The client was wanting a morning light, foggy look for their AD campaign in a very sunny lighting situation. So I went back to my old Brooks Institute of Photography days and shot these images using Vaseline over the Lens. Here are the results.
Jacob Lacey - these are awesome Jose, the top right is gorgeous.
December 6, 2010
Tuesday - I'd be a lil bit scared to put vaseline on my lens but heard it's very effective and looking at your work, it truly works!
December 6, 2010
Jyllian - Beautiful Jose. That's crazy that you should mention the vaseline trick. My dad did that a couple of times back in the day and he told me about it when he gave me my first minolta. I've never tried it, but my goodness it yields stunning results=). I LOVE IT!!!
December 6, 2010
Justin DeMutiis - Just beautiful. I can't stop looking at these.
December 6, 2010
Samantha - Oh, Jose! These are GORGEOUS! You have outdone yourself yet again. Adore. xoxo
December 6, 2010
Samantha - Oh, Jose! These are GORGEOUS! You have outdone yourself yet again! Adore. xoxo
December 6, 2010
Katie - I've heard of this and always wanted to try, but just wondering, do you put it directly on the lens? Or a filter? :) Looks fab!
December 6, 2010
Kelly Sauer - Flawless. I cannot get over your perfect colors.
Jeanette - That is awesome. I'm with Katie, ditto on her question.
December 6, 2010
karina - OMG!!! It makes me nervous just thinking about Vaseline and lenses together.
Love the final result.
December 6, 2010
Annie - Wow I would love to try that. These are simply flawless images! Does Vaseline clean off easily or do any damage to the lens?
December 6, 2010
Jackie - too beautiful! makes me feel dreamy and vintage all in the same! did you use a uv filter or does it not matter? just wanted to ask :)
December 6, 2010
nate henderson - I saw some of your images on oncewed and loved them. Thanks for sharing the vaseline here. Keep it rocking jose.
December 6, 2010
julianna - This makes me want to smile and cry all at the same time. Spent the day in complete frustration trying to reinstall some actions after my switch to Mac - I HATE the computer side of photography. This is exactly the look I love and strive for... think I'll go to the drug store tomorrow! You always amaze and inspire - thank-you
Connie B - I love your work! I'm pretty new in the "biz" haha but this is news to me- I'd love to try it although not sure how to clean the lens/filter after! Again, STUNNING photographs!
Jeanette Verster - Absolutely STUNNING!! How did you get it off afterwards?
December 6, 2010
s h e r r y - These are so beautiful. Love the Vaseline effect... Makes every so soft and pretty!
December 7, 2010
Ciaran - Don't put it straight on your lens! I use two clear filters for this trick: smear vaseline around the edges of one, and stack another filter on top to prevent dust, hair and so on sticking. It does not require much vaseline to work, especially if you want to shoot near wide open.
Paul Krol - these images are awesome. i don't like the 3rd one with the hearts, but the rest of them are surreal. the light is so soft and bright but your exposure is still great - good stuff!
December 7, 2010
jose villa - hey all, thank you for chiming in .. so the vaseline is applied on a UV filter and NOT directly on the lens. You want to apply a VERY small amount on the outer part of the filter, i didn't want the image to be overly soft so i just went very light on these images. so to clarify there will be no vaseline on the center part of the filter. i use another filter stacked on the one with the vaseline to preserve for future sessions.. this will also prevent dust and hair etc. there's no need for clean up..
December 7, 2010
Ann - What spectacular pictures! Where were these taken? The locale is breathtaking
December 8, 2010
Natan - Preciosas, sin más, y aplicando técnicas fotográficas clásicas, excelente.
Saludos desde Barcelona, Spain.
December 8, 2010
jose villa - @Ann, these images were all taken with in 30 mi. from my home. beach then mountain areas.. this was a full 12 hour day shooting.
kabelkina - THAT'S IT!!! I'm switching back to film!!
these are awesome, as usual! and thanks for sharing the vaseline trick!
December 8, 2010
Nicole - Jose, I swoon every single time you post something new. Just beautiful.
December 8, 2010
Jessica - I think Nicole summed it up for me. I'm also inspired and want to try using the vaseline on my lens, though like others, I'm curious as to whether you used a filter or how well it cleans off of a lens. I'm also inspired by your dedication; 12 hours on set takes endurance as well as passion. Go you!
December 8, 2010
colin - Haha, love it!
I just found a box of filters I made back at Brooks, good times!
December 8, 2010
monique weston - It's funny how everybody thinks that photo shop actions came out of the air, we use to all have to do, all kinds of things to get the right result. Now only some of us do, thanks for being part of the new school of old school!!
December 8, 2010
julianna - Jose , thank- you for taking the time to explain how you used the vaseline! I keep coming back to these!
December 8, 2010
Julie Blair - Fabulous Jose! Love the use of vaseline. Nice to go back to the old ways of doing things.
Thank you as always for sharing your amazing work with us.
~Jules
December 8, 2010
Kali Leenstra - I adore these! I am always breathless after looking at your work. Can't tell you how much of a fan I am. I remember using Vaseline on my film camera to get the soft effect. I will switch to film soon.
Stefania Spadoni - yours photos are amazing...
they leave me without words...really
I fell in love with your photos... so delicate...
stefania
January 13, 2011
Jodi - Very interesting! I love the ingenuity that comes from knowledge!
February 3, 2011
John V. - Wow... beautiful imagery. Can't believe with all the digital effects you went back to old school using Vaseline in front of the lens.
February 5, 2011
Josh Moates - Def. one of the best blog posts ever posted. Ever.
February 22, 2011
Lucy Munoz - Love, love, love!! Ugghh! You're so talented!!
March 7, 2011
HannahGirl - oh! My breath has been taken away! Your blog is FULL is simply stunning photos; thanks for sharing your love of light with us. I was wondering one thing... do you know where the dress in the very top left photo is from? I neeeed to know! Thanks so much :)
March 22, 2011
Joanna - i am full of happy emotions when I look at these photographs. I LOVE them so much and can't wait to try this sometime when the light is like this. you are just so inspiring. beautifully stunning portraits. :)
