jeff_engel. Get yours at bighugelabs.com/flickr

I love photography. I've been randomly shooting for a long time, but only recently have things "clicked" for me - and I think flickr is a big part of that. I'm here to learn everything I can and share everything I learn.

My way of becoming a better photographer is to try to do any and every kind of photography as well as I can, and to keep trying different things. I hope you'll find this reflected in the variety of my photostream.

Cheap

I love to meet, talk to, learn from, and share ideas with everyone out there. I'm a really analytical person and love to talk to people about both the technical and artistic, in-camera and post-processing, aspects of photography.

Since flickr has been such a great learning resource for me, I like to give back as much as possible. Feel free to ask me questions about techniques, styles, or whatever and I'll do my very best to get back to you promptly. I try to post a tutorial now and then to share a little of what I'm doing (and I think one learns best when trying to teach others - I realize something new almost every time I try to explain what might be an "old" or "basic" concept to someone . . really, it's all about the fundamentals).

Reaching out to my friends on flickr

If I've added you as a contact, it means I've spent some time on your photostream, I find your work inspiring, and I want to know when you're adding more - I value interaction and I actively watch and comment on photos by all my contacts.

If you add me as a contact without having commented on anything in my stream, I probably won't add you back. I try to keep a lower number of contacts so I can have the time to interact with each of them.

The Enchantments Range

Lately I've changed my little "policy" on faving . . . typically, I have reserved it for pictures that I are strong enough that I can only hope to try them someday . . but flickr being a social network and the opportunities I've gotten to help people or to just see them progress, often I fave now if I see someone taking a jump in a level, or executing something really well that's new to them. Either way - faving is still a big deal to me and if I do it, it's because the pic is pretty darn special.

Statr for Flickr daily graph

View my photos at bighugelabs.com

Equipment:

The Star
Canon 40D

Supporting Cast
Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5
Canon 70-200mm f/4 L
Sigma 50mm f/2.8 macro
Sigma 20mm f/1.8
Canon 50mm f/1.4

The Crew
Speedlite 430EX (hot shoe flash)
Vivitar 285HV (hot shoe flash)
PT-04 wireless transmitters (most bang-for-the-buck when shooting canon wireless, get 'em on ebay cheap!)
A couple of cheap photo.net strobes
Two crappy tripods
More cables than I can shake a stick at

The Most Important Stuff
Patient wife
Photogenic daughter
A passion to keep learning & experimenting
No fear of failure

Photos of Jeff Engelhardt (20)

Jeff Engelhardt's favorite photos from other Flickr members (496)

Contacts (324)

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Galleries (4)

 

Testimonials (16)

  • view profile

    2k Photography says:

    "Jeff Engelhardt. I remember that complete name. And perhaps many good photographer friends of mine do too. He's unique, strong, creative and is a consummate artist with the lens.

    The thing that I really like about Jeff he just wouldn't say no to any kind of photography. He's always ready to try out new stuff and he keeps producing work that would enthrall you with their inherent beauty and charm. He'd pick up new ways to take photos, completely nail them, and then pick up some more. He just keeps getting better and better and is never banal in his approach. His stream is like taking a walk in a valley full of fresh flowers. I really feel great to be his friend and get his valuable inputs on my work.

    AAhhhhhhhhh... I can smell a new fragrance right now... Can you?"

    9th January, 2010

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    TimHeyer says:

    "I came across Jeff’s photos a few months back and thought, “Hey, this guy’s pretty good,” and started following his photostream. Then one day, he said, “You know, I’m gonna step up my game,” and he must have taken a big swig from the Techno Viking’s upside-down water bottle or something, because BAM! His photos went from being really darn good to friggin’ great!

    If you take a look at Jeff’s photos individually, you’re sure to be quite impressed. Composition, technique, color - he’s got it down. But it’s when you look at his photostream as a whole that you’ll be really impressed. A lot of photographers on Flickr do one thing, and do it very well, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But Jeff apparently can do many things, and do them all very well, which both humbles and inspires me.

    Plus, he’s a great contact who leaves thoughtful comments and just seems like a darn nice guy.

    So Jeff, thanks for setting the bar so high and helping make Flickr such a fun and inspiring place!"

    6th January, 2010

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    p r i m e r says:

    "I first met Jeff "Lieutenant Dan" in the Great War. You know the one -- The War That Was Not To Be Named. That was back in the day when he didn't have any phantom limbs. Yep, those were the days.

    It was only after he lost both of his legs that he picked up his first camera (a Kodak disposable camera) and he did his first HDR using only the camera, a cup of orange juice (pulpless), and duct tape. He still won't share that secret with me. Through the years, he has upgraded his equipment and his technique while his knowledge has grown exponentially to the point that he can no longer discuss photographic technique to people (lest their heads explode with the accumulated knowledge).

    Just view Jeff's photostream. He is a master at every technique he attempts. He experiments "just for fun" and wins awards and accolades from art critics around the world (and even those from France). If you ever get the honor of going out on a shoot with him, be prepared and lace up those running shoes. The teenage fangirls almost stampeded over my body the last time we went out and Jeff had to fight them off with his tripod and large format view camera.

    Jeff, in two word, is THE MAN. Thanks for your honest critiques, your support of my work, and friendship (*wipes tear*). Keep doing what you do. You inspire me."

    21st October, 2009

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    chris_rutkowski says:

    "Jeff, I've had the good fortune in my life to meet and often work with extraordinary people in fields ranging from music and film to computers and the sciences. And I want to tell the world that you truly belong among the stars; the best humanity has to offer. Yes you are a great teacher, and a gifted artist, and an excellent wordsmith. But it extends beyond talent to the realm of genius; you don't just teach - you inspire. You do not set forth your work and say "Look at what I can do", rather you say "Look at what you can do." You don't just inspire me to make better photos, you inspire me to be a better person. To be a disciple is not to follow; it is to learn, then pass it on... I can but try."

    13th October, 2009

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    lee.stephens says:

    "He maybe 5' 9" but towering over Flickr in his 4" cuban heels like a behemoth astride the globe, Jeff Engelhardt casts a mighty shadow that envelops one within its amazing talent, love and humour. His photostream encompasses every conceivable style, genre and subject with seeming ease all the while exuding wit, hundreds of words and an amazing sense of sharing.

    He's also an insightful commenter, sharing of his knowledge and always up for a challenge.

    Thanks Jeff..."

    28th September, 2009

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    Joshua Wyborn *trying to hit uni deadlines* says:

    "A photoshop God, a great photographer and a loving father and husband. jeff has it all. what i love about jeff is how he never stops experimenting, always trying new things is fantastic, too often we shut our-selfs of into courners of art and feel trapped. jeff on the other hand has not and will not, his zealus core always wanting more.

    ontop of that he has been a great friend as me and him have gotten closer via flickr. always suportive and useful comments on photographs and on life. jeff is a real man, a true man, a loving one. embrace his work and you will find more than you where looking for.

    godbless my brother."

    9th July, 2009

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    Joel Tjintjelaar says:

    "I have a lot of contacts here on Flickr, maybe too many, but there are only a few of them whose comments on my photos I eagerly await every time. One of them being Jeff's comments. Because I know that Jeff always has something interesting and something really sincere to say, sometimes something hilarious. And if Jeff faves a photo of mine, then I know that I really have made a great shot and it counts as a triple fave for me. That's how high I regard his work and his opinion. Jeff's work is very inspiring with a great variety of subjects and styles: landscapes, portraits, colour, HDR, monochrome or just fun shots, you name them, but they all have such a high quality with a great eye for composition and details. And his treatment of photos is just perfection. This is a man with an enormous knowledge of editing in Photoshop and he's always willing to share his knowledge with anyone.
    Besides a good and very skilled photographer, Jeff is also a vey nice and fun guy to have around with a great sense of humour. Flickr is such a great social community network because of people like Jeff. Keep that great work of yours coming our way Jeff, it truly inspires all of us.

    Joel"

    6th June, 2009

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    garreyf says:

    "Jeff and I go way back. I think we first met in the photography critique group, but I may have met Jeff 47 years ago ...when I stumbled on a man who could have been "Extramedium" trying to help out a poor old drunk malodorous fella lying on the ground crying like a baby. This was Jeff I think. Luckily, I avoided the manhug. Fast forward 47 years...As you can see from Jeff's photostream, he has really cleaned up his act and has a remarkable talent for quickly extracting knowledge from the web and incorporating it into his photography. His willingness to teach and share what he has just learned is also impressive. ..He is a superb photographer in my book. And..hes not only a flickr friend but a facebook one as well :)"

    3rd June, 2009

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    me_on_flickr says:

    "Thought I had done this ages ago - it was deserved ages ago!
    I must say that I am impressed over and over again with Jeff's work. Every upload has something instereting! I think what intrigues me the most is how fast Jeff learns and perfects and keeps getting better. So many subjects - always executes with style!
    Keep it up Jeff - I know your work inspires not only me, but many others too."

    27th May, 2009

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    clay.wells says:

    "I used to be mildly afraid of snakes, wizards, and losing my bowels in front of crowds. A few visits to Jeff’s photo-stream has helped me make semi-marginal progress. I can’t explain it. Also, I can juggle now."

    27th May, 2009

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    McCoy352 says:

    "I really enjoy Jeff's fine photographs as well as all of his commentaries in getting his shots! He is self depreciating and very creative in all of his thoughtful postings. His work with various photoshop programs is leaps and bounds more interesting then most and I can honestly say that I have learned much from him. As a Flickr contact, Jeff is always commenting on his contacts photos, which is just great!"

    17th May, 2009

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    traumlichtfabrik says:

    "Jeff is one of my favourite contacts on Flickr, I totally adore his photostream! I am so lucky to have found him, he is a real jewel. What fascinates me about Jeff is how diversified his photostream is. Once he even (totally unnecessarily) excused himself for posting two similar shots in a row.... :-) Everyday I look forward on Jefffs new image!

    Besides taking fantastic photos Jeff is a totally lovely person!! Would like to drink a bear with you one day, if only the states were a bit less far away ;-)

    DUDE, YOU ROCK!!!! Rock on and keep up the fantastic work!"

    16th April, 2009

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    N A B A Z says:

    "A very good flickr friend, with comments that are productive. I am amazed about his enthusiasm about trying new techniques and that he actually learns them at a great speed.
    Lovely to follow his stream and thank you for being a flickr friend :-)"

    14th April, 2009

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    thewoodenshoes says:

    "Being a family man, I get more than my fair share of time to get out and photograph. This is partially due to my persistence as an ENFP, but mostly because I have an incredibly understanding wife who allows me the freedom to be able to explore my creativity on a daily basis. That said, as I've grown older, my friendships have become more valuable and honestly, I don't make friends very often.

    Jeff Engelhardt is a true friend in every sense of the word. It's merely a bonus that he's an extraordinary photographer and teacher. I know the reason why we get along so great is because we're always asking each other questions and critically thinking about the work involved in photography. Being able to answer and critically think about tough questions regarding photography and life in general is one of Jeff's great qualities. Here is an excerpt from one of the first emails he sent me:

    "But to briefly continue our discussion - in CS2 or later - would a levels adjustment in RGB, done on a separate layer but with blend mode set to luminosity have similar effect to the LAB levels adjustment? This stuff keeps me up at night. :)" -Jeff

    Kudos to this guy for realizing what flickr is *really* meant for! Granted, people will use it for more of a social networking tool from time to time, but really, it's just one big giant classroom now, isn't it? Thanks for keeping it real Jeff, and thanks for being a friend."

    2nd February, 2009

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    kpriceWicked (signing off for the summer) says:

    "Let me first say that this is my first testimonial. I'm not good with words (probably why I love photography so much!), but I want to write a little something about Jeff.

    I first knew he was something special only shortly after becoming one of his contacts. I asked a simple question about his technique; I'm not sure what I was expecting, but what I got was a very detailed 4-paragraph explantion. I still refer to that e-mail when I'm in Photoshop and can't figure it out! On a different occasion, I sent Jeff a photo of mine - not only did he work his PS magic, but he came up with 3 different versions, and sent me the file back so I could see what he did, AND he wrote step-by-step instructions! The fact that he barely knew me and spent his time like that blew me away.

    We all know Jeff is an amazing photographer (just look through his stream and you'll see), but what you probably don't know is what giving person he is.

    Thanks Jeff for all of your help, your thoughtful comments, and your flickr-friendship. :)"

    18th February, 2009

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    Extra Medium says:

    "I pulled over my big rig over after I saw what looked like a broken down car and a sullen man hunched over on the side of the road. After walking up to him, Jeff introduced himself and it was not his car that was broken down, it was him. He was perplexed how he could capture the beauty of this dilapidated dwelling he saw but was expressed he was an awful artist. Being new in technology, I informed him of this new medium being called 'photography'. I also happened to have one of these photographic 'cameras' in the back of my rig. We set it up and fired off the shots. He was so ecstatic that he gave me a man-hug, probably a second longer than it should have been. Asking where the photo was, I informed him it was still in the camera, and that it would have to be developed, printed, etc. This enraged him as a long-time government sniper, he was used to instant gratification. I gave him my contact information and told him to write me and that I would make him a copy and post it to him.

    That was the last I heard from Jeff for 47 years. I only found him 6 years ago, homeless, soberless, showerless and left for dead in the back of an abandoned Sizzler in suburban Seattle. (Don't ask what I was doing there). After rinsing him off at the local animal shelter, we got some food and rehashed that day back in the 1920s and I showed him the photo he took that day. It wasn't good at all. But it was the experience that counted.

    Jeff has really cleaned himself up now and has become quite successful in all aspects of his photography. I encourage you to go shooting with him sometime. Just keep him away from the Miidori sours."

    9th December, 2008

Name:
Jeff Engelhardt
Joined:
June 2007
Hometown:
Born in Portland, OR - but grew up as a Butte rat in Butte, MT
Currently:
Seattle, USA
I am:
Male and Taken
Occupation:
Business Strategy / Consulting
Website:
http://www.facebook.com/jeff.engelhardt