Everyone sees things differently. But its my job to see your wedding through your eyes while being honest to my style of photography.

By no means a simple task.

The creative portraits are coming along. I've been working on a side project for a future fine art exhibition. Couples that are willing to participate are asked to re-create the famous painting American Gothic. 

They have done an awesome job of giving me the base photographs to start with on this journey. I'm still playing with ideas and how to present them. I'm not a Photoshop wizard by any stroke of the imagination.

So I keep it simple.

I'm thinking about doing five large mixed media artistic creations from their portraits. Of course having the dark vision I do they will most definitely portray both the dark and light side while hopefully imparting a message.

How have I done these base portraits? And what did I do to take them past just a photograph? Below is an example of one with a brief explanation. I don't believe in giving away all the answers. But hopefully this will be a starting point for you on your creative journey.

This is one of my favorites (kind of obvious as I've posted it everywhere). Here are some bullet points for basic steps.

• Spoke with Lindsay and Troy via multiple phone calls, text messages and emails
• I understood they wanted unique wedding photographs and a little bit about them as a couple
• Friending on Facebook helps too. We can follow each other and get a feel for personalities.
• Next we chose an appropriate time for their elopement ceremony that would make best use of their booked time and the best light
• We wanted both daytime light and romantic images in addition to the wild world of after dark in the French Quarter
• I asked them to purchase a couple of Mardi Gras masks that they felt represented them.
• I don't give much posing direction unless absolutely necessary to avoid interjecting my voice into their personas
• We grabbed a wall with nice texture and complimentary color. I took color theory in college so I work a lot with both complimentary and contrasting color for impact
• On my days off I stroll around and photograph textures, walls, doors and windows for future projects
• Here I used several textures I created and one from a set I purchased.
• Then its just a process of layers in photoshop working with the eraser and brushes to blend 
• This image went through Lightroom 5, OnOne Perfect Photo Suite Portraits and Photoshop
• I believe I spent around 8 hours with it
• I haven't a clue how to use adjustment layers and masks so this is pretty simple

From here I am not sure where I am going. I photographed some interesting ironwork recently in St. Louis Cemetery that I may add. In the meantime I sent the full size file to Troy and Lindsay as a gift and thank you. As with all couples who participate once I finish their American Gothic portrait they receive the file and a gift print as a thank you. 

Ask me about the American Gothic Project when you book your New Orleans wedding or elopement. 

Call for Booking Information and Pricing

Pamela Reed Photography

New Orleans, Louisiana

504-920-8703

For Really Cool Custom Masks check out Gerald Joyce website and his Etsy Page!