When I first got into photography, textures and warming filters were all the rage. So, I learned to edit using those first. For example:
A touch here, a splash there, anything to make the image warmer. Yes, I definitely got into that trend, and while I can still find many that are of this nature that are beautiful and really stir up some emotions, that trend/style just didn’t seem to fit me after a while. Sure, sometimes I’ll still add a texture or a warming filter because I feel it expresses the clients’ style:
or because of the emotion/story I wanted to express in my image. Like, maybe I wanted it to feel a bit more old school:
But lately, many of the photographs I’ve been drawn to include more dreamy, airy, soft images. And I feel this is another new trend based on how many of these images that I’ve come across, whether on purpose or by accident.
I’ve tried a few of these types, but I feel that it’s not entirely me, either. See, I love these images, but when I try to create these dreamy, soft photographs, they never turn out how I imagine them. Maybe I need more practice, or better knowledge of a different type of action, but I wish I actually had an image to share with you that I’ve tried. Most of the ones that I’ve worked on making a bit more dreamy, well, they didn’t turn out the way I wanted. They were a bit too saturated to be considered dreamy or airy, or a bit too sharp to be soft; so, I usually ended up deleting the attempts. lol
However, like I said, I love viewing these types of images, and I admire those who can create such beauty using those techniques, but in the end, I don’t feel they aren’t meant to be my style, either. as mine never seem “right” to me. While I would love to create images like those I admire, I’m just not sure that’s what I’m meant to create that type of image. Maybe one day I can master that dreamy, soft expression through practice, but for now, I’m still drawn to editing with brighter, stronger colors and a bit more sharpness all around. I must always keep the story in mind as well, in both respects. How do I convey what I see, the story I’m trying to express, and what I’m drawn to in the image I envision in my mind? Some people are able do this with bright light and overexposure better than I can, and I say, “More power to them!” Their work is beautiful, and I hope they keep creating. And I hope that I am able to continue honing my skills and abilities so that I can continue on with a style that I find myself drawn to and does work with my perceptions and views of the world around me.
I don’t want to give up trying to create these, because I feel that learning trends definitely can enhance what you have in your photographic toolbox, but I always seem to change my mind about the “dreamy” effect I’ve created through editing, replacing it with something more punchy or something a little less…airy. Lately, I’ve also been changing many of images to black and white! So, I’ll have to see how this trend continues to grow (or diminish?) in my editing toolbox as time progresses.
For now, thanks for stopping by, and next time on “Catching Up With Kat’s Homework Assignments:” What Processes Do I Enjoy Most? lol