Expired 120 Film Test

 


Dan Waszay & Asbury Park, NJ
120 Film shot with a Diana Camera © 2017 Sarah A. Smith
Developed and printed by The Photo Center in Brick, NJ

New Years Moon - Happy 2018

Happy New Year - Photographed the full moon of 2018 with my new Nikon D750

New Prints on Etsy

In 2010 I started an Etsy shop where I began selling prints of my photography. Around that time people were asking for prints, and I had done a few small exhibitions so I figured I'd make some of my images available.  Just as it started picking up...I was making sales and getting good reviews...It was a small start, but it was a start. Then, life happened and I just didn't put the time into keeping it going, regretfully.  In fact, I stopped being active with social media all together.  Who knows how well my shop might have done if I had just kept it going?

Well, I'm giving it another shot. Although my personal photography has been sparse over the years, I've built up a collection of photographs and have had a few requests.  I'm in full swing photography mode whether it's shooting, planning shoots, exploring for locations, finding frames, altering and painting frames, printing my photographs, editing, retouching and adding new and framed images to my Etsy shop. I'm eager to make it happen. :)

Please visit my Shop HERE

Any requests or suggestions? I'd love to hear them

David Ross Lawn Photos

David Ross Lawn | © 2016 www.sasphotoimaging.com

See the collection here

A Future in Photo Retouching?

Self Portrait Retouch 2012

In my personal experience, retouching can get a bad rap.  Some misunderstand it and take is as an insult and some utilize it and understand why it's necessary.  I personally love it. 


I've been into photo retouching for about 10 years now.  Starting off as a complete amateur, and over time working to pursue it as my life's ambition.  To me, it’s like being a painter or makeup artist; and before Photoshop came into my life I actually wanted to become a makeup artist.  So, in a way I’m doing what I originally set out to do, just in digital form. 


The thing I love about retouching is the same thing I love about makeup artistry, and that’s the ability to transform someone or something into anything I want.  I can work with a great quality photo and turn it into a masterpiece.  I can do subtle techniques to make an image more visually appealing.  I can add clouds to a cloudless day or change someone’s hair color.  I can turn a pink shirt into a black shirt.  The possibilities are endless.

Before & After 2017 • Photo by William Clark

Retouching happened to me as an accident.  I used it as a way to perfect my own photography and got hooked.  In the beginning,  I didn't have all the studio lighting or great lenses or a great camera.  I used what I could and knew that I could "adjust" later if it didn't come out a certain way in the camera.  After learning Photoshop basics in school, I kept at it and taught myself all that I could.  The thing that has helped me get better over the years is constantly studying great photos.  Looking at fashion magazines, hair and makeup photos, high end beauty photography.  Even at the drug store looking at the Revlon and Cover Girl advertisements.  The inspiration is all over and the education is too.

Photography: Debbi Rotkowitz & April Alexander

Nowadays, if you’re stumped on how to do something just “YouTube” how to do it and most likely there’s a video tutorial, and not just one video.  There are so many outlets for education.  And there are so many people capable of doing the same things, to the point where it gets overwhelming at times and I question why I want to do this.  So what makes me stand out?  How on earth could I making a living with retouching with all the competition out there?

We live in more of a visually stimulating time than ever and retouching has become a vital part of what we see everywhere. Years ago, retouching was mainly an industry skill and now it's crossed over into the mainstream world.  I feel like a tiny sea creature in a giant ocean of retouchers all trying to find work.  I may not have “made it” yet, but I'm taking the steps and so far, I have gotten somewhere with it.  Better to be somewhere than nowhere.  I have to remind myself of these things.  I have to just keep on going, keep on learning, keep on getting better and better until the work pays off.  And that's where I am at the moment. :)

Keepin' the faith xoxo

Freelance Retoucher Available!

I am currently seeking professional photographers and/or reputable companies in need of retouching services for the following:
• Beauty/Glamour Photography
• Fashion Photography
• Weddings/Lifestyle Photography
• E-commerce/Products
• Portraits/Head-shots
• Locations/Landscapes

I'm experienced with non-destructive high-end retouching to basic retouching (really, whatever the client desires) including:
• Blemish removal, skin toning, color correction, exposure correction, makeup enhancement & correction, background removal, facial/body adjustments with liquify, removal of unwanted objects & more.

Please visit my website for more info & check out my before and after retouching samples at: www.sasphotoimaging.com

SMOKE MAGICK WITH ALLYSSA REA

Model: Allyssa Rea | Photo © 2016 Sarah Smith www.sasphotoimaging.com
Check out more photos from this set HERE

Moving into the Void

Taking a new approach to self portraits. This is currently my new favorite.
www.sasphotoimaging.com Self Portrait © 2016 Sarah Smith

Blood Moon Autumn 2015

Last Autumn after the eclipse...between the trees...there's a bright full moon
Photo © 2015 Sarah Smith

Shooting with Emily Grove 2015

Emily Grove as The Spider Queen
Mortar Battery Corridor
Looking back at that old house on the hill


Wow! It's been a very long time since I've blogged. Now, I'm going back to last summer (July 2015 to be exact) when Emily Grove and I teamed up on a hot day and created some awesome images together for her European Tour.  It's not all that often that I get to team up with someone like Emily who just naturally HAS it. :) This was my first time exploring Sandy Hook...what a beautiful place!

If you'd like to see a few more images from that day
check out the gallery on my Flickr page HERE