Photography Enthusiast Michael Larzhay Shares His Passion for Optics
In the heart of New York City, luxury portrait photographer Larzhay has made a name for himself with his captivating images. With a camera of choice being the Sony A7RV, Larzhay's work is a testament to the power of photography, a craft that requires practice, skill, and dedication, much like cooking.
Larzhay's creative inspiration often stems from cinema, particularly film directors like David Lynch, Stanley Kubrick, and Ridley Scott. This cinematic influence is evident in his work, as he seamlessly blends the dramatic and surreal in his portraits.
When it comes to adding those cinematic effects to his photos, Larzhay turns to Boris FX Optics in Photoshop. Discovered in 2022, Optics has been a game-changer for him, offering a suite of first-rate effects that help streamline his photo editing process.
One of the features Larzhay finds particularly useful is the EZ Mask, known for its versatility. The Optics Light section is a treasure trove of malleable effects, allowing Larzhay to experiment with light in ways he never thought possible. Filters such as Film Stocks, Mist, and Lens Flare are regular fixtures in his work.
Before Optics, Larzhay would create his own glows and purchase lens flare overlays. But with Optics, he can now achieve these effects quickly and with greater precision. The app's unlimited creative options, which can be tweaked and saved, make it a dream app for photographers.
Embracing the many options in Optics, Larzhay encourages others to experiment, especially with unusual combinations. He also suggests a feature request for the app: the ability to quickly flip effects horizontally or vertically.
Optics has helped Larzhay with photo editing tasks that were previously time-consuming. During the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, Larzhay travelled around NYC/NJ, capturing the desolation of the lockdown. With Optics at his side, he was able to transform these raw images into powerful, evocative portraits of a city in crisis.
For those interested in learning to use Optics, there are free tutorials available online. A free trial of Optics is also available through the Boris FX Hub. So, whether you're a seasoned photographer or a beginner, Optics offers a world of creative possibilities just waiting to be explored.
Allowing Larzhay to experiment with light and effects with unparalleled precision, the discovery of Optics in 2022 has revolutionized his photo editing process. Eager to share his savvy, Larzhay encourages others to delve into this comprehensive tech tool, promising a flood of creative possibilities.
