Opinions on Brad Buttry technique

chauncey · #1 07-09-2007, 07:36 AM

Has anyone here tried this technique?
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...d.php?t=260882

CJ Swartz · #2 07-09-2007, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chauncey

Has anyone here tried this technique?
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...d.php?t=260882

If you are referring to the Brad Buttry techniques, he is a member here -- you can look up a few of his works here in the forums and see if he can answer any of your questions via PM (personal messaging) or email. I haven't purchased his DVD, but his work certainly looks good. You can keep coming here (and other forums like Phyllis Stewart's etc.) and see if you can develop a style for yourself that you like or decide after a while if it would be worth money to you to learn from someone else.

chauncey · #3 07-09-2007, 08:45 PM

Thank's for the responce CJ, but right now I'm trying to learn how to take a picture, later though I will experiment with photo cloning.

DannyRaphael · #4 07-10-2007, 12:39 AM

Brad participates fairly often at Marilyn Sholin's subscription required forum (http://www.digitalpaintingforum.com) I don't know the specifics about his method(s), but he has a large and loyal following.

palms1 · #5 07-10-2007, 05:37 AM

Another member that i know of who has the cd is Rab3rd take a look at this thread
http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/pho...imals-oil.html
maybe he could give us a critic on the cd etc ?

Palms

rab3rd · #6 07-10-2007, 06:32 AM

I would be glad to give my review.

I found them both to be very useful in learning the basics of these techniques. While Brad's presentation dialog is a little mono-tonal the information contained within is enough for someone with a good working knowledge of Photoshop to produce good results. Some have complained that the info is not nearly enough "step by step" but I found that not to be true. For me it was worth the purchase as a starting point. The free stuff on the web is good but the DVD's bring all the basics together in one simple to use location. Practice is indeed the key. Brad's work is very good. I can only assume that he started just as we did, knowing little but trying lots.

This review is mearly one persons opinion, your mileage may vary....

skydog · #7 07-10-2007, 06:40 AM

I recently bought both of Brad's DVD's and was very satisfied with Brad's presentation. It's just one more tool I can put in the "tool box". I've been trying to learn how to create a "paintery" look and, until the purchase, I had been unsatisfied with my results. Brad has provided me the some basic concepts that I was not applying to my photos. Prior to purchase, I thought Brad's technique used COREL PAINTER, but this is not the case. He uses photoshop. Basically Brad uses brushes (when he provides) that you use to smudge and paint your photo at different strengths depending upon the object: skin, clothes, objects, etc. I also like the brushes that Brad provided - I've found them very useful. So if you want to learn how to obtain a paintery look in Photoshop I would recommend these DVD's.

I also recently purchased Jeremy Sutton's DVD set called Painter IX Simplified. I've just reviewed two of the four training DVD's, but thus far, I am satisfied. Again, the basics are covered and this time, I am learning more about Painter.

Now with some of these basics under my belt, I have to be more careful of what DVD's I'd purchase next. I certainly don't want to shell out another $100 to $200 to rereview the same basic material.

Does anyone know a site that reviews the contents training DVD's such as these?

Has anyone bought Faye Sirkis, Marilyn Sholin or Katrin Eismann training DVD's?

palms1 · #8 07-10-2007, 07:03 AM

Thank you Rab3rd and sky dog for your reviews, it is always helpful to know what people think before shelling out some money ( i have "wasted" some pennies on things that didnt pan out to be that good ) i am tempted now to put them on my birthday/christmas list

Palms

Ziaphra · #9 07-10-2007, 07:44 AM

I think his work is great! Wish I could afford his cds!

palms1 · #10 07-10-2007, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ziaphra

I think his work is great! Wish I could afford his cds!

Affording his cd's is one thing but i would have to add a extra $22 for postage , that takes it off my list of want's i'm afraid.
But I have spent (most) of the afternoon reading through the threads of the link in chauncey's post and there are a lot of hints and tips there (plenty to keep me occupied for a while ) including Brad (Vixtran) and he does say a few times that his technique is a mixture from all the techniques that are already out there.

Palms

skydog · #11 07-10-2007, 07:25 PM

before this thread gets lost I was wondering if anyone had any other training DVD's they'd recommend. thanks

chauncey · #12 07-19-2007, 09:44 AM

I'm truly sorry that I have not responded again. I should keep up with my post. It's just that I'm barely into the toddler stage of photography and the photo-art will have to wait.

Regardless of that, I appreciate your input. thanks

post script, Faye Sirkis is popular at NAPP

DannyRaphael · #13 07-20-2007, 12:17 AM

I found Katrin Eismann's DVD on Retouching to be quite informative. Note the topics she addresses are not "arty" in nature.

Jeremy Sutton Painter Creativity DVDs are very good, too. Several useful (to me) methods are presented. The video tutorials are a great visual supplement to his books.

I was not impressed with Jane Connor-ziser's Painter DVD. Although Karen Sperling does some interesting artwork using Painter, I strongly prefer Jeremy's tutorials.

I haven't seen Marilyn Sholin's DVDs yet; I can say that her first generation .pdf based tutorials were very good for their time. Her vibrant color style really stands out.

Faye Sirkis: Received her DVD awhile back. Until I work through a few more tasks on the "Honey do" list and complete a couple more reviews that are "in progress," the package containing Faye's DVD will remain unopened on my office floor!

-------------------

A general observation: No matter what program(s) you use to apply any method or tutorial, it all starts with a great photo in terms of composition, crop, subject, props, background, etc.

It's very difficult IMO to achieve something great if you start out with a lousy photo.

DannyRaphael · #14 08-18-2007, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DannyRaphael

Although Karen Sperling does some interesting artwork using Painter, I strongly prefer Jeremy's tutorials.

Karen Sperling contacted me recently regarding my statement above. Upon reflection I see how it might be misinterpreted.

So let me clarify and add some additional information...

"Karen Sperling does some interesting artwork using Painter. I bought two of her entry level CDs in the Fall of 2003. For more info/comments on that experience see http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/non-rp-resources/6900-photoart-training-painter.html#post59123

"I preferred Jeremy's Painter 8 training over Karen's text-based tutorials because I realized then how effective video training is for me, the overall content was more of what I needed at the time (more emphasis on Painter "how-to specifics" vs. how traditional art theory and methods apply to digital art) and, quite frankly, I liked his friendly, upbeat presentation style.

"A few years ago Karen started a subscription based newsletter, Artistry Tips and Tricks, to which I'm not a subscriber. Here's a link for info:

http://www.artistrymag.com/docs/tipsall.html

"Based on subscriber reviews and feedback, she has a number of satisfied customers.

"She sent me a link to a Sept. 2006 sample copy of Artistry Tips and Tricks, which I just downloaded. I look forward to reading it and will report on it as soon as I am able to."

I hope this clarifies any misunderstanding.

GeorgeNC · #15 08-20-2007, 12:56 PM

I've been reading this thread and to be honest I can't figure out why the price is such an issue. To let an extra 22 dollars stop anyone from learning a great technique is a mystery to me. I purchased both of Brads CD's for around 97 bucks plus postage ... Now I could easily spend that on a "Dinner out with the wife and kids". Brads training shortens the learning curve and allows me to review his style when ever I feel the need. He also includes brushes. I think the CD's are well worth the money and I would strongly recomend not letting a postage fee stop you from a great opp. for learning. After all ... haven't we all spent a bunch of bucks just to get where we are? Just look at the price of software, printers, ink and quality paper. Spend the money on a great dinner and you're gonna be hungry the next day anyway ... buy the training info and you can keep it, learn and, maybe, even resell it if you choose. Just my opinion =)