Getting Published

One of the advantages of working with a professional photographer is being able to take advantage of my extensive contacts in the publishing industry. Getting your projects published is an important marketing tool that validates the quality of your work and raises your awareness factor with both your clients and colleagues. Here is an illustration from two publications that featured my work this summer (Lux Design was a cover image as well as several projects featured inside; Spaces also featured images from 2 projects):


(Click on the image to enlarge it)



For more information,

www.stevesilvermanimaging.com

4445 W. 77th St. #130
Edina, MN 55435
952-844-0119 c952-905-1197
steve@stevesilvermanimaging.com

Downtown Minneapolis

I've recently undertaken, at the request of a couple of clients, to create new images of downtown Minneapolis and downtown St. Paul. This is a particularly good time of the year to shoot large landscapes because the days are long and the sky provides for interesting and beautiful backdrops.

The first two images, shot in the twilight hour(s), illustrate late (the first shot) and earlier (the second one) views. Each one was created from a series of 9 separate images combined using several specific tools. The camera was mounted to a Bogen panoramic head. Three separate exposures were taken at each position. In post production, the lower half of the image (I-94) was cropped out of the image. Each set of three was processed through Photomatix Pro to create an HDR (high dynamic range) image. The three images were stitched together using Realviz Stitcher Unlimited. The resulting image was tweaked to an exact 3:1 ratio and refined using Nik Color Efex Pro to provide just a hair more contrast and tone.

Because of the way the images were taken, the native files are more than 300 mg making these suitable for them to printed to extremely large sizes.





The following three images, all the same but processed differently, were taken on an evening when I had hoped for sweet spectrum colored clouds in the evening sky. As the evening progressed, however, the clouds thickened so I adjusted my perception of the scene.

This image was shot with a 24mm Tilt/Shift perspective correcting lens. Approximately five images, taken at different exposures, were merged in Photomatix Pro. I shifted the sliders in Photomatix to dramatize the colors and exposure of the image. The image was cropped pretty tightly to remove the highway foreground from the scene and each one was processed differently using either Nik Color Efex Pro or OnOne Photo Tools.

The first image was pretty much unprocessed after running it through Photomatix. The second was put through an Infrared filter to simulate an infrared image. The opacity of the effect was ramped back to provide a hint of color in the clouds and some of the highlights of the rest of the scene. The third image was converted to black and white using a "wow" setting that adds some brightness to the highlights.







For more information,

www.stevesilvermanimaging.com

4445 W. 77th St. #130
Edina, MN 55435
952-844-0119 c952-905-1197
steve@stevesilvermanimaging.com

Virtual Portraits

Here's how we shoot portraits and put them against a background depicting the skyline of downtown Minneapolis. Click on the image to enlarge it so you can see the detail.




Another recent example of how we can shoot portraits either in the studio or on location and add a contextual background that looks natural and realistic. Be sure to click on the image to enlarge it.



For more information,

www.stevesilvermanimaging.com

4445 W. 77th St. #130
Edina, MN 55435
952-844-0119 c952-905-1197
steve@stevesilvermanimaging.com

Winning Images from the MASLA Photo Workshop

Harlan Lehman's first place winning image. Harlan built great foreground that draws you from the front of the image through to the Guthrie building. Nice job!



Steve Goltry's second place image. Outstanding composition and great geometry. The "Point of Power" is truly obvious in this image.



Be sure to click on each image to enlarge it.

Additionally, here's a link to the top images as selected by the judges.

Top 26 Images

Comments from participants:
"Thank you for your patience and kudos to you for your ability to teach and share. I learned a lot and am now inspired to practice and improve."

"Your insights into photographing the landscape from the marketing and landscape architect perspective were wonderfully insightful. It was great to hear what your perspective and then attempt it in the field."

For more information,

www.stevesilvermanimaging.com

4445 W. 77th St. #130
Edina, MN 55435
952-844-0119 c952-905-1197
steve@stevesilvermanimaging.com

Recent Architectural Projects

We were in Champlin, Minnesota, recently to shoot this pastoral landscape architectural project for one of my favorite clients.




I shot the Minneapolis Builders Exchange in Minneapolis recently for an architectural client. This is a rehabilitated space.



They have one of those computer walls (like the one on CNN) where someone can move items on the screen around with their fingers and hands. Nifty!



Be sure to click on each image to enlarge it and see the beautiful details.

For more information,

www.stevesilvermanimaging.com

4445 W. 77th St. #130
Edina, MN 55435
952-844-0119 c952-905-1197
steve@stevesilvermanimaging.com

Jarrod and Michaela

We returned to Grand Forks a couple of weeks ago to shoot Jarrod and Michaela's wedding on a spectactularly perfect Spring day.

ANOTHER fun wedding! You know it's a good one when the wedding party asks you to come back and party with them after you're done shooting. I dragged my tired old bones home, but my partner...not so sure about her (I guess she's not tellin').

I'm always asked by other photographers why I get the good weddings. Well, I only take the best brides and grooms. Michaela and Jarrod were not only fun, but they're bright, eloquent, and, most important, genuine! And, their friends, sibs, and parents are all a hoot! Second, I only shoot with the best. In this case, award-winning photographer Shawna Noel

www.shawnanoel.com

who not only bails me out by taking better pictures than me (grrr!) but then generously says she owes it all to me (not true). Finally, I only shoot on picture perfect beautiful days, Winter or Summer. Don't ask me how I do this but it's just part of the Steve Silverman Weather Guarantee (pat.pend.)

From the bride: "I again have to say thank you. I continue to get rave reviews from friends and family on the photos and they've only seen just a few... Things like 'They look like they are from a bridal magazine' and 'When I get married they are taking my photos even in I have to arrange my wedding date around them!' So again, thank you thank you thank you!"

From the mother of the bride: "The pictures are absolutely beautiful! Can't wait to see them all. You did an excellent job of capturing their entire wedding day. Through your lens I can see the essence of their relationship. You captured their love for each other, the love of family and friends and fun! Excellent job! Thank you!"

Click here to see a slide show of the featured images from this wedding:

Jarrod and Michaela's Wedding

Click on each of the images below to enlarge them.
























Information for other photographers: we shoot exclusively with the Canon 5D MII (2 of them), Canon 5D, Canon 50D (to get closer), and all Canon lenses and flash. Images are processed through Adobe Photoshop CS4, Lightroom 2.3, using Color Efex Pro 3.0, and OnOne PhotoTools.

For prospective brides and grooms: we have very limited availability to shoot weddings in 2009 and some openings still available in 2010. Please contact me to find out if your wedding date is available. See the previous post, "How We Shoot Weddings."

For more information,

www.stevesilvermanimaging.com

4445 W. 77th St. #130
Edina, MN 55435
952-844-0119 c952-905-1197
steve@stevesilvermanimaging.com

How We Shoot Weddings

I'm frequently asked how we go about shooting weddings.

We try very hard to make wedding party and family photos fast and fun, but still interesting. I often use a ladder or go down to the ground to create compositions that are different from what we normally see at eye level. The ladder is kind of a pain to haul around but it's definitely worth it. The participants often pick up the unusual vantage points. It helps to get them to relax and give us genuine and spontaneous expressions.

Comment from the mother of a former bride:
"I admire the fact that you didn't need to 'dance backwards down the aisle' in front of my daughter and my husband to get great shots of them!"

(Click on each image to enlarge it)



We also push the envelope when it comes to access to the ceremony. Shooting from the back of the church just doesn't do it for me. I've actually turned down weddings where the church's photography policies were too restrictive. We're always respectful of church policies but want to give our brides and grooms the best documentation of their wedding ceremony. This image was shot while Communion was taking place. I was able to get right up on the altar and take several shots. None of the guests or clergy ever mentioned seeing me up there.



For prospective brides and grooms: when you interview wedding photographers, find out how they shoot. Ask what they wear when to the wedding; we wear all black because we'll blend in and it's classy. Ask them if they help you produce a timeline of the wedding day and then help you stay on schedule. Do they work off of a printed list of your requested wedding party and family photos or do they just "wing it?"

For more information,

www.stevesilvermanimaging.com

4445 W. 77th St. #130
Edina, MN 55435
952-844-0119 c952-905-1197
steve@stevesilvermanimaging.com

Recent Architectural Projects

Shot at a Minnetonka residence:



We were able to take advantage of blooming tulips and blossoming cherry trees for this commercial client in Bloomington:



A recently opened hotel in Woodbury, Minnesota. Project client was one of the contractors.




Be sure to click on these images to enlarge them and see their full beauty.
To see the complete portfolio of images from both of these projects, go to:

Project Portfolios

For more information,

www.stevesilvermanimaging.com

4445 W. 77th St. #130
Edina, MN 55435
952-844-0119 c952-905-1197
steve@stevesilvermanimaging.com

Williams County (ND) Law Enforcement Center

We spent 3 days last week shooting a new $16 million Law Enforcement Center (in Willistion, ND) for an architecture firm that specializes in jails and prisons. Although we also shot public areas, the most interesting and challenging part of the project was shooting the detention areas. All prisoners had to be locked down before we could enter a cellblock. Entry and exit was through heavy steel doors locked and unlocked by jailers in a control room.

The day room is the area outside of each cellblock where prisoners can spend time watching TV, playing cards, or reading books and magazines. Prisoners no longer can see visitors face-to-face. Rather, they sit on the stools on the left side of the room and communicate with visitors through a video feed. Be sure to click on each image to enlarge it and see the detail.



Cells are spartan and pretty much self contained. This room, capable of housing two prisoners, is in the female cellblock.



One of the unique design characteristics of the jail design is the Chase. This area runs around the outside perimeter of the detention unit. It contains virtually all utility access to the cells. All plumbing, electrical, and ventilation maintenance repair can be done from this area without having to actually enter the cellblock. This is a panoramic image composed from 5 shots.


To see the complete portfolio of images from this shoot, go to:

Williams County Law Enforcement Center

For more information,

www.stevesilvermanimaging.com

4445 W. 77th St. #130
Edina, MN 55435
952-844-0119 c952-905-1197
steve@stevesilvermanimaging.com

Target Field

I spent a couple of hours the other day creating panoramic images and fish-eye images of Target Field in downtown Minneapolis. It's a striking project that will always be fun and challenging to shoot.

The panoramics combine 3-5 images together create a highly resolved photo. I used the Canon 15mm fish-eye lens, too.
Be sure to click on each image to enlarge it so you can see the details.

Enjoy!















For more information,

www.stevesilvermanimaging.com

4445 W. 77th St. #130
Edina, MN 55435
952-844-0119 c952-905-1197
steve@stevesilvermanimaging.com

Newest Virtual Background Example

We have a number of stock backgrounds in our archive. One of the backgrounds was used to finish off this stunning portrait. As part of our Executive Portrait shooting, black and white and other effects are included at no additional charge. Be sure to click on the image to see its detail.



For more information,

www.stevesilvermanimaging.com

4445 W. 77th St. #130
Edina, MN 55435
952-844-0119 c952-905-1197
steve@stevesilvermanimaging.com

Executive Portraits and Executive Videos

With the acquisition of the Canon 5DMII, I'm now able to deliver 1080p HD video along with even more highly resolved still images. Video clips can be a great way to introduce yourself to potential clients. Let me know what you think!


Andrew Grimsrud from Steve Silverman on Vimeo.

For more information,

www.stevesilvermanimaging.com

4445 W. 77th St. #130
Edina, MN 55435
952-844-0119 c952-905-1197
steve@stevesilvermanimaging.com

Outlook for Architectural and Design Firms

I attended a joint AIA/SMPS meeting today where the guest speaker was Kermit Foster, Chief Economist for AIA National. Here are the key points I learned from his informative talk:

1. All markets have been deeply effected by the recession and will continue to be negative in 2010.
2. The institutional construction market has been and will be the least effected. This includes education, health care, and government.
3. The remodeling market has been and will be the least effected part of the residential sector. Multi-family construction will be the least effected. There is a growing pent up demand for housing.
4. Long term household growth will be lead by demand from minorities. I'm guessing that any architectural/design/construction firm with a minority brand and/or populated by minorities will do better than others.
5. More design/build demand will come from the institutional markets.
6. Within the institutional markets, college and elementary/secondary projects will lead the growth.
7. Near term growth in the private sector will come from religious institutions and the amusement/recreation markets (e.g. stadiums and arenas).
8. Longer term, growth in architecture and design will come from international projects, consolidation of firms and resources, and projects that offer sustainability.

For more information,

www.stevesilvermanimaging.com

4445 W. 77th St. #130
Edina, MN 55435
952-844-0119 c952-905-1197
steve@stevesilvermanimaging.com

Executive Portraits and Video Portraits

Executive portraits expanded from this:



to this:


Jim Lammers from Steve Silverman on Vimeo.

For more information,

www.stevesilvermanimaging.com

4445 W. 77th St. #130
Edina, MN 55435
952-844-0119 c952-905-1197
steve@stevesilvermanimaging.com

Making the Difference: A Good Architectural Image

Creating a good architectural image is much more than finding the right angle and shooting at the exposure indicated by your light meter. The image below, taken at an Eden Prairie office, provides a good example. The image on the left was taken at ISO 100, 3.2 seconds at f/22. The reading was determined from an incident light meter. By itself, it's not too bad. But, upon further examination, you can see that the mid-tones are fairly dull, there are some darker, muddy areas, and the lights on the ceiling are blown out.

The image on the right was taken using HDR (High Dynamic Range) techniques that combined 6 images with exposures ranging from 6 seconds to 4/10 of a second. Other post-processing techniques slightly sharpened the image, reduced noise, and provided some contrast. Saturation was also bumped up slightly.

Be sure to click on the image to enlarge it and see the detail. Enjoy!



For more information,

www.stevesilvermanimaging.com

4445 W. 77th St. #130
Edina, MN 55435
952-844-0119 c952-905-1197
steve@stevesilvermanimaging.com

Recent Virtual Groups

Here's a recently completed group of Super Lawyers we created for a Twin Cities law firm. Be sure to click on the image to enlarge it and see its detail.



We're also working on an update of service personnel for a Plymouth, MN, based manufacturer:



For more information,

www.stevesilvermanimaging.com

4445 W. 77th St. #130
Edina, MN 55435
952-844-0119 c952-905-1197
steve@stevesilvermanimaging.com

How to put punch into blah winter images

There's hardly anything more challenging that doing exterior architectural photography because, for the most part, the light quality and the monotone characteristics of the light and landscape are pretty tough. We were just asked to shoot 2 St. Louis Park office buildings that had to get done now for some marketing materials.

Using HDR (High Dynamic Range) techniques that combine four images into one as well as sophisticated Photoshop plug-ins, we were able to boost the dynamic range of both of these images.

Be sure to click on the images to enlarge them and see the detail.

BEFORE:



AFTER:



BEFORE:



AFTER:



For more information,

www.stevesilvermanimaging.com

4445 W. 77th St. #130
Edina, MN 55435
952-844-0119 c952-905-1197
steve@stevesilvermanimaging.com

The Best Way to Do Group Photos

The most effective way to take group photos, in the long run, is to create what we call Virtual Groups. This is a perfect example. Photos were taken over a period of several weeks, when the subjects were available. Each person picked their favorite poses so that everyone looked their best. As their staff changes, we can simply remove people and replace them with new staff members. We can reshoot people who change hairstyles or lose weight. The photo is perpetually up-to-date!

Last Fall, we shot exterior photos of their dental office and just recently stitched everyone together.



We use sophisticated software that helps us extract or outline individuals from the original images and then use fine-tuning techniques that mask or shade each person against the people next to them so they look like they were naturally standing together. Click on the image to enlarge it and see its amazing detail.




For more information,

www.stevesilvermanimaging.com

4445 W. 77th St. #130
Edina, MN 55435
952-844-0119 c952-905-1197
steve@stevesilvermanimaging.com

St. Louis Park Office Complex, Part II

We returned to this complex of 2 office buildings to shoot interior images following an extensive remodeling project.



This project involved a number of challenges. Since the clients, in this case an architectural firm and the building's management/marketing company, wanted images for architectural representation as well as marketing, they wanted people incorporated in some images. We decided to give them a choice. In this image, we shot the view without anyone in it. This is actually a combination of 5 images put together using different exposures. Then we asked a random person to pose for us, deliberately blurring to provide a contemporary look. Here are the before and after photos. Be sure to click on the image to enlarge it and see the detail.



This image also provided some challenges. In addition to incorporating people, we had to overcome a construction loose end. The building elevators are still undergoing rehab. As a result, they are missing position indicators that sit above the doors. The elevator company sent us over to a nearby building that has the same elevators. We shot the position indicators and stitched them into the image. Again, you can see the before and after photos. Be sure to click on the image to enlarge it and see the detail.






Here's a link to the rest of the images from this shoot:

Park Place West and East

For more information,

www.stevesilvermanimaging.com

4445 W. 77th St. #130
Edina, MN 55435
952-844-0119 c952-905-1197
steve@stevesilvermanimaging.com

New Years Eve (and before) in New York City and New Jersey

The whole fam trucked it out to New Jersey and New York for New Years. Be sure to check out the slide show:

New York New York Slide Show

For more information,

www.stevesilvermanimaging.com

4445 W. 77th St. #130
Edina, MN 55435
952-844-0119 c952-905-1197
steve@stevesilvermanimaging.com

Jen and Rob's Wedding

Josh, Andrea, and I shot Jen and Rob's wedding in the Belle Plaine and Arlington area, just south of the Twin Cities the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It was a long day but it flew by with such a fun and animated wedding party and families. Enjoy some of the featured images here.

The mother of the bride's comments were very generous, "You made everyone feel so at ease ~ their personalities shine through their smiles."

































The wedding day photos are now available to see and purchase! Click here:

Jen & Rob's Wedding

For more information,

www.stevesilvermanimaging.com

4445 W. 77th St. #130
Edina, MN 55435
952-844-0119 c952-905-1197
steve@stevesilvermanimaging.com

Virtual Groups

Here are some new Virtual Group options:

One of our clients, a large Minneapolis law firm, asked us to create a group they call their Rising Stars.






For more information,

www.stevesilvermanimaging.com

4445 W. 77th St. #130
Edina, MN 55435
952-844-0119 c952-905-1197
steve@stevesilvermanimaging.com

Eden Prairie Office Building

I was impressed with how one of the Twin Cities' top architecture firms took the interior of a rather mundane suburban office building (on the outside) and transformed it into a contemporary stylish space.

Here's a link to the Acist images:

Acist

Be sure to click on the images below to see their full detail and resolution:









For more information,

www.stevesilvermanimaging.com

4445 W. 77th St. #130
Edina, MN 55435
952-844-0119 c952-905-1197
steve@stevesilvermanimaging.com

Recent Architectural Projects

I was in Grand Forks recently to shoot the American Indian Center at the University of North Dakota followed by shooting the Northwest Mental Health Center in Crookston. Be sure to click on the sample images below to enlarge them and see their outstanding resolution.

Here's a link to the American Indian Center images:

American Indian Center

Here's a link to the Northwest Mental Health Center images:

Northwest Mental Health Center

For more information,

www.stevesilvermanimaging.com

4445 W. 77th St. #130
Edina, MN 55435
952-844-0119 c952-905-1197
steve@stevesilvermanimaging.com

Sarah and Justin's Wedding

Sarah and Justin got married on a delightful Saturday recently in Des Moines. In spite of a long day, we were energized by this fun and spirited group.

The wedding day photos are now available to see and purchase! Click here:

Sarah & Justin's Wedding Photos

Here's what the bride said:
"These are great!!! I laughed so hard I almost cried when I watched the "Dance, Dance, Dance" slideshow! I can't wait to see the rest of them! Thank you again for being a part of our wedding. Having you and Josh and Andrea there, with such positive and relaxed energy, allowed the rest of us to kick back and enjoy ourselves. What a gift on a day that could be absolutely overwhelming!"

Be sure to click on each one of these sample images to enlarge them:













For more information,

www.stevesilvermanimaging.com

4445 W. 77th St. #130
Edina, MN 55435
952-844-0119 c952-905-1197
steve@stevesilvermanimaging.com