LoreiPortraits

Photoshop Simplified - New Class

2011-03-04T09:53:00.004-05:00

Announcing our first-ever Intro to Photoshop class. Designed for the hobbyist photographer, taught by photographers, this class will, in five short weeks, introduce you to the wonders of Photoshop. Transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, the mundane into the magnificent.

Taught by photographic professionals, this class will put jet fuel in your creative tanks. No prior Photoshop experience is necessary (but it doesn't hurt). You must have a laptop with Photoshop.

The class is on Monday nights from 7-9 for five consecutive weeks starting March 28th. Cost of the class is $229. To reserve your seat call 814-868-0888 or e-mail pmlorei@lorei.com.

Class One: Just the Basics. Learn the Photoshop environment, the essential tools, cloning, non-destructive editing, file formats, cropping, thinking in Photoshop. (Mar. 28)

Class Two: Image Improvement. Enhance images through exposure adjustment, color balance, levels, saturation, black & white, selective lighting and more. (April 7)

Class Three: The Power of Layers. Experience Photoshop's most exhilarating feature. Learn how to unlock the powers of non-destructive creativity. Discover the freedom. (April 14)

Class Four: Fixing Flaws. Learn how to remove unwanted objects, correct facial flaws, dodge and burn, smooth skin, selectively colorize, vignette and more. (Apr 21)

Class Five: The Big Wow: Seamlessly combine these amazing techniques to create grander, more beautiful images. Impress your friends. (April 28)

This small, ten-person class will offer lots of hands-on assistance. Students are encouraged to bring a few images of their own on a jump drive (flash drive) to work on in class.

The class is team taught by Paul Lorei and Scott McGrath. Paul is a veteran photographer with 10 yrs. of Photoshop experience. Scott is a local artist, a Photoshop ninja and printer extraordinaire at Lorei Portraits. www.lorei.com.

Seating is limited to 10 in this hands-on workshop. Classes meet on Mon. eve. 7-9PM. Scott & Paul will help you navigate through the common pitfalls and quirks of Photoshop while giving you valuable feedback.

Who should attend?

If you are serious about improving your photography, this class is for you. Photoshop can be very intimidating at first, but with a little diligence and inspiration, your photos will transform into images that are both appealing and delightful. You'll surprise even yourself.

Simple Shortcuts

Photoshop is a marvelous but complicated program. Each week we will give you tips, short cuts, insights, assignments--all designed to help you learn this program in the shortest amount of time.

Call 814.868.0888 to reserve your seat. Cost: $229.00

Raves from Past Photography Students

"Your passion and artistic eye have given me a whole new level of enthusiasm." --Dr. Michael Kolodychak

"Our class seems to be the fastest two hours of my week. You are truly an artist. It has made me look at photography in a whole different way." --Kelly Wesler

"Taking great photos is an art form in itself. Paul explains...in an easy-to-learn format. I am incorporating photos into my greeting card business...I highly recommend the class." --Pat Lyon

Sign Up

Classes start Monday, March 28 at 7PM. Cost is $229.00. Call 814.868.0888 to reserve a seat.

Wild Horses

2011-02-28T21:17:00.002-05:00

I shot this image in the middle of a ninety-five degree day in Dallas, Texas. I have to say, I hate to shoot int he middle of the day but sometimes that is the only time to shoot. With a some judicious cropping, a little Photoshop magic and a dose of inspiration, we were able to transform a strong photo into a stunning portrait.

First-ever Photoshop for Photographers Class

2011-02-26T21:49:00.000-05:00

We are on the verge of announcing our first- ever five-week Photoshop class. Designed for the beginner, this class will, in five short weeks, unlock the mystery and introduce you to the wonder of Photoshop. Transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. The mundane into the magnificent. Taught in a state of the art computer lab by photographic professionals, this class will put jet fuel in your learning tanks. No prior Photoshop experience is necessary (but it doesn't hurt). And, you do not have to have Photoshop software to take this class--although it is helpful. This class will sell out. Quickly.

The class is on Monday nights from 7-9 for five consecutive weeks starting March 28th. Cost with lab fees is $229. For more information, please call 814-868-0888 or e-mail pmlorei@lorei.com.

Beach & Outdoor Video

2011-02-26T20:19:00.003-05:00

Celebrate Twenty Years of Lorei Portraits

2010-03-11T10:32:00.006-05:00

Come celebrate our Twentieth Anniversary. Lorei Portraits (Paul Lorei Photography) cordially invites you to an open house and adult reception. See stunning new photographic art. Enter our drawing for a custom portrait or limited edition giclee art print. Gifts, refreshments and more.

Please contact Sherri either by email at Sherri@lorei.com or by phone 814.868.0888.

Dates of reception:

Friday, March 19, 2010 6-9 PM (adult reception)

Saturday, March 20, 2010 6-9 PM (adult reception)

Visual Excellence

2010-01-24T18:41:00.002-05:00

In putting together my photography class (that starts this Monday) I found myself in need of a break. My wife and daughters were in the den watching Pride and Prejudice, the Keira Knightley version. So, I sat down and dutifully watched this extraordinary "chick flick." Even though I had seen it several times before it is enormously impressive. Every scene, every frame is magnificent. The lighting, the framing, the posing, the camera angles are a visual feast. Watch this film as a photographer, you can learn so much. Every visual artist can learn from this. Enjoy.

Nashville & Imaging USA & Photo Tips

2010-01-17T10:09:00.005-05:00

Gretchen just returned from Imaging USA, the Professional Photographers of America convention. Every year I come back excited and on fire after seeing so many amazing photographs, hearing some extraordinary speakers and strolling the aisles of one impressive tradeshow.

Some 7,000 professional photographers from around the country (and the world) descended on Nashville for this visual and inspirational feast. They held the event at the Gaylord Opryland Convention Center complete with its lush, tropical atriumed world full of waterfalls and walkways, cafes and foliage. This image gives a very small glimpse into that enchanted world.

My plan for this year, one of many, is to offer my readers weekly updates, tips on creating better images. And, if you haven't seen our website in a while, head over to http://www.lorei.com/ , the galleries are fun to stroll through.

Niece Nyla

2009-11-24T13:42:00.003-05:00

While very simple, this image captures the sweetness, innocence and wonder of childhood.

"The Magician's Keeper"

2009-11-19T10:14:00.002-05:00

This is a painting I did for a good friend's son. He is the goalie on his high school soccer team.

Love in the Grass

2009-11-11T13:13:00.004-05:00

We had so much fun at this engagement shoot. I love the expressions, the grass and the lighting. It's one of my favorite images this year.

You can book your engagement shoot by calling 814.868.0888.

Ride Across Pennsylvania

2009-11-09T09:33:00.003-05:00

We rode 410 miles and raised $30,000 for YMCA Strong Kids. At this point we were just 10 miles from the finish. Notice the inscription on the rock. I'm on the far left (in picture not in politics).

Dog and Cat Together

2009-11-06T13:49:00.003-05:00

My job was to photograph these two together. The dog was fairly chummy. The cat was aloof. The only way to get these two in the same picture would have been to chain them. The wonders of PhotoShop.

On Golden Peninsula

2009-10-29T10:02:00.006-04:00

The Fall scenery is great backdrop for any photo shoot whether it's an engagement shoot or a family photo. The leaves are only red, gold and orange for so long.

Book your appointment today by visiting Lorei.com or calling the office at 814.868.0888.

Fall is in the Air

2009-10-13T09:32:00.004-04:00

Fall is one of the most beautiful times in the year to have a portrait shoot done.

Capture your memories today by contact Lorei Portraits at 814.868.0888

Fall is Calling

2009-10-09T10:18:00.003-04:00

Remember when you were little and one of the highlights of the fall was playing in the leaves? These kids definitely do.

Please visit our site for more information on our fall shoots. Lorei.com

The Magnificent Hand Tree

2009-09-29T10:34:00.003-04:00

I love this image. The trunk reaches up out of the ground like a hand to hold this boy who is in last years of childhood.

This image captures the magic, wonder and adventure of boyhood.

Baby Makes Three

2009-09-21T12:16:00.001-04:00

And baby makes three. Or six feet or thirty toes.

Simply Captivating

2009-09-16T08:58:00.002-04:00

I love the innocence and sweet exuberance. The image is simple yet captivating.

Wild Horses

2009-09-10T15:22:00.003-04:00

While visiting University of Dallas I captured this image of my daughter.

Graduation Portrait

2009-09-08T13:37:00.008-04:00

Our oldest son is a musician and just graduated from the University of Pittsburgh. I created this image as part of an announcement for a small concert. It's one of my favorites.

You can also view this photo on our website in the Portrait Galleries section.

Hope you like it.

-Paul

Video Tour of Studio

2008-05-02T14:34:00.000-04:00

The Agony and the Ecstasy

2008-02-26T20:24:00.005-05:00

Launching a new website is like trying to get an oversized boxkite to fly. It's cumbersome, fragile and needing lots of attention while it's in the shop. Then, just as you're about to give it wing, there seem to be endless adjustments that keep it grounded. But, once it lumbers up into the sky, it becomes an object of art--for all to enjoy. And, the frustrations are forgotten as that thing of beauty soars across the blue.

The image on the right was a candid. I did not pose the subject, I composed in the camera and clicked. Both the light and the graceful lines of the girl are lovely.

Brave New Family

2008-02-12T19:33:00.000-05:00

This is one of my favorites. It is singular, iconic and has a depth that few family portraits ever reach. The mood is apprehensive, uncertain. There is simultaneously a feeling of impending doom and enduring hope. While they are walking towards the light, over their shoulders are ever-encroaching dark and powerful clouds. I see this image as a metaphor for all the travails that a family has to endure. What parents go through to raise their children in this often toxic culture is nothing short of heroic.

Nuclear Light

2008-02-10T18:15:00.000-05:00

This beautiful family wanted a unique portrait. I'd photographed their wedding years before. Now, I had the distinct honor of photographing them again with their charming daughter. I explained that when we go outside, despite having some visual skills, I have no control over the weather.

Well, late in the shoot, after we had already taken a few nice images, the skies just lit up. The trick was to incorporate the diagonal sweep of the clouds into the composition. Notice that the family's eyes are gazing in the same direction as the lines of the clouds. To finish the image, I placed an auxiliary light--with a warming gel--to the right of the family. Shazam!

Painted Sisters

2008-02-06T19:43:00.000-05:00

The longer I am in the wonderful world of photography, the more I realize how indebted we photographers are to painters. All the the principles of art, the rules of composition, color balance and aesthetic sense were worked out long before the first camera ever winked.

So, it is with great admiration and a strong sense of gratitude that I share my small contribution. What started as a photograph (above) was transformed into a rather endearing painting. As you may notice, the composition has been changed as well as the color palette and overall look. Working in Corel Painter, this image went through a half dozen stillbirths before coming into its own.

Hope you enjoy it.

Family du Jour

2008-02-05T07:49:00.000-05:00

This is one of my favorite images from 2007. It's a huge departure from my typical style. I particularly love the sense of each personality shining brightly and individually in a top of the world type seting. And, as much as they are individuals, the bond of love and family carries through. It has that rare combination of being both eclectic and endearing.

He's My Brother

2008-01-31T21:31:00.000-05:00

We created this image on a lark. We'd just finished photographing the family and the boys were getting anxious. Usually I'd have them run down the beach to blow off some steam but I turned my gaze away from the lake and noticed that the light and scene were perfect. The idea went from thought to action in a few seconds. And, the boys didn't need much coaxing. I had them walk a few paces, while I knocked off a couple frames. I didn't much of the image until we opened it back at the studio.

Notice how the tree at the far left holds such a dynamic almost mystical strength. It offers a visual counterweight to the boys. And, the boys themselves appear to be treading into the golden sunset and towards the tree. There seems to be a deeper meaning--a metaphor if you will.

Five Alive

2008-01-28T21:15:00.000-05:00

Although these kids were easy to work with and we created some stunning portraits around their home, I actually took this picture on their driveway. Imagine what their mother must have been thinking: "That silly photographer is making them lay down on the driveway--in their new outfits."

I loved the concentric rings of the brick. And, with their arms and legs out, these children make a kind of human snowflake. I couldn't pass it up.

Grandpa's Vineyard

2008-01-28T20:24:00.000-05:00

Last summer I got a call from an older couple asking me if I could photograph their family in the studio. The oldest son was flying in from California and wouldn't it be nice. . . After visiting with them for a little while I asked them if they had ever thought about shooting outside. They mentioned that they did have this vineyard that the father was particularly fond of. That had me excited. I knew we had to do it.

When I arrived at the farm, the actual vineyard was a bit petite. There was no particular geography or vista that lent itself to a stunning image. Finally I came up with the idea of climbing up on the shed, wheeling out the old tractor and taking advantage of some golden sunshine.

Arc of a Boy

2008-01-28T20:04:00.000-05:00

This is perhaps my favorite image of all time. It started out as a photo that I have since embellished and repainted. I think it sums up all that is wonderful and magical about being a child: exhilaration, unencumbered freedom, total innocence and soaring imagination. I look at that photo wistfully wishing I were leaping across the sky without a care.