Thank you, Schtiggy!
As you can probably tell, painting with light is my passion, and cannabis colas are my Mona Lisa. I think I love creating those portraits as much as growing the stuff.
To be recognized for some of them is a humbling and very special honor for which I am exceedingly thankful.
Since we are all here to help each other,
This seems like a good time to say some things about photography.
Here goes. I was a professional photographer for over 20 years. I did a dozen years as a skydiving photographer and nearly 500 weddings so I've done the, shall we say, difficult stuff.
But you don't need pro experience to do great cannabis portraits! Cannabis portraits are pretty basic and if you want to make interesting ones
here are a few important tips I will pass along, hopefully they will make it easier for you and others to create the kind of photographs your beautiful plants deserve.
1) Creating a great portrait is about giving the illusion of depth. You will notice I always shoot my subjects against a deep, visually interesting background (never a wall) and with the right light on the background (usually around half as much as the main subject) a sense of depth is achieved. This isolates and emphasizes your subject.
2) The focus (on the subject) of a great portrait must be razor sharp. If you don't get the subject perfectly sharp you missed. Especially important when the subject has intricate detail...like a big fat cola.
3) The number one reason for out-of-focus pictures isn't the camera...it's caused by slight movement of the camera as you press the shutter button. Finding a way you can brace or steady your camera is crucial. I have learned to lock down a hand-held shot almost like a tripod but the easy way for everyone is just brace your camera against something solid every time or for very best results get a tripod. A basic one is super cheap but pays big dividends.
4) Flash can really add detail but must be used gently. A little fill helps put the emphasis on your subject. Too bright blows out details. Mainly you just move a little further away or a little closer until you find the sweet spot.
5) Finally,
it's not the camera but the technique that matters. SIT DOWN...I own some of the best cameras on Earth but I swear to you every picture I have ever published on 420Mag.com
was taken with my Samsung PHONE.
Now you know. The abundant lighting in a grow room is plenty to work with and again, if you have a camera that will focus and you hold it completely still, it's really all about the lighting and having an eye for composition. (And maybe a little practice too).
I appreciate you allowing me to opine. Thanks again for the congrats and best to you too my friend. Keep 'em green!
Peace, Hyena