Seeing Light

is much easier for me when i move the subject within the light and not the lights around the subject. then lighting becomes the same to your eye no matter where you are. you can't move a window or the sky, so therefore why move the softbox?

the spirit

i don't believe that you control the inspiration, desire and passion for your art. it controls you.

B & W male image

this image was made with one Larson 4 x 6 soft box and one Larson bright silver reflector.

a different lighting pattern

i think what i enjoyed most about this image is the lighting. it has no traditional pattern name, only a flavor. it is one of those moments when it works or it doesn't and it may never return again.

Coming Soon!

in this video darton demonstrates how he uses photoshop tools in an artistic way. you may have used all these tools in the past, but not like darton uses them. this video will give you a new perspective on how you can use and view your tools. this is very simple and easy to understand for the beginner and the Master.

simple black and white

trying to enhance the power of the subject by leaving out all props and focusing on his spirit

latest texture image

just trying a more low key moody image. kind of a Rembrandt quality i was looking for.

texture vdeo 4 is almost ready

this image was made in my texture video 4. letting the texture actually become the background without letting it over power the subject.

pastel image

here is an image that is a bit unusual for me because most of my work is low key portraiture. just trying to keep an open mind, keep growing and learning, and try something a little different. this was done with adjust hue and saturation in CS5, plus adding a texture. the texture was in the "difference mode."

Treasure Hunt!

hey, thought i would have some fun and hoping you will too. going to have an invisible treasure hunt on dartondrake.com. here is the symbol to show you have won. if you find this "treasure chest icon" on my website you win. so take a little trip with me through my site. i will announce when the games begin. great prizes.   GOOD LUCK!

boost your sales, creativity,and your public image

an image like this can serve you well. at the end of a family session i take individuals of each member. then i make a composite like this one. i do the regular viewing of the family images at their image presentation to place their order. at the end of the presentation i say, "oh, i have one more to show you. it's a little artsy and different but i think you'll like it."  they buy it almost every time. the image has a unique format and is a brown tone. this boosts our sales because it comes after the traditional order and is in addition to that sale. it helps you become more creative and because of it's appearance boosts your public image as your competitors are not doing this. you become exclusive.

boost your creativity tip 1

you know, every once in a while you see and incredible image made by a point and shoot amateur. they usually don't use tripods. if you use a tripod a lot, try not using it for a bit on your next session. it will give you freedom of movement and angle. try some drastic angles that you wouldn't normally use. :)

another broad lit portrait

here is another broad lit image. the reason i am posting this is to make you think about using this type of lighting once in a while. maybe at the end of your session just to experiment and have some fun. this image does have a couple layers of textures which i tried to keep subtle as to not compete for visual attention with the young lady.