“A Bit Mad I Am.” My version of the Mad Hatter. Self-Portrait Challenge.

Hi everyone!

              Here is a new challenge that I imposed upon myself.  I really wanted to push my Photoshop limits.  This is my version of the Madhatter.  It’s a bit mad, but then again, that is the point.  I am really enjoying the thought process of creating.  I really feel that we get so caught up in work and in just trying to make every hour of the day productive, that we forget and do not dedicate time to ourselves whatsoever.  I believe I spent about three days at a time for two weeks tweaking and playing with this piece.  There were several times in which I wanted to give up.  I don’t know if it’s art, I don’t know if it is technically sound, but what I do know is that I did best.  I will continue to do my best.  They may not all be gems; however, I do feel that they are a necessary part of the creative process.  At this point in time, I have the opportunity to take a step back and dig in.  Rather than work for a pretty penny, I have the chance to look within and invest in myself.  I have the chance to explore and learn.  I am going to take advantage of it.  On a side note, much to my dismay, the hair is all mine!  I was making the best out of a bad perm.  All I wanted was a bit of volume and some soft curls.  But nooooooooo, that’s too much to ask for.  So, enjoy my new hair-do!  Can you say mousse!

Till next time,

Aimee Michelle

“A Bit Mad I Am.” My version of the Madhatter. Self-Portrait Challenge.

1920’s Inspired Look. “Miss Sassy.”

Hi all!

Here is a 1920’s inspired flapper girl look.  This leads more towards glamour photography. Can we say gaussian blur? How about desaturation? I tried to keep detail in the face and slowly blur going outward. Half of the headband was cloned in because you can never have enough sparkle.

“Miss Sassy.” 1920’s inspired flapper girl.

“Miss Sassy.” 1920’s inspired flapper girl.

“Miss Sassy”

Enjoy,

Aimee Michelle

Digital Painting. “Purity.”

Hi!

“Purity.” A Digital Painting.

Here is another Photoshop project I have completed for myself. By using several different filters, I have created and made a photograph look like a painting. I actually did paint in some of the flowers on top.

“Purity.”

Till next time,

Aimee Michelle

HDR Maybe?

I’m seriously debating if I want to start doing HDR photos.  What do you think?

 

New Year’s Fun.

Me and my little brother were having fun playing with a couple of sparklers.  It was pretty difficult trying to get these shots, but it was a lot of fun!  My brother came out blurry because he was the one actually moving the sparklers around him.  This was a neat experiment and I got to use my camera in a way that I hadn’t before.  I also got to play with my new tripod.  All in all, a great experience.

Sincerely,

Aimee Michelle

On Location Quinceanera Shoot.

This shoot was done on location of a Quinceanera.   These photos were taken right when the sun was starting to go down and it created such warmth.  It is always a challenge when shooting outdoors, but it can create very beautiful results.

What Style of Photography is Right for You? Wedding Photography.

What style of photography is right for you?  As a consumer, you want a photographer that will satisfy your needs, basically, give you what you want.  When searching for a photographer, one of the most important things to consider is “Do I like their photos?”  Simple, basic, and yet so very complicated.  Why is this?  Because when you hire a photographer, you are more than likely hiring them for a special moment in you life, your wedding.  You are entrusting them to be able to capture that moment for you and save it forever.

One of the main things to consider is to figure out which style of photography is right for you.  When it comes to wedding photography, there are two styles.  Traditional and Photojournalism.

The traditional style of photography consists of photographs in which the people are posing.  It requires for the photographer to set up the shot and organize everyone in the photograph.

Traditional Wedding Photography

Photojournalism is the opposite.  It is photography that focuses on capturing candid moments and not interfering.  It tells a story.

Photojournalism Wedding Photography

Which style speaks most to you?  Right now you are probably saying, “Well I like both…”  And guess what, that is perfectly okay.  There are also  photographers who do a combination of both.  But the main thing is to find out first before hand.  You don’t want to feel as if your special moment was not captured completely.  Many photographers will allow you to get the best of both worlds.  For example, during the ceremony, the photographer will not interfere at all, zero.  And then right after the ceremony, there may be time that will allow for the photographer to set up traditional photographs.

Now that you are familiar with the styles available for wedding photography, go out there knowing what you want, and find your favorite photographer for you special moment.

Til’ our next special moment,

Aimee Michelle

                                                                                                 www.aimeemichellemercado.com

FEATHERS EVERYWHERE.

Some more pics from a recent photo shoot that I did with Telisa the model.

Feather photo shoot

Feather photo shoot

Loved this theme and Loved working with this model!

Telisathemodel

Aimee Michelle Mercado Photography

My favorite pictures. The Self-Analysis of a Photographer. #1

My favorite pictures.  My favorite pictures are those that I can’t stop staring at.  They draw me in, they capture me, and I become mesmerized.  I can’t explain it, but they just do.  Many of them don’t even follow the “rules of photography.”  So does this make me a rebel?  I know that what I feel is my favorite, will probably not be for anyone else.  And that is okay.  Everyone is allowed to have their favorite anything.  So here is one.

Silhouette of a Family Portrait

I have heard that photographers who compile all of the photographs that speak to them, that they are usually a reflection of the photographer and have an underlying theme.  I’m not sure how true this is, but I will post from time to time my favorite pictures and eventually “see” if there exists such correlation.

Til’ the next Self-Analysis of a Photographer,

Aimee Michelle

The Start of my Creative Journey.

This is the start of my creative journey and I have taken my first steps… The theme of this photoshoot was “Ice Queen.” It was fun doing her makeup and getting setup for the shoot.  The model, Helaina Reuter came prepared and gave me several different looks and emotions.  This is the makings of a great shoot.  I finally got a chance to be creative and see my ideas come to life.  I am hoping to do more photoshoots like this and just have fun doing it.  There are several more ideas that I want to see flourish.  I don’t know if every shoot will be a success, but it will be an experience that I will never forget.  I will make sure that I keep you posted on my creative journey.

Yours truly,

Aimee Michelle