm about photography that became infectious. He continuously reinvents himself, constantly challenging the status quo, and ever generous with sharing his insights and expertise.
I remember it as if it was yesterday from both Lynford and Rob; “What is your subject?” “What story are you trying to tell?” It took a long time for me to find my passion, my “voice” as one would say. There is something about nature that inspires me, thrills me and continues to make me explore. But style and craft are still evolving with me. Look at Denise Ippolito’s work. She has a clear style that emanates throughout all of her work. It is her mastery of the digital darkroom that has lead her to a formula that creates magic.
So it is this journey that I continue on. In search of my style and mastery of craft that will truly broadcast my photographic voice.
So join me if you will and let’s learn together.
Categories: Nature, Photo Tips
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
Enjoyed your post and this photo is simply stunning! 🙂
You are only too kind. Thank you and have a wonderful weekend.
Great job with Impressions.
Thanks Jake !! Helps to know if I’m heading down the right path.
Oof only if i had a Mac, the software brings out even the most delicate details of your beautiful photography 🙂
But you don’t need a Mac. I use PC Andy. 🙂
now I’m confused, I saw the apple logo when i looked up the software O.o
Ah..on the left is the trial option for PC. The one on the right is for Mac.
https://www.topazlabs.com/impression
ah gotcha, mmm! i’ll look it up, got a few ideas for some photos that I have 🙂
Sweet !! Look below the big icons and you’ll see the trial link. Try it out first to see if you like it. I then googled “Topaz Impressions” discount code and found one at Scott Kelby. Got it for just under $80 US. 🙂
80! can’t go wrong with that 🙂
I love the Impressions too. It’s completely addictive. You inspired me to get it and try it 😀
This is wonderful news Tiny. Check out this video that I discovered yesterday. It helps to explain the sliders in Impressions. https://youtu.be/dDdx-oT07nQ
Good luck!
Thanks so much for sharing the video, it was great!!
I think so too, and may deserve a look more than once to get it. Can’t wait to see what you create with Impressions too.
The first thing I did was to paint portraits of all the salt marsh birds 🙂 so much fun!
Heading over now to see if you’ve posted some Tiny. 🙂
What a masterpiece. Great post. I can’t wait to check out your links and learn more about what you are doing. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and journey as they are inspiring. I never thought of a photographic voice.
Thank you so much Nicci. I truly hlpe you do check out the links. All three of these photography experts and wonderful to learn from. I need to study more Rob’s post about the photographic voice to get a better understanding. Have a wonderful weekend.
Thanks I just did. I like that Denise has a book.
She has a couple I think. One is co-authored with Arthur Morris. A grand poo-ba of nature photography. Another to certainly learn from.
The voice article is amazing. It applies to writing fiction too. Off to read the 3rd post.
🙂 !!
I started reading the other site too. Really good. Thanks for sharing.
Truly my pleasure. Thanks Nicci!
Beautiful photographs and lovely to be back in touch. Hope all is well with you and yours.
It’s wonderful to hear from you Corinne, and I truly hope all has been well with you. Truly, seeing you has made my day. 🙂
What a marvellous journey you have embarked upon! I think you have already found your voice, and a very beautiful one it is indeed.
Thank you so much for sharing with me that you think I actually have a voice. Wow..very cool. Thank you so much!
Oh my goodness, I’m in absolute awe at your second capture. It. Is. MAGICAL! And I love what you did with the Topaz Plugin – you are certainly spurring me on to learn “more” – thank you SO much. As it happened, earlier this week I was exploring some of the Topaz plugins, I may just have to go back and do more than look, lol! 🙂
I’m thrilled that you were inspired enough to look into the Topaz plug in’s. I haven’t gotten into the other ones. So far, Impressions is keeping me plenty busy. 🙂
Both of your images are spectacular. I’m a huge monarch fan so I love the color and detail you captured, you really did this butterfly justice.
Oh Charlie, you would have loved this butterfly house I went into on Tuesday. There must have been about 20 monarchs there. Saturday they are going to tag and release them. Alas I can’t be there for the event. Thank you so much for your kind compliment.
Fabulous post Emily and can see why you would love the software. What a beautiful final image – technology is amazing for the options that can expand and move the needle for your creativity.
I think it just will too Mary. So long as I get better out in the field. But the message about the Photographic Voice also applies to artists of all medium. And you certainly are on the same journey as I.
I was just thinking the same thing ~ we are headed up to Bar Harbor in a couple of weeks and thought of you when we decided to go.
Oh I envy you. I know you’ll have a wonderful visit in Bar Harbor. Enjoy the lobster for me!
Emily, I love that first image! Beautiful! Thank you for your kind words 🙂
Thank you so very much Denise. Your support and encouragement means the world to me. I’m a long way from getting near to your caliber, but baby steps right? Truly you have been such an inspiration to me, and I greatly appreciate it.
Definitely a good thing. Lovely work.