Project Sharing: Yellowstone National Park

By Cindy Larkin
http://cindergirlphotography.blogspot.com/

Nestled between three states (Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho), beautiful Yellowstone is America's first national park.  It is the home to a number of exciting wildlife species, including moose, bison, grizzly bears, elk, deer, wolves, and a large variety of birds.

 

Yellowstone is an active volcano and experiences approximately 2000 earth quakes each year.  It's natural wonders are a sight to behold, with more than 10,000 geysers, hot springs and fumaroles.  Yellowstone is the largest concentration of hydrothermal features in the world.

Being there in person (with a camera) was a dream.  I found it extremely facinating to watch through my lense, this active volcano, spewing forth heat and steam from beneath the earths surface; the process of land formation at its finest, and right before my eyes!  I am in awe of the parks powerful rivers and majestic waterfalls, it's serene mountain grandeur and beautiful lakes.  Yellowstone is a unique glimpse into the work of Mother Nature, that will most definitely take your breath away! 

 

 

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Building Strong Client Relationships

by: Jessie Emeric

http://www.emericphotography.com/

My husband, Jason, and I have met lots of couples and families since we started Emeric Photography almost 10 years ago and we're proud to say we've become and remained friends with so many of them. Now that's not to say you need to be BFF's with all your clients, but you should work on building a friendly relationship with them. You need to get to know your client. Find out what they like, what they don't like and don't be afraid to ask questions. Think of it as a first date. A first date you want to lead to an engagement session, a wedding day, a trash the dress session, and who knows, they may be calling you when it's time for those newborn and family portraits down the road!  Here are the top 5 "Must Do's" that have worked for us in build strong client relationships.

1. Make a Good First Impression.

Most people want to know the basics during the initial contact, be that via email, phone, or in-person consultation. The usual inquiries are these: What is your fee? What products or packages do you offer? And, are you available for their date? You definitely want to answer their questions directly and honestly, don't be too vague or you may seem shady. You also want to show a personal interest in the them and start earning their trust right away. The most obvious way to do this is by sincerely congratulating them on their engagement, pregnancy, birth of a child, etc. Most people come to us, as photographers, to document these milestones and important events in their lives - it's a pretty big deal for them and you should acknowledge that. Make sure to thank them for their interest in your services and mention how honored you'd be to be a part of their special day.

2. Make them Feel Comfortable

When you meet up with your clients to take their portraits or document their wedding, you don't want to just jump right in and start pointing the camera at them and giving directions on how to pose. Let's go back to that dating scenario, you wouldn't start talking about marriage with someone on a second date, right? So, you start off by complimenting their outfit(s), accessories, shoes, flowers, decor, etc. It helps break the ice and gets them to open up. Plus, you're showing interest and acknowledging the time and effort that went into planning for their session or wedding. Make a little small talk and just keep things casual and relaxed. Keep the conversation fun and light and before you know it they'll start to loosen up and enjoy the experience. Lots of times when photographing a wedding day, I start off by introducing myself to to anyone else in the room and then I start photographing the details and ease my way into some photojournalistic shots and by this time, they are used to me and my camera and I just ease my way into photographing the more formal shots. This method also works great for portrait sessions. When your client trusts you and is comfortable with you, it'll show through in their photographs!

3. Keep your Promises

This part is pretty simple and will help build your credibility. It's like when you're dating someone, you don't want to keep them checking their voice mail every 10 minutes to see if they missed your call, right? Don't keep your clients guessing either. Give them exact dates for when to expect their proofs, online gallery, print orders, etc. and then deliver on your promise. Sometimes things can happen and we can fall behind; this is where having a good relationship with your client can also come in handy. If you've built on that relationship from the beginning, they will be a lot more understanding and sympathetic if you can't meet your deadline due to an illness, the lab sending the wrong order, or any other unforeseen occurrence. 

4. Make It Pretty

Who doesn't like to get something in a pretty package? Giving your girlfriend or boyfriend flowers or a small gift, shows you care about them and makes you look good, too. Making the extra effort and providing your clients with upgraded packaging and presentation for your finished product tells your client you care about them and want to make them happy. It also shows you take pride in your work and gives your business a bump up from the retail photo studio. Adding those personal touches will make a lasting impression and they'll start talking about you to their friends and relatives. Oh, and don't forget to add a "thank you" card!

5. Keep in Touch

This may take a little time and effort, but it's totally worth it. You're ready to take your relationship to the next level, you want them to be clients for life. Getting your client's mailing address, telephone number, and email when they complete the service agreement/contract is super important to keeping in touch. A simple email or post card about your seasonal promotion or new products might be just what they need to schedule another session with you or to pass along that info to someone else. Social media is another great way to keep in touch, but you don't want to abuse it! Don't be pushy or start sending out too many emails or you'll be sure to end up in the SPAM folder. Use social media to your advantage. Become facebook friends with clients or ask them to "like" your facebook page and follow you on twitter. They can also subscribe to your blog or newsletter. Then, post "sneak peeks" from your recent sessions, tag clients in your facebook albums, run promotions and contests every so often. Keep your posts, comments, and updates fun and fresh. Engage your client and make it about them, not just about you. Before you know it, they'll be booking their next session with you and sending you referrals.

Being a professional photographer involves a lot more than just taking a pretty picture. It's also about having fun, making new friends, and capturing true emotions!

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Kids! Kids! Kids!

Tips for photographing KIDDOS!

By: Stacie Hawley

http://www.staciehawleyphotography.com/

As a photographer I get the pleasure of working with lots of different people - but I have to admit - little children are my favorite!   Full of life and spunk, you can get the most darling pictures of kids- if you know how to work with them!   I was asked to guest post – very exciting – and I decided to share some of my favorite kiddo tips and tricks!  Enjoy!

Get Comfortable - Be personal and genuine – take a few minutes to talk to the kiddos before the shoot.  You can ask a few questions, like “what is your favorite color,” or “what kind of ice cream do you like,” and then share your favorites with them.  Some kids will open up right away, others may be a little more reserved.  I like to show them my camera equipment, and tell them about what I do.  It’s amazing what a little conversation can do to build rapport.  Tailor each session to the child’s individual personality.

Be Patient - Kids are kids and sometimes they just need a break from shooting.  We’ll stop to look at the flowers, chase a butterfly, tell jokes – it doesn’t really matter what we do, because very soon everybody feels better and I can pull my camera back out.  When photographing children PATIENCE is the key.  Helping mom to understand this as well can be challenge, but before we even start the shoot, I try to talk with her about just letting me handle the situations that arise.

Get on Their Level - Become a part of their world.  Kneel, sit, lie down, do somersaults – anything works.  By the end of a session I am always covered in grass stains and dirt.  Ha ha.  This is also a great way to make sure you avoid awkward size distortions that can happen if you’re shooting from too high – sometimes though funky angles can be fun!

Natural Smiles - Embrace natural emotions and smiles – I promise it will be the best thing you ever do!  Child photography isn’t so much about posing, but allowing a child’s personality to shine through.  Photograph the kiddos in their natural environment – let them play.  Let them be themselves!  My favorite pictures are those that show emotion – surprise, joy, introspection, etc.  The key to great photography is to capture the true child. 

Happy Humor - Most kids are at their best when they’re laughing; it’s when the REAL smiles come out.  Children, and child photographers (ha ha), seem to have very silly senses of humor – so anything goes!  The more fun you have together, the better your pictures will be!  Have them come up with a funny name for your camera, tell a silly joke or sing the wrong words to a song, or ask them silly questions to crack them up.  My personal favorite is asking “does your daddy wear diapers?” – it works every time.

Be Quick - Most kids are a bundle of energy.  Have them run around, play pretend (tell the girls to be princesses or the boys to act like superheroes and watch the magic happen), or put on a show for you - once they start going, you have to be right behind them.  Bring low maintenance equipment, use a fast shutter speed, and snap away.  If you’re ready, you’re sure to get those wonderful spontaneous moments and action sequences that can’t be replicated. 

Showcase the Little Things - Parents also want to remember all the little things that will change about their child – their tiny hands, their chubby cheeks, their big eyes, their scrunchy toes, etc.  Get up close and focus in on the little details.  Capturing these will endear your photos to the parents forever.

Child photography can be truly rewarding if you follow these simple tips.  Trust yourself, have fun, and enjoy all those cute kids!

♥ ♥... Stacie

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365 Reasons To Love Photography

Life passes by so quickly and sometimes it's hard to remember what happened yesterday, much less a year ago. When I started Project 365 on January 1st of this year, I began a new journey of taking notice of the things in my life that bring me joy on a daily basis. Whether it was my family, a good book, the beauty in nature, or a well cooked meal, my picture of the day became my reminder that life is good! Capturing one photo every day, has not only given me a visual history of my life and a great way to remember the year, but it has also made me a better photographer in the process!

Project 365:  Why and How [by PhotoJoJo.com]

WHY DO IT?

"Taking a photo a day is a big undertaking with big payoffs. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider doing it:

•Imagine being able to look back at any day of your year and recall what you did, who you met, what you learned… (Often we find it hard to remember what we did just yesterday or even last night, let alone a whole year ago!)

•Your year-long photo album will be an amazing way to document your travels and accomplishments, your haircuts and relationships. Time moves surprisingly fast.

•Taking a photo a day will make you a better photographer. Using your camera every day will help you learn its limits. You will get better at composing your shots, you’ll start to care about lighting, and you’ll become more creative with your photography when you’re forced to come up with something new every single day.

HOW TO DO IT!

1.Bring Your Camera Everywhere.

Yes, everywhere. Get in the habit. Grocery stores, restaurants, parties, work, and school.  Going to a movie theatre? Snap a pic of the flick with your phone–there are photo-ops everywhere. If you have one of those tiny tiny cameras, you have no excuse not to have it in your pocket all the time. And if you don’t? Camera phones are a great substitute.   

2.Make Posting Easy

You can install blog software like Movable Type or WordPress on your own site and create an entry for each photo, but for true ease of use, try a photo sharing site. Flickr will let you post a week’s worth of photos in 2 minutes flat, and fotolog and Photoblog.com are geared toward a photo-a-day workflow.   Making it fast and easy means you’re much more likely to do it.

3.Vary Your Themes

Try to capture the day’s events in a single photo. Perform photographic experiments. Take a photo of someone new you meet, something you ate for the first time, or something you just learned how to do. Take a photo of something that made you smile. And don’t forget to take a photo of yourself at least once a month so you can remember how you’ve changed, too.

4.  Tell a Story

Use your blog entry, or your photo description, to explain what’s going on in each day’s photograph. How good did that dinner taste? What made you want to take a photo of that stranger? It’ll help you remember down the road, and it gives friends following along a better appreciation of why you took the photo you did. You don’t need to write a lot, just enough to add some color.

5.  Don’t Stop, No Matter What

This is perhaps the most important tip of all. You will get tired of taking a photo every single day. Some days, you will consider giving up. Don’t. The end result is worth the effort. Remind yourself why you wanted to do it in first place.  There will be times you’ll think there’s nothing interesting left to take a photo of, and times you’ll think you didn’t do anything exciting enough to take a photo of. There’s always a great photo to be made.  Get out of the house and take a walk. Or stay inside and look around. Take a photo of something important to you. Take a photo of the inside of your house so you can see how your taste has changed over the years. Take a photo of anything, just don’t stop.   (HINT:  It helps if you’ve told your friends about the project and asked them to follow along. Their encouragement will keep you going!)

6.Post early, post often

Plan on going through and posting your photos at least once a week so you don’t get backlogged and feel overwhelmed. Ideally, post every day or two. Again, spend the time up front to make sure it’s quick and easy to post. It’ll make all the difference."

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Learning From A Pro

What is O.C.F. and What Do I Need to Get Started by Ali Hohn

O.C.F:  "What is it? It's using some sort of external light source (speedlite/studio light) outside with you and the sun. You can shoot at pretty much anytime of the day whereas with natural light it's more limiting. I typically use an Alien Bee 1600 light powered by Alien Bees Vagabond and my beauty dish. It took me a while to actually understand how to do Off Camera Flash but you can almost use those same techniques in the studio as well. There are a few more things you change when you are outside. But....Off Camera Flash has changed my life and also my editing time. I don't do very much to my photos anymore. They look incredible straight out of the camera.  Once you get your exposures correctly with O.C.F. it will become a breeze to shoot (other than lugging gear around), but personally, I absolutely love shooting this way!"

Would you like to take your photography to the next level? Don't miss out on Ali's Workshops!More information on O.C.F. photography can be found on her website [http://www.rockthatocf.com/]. She also has an O.C.F. Field Guide and an Online Book to help get you started!

"Just 2 days after buying Ali Hohn's Book on OFF CAMERA FLASH I can see the value in my purchase!" ~Leaha Bourgeois

Ali's One Day Workshop Schedule:

Salt Lake City, Utah September 23-24

Peoria, Illinois October 1-3

California October 22-24

Austin, Texas November 5-7

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Give Us Your Best Shot!: O.C.F.

Our first ever Photo Challenge:  Which one is YOUR favorite?? 

We asked Ali Hohn to have some of her best students share their O.C.F. Masterpieces with us, and we were not disappointed!  Submissions are still being accepted until July 7th.  Everyone is welcome to join in on this Photo Challege even if you are not a student!  If you would like to be featured this month, all you need to do is share your talent with us!  [send to bryceandcindy@hotmail.com]. All submissions will be published here, along with your photography website!! What a great way to network and share your work!  Stay tuned for more fabulous shots! 

Challenge Rules:

1.  Image must be O.C.F.

2.  Please send us your name and web address

3.  Photo's will be resized to approximately 600 x 800 pixels and 300 dpi

 

Camilla Binks:  http://www.camillabinks.com/

Kim Ashton: www.abeandkimphotography.com/blog

Christie Meresse: http://www.christiemeresse.com/

Leaha Bourgeois: http://www.popography.org//

Jenny Slade:  http://www.jennieslade.com/

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Shalimar Studios Presents...

Raj & Sumera by photographer Yasmin Tajik

"My heart is singing. Not just because I witnessed and photographed a wedding, but because it was an Indian Sikh wedding. And I was asked and honored to be chosen to shoot the wedding with my dear friend and fellow photographer Ruby. Both Ruby and I come from Middle Eastern families so when we were presented the opportunity to put our photography skills to work for a project that pays homage to our cultures, it took on a different meaning for us. We understand the language, the culture, and the traditions. But the most joyful part of being at this amazing event, is sharing it with others. 

I wish I could recount every detail for you so that you can understand the culture and traditions, but that would take far too long. Instead, please enjoy the images below of some of the work that I am most proud of".  ~Yasmin Tajik

[To see more images from Yasmin please visit Shalimar Studios].

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O.C.F. Submissions For July

[Photo by Cindy Larkin]

July is going to be a very exciting month!  Stay tuned for more on Ali Hohn our Featured Photographer and O.C.F. guru, plus a first ever Photo Challenge called "Give Us Your Best Shot-O.C.F." We are looking for your O.C.F. Masterpieces! Submissions are being collected now, and will be posted after July 1st.  If you would like to be featured in July's Photo Challenge please send your submissions to bryceandcindy@hotmail.com. All submissions will be published along with your photography website!! What a great way to network and share your work! Can't wait!


Rules:
1.  One submission only please
2.  Please send us your name and web address
3.  Photo's will be resized to approximately 600 x 800 pixels and 300 dpi

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10 Simple Yet Effective Photography Tips

by Andy Templeton
[For Beginners or a refresher for the Pros]

1. Move closer to your subject. Nothing kills a photo quicker than a distracting background. If you have a great background try bringing the subject closer to the camera so they don’t get lost. Remember this tip if nothing else.

2. Take lots of pictures. Digital photography is cheap and it is good! It is okay to shoot multiple photos with only slight variations…keep and share your best photos. Also you don’t need an expensive camera; I have photos from all over the world hanging on my walls that were taken with a $300 point and shoot.

3. Get creative. It doesn’t take much to enhance a photo. Pictures taken from 5 ½’ above the ground can look repetitious. Think about changing the perspective – get down on one knee or on your stomach if possible. Stand on a chair. Experiment with different lenses if you have them. Experiment with composition.

4. Rent equipment. Professional camera stores are not just for professionals. They have rental departments where anyone can pick up an exotic lens for a day or more. Many that can be used on non-professional cameras. These rental departments are manned by people with lots of photo knowledge and people are generally more than happy to “talk photography” if not too busy at the moment. Don’t be shy.

5. Use the camera’s flash. Especially outside. Your eyes can look at a person in front of a sunset and see their smile but your camera can’t. It is either going to record the colors of the sunset and your subject will be a silhouette or your subject will be visible and the background will be overexposed. Be conscious of shadows on people’s faces – again utilize your flash. If your subject is looking into the sun they are squinting – turn them away from the sun and fill shadows with flash.

6. Think of your camera like a painter’s canvas. Be the artist. Is there a garbage can or other unwanted item in the frame that can be eliminated by simply moving a foot or so to the left or right? Look at the entire frame you are about to capture, not just the one main element you are focusing on. Sure you can fix it in Photoshop but it is better to capture it the way you want to see it.

7. Study Pictures. Pictures you like. Cut them out of your favorite magazines or newspapers. Keep a file on your desk and just take a moment to look at them and tell yourself what you like about them. Bookmark web sites that have photos you like. Go to them often. Develop your eye.

Oh, and move closer to your subject

8. Learn to take a little criticism. All photographers love their own photos. You put your heart and soul into them. You want to show them off. They are pictures of your kids, taken with the camera you always wanted and just bought. How can people not love them? Remember art is subjective. Not everybody is your mom.

9. Get your pictures published. Local newspapers have photography contests, generally centered on a theme: children, pets, travel. If you are in the right place at the right time, CNN might be interested. Don’t forget about the internet. There are always photo contests you can enter online. Publish your own website. There are plenty of free sites that will allow you to build a web site using your photos. They are a great way to share our art and these days you don’t need a degree from MIT to do it.

10. Learn from your mistakes. But don’t be afraid to break rules. Photography is fun and creative. Nobody is going to die if your snapshots are a little off or weird. What might not work one day may be a stroke of genius the next.

And one last time, move closer to your subject.

For the amateur photographer, these are ten easy, non-technical tips to help you improve the quality of your photos. While there are many technical aspects of photography, great pictures usually begin with a confident photographer who has learned to master composition before worrying about F-Stops.

About the Author
Andy Templeton is a professional photographer located in Orange County, CA. Andy specializes in editorial, public relations and corporate photography. Find his site at http://atempletonphoto.com/ to see his photography, access articles on leveraging images to enhance your business or access his photography blog.

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Advanced Flash

Advanced Lighting Class by Michael Willems

"One of North America’s most experienced photography teachers, pro photographer and flash guru Michael Willems is coming to Las Vegas on July 12 and 13, 2010 to get you up-to-date, with this new workshop aimed specifically at established and emerging pros who want a 'flash' refresher." For more information click here. "I took Michael's Advanced Lighting class in Phoenix last year and it was great!" ~Yasmin Tajik

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Wedding Photographer's Checklist

Seven Must-Have's by Cindy Larkin
[photography by Jennie Slade]

1. Have a portfolio:
You will want to show your work from an entire wedding. This will show the bride and groom that you are capable of doing a great job throughout the whole wedding, not just taking a few lucky shots. It's preferable to have an album or a set of proofs from a recent wedding that you have done. This will assure them that this is not your first wedding and that your style fits theirs. They will be looking for examples that they would like to see in their own wedding images, such as black and white, photo-journalism, family groups and special post-processing actions.

Hint: If you are new to wedding photography, you'll need to start somewhere, right? Ask a friend or family member to let them use you at their wedding as a second photographer, or offer to do their wedding for free, so you can get the experience and portfolio you need. Free photo gigs are a great way to increase your porfolio in any area of photography you choose.

2. Be professional and Courteous:
Little things make a big difference. Always treat them well on the phone, and get back to them within a reasonable amount of time, if they have left you a message. Remember, they may chose you as their photographer not only because they like your work, but because they like you. Keep in mind that if they are happy with your service, they will most likely give your name as a referral to their friends and family members in the future.

3. Have Your Prices And Services Clear:
Let them know ahead of time what type of services you offer, such as how many hours of your time are included in the price, and what your overtime rate is. Let them know how many images they will get back, and if your price includes black and white, as well as color. Let them know if the price includes an engagement sitting and, if not, how much the engagement sitting costs. One of the things they will want to know is what the package price does and does not include. The more information they can get from you before hand, the better.

4. Be Punctual:
Make sure that you are on time for all appointments and well organized, especially the day of the wedding. Being a few minutes early will help ease your mind while you get everything in order. This will not only release some of your tension, but the family's as well. Imagine how you would feel on your wedding day if the photographer did not shown up on time.

5. Have Back Up Equipment:
Always have a back up camera and extra batteries. Accidents do happen and no photographer wants to be stuck on a special day, such as a wedding, without proper equipment.

6. Dress Appropriately:
You will want to choose an outfit that will blend in with the crowd, but keep in step with this formal occassion. I have found that choosing a classic black pantsuit or shirt and slacks, is appropriate in almost any setting. Also, wear comfortable shoes, as you will be moving around alot.

7. Be Prompt with the Proofs:
The Bride and Groom will want to get their wedding proofs or images back within a reasonable amount of time. Two to four weeks after the wedding is a good rule. I generally tell my clients four weeks which gives me enough time to edit them, but I also like to send a "Sneak Peek" via email within a few days, to let them see a couple of my favorite shots. This does 2 very important things. It helps appease them while they are waiting for the remaining pictures, and it also helps ease their mind about how the pictures turned out. I have also found that the sneak peek gets them very excited to see more!

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Capture Their Dream Wedding

It's All In The Details by Cindy Larkin

[photo's by Jennie Slade]

Photography is one of the most important parts of the Bride and Grooms "Big Day". Your photographs are the treasure they will take with them, and cherish for many years to come. It's very important to ask sincere questions before you shoot to find out what makes them unique so you can capture their true personality through your lense. Find out if they are dramatic or laid back. Do they like bold statements or quiet moments? Do they want staged pictures, or photo-journalism style shots, or a combination of the two. Here is a mini checklist to add to your repertoire that can help you showcase the details of their big day:

[photo's by Jennie Slade]

1. Bride putting on her veil, earrings, or shoes.

2. Bride applying makeup or having her hair done

3. Close-ups of hair from the back and side

4. Close-ups and details of Bride's dress/ Groom's tux/ their shoes/ and rings

5. Close-ups of the Bride's bouquet and Groom's tie/boutineer

6. Special interactions between Bride and Groom and loved ones

7. Detail of cake and centerpieces

8. Close-up of bride and groom’s faces during first kiss/dance

9. Bride throwing bouquet

10. Couple leaving in limo/get-away car

[photo's by Jennie Slade]

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Family Portraits

A Few Hints by Cindergirl Photography

1. Before picture day, help guide the family into coordinating their wardrobe by suggesting they pick two or three colors that coordinate, avoiding prints and logo's. It will be up to them to choose their attire but a casual reminder from you will help them stick to a color scheme and will enhance the over all set.

image by Amy Leavitt

2. Schedule the session when the children are at their happiest--usually after they've eaten and after nap time.

3. Schedule your shoot when the lighting is best. Lighting is very important for a great shoot, so let the family know that they may need to be flexible. In the middle of the day when the sun is high in the sky is not ideal, so generally we prefer to shoot outdoor photos either in the morning or just before dusk. The family may have to let go of routines/schedules just for the day to accommodate.

4. Family picture day can be stressful for everyone, but especially for Mom and Dad. Mom usually dreams of everyone and everything being perfect. But let's face it, no family is perfect, and so Mom can become frazzled even before the shoot begins. Dad on the other hand is usually less worried about the actual pictures but is so frustrated by all the fussing, that by the time he arrives at the shoot he's quite cranky and can't wait to just get it over with. Sound familiar??

I have found that addressing the stress at the beginning of the shoot, or making a light joke about it, can ease the tension quite a bit. If you make a point to lighten the mood, they will generally follow your lead. I usually start the shoot with a few candid or casual shots to loosen them up and get them into the mode of being photographed.

5. Even though they are family, sometimes you have to remind them to get close to each other. Having everyone in tight or touching one another can truly make a difference in the feel of the picture. When families are close to each other, touching an arm or tilting their head slightly toward each other, this projects a warmth and visually shows that they belong together. Try having them stand at an angle with shoulders overlapping. If Grandma and Grandpa are there, make sure you make space for them in a prominent spot.

6. As a general rule it's best to shoot the large family group first, especially if there are small children, due to attention spans. Next photograph the children as a group, and then individually (if individual shots are desired). Then photograph the teenageres, and last, the adults.

7. Check your shots for blinking, making sure that everyone looks awake and alert. You don't want anyone in a shot to look asleep or like they're on pain meds. One thing that can help is to have them all close their eyes, then count to three, then have them open their eyes at the same time. If everyone's eyes are refreshed, you should have a few seconds before anyone will have the need to blink again.

8. When counting up to a shot, I sometimes like to take the picture on "2" instead of "3". This helps eliminate forced smiles and helps the posing look a little more natural. Sometimes I count up to three and pretend like I've gotten stuck. {Example: "1-2-3...3...3..."} This usually makes them smile genuinely, avoiding a false look.

9. When I am done taking all the shots I want, I like to ask the parents or kids if they have any ideas in mind. I have gotten some really fun shots when they were being silly coming up with their very own poses.

 

 

10. Never underestimate the picture after the picture. I have found that once the last picture has been taken in a set, they loosen up and give you their "real" smile and you can capture a genuinely candid photo that is sure to please, if you're not in too big of a hurry to get to your next pose.

**Please feel free to share ideas that have worked for you!

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Making Your Own Watermark

As some of you know I use a different program other than Photo Shop as my editing software of choice.  However, I am slowly converting to Photo Shop because it has alot of great features to offer, and is universally used throughout the photography industry as the professional standard.  If you find yourself wanting to switch to Photo Shop, or you are just now making your watermark as a new photographer, I recommend this tutorial.  It's very easy to follow, and mine turned out fabulous!  Thanks Amy!  Watermark Brush Tutorial by Amy Leavitt

For a free 30 day trial of Adobe Photoshop CS5 Extended go here.

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Video Feature: Amy Leavitt

You've Gotta See This Woman in Action!!


Amy Leavitt Photography from Brandon Christensen on Vimeo.

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"Eyes Tutorial" by Amy Leavitt

I’ve had a few questions regarding how exactly I use curves to bring light to the eyes. By the way, I’m using Photoshop CS4 on a Mac.

1. Click on the lasso tool. At the top, you’ll see the settings for this tool. In “Feather”, type in 50 px. Select the eyes using a figure eight shape. This doesn’t have to be perfect, and sometimes you have to try a couple of times.

2. Once selected, it should look something like this:

3. If you’re on a Mac, press CTRL M to bring up curves. Otherwise, select Layer->New Adjustment Layer -> Curves. A box that looks like a graph will pop up.

4. Grab the point in the middle, and pull it up, making an arch. Play around with this to learn what curves does. It’s easy to go too far though! This is how far I went:

5. Press “OK” and you’re good to go!

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