I'm trying out different subjects and styles. My goal is to become a better, more versatile photographer.

 

I enjoy working out visual ideas. I keep written notes of images that came to my mind. I still have many unfulfilled ones.

 

I'm always looking for that shot that would evoke an emotion from me, that I would want to watch more closely or that would simply make me smile.

 

I began taking photographs as a teenager, with an Agfa camera that I inherited from my grandfather, everything manual. At 19, I got a Minolta X300 SLR for my graduation. I did some paid assignments as a student.

 

I never have taken such a full approach on photography as since early 2007, when I got active on Flickr.com. This place is addictive, as you probably have experienced.

 

I like the community aspect of Flickr. It is a constant source of inspiration. E.g. this shot was inspired by a photo that I saw on Flickr.com:

(more info in the comments). In more than one way, I could not have made it without Flickr.com.

 

Some more images that would have never come about if there was no such thing as a Flickr community

 

I like collaborating. Many of my unfulfilled ideas require models, (studio) space, assistance, time. Ideas are patient. We'll see what the future has in store.

 

If you have modeling aspirations, ideas and / or skills and you would like to work with me as a photographer or in some other way, let me know. E.g. send me an e-mail or contact me through Flickrmail.

 

I hope you like the variation in this photostream. My approach in this stream is to let every last 4 or 8 pictures be like a miniature portfolio. Also, I don't want to repeat myself too much here. Therefore, I use alternate streams for posting series, when appropriate or necessary.

 

I don't post very much, but I aim to keep the quality high.

 

Alternate streams

If you like the action shots of e.g. skaters, you may also like my alternate stream:

www.flickr.com/photos/jeromesflexots/

 

If you like looking at the FFWD Dance Parade shots, you may also want to check my Party People-stream:

www.flickr.com/photos/jeromeshootspartypeople/

 

www.flickr.com/photos/jeromesconcertshots is my alternate stream for concerts and live performances.

 

www.flickr.com/photos/jeromespof/ (Jerome's Picture OverFlow) is my general alternate stream.

 

 

Hardware tools

I use a Canon EOS 1D that I got second hand on eBay in 2006. I use 3 lenses: EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM (non-IS), EF100mm f/2.8 Macro and EF 16-35 f/2.8L USM (first version). Most of my stuff I got second hand or on sale. I also have some portable lighting equipment (Canon Speedlites, soft box, umbrellas, lights stands etc.), so I can set up a temporary studio anywhere.

 

I keep the 1D sensor clean with a Sensor Brush set. I may have scratched the glass filter of the 1D with it during one cleaning job. Careful.

 

I always carry with me a tiny Casio Exlim EX-Z120. It is excellent for outdoors snapshots and long shutter speed night shots. I also use it to take voice and video notes while shooting with the 1D (e.g. who is in the picture).

 

Software tools

ThumbsPlus v7 Pro (~US$ 90) is my main tool. I use it to process RAW files from the 1D, to crop, color correct, sharpen, add signatures and add DigiMarc digital watermarks.

 

I don't use Photoshop. I think it is too expensive and I prefer not to use other people's software without paying for it. I'm not sure if I would need it any time soon, anyways.

 

To clean up sensor dust or more advanced retouching, I use The Gimp (open source & free). It's pretty powerful. I also use it at work, for website images.

 

I recently started using PortraitProfessional (~US$ 60,=) for e.g. softening the skin in portraits. Other people would use PS for that. It's pretty powerful (in a scary way), but I like it anyways. When I use it, I get best results when applied very selectively and subtly.

 

Other tools:

FDR Tools (HDR, the basic version is freeware)

RoboGEO (geotracking, putting photos on a map, ~US$ 40,=)

AutoStitch (creating panoramas or very wide angle photos. free demo version)

 

Flickr / web tools

I use Mozilla FireFox for logging into my main photostream, JeromesPOV. I use Internet Explorer to be logged into one of my alternate streams. That way, I can be logged in to Flickr under two names at the same time.

 

In FireFox, I use Greasemonkey scripts to enhance the Flickr experience.

Most used:

flickrPM to e.g. quickly go to your favorites or check my Explore status.

Multi-group sender recommended if you have many groups (like me). It skips the fancy group icons and thus loads much faster. Also lets you type the first letter of the group.

Flickr Refer Comment to show in the comment where I ran into your picture.

Flickr Backlink Comment Reply to address people when responding in comments.

Flickr Contacts Organiser to keep track of my contacts.