My Editing Process

Just as every photographer has a preferred system for how they approach a shoot, each photographer also has a system for processing their images. My favourite editing process involves three steps (albeit with many “substeps”):

1. Capture One Pro

I always shoot with RAW images as it gives me the most data to play with while editing. Capture One Pro is my preferred software for taking care of these photos. In this software, I import, organize, then select my favourite photographs from the photo shoot. From there the photos are adjusted for exposure, lens aberrations, and any other minor needed adjustments before being exported to Photoshop.

2. Photoshop
Believe it or not, this is the (long) final stretch of my photo creating process! My Photoshop work typically consists of “cloning” out any blemishes, evening out skin tone, and selective and global contrast. If desired, I’ll even put in some creative elements, adjusting the colour, maybe adding a vignette, or playing around with any effects or filters. This leads us to my last step.

3. Export, Deliver, and Enjoy!

 At this point, the photos are ready to be shared with the world! I export them at a low resolution for saving on the web and a high resolution for printing. The photos are then shared with my clients through either DropBox or a USB, and we all get to enjoy the images!

This process does vary from shoot to shoot and client to client depending on any requirements. Not every shoot is the same, so they don’t always need to be processed in the same way.

Thank you for following me along on this journey through my work flow!

Have a wonderful day!

My Photo Shoot Process

Every photographer has a system for how they approach a shoot. I am not exempt from this. Every single shoot that I do follows the same setup order, shooting process, and teardown. It’s a systematic process that helps me keep a shoot on track so I can focus on the task at hand and how to make it as enjoyable as process. Here are my steps to a perfect shoot.

1. Getting Gear in Order

 I always plan the gear I need for a shoot at least a week in advance (preferably two or more weeks). A few lenses, lighting gear, and a tripod and I’m good to go!

2. Lighting Setup

Next up is the lights. The setup and the ratio is planned days in advance so that setup is quick the day of the shoot.

3. Computer and Camera

I tether my camera to my laptop using a program called Capture One Pro whenever I’m shooting in studio. It’s convenient way to see my shots and progress immediately.

4. The Shoot

Now is the fun part! I bring my models on set and start photographing. I like to pose my models based on movements and positions that they are most comfortable in. If the model moves or sits in a way that I like, I will have them repeat it, with a few added tweaks to their stance (chin up, turn your head this way, etc.).

5. Keep Shooting!

I find that as the shoot keeps going, it gets more fun! The models get more comfortable, and I get more shots that we will both be happy with.

6. Thank the Client, Pack Up, and Go Home to Edit!

 And now is the beautiful time to see the fruits of my labour! The editing process typically starts the moment I get home from a shoot. It is so rewarding to see all the hard work put into a shoot.

Stay tuned to learn about my editing process next!

Have a wonderful day!

Hello! I'm Maya...

Image by APDigitals

Hello! My name is Maya Desrosiers. Let me introduce myself. I am from Ottawa, Ontario, and I hold several passions dear to me. These passions include the arts, music, and books. However, my main passion is photography, and as such, I decided to make this passion my lifelong career.

I became interested in photography when I was 11 or 12. My mother had given me a basic point and shoot camera for Christmas, and I instantly fell in love. Throughout high school, I participated in every photography class I could, learning the basics of exposure and composition. The course focused primarily on artistic photography in both a digital and analogue form, giving me a strong base of education to strive to make every photo beautiful. Currently, I am in the Algonquin College Photography program. Here, I am bettering my craft and technical understanding as both a photographer and a businesswoman. I am set to graduate in June 2017 with a diploma in photography.

Throughout my career, I have shot everything from portraits to weddings to real estate. Having a variety of work keeps me on my feet. I am always excited for what each job holds.

I enjoy photography because of the balance of work. I am extremely energetic, and thus enjoy having a career where I am up and about. Whether meeting with clients or on a shoot, I am always on my feet and moving around. For when I need to relax, the job of photographer also has a healthy amount of desk work. It’s lovely having quiet evening editing photos.

My favourite way to find creative inspiration is through magazines. Other photo magazines are incredible at finding inspiration and news of the industry, but I find that fine art and graphic design magazines push me to try more creative approaches to my photo shoots.

I am very excited for you to join me on my photographic journey. Keep coming back to this blog to learn more about what I am up to, what is inspiring me, and what my up and coming creative projects will be. Please feel free to contact me whenever you like, at mayadesrosiersphotography@gmail.com or through call or text at 613-818-1521.

Have a wonderful day!