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Guest Contributor Post-Processing

How to Crop for Printing

by guest contributor Anna Gay

A topic that is sometimes a bit confusing for new Photoshop users is cropping images to fit certain dimensions for printing.

To crop an image in Photoshop, most likely, you are going to lose a little bit of the image if you are shooting with a DSLR, and most of us are! The reason behind this is that the image produced in your digital camera tends to be longer than standard print sizes.

Now, you can get by without cropping for printing, but, like I said before, you will have a very long image, and finding a frame to fit your image can be tricky. To be on the safe side, you may want to consider cropping your image to a standard print dimension.

Standard Print Sizes for Framing 

Here is a quick list of common print sizes, in inches:

  • 3.5×5
  • 4×6
  • 5×7
  • 8×10
  • 11×14
  • 16×20
  • 20×24

Keep in mind that if you would like to mat your prints, you’ll need to consider the size of the print AND the mat within the frame. So, if you want to use a 16×20 frame, you’ll need your print to be around 11X14 to give enough room for the mat to fit in the frame, as well. If you are not planning to mat, though, you can print your image at the same dimensions as your frame.

Cropping in Photoshop

Select your Crop tool in the left-hand toolbar

Now, in the Width and Height value boxes, enter the dimensions of the print size you would like to crop to – for this example, I’m making an 8×10 crop. Since the original image is really wide, I made the width 10 inches and the height 8 inches, in order to preserve as much of the original image as possible.

Also, make sure the resolution is set to at least 300 pixels/inch (also known as “ppi”) in order to insure maximum print quality and to avoid pixelation.

Next, to crop your image, left-click and hold down on your mouse as your drag the crop box across your image. When you release the left button on your mouse, you will then be able to move the box around on your image until you are satisfied with the crop:

When you are satisfied with the crop selection, right click once with your mouse, and you will then see a prompt for “Crop” or “Cancel.”

The crop tool will let you crop to any dimensions/ppi you like, so this is a great resource if you need exact dimensions.

Also, you can switch up the height/width if need be. For example, if you are putting together a scrapbook, and you need a vertical image as opposed to a horizontal like we just cropped above, you can crop your image to vertical instead by reversing the height/width values:

As you can see, with the vertical crop, we are definitely losing a lot of the original image, so keeping your crop either vertical or horizontal to match the original image from your camera is helpful. But, if you are in a pinch and absolutely have to crop a different way, it can be done!

One last thing

A common mistake that is made with cropping in Photoshop is to use the Image Size feature. This feature will only work if you are resizing your image with the same proportions, making adjustments like setting a smaller ppi, or different pixel dimensions for the height/width, for example. So, if you try to resize your original image to, say, 16X20, it will drastically distort your image.
Original:

Entering 16X20 in Image Size feature

 

The result

So, for all intents and purposes, try using the Crop tool, as this will give you the most accurate dimensions for printing, without distorting your image.

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About the Author: Anna Gay is a portrait photographer based in Athens, GA and the author of the dPS ebook The Art of Self-Portraiture. She also designs actions and textures for Photoshop. When she is not shooting or writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband, and their two cats, Elphie and Fat Cat.

 

Photographer Spotlight

Photographer Spotlight: Jamilia Jean Photography

We are so EXCITED today to welcome the amazingly talented Jamie Zobrist of Jamilia Jean Photography to the Blog! Learn more about Jamie in our Photographer Spotlight and visit her at her website Jamilia Jean Photography.  Thank you so much Jamie for sharing your work with us today!

Where did your inspiration for photography begin? As a hairdresser, you learn to look at people with a different eye. What would I do to their hair if I could get my hands on them? What color or cut would bring out their features better? My younger sister, Jessica, and I both do hair, and she added make-up artistry to her list of skills years ago. Together, we would experiment our ideas on people and take pictures of our “creations”. The word got out, and I found myself taking lots of pictures. I started out with a Canon Rebel, and the more time I invested, the more “accessories” I had to have! New lenses, new camera, etc–you know how it is. 🙂 I realized I loved photos, and poured everything I had into it. I love it more every time I do a shoot.

How would you describe your photography style? The majority of my shoots are natural light–although I do try to do studio lighting when I can. I try to capture moments- Candid shots or “the outtakes” always end up being my favorite.

Did you study photography in school or are you self taught? The only official classes I’ve ever taken for photography are the 2 years I did in high school–which I loved! I have done workshops, and a few random classes, but I’m mostly self-taught. I’ve read a lot of books, read and watched tutorials, and have had some great help from other photographers who I admire to teach me what I need to know with editing and shooting. Trial and error has been my biggest teacher though.

Do you shoot Canon or Nikon, and what is your favorite lens? Canon 5D Mark II. My favorite lens, hands down, is my 50mm 1.4. I often shoot entire sessions with just that one lens. I’m a prime lens lover. I feel like you can’t get a sharper, clearer image, with anything else. One thing I try to tell people is to turn off the auto-focus every once in a while. I personally never use it. It makes for sharper, more creative images too!

Do you have any tips for photographers on how to find the light? Figuratively or literally? JK! Especially with portraits, I think reading a book about lighting is key. I remember focusing a lot on that in my high school photo classes–which lighting set up is more masculine or feminine, and how to achieve that. Now, with digital DSLR’s, white balance comes into play, so knowing what temperature to set your white balance at is important also. It just takes a little playing around to find what you like with light and shadows and how to bring out features or to minimize them. I find myself always being drawn to more romantic, hazy light. A lot of my shoots occur during that “magic hour”(Late afternoon-ish) where everything seems to be lit up just right. I love back lighting–don’t be afraid to arrange your subject with you aiming into the sun. You might have to move around a little to get it where you want, but if there is enough light on your model’s face, try it out!

Last year your “JOY” image went viral – could you tell us more about that image? That was just crazy! It went out of control so fast, I couldn’t keep track of it. We had just spent an hour out in the cold and it was the very end of the shoot when the mother of the kids pulled out those J-O-Y letters. Normally I’m not a huge fan of props (don’t get me wrong, they can be great–so I’ve learned) and so we sat them down and immediately the twin boys lost it. The little girl got in trouble for goofing off and she started in too! It might have seemed like it should have signaled that it was time to wrap it up, but I have a nasty habit of taking pictures at just the wrong (perfect) time! Ha! I was laughing so hard at the irony of the whole thing that only 2 of about 10 shots weren’t blurry (Auto-focus might have come in handy then, huh?)

What is a good lesson you have learned this year in photography or in your business? On a business level, something that I’ve learned with photography–goes for being a hairdresser too, is you’ve really got to market yourself. It’s much easier with Facebook and instagram now, but if you can find that one client-the one that knows everyone, or encounters a lot of people, to do a session with, the word will get out! Word of mouth is a powerful and useful tool. Maybe drop the price of a session or offer it for free–anything to get the word out.

If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be? Like I said before, lighting. Its crucial. It’ll make or break your photos, because basically that’s all photography is! Learn the basics, and then get creative.

What do you love most about being a photographer? For me, there is so much about photography that I love. Being creative, meeting families, watching kids grow-up each year, trying different things I’ve learned and I’ll go as far to admit that its an outlet for me to get out of the house and away from everything to do something that makes me relaxed and happy.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 5 years? I can barely plan till next month. 🙂 But really, I hope I’m leaps and bounds better than I am now. I still have so much to learn. You never know where it will take you–I definitely couldn’t have imagined being interviewed for a blog about photography 5 years ago, or having a picture go viral, so I hope that in 5 more there will be more that I couldn’t have imagined!

blog_separatorAbout Jamie Zobrist: I’m a super busy wife and mom of 4 girls–the youngest 2 are twins! I’m a hairdresser as well as a photographer, but in recent years have found myself doing more photography, which I could have never imagined. I grew up in Las Vegas, but currently live in Chino Hills, in Southern California, and plan on staying! I consider myself pretty creative and love to craft, and read, but usually have to squeeze time in for those– I always manage it somehow! 🙂

Visit Jamie at her WEBSITE | FACEBOOK pages today!

 

Photographer Spotlight

Photographer Spotlight : Kelley Ryden

Alright Pretty readers, get ready to oooooh and aaaaaah! Today, we have the FABULOUS Kelley Ryden in our Photographer Spotlight.  Learn more about her GORGEOUS newborn photography and visit her at her website Kelley Ryden Newborn Photographer.  Thank you so much Kelley for sharing your work with us today!

Where did your inspiration for photography begin?

My mother bought me my first film SLR when I was a freshman in high school (which is many, many, many years ago!). I loved the technical side of it and figuring out how all the settings worked together to get the final results. I think once my technique came effortlessly, then the artistic side started to develop and is still developing to this day!

How would you describe your photography style?

Tracy and I both like the keep it very simple. When we have a newborn in the studio I want to have a handful of set-ups that are timeless and just about baby. Then we always explore each session with new ideas. So it’s a mix of timeless and then what’s new on the horizon.

Did you study photography in school or are you self taught?

I have studied film at our local community college, but with the digital knowledge I’m all self taught. I loved shooting film, but with my software engineering background, the digital was a better fit for me. My background prior to becoming a photographer and degrees in Elementary education/early childhood development and then another degree in software engineering have really helped me to fine tune my photography.

Do you shoot Canon or Nikon, and what is your favorite lens?

Nikon for me, and I mainly use a 50mm lens.

Do you have any tips for photographers on how to find the light?

I have a studio with a west facing sliding doors and shoot in the morning when the light is nice and soft. I find that soft light and good camera technique result in images that come looking great straight out of camera. The less time I have to sit at my desk editing the better! I would much rather spend the time in the studio to get it right than sit at my Mac!

What is the most challenging thing about photographing newborns?

Tracy and I have been doing newborn photography since 2006, so I think to keep us motivated, challenged and still growing, we try and stay creatively inspired. We have a handful of signature shots we’ve started and are always exploring new avenues.

What is a good lesson you have learned this year in photography or in your business?

I have 3 boys ages 8, 7 and 3 that keep me very busy. It’s really import to me that I have time for them. I’ve had years early in my career that I’ve spend way too many hours working, which I loved, but now at this time in my life I want to really enjoy my family.

Being prepared in the studio during sessions and then also staying focused while working at my desk help me to maximize my time, which means working less and more time for my family. My clients are rewarded as I stay fresh and motivated each and every session to produce the best. It has taken several years to work to this point, but now that my to-do list is short each work day is so much more rewarding.

If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?

To be a photographer means artistically finding your own path. By first understanding the mechanics of shooting, you then can explore how to express yourself thru the presentation of your images. So be technically sound first, then the artistic side of photography will grow. This is when it then starts to get really, really fun.

What do you love most about being a photographer?

I am a newborn photography. This is part of who I am. Sure I do other ages, but when I operate at my highest ability I’m in the studio with my camera, my sister Tracy by my side and a cute little newborn.

I never get tired of posing & styling. We take our time posing and getting everything so, so perfect while keeping the newborn peaceful and safe. We never push limits with a newborn and stay one step ahead to keep them in the right state of mind. All the little sounds they make, the movements they do have meaning to communicate. Being able to recognize their natural born instincts lets us react to keep the session peaceful and most importantly safe. I find it so interesting how their fresh, unconditioned minds work. They are born with such great instincts and only know how to be a newborn and how to express their needs. Every newborn that comes to us I get excited about and can’t wait to begin. That’s when you know you are meant to continue on a chosen path.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Actively involved with my 3 boys and a few days out of each week getting to photograph cute little newborns. I’ve been so lucky to find newborn photography, and there’s no other creative outlet I’d rather have!

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About Kelley Ryden: I spent my childhood in Montana then after graduating college moved to Nebraska.   I then met my husband Kevin, had 3 wonderful boys and do a little bit of photography here and there while mostly just being a Mommy and wife!

Visit Kelley at her WEBSITE | FACEBOOK pages today!

 

Gifts for Photographers

25 Great Gift Ideas for Photographers

Don’t know what to get your FAVE photographer this holiday season?  Well, we’ve got you covered!!  We’ve put together a fabulous list of 25 Great Gifts for Photographers.  These fun and unique gift ideas are perfect for any photography enthusiast!

1.  The Black Rapid Camera Women’s Strap is designed specifically for women. Part of the award-winning R-Strap line, the Women’s Strap is the world’s first camera strap that focuses on the perfect fit for the female. While maintaining the traditional “Built for Speed” design, BlackRapid’s designers added a sleek curve highlighted with an elegant but slight pattern accent or classic black. This Women’s Strap provides comfort, speed, and durability along with graceful styling.  I LOVE my Black Rapid!!

2.  Kelly Moore bags are a FABULOUS way to carry your camera gear in style!  Who wouldn’t love a bag like this for Christmas?  Kelly Moore bags come in a wide range of styles and include bags for both men and women!

3. Check out the Joby Gorillapod SLR-Zoom GP3 Flexible Camera Tripod, and place your camera on almost any surface!  Its sturdy prehensile legs help you achieve a steady shot with your SLR camera and zoom lenses. It attaches to any virtually any SLR, video camera, or tripodhead. The Gorillapod SLR-Zoom can support an impressive 6.6 pounds, yet it is remarkably compact and lightweight.  A perfect tripod to have on hand for all your family photos where YOU want to be in the shot too!

4.  The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens is a great deal for around $100.  If you’re looking for sharper images and love background bokeh, start here.  This is the perfect gift for a friend!  If you’re looking for the 1.4, it’s about $200 more and a great buy.  If you are a Nikon user, check out the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S NIKKOR Lens.

5. If you’re not using Lightroom 5, you are really missing out!  We cannot recommend this program highly enough.  This is an indispensible workflow tool that will help you organize and edit your images quickly and easily.  If you’re a teacher or student be sure to check out the Student and Teacher Edition for a steal of a deal!

6.  Another great editing program we highly recommend is Adobe Photoshop Elements 12.   This is a powerful editing program, and a much more affordable alternative to Photoshop CS6.

7. Spyder 4 Express is a fantastic tool for photographers!   We get a lot of questions about how to calibrate monitors and this is a wonderful way to do it. Product Description:  The Spyder4Express is a simple, affordable solution for calibrating a display. Featuring a patented, full-spectrum seven-color sensor that can accurately characterize a variety of wide gamut and normal displays, Spyder4Express lets you use the same sensor to calibrate your monitor, laptop computer, iPad, and iPhone. The fourth-generation sensor uses double-shielded filters for long life and optimum performance.  It is designed for Photo Enthusiasts, Advanced Amateurs, Passionate Photographers and DSLR users of all kinds.

8.  With more than 350,000 copies sold, Understanding Exposure has demystified the complex concepts of exposure for countless photographers.  Now updated with current technologies, more than one hundred new images, and an all-new chapter, this new edition will inspire you more than ever to free yourself from “auto” and create the pictures you truly want.  This is a perfect book for anyone wanting to learn the basics of Photography.

9.  Express your creativity with the Lensbaby composer for Canon or Nikon.   Product Description:  All Lensbaby™ selective focus SLR camera lenses provide photographers with a new way to control depth of field by bringing one area of a photo into sharpest focus with that Sweet Spot surrounded by graduated blur. By bending the Lensbaby lens, the photographer moves the sharp area around the photo for customized creative effects!

10.  Photo-opoly is a FUN idea for the entire family!!  Choose 22 of your favorite photos and create a game for a birthday, a family reunion, a wedding, a party, a baby shower, an anniversary, or ANY EVENT.  For 2 to 6 players.  Ages 8 & Up.

11.  A Camera Lens Mug in either Nikon or Canon. Any photographer would love to show off this kind of a lens in public. Seeing people’s eyes bug out when you twist off and take a drink is entertainment for sure.

12.  If the photographer on your list doesn’t have an ExpoDisc, they are really missing out. This is hands down the easiest way to get spot on White Balance every time.  The ExpoDisc White Balance Filter can be used to quickly set a custom white balance, virtually eliminating the need for RAW and JPEG color adjustments.

13.  This 5-in-1 Fotodiox 42″ Premium-Grade Professional Collapsible Disc Reflector is a versatile and economical solution for light control in the field. With a simple flip of the sleeve, the reflector can be used as a warm gold tone reflector, a soft silver reflector, a neutral white bounce, or a solid black flag. The internal disc can be used as a diffuser to soften and spread the light hitting your subject. The reflector easily collapses to fit into the included carrying case making it a breeze to transport. The reflector is ready-to-go and available in many sizes.

14. These ADORABLE Camera USB Flash Drives are a fun and convenient way to save all of your important documents whether you are at the office or at home. It is also a great gift for your favorite photographer!

15.  Creative professionals seeking the fastest, easiest, most comprehensive way to learn Adobe Photoshop CS6 choose Adobe Photoshop CS6 Classroom in a Book from the Adobe Creative Team at Adobe Press. The 14 project-based lessons in this book show readers step-by-step the key techniques for working in Photoshop CS6 and how to manipulate images, edit motion-based content, and create image composites.

16.  The first time you experience a Gary Fong Cloud Diffuser can completely change your world. It’s a simple attachment that goes onto a Speedlight on top of your camera and helps spread the light around. For situations where you can’t set up an off camera flash and don’t want the direct light from the Speedlight, this is the best way to add more light without blinding your subjects.

17. This EXCLUSIVE Camera Charm Necklace from Photographer Depot was designed with impeccable attention to detail.  Perfect for everyday wear and glamorous enough for a night on the town!  A sparkling crystal “Lens” is bezel set and surrounded by 18 accent stones.  Presented on a classic cable chain Sterling Silver necklace.  This beautiful charm is hand crafted in the USA.

18.  Memory Cards in any size or speed are something that are always a welcome gift for photographers. Make sure you find out if the receiver uses Compact Flash cards or SD Cards.

19.  Camera Cookie Cutters are a fun way to treat your friends, family and business associates to a true taste of your photography. Bake batches of cookies in any of the three camera shapes the set includes – SLR, TLR and rangefinder. The reusable cutters can be used to cook up a delicious photographic treat that can be decorated, iced or eaten right out of the mold.

20. The best camera is the one you have with you. If that camera is your iPhone, you can take those photos to the next level with the ECO-FUSED iPhone 5 Camera Lens Kit that will make any iPhone shot even more incredible. It includes not just a Macro, Fisheye and Wide angle but a Telephoto and all the supplies needed to keep it steady. A great mini set up for when you want to take images but don’t want to lug the whole gear around.

21. Another thing that any photographer can use more of is hard drive memory.  Technology is getting better and cheaper.  You can now get a 1TB Portable Hard Drive for less than $100 – that’s amazing!!

22.  This Professional Cleaning Kit for DSLR Cameras makes an amazing stocking stuffer! Everything needed to keep gear in top working condition is included.

23.  Dating back to the early 1960’s, the all-plastic Diana camera is a cult legend – famous for its its dreamy, radiant, and lo-fi images. The brand new DianaF+ is a faithful reproduction and a loving homage to the classic Diana – with a few new features tossed in.  Each package includes the beautiful “Diana Vignettes” book – packed with over 200 pages of Diana history, Diana+ images, and truly off-the-wall short stories. Uses all varieties of medium format 120 film.

24.  Any photographer needs to be on time to be successful. This FUN F-Stop Watch is a great way to stay punctual and show off your career.

25. Back in the day, the only way you could see your images instantly was with a Polaroid. Now, there are so many different ways to see images immediately but the joy of a Polaroid or Instax camera has never diminished. Especially not when it’s in an adorable pink Instax camera like this!

LEGAL STUFF: This promotion is in NO WAY sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook.  All of these gift ideas are items we recommend and some are affiliates to our company.

Photographer Spotlight

Photographer Spotlight: Nichole Van

We are so excited to welcome the amazingly talented Nichole Van to the Blog! Learn more about Nichole in our Photographer Spotlight and visit her at her website NicholeV Photography.  Thank you so much Nichole for sharing your work with us today!

Where did your inspiration for photography begin?

Mmmmm, my journey to becoming a photographer was a rather long one. I always loved art and photography in general and was a hobbyist photographer for years. But I think that like so many people, I became truly serious once I had kids. Everything comes together when you have a new baby, I think. Wanting to capture every moment and then most of us take time off from our “real” jobs with a newborn, so we actually have a little free time to practice. That’s how I morphed from hobbyist to professional.

How would you describe your photography style?

I think of my style as drama. Everything has to be bigger and more fantastic than real life for me. I want to take a scene and distort or blur or somehow twist it into something that is larger than life.

Did you study photography in school or are you self taught?

I’m mostly self-taught with my photography. My undergrad degree is in art history, so I studied art for years and I think that that helped as well. But most of my photography education came from online forums, fellow photographers and just a lot of trial and error.

Do you shoot Canon or Nikon, and what is your favorite lens?

I shoot Canon and I currently shoot with a Canon Mark III 1Ds, as well as the Canon 5D Mark III. And I always get asked what my favorite lens is and it’s impossible for me to decide as it entirely depends on what I’m photographing. That being said, I do have favorite focal lengths: 16mm and 200mm. I often shoot an entire session using only those two focal lengths.

Do you have any tips for photographers on how to find the light?

Oh man, this is a huge question! I actually have written literally hundreds of pages in my workshop textbooks that talk about this, using both natural light and flash. A simple tip is to have clients look up at you when photographing a portrait, instead of having their head at the same level as yours. Looking up opens up the eyes and creates much larger catchlights.

What is your favorite subject to photograph?

Obviously, I love photographing my children. My daughter, in particular, is still my muse. Give me an amazing over-the-top dress for her and a romantic location and I’m in heaven!

What is a good lesson you have learned this year in photography or in your business?

When you’re in Venice, Italy and you drag your jet-lagged body out of bed at sunrise for a shoot, make sure your camera battery is charged. Cause nothing is worse than being in the perfect location and setting up the perfect shot, only to realize you have no battery. That was a very sad morning.

If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?

Get it perfect in camera. Don’t rely on post processing to “fix” your images. Assume that your client will see every image you take exactly as it comes out of camera and then shoot to make every image perfect. Most workflow problems can be solved by having better images in camera.

Oh and learn to love your on-camera flash. Weird, I know, but seriously, using a speedlight well is THE most useful skill! My speedlight has saved me more times than I can count.

What do you love most about being a photographer?

Being in the business of happiness. When people call me to book a session, it’s almost always a good thing. It’s not like being a doctor or car mechanic or some other profession where people only come to you when something is wrong. I love being in an industry that celebrates the joyful moments of life.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Right here, doing what I love most, creating beautiful images for my clients.

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 About Nichole: Based in Utah, USA, Nichole Van specializes in turning everyday life into art. Nichole loves expressing the unique beauty of every client, creating artistic images that make people gasp when they see them. Nichole has won numerous international awards, including portrait of the year from WPPI, as well as being a finalist for Grand Imaging Awards from PPA. She has also been featured in Rangefinder and Professional Photographer magazine, as well as numerous local and online publications. Nichole provides instruction to other professional photographers and has presented classes at WPPI’s international convention, as well as IPPA. Nichole currently holds an Accolade of Photographic Mastery from WPPI.

Visit Nichole on her GALLERY | WEBSITE | FACEBOOK

Celebrity Mentor Photographer Spotlight

Photography Spotlight + Celebrity Mentor : Tonya Poitevint

Today we have the bright and beautiful artwork of Tonya Poitevint. Learn more about her gorgeous work and visit her at website Tonya Poitevint Photography.

The best news…  Tonya will be featured as our “Celebrity Mentor” in the Pretty Forum for the entire month of November, so come on over and ask her anything you like.  Thank you so much Tonya for sharing your work with us today!


Where did your inspiration for photography begin?

I have always loved taking pictures to document the moment. It wasn’t until I had my children that the “photograph taking” moved full steam ahead! After the birth of my third child, I upgraded to a professional camera and that is when I feel I truly embraced photography, the learning of technical aspects and participating in lots and lots of practice!

How would you describe your photography style?

My style is very much candid in nature and simple in its set up. I prefer to sit back and observe moments unfold and interact with my subjects on an emotional level, in order to capture the true spirit of the moment. My images have been described as emotive with an editing style that is complimentary to the image. My post processing is non complicated and I err on the side of “less is more” 😉

Did you study photography in school or are you self taught?

I am self taught. Between lots of practicing and literally taking thousands of photographs and scouring books, my camera manual, and the internet, I was able to gain a lot of insight and wisdom into the world of photography. I also asked a lot of questions and wasn’t shy about contacting favorite photographers and inquiring with them. I was pleasantly surprised that almost every one of them wrote me back with helpful answers!

Do you shoot Canon or Nikon, and what is your favorite lens?

I shoot Canon. I am really happy with the Canon line. My favorite lens is becoming my 85 1.2. I find I keep it on my camera most of the time.

Do you have any tips for photographers on how to find the light?

Finding light…I believe as photographers, we are naturally drawn to light, and with that said, sometimes the “good light” finds us. For me I watch for smooth, non patchy light. I will often move around a subject to find the most flattering light for the type of shot I am trying to achieve. I was once afraid of too much sun, but now find that I prefer too much sun to too little sun. I love to backlight my subjects and play around with shadows and illumination that way. I also really, really have a fondness for window light…and we all know how to find that. We just need to find a window 😉

What is the most challenging thing you’ve found in your photography business?

For me, it’s pricing my own value. I think it’s pretty typical that we underestimate ourselves and I almost recommend a course in self esteem and business finance before starting a photography business. It is imperative to value ourselves as human beings, as creatives and as business people too!

What is a good lesson you have learned this year in photography or in your business?

An important lesson I’ve learned this year was not to limit myself. Try different things. Shoot different scenarios. I want to experience all sorts of shooting jobs. I even took a job shooting food for a local restaurant. My philosophy was that I would never know if I liked it, unless I tried it. I more than likely will not be making a career out of food photography…I crave personal interaction too much, but I would never have known this without trying. I am taking on a no more fear approach…I will not limit myself!

If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?

I would encourage them to not look to social media for inspiration. Shoot from within…create your own vision. Look to your own imagination and ideas and create from that, first. It’s OK to eventually scour the internet, pinterest, facebook for inspiration, but initially start with creating your own style and interest. You will develop into a unique, fresh and exciting photographer much more quickly by listening to what makes you tick, than if you depend on outside sources to do that for you!

What do you love most about being a photographer?

I love that I am not fully comfortable. I still get nervous. I still make mistakes. I still am learning. I still critique my work and I am still making images that move me and my clients. I think when all of this stops, I would more than likely stop taking pictures. I don’t foresee that happening 😉

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

This question always stops me in my tracks and when I’ve answered it 5 years ago, or 5 years before that…I am never doing the thing I “see” myself doing. So therefore…I see myself doing whatever it is I’m meant to be doing in 5 years and hopefully realizing it’s exactly where I should be. For me, life is ever changing and it’s up to me to adapt to it and accept the path that life takes me on.

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About the Artist: I am a Mom first, a photographer second.  I feel that if it weren’t for my children, I wouldn’t be inspired daily, at the depths of which I am.  I love to feel, and I love to see beauty in the unremarkable, therefore, life easily moves me.  My happy place is while I’m dancing, letting the music clear my mind.  I enjoy deep and powerful conversation, I love to cook, yet dislike following recipes, wine and lipgloss are my guilty pleasures and for me the search of the simple life is what moves me and projects me forward always!  I reside in Southern Oregon, am a self taught photographer, have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and am certified in Cosmetology for hair…all of which help me immensely while on photo shoots…It has become a very helpful trifecta.  I am 42 years old and feel, for the first time in my life, that I’m finally hitting my stride. I plan on riding it for a while! 😉

Visit Tonya at her WEBSITE | FACEBOOK  pages today!

And don’t forget, you can ask Tonya anything you like in the Pretty Celebrity Mentor Forum for the entire month of  November!

Photographer Spotlight

Photographer Spotlight : Amanda Holloway

We are so excited to welcome the fabulously talented Amanda Holloway to the Blog! Learn more about Amanda in our Photographer Spotlight and visit her at her website Amanda Holloway Photography.  Thank you so much Amanda for sharing your work with us today!

Where did your inspiration for photography begin?

My inspiration for photography was born out of very dark time in my life. I had just given birth to my beautiful son, Web, and I was immediately met with Post Partum Depression. I wanted so badly to escape the smothering feeling that PPD was so sneakily forcing on me that I insisted on photographing anyone and everyone who asked me to. I had just bought my shiny new Nikon D5000 and thought I was such a pro. When I started posting photos of my son online, my friends wanted me to take their children’s photos and it became an easy way out for me. While I was shooting, I didn’t have to be mommy, or wife, so it was quite freeing for the time being.

Once PPD subsided, I suddenly realized that I was working a full time job as a Juvenile Probation Officer, shooting sessions on the weekend, and staying up til 3 am editing those sessions while waking up with a newborn every night. I was in over my head and the haze of PPD was no longer around to help me make excuses. It was during that time of revelation that I decided to specialize in senior photography. It made me truly happy and I couldn’t wait to shed myself of the other genres I wasn’t very crazy about.

So I began my journey into senior photography and haven’t looked back since. My photography career has allowed me to quit my job, be there for my son who we recently found out is special needs, put him in amazing therapeutic environments and be happier both financially, and family wise than I can remember.

How would you describe your photography style?

This is always such a hard question to answer! I would like to think my style is bold, colorful and rich while remaining modern yet timeless. It’s important to me not to “date” my portraits with crazy styles and actions that may be trending at the moment but never last the test of time. I always want my seniors to be able to look back on their portraits in ten years and not be embarrassed when they do.

I think there’s a lot to be said for beautifully simple portraits. Clean imagery when done right can be absolutely stunning.

Did you study photography in school or are you self taught?

I have two degrees… one in Criminal Justice and the other in Psychology. Imagine my utter shock when God kept opening doors in the photography world for me. I took a few beginner online classes and a beginning workshop here and there, but that’s about it. A lot of my workflow both, business and art wise, is self-taught. I knew the way I wanted to run my business and I knew what I wanted my photography style to look like and I just went after it. I’m not one to stick around with something if I’m not happy with it and that’s the same for my business.

Do you shoot Canon or Nikon, and what is your favorite lens?

Oh, Nikon, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways! Hah! I started out with my trusty little Nikon D5000 in 2009. I paired it with a Sigma 24-70 (or something like that) lens and through shooting, quickly realized that I hated zoom lenses. I am a prime girl through and through! I immediately went out and purchased a Nikon 50mm 1.4G and fell in love. It’s been primes for me ever since.

I began to notice about a year after that first purchase that I could not get my camera what I wanted it to do for me. I tried to push it past it’s possibilities and realized that I had outgrown my gear. I went out and bought a Nikon D700 along with a 35mm 1.4G, an 85mm 1.4G and a 105mm 2.8G. I absolutely loved the full frame D700 and when the D800 came out, I heard about how amazing the detail was. Being a detail whore myself, I bit. I absolutely love my D800 and my 85mm 1.4G has not left it’s side in quite some time. I really do love the pairing.

Do you have any tips for photographers on how to find the light?

Finding the light has to be one of the biggest issues I’ve seen photographers face in their art workflow. It can mean the world when it comes to shooting purposefully and can cut down your editing time to a fraction of what it used to be.

The main thing I look for when scouting locations is the “fall off.” When you have found a good location, face your subject towards the source of light. The light should shine brightest on your subject’s “T-zone” and fall off their face as it goes back towards their hairline. Notice any catch lights in their eyes as well as good contrast in tonal differences from highlights to shadows. Those factors scream good light.

Bad light is flat and dull on your subject’s face. Usually bad lighting is indicated by very little contrast in tonal differences and hardly any fall off.

I love using the Impact 5-in-1 oval reflector (it’s the biggest they have) to help pop some light back into my subject’s face and eyes.

What is the most challenging thing about photographing seniors?

Oh, gosh! That’s a hard one! I would say the hardest thing for me is to keep each and every single one of them different from the other! I used a studio photographer who had a little natural light area right outside her studio and of course, all of my friend’s portraits looked the exact same. Same pose, same location, same everything. Boo. My main goal is to offer something different between each senior.

While it’s definitely a tough commitment to make, I have found that it pushes me to stay creative and on top of my game in the market.

What is a good lesson you have learned this year in photography or in your business?

This past year was really rough all around. There was drama, competition, and just plain ugliness. I thought my career was over at a few points during the year and then at others, I just wanted to quit. Imagine my surprise when I’ve come back stronger than ever.

The best lesson I learned this past year is that no matter what people say about you, YOU have the power to prove them wrong. If your competition starts to spread ugly rumors about you, prove them wrong. If your best friends turns into your enemy, prove them wrong… not through words, but your ACTIONS. You can say whatever you want to try and disprove but it doesn’t mean anything until you SHOW IT. Listen carefully to the crap, ask if it’s true. If it is and you don’t like that it explains you, change it. If it’s not true, ignore it.

If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?

BE YOURSELF. So many times, we look at other artists’ work and dream of creating works of art like them. NO NO NO! YOU have a voice and you should use it!!! What do YOU want to say? How do YOU want to create? That is what is important and that is what will keep you happy as an artist!

What do you love most about being a photographer?

For me, providing a boost in self-esteem to these young girls is HUGE to me. A healthy confidence in yourself can result in better grades, better attitude, better behavior and even a better outlook on life. A lot of my girls have absolutely no clue how beautiful they truly are and if I can help them see that, then I’ve done my job.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years, I hope to continue to evolve in the senior photography market. I know that’s vague but I’m very careful not to make plans of my own as God has shown me that he is the one who decides where he wants me to be. 😉

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About Amanda: Over the years, Amanda has worked hard to gain a reputation as one of the best SENIOR photographers in her industry, earning the respect of her peers around the world and accolades from industry print and web media outlets. She is called upon often to share what she’s learned through the experiences of running her own photography business and teaches workshops that are booked as far as a year in advance. What she promises to her clients is a couture photography experience that focuses on their true beauty – inside and out. She work with her clients to transform them into the wonderful women they want to be and feel as though they just walked off the pages of Vogue. Her approach is fresh and modern with bold, rich color – she create works of art for my clients to look back upon for years to come.

Visit Amanda on her WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM

Business & Marketing Guest Contributor

4 Unconventional, Outside the Box Marketing Strategies for More Leads

by guest contributor Stephanie Padovani

Craigslist photographers. Uncle Bob. If you want the work, you’ve got to stand out. But how do you stand out in a sea of competition?

Follow these steps and use these unconventional photography marketing strategies and get inspired to generate more leads without spending loads of cash.

Meet your clients where the competition isn’t.
When you go to a bridal show you’re side by side with dozens of other photographers. You have to work that much harder just to get noticed.
Think of creative ways to reach your ideal clients by meeting them where your competitors aren’t. First, ask yourself these questions:

Step 1 – Who are your ideal clients?
If you don’t already know who your ideal clients are, in detail, get out a pen and start scribbling. You need to know exactly who they are so that you can meet them there.

  • How old are they?
  • What websites do they visit?
  • What schools do they attend?
  • What organizations do they belong to?
  • What type of career and interests do they have?

Step 2 – Where are your ideal clients, online and off?
Once you know who your clients are you can figure out where to find them. If you’re having trouble answering these questions, ask your past clients.
For instance, you may discover that your best wedding clients are Style Me Pretty fans. Or maybe they prefer Rock & Roll Bride. If you know where your potential clients are hanging out on these blogs, it makes sense to get a real wedding feature that puts you front and center in front of that target audience.

Step 3 – Get unconventional. Where can you meet your potential clients with little or no competition?

  • Strategy #1 – Get their undivided attention…in the restroom. It sounds crazy, but it works! One photographer discovered that her best boudoir clients were frequent customers of a particular bar in her home town. She placed inexpensive ads on the doors of the bathroom stalls and watched the leads roll in. Now are you getting the importance of knowing where your clients eat, play and surf online? Use this information to inspire more unconventional strategies for getting their attention.
  • Strategy #2 – Transform a free photo shoot into repeat family portrait sales over the holidays. Another photographer approached a local hotel that hosted breakfast with Santa events for the family. He took photos of the families for free, only requiring that they sign up for his email list to get the digital image. Once they were on his email list, he sends them tips for capturing special moments with the kinds and occasional offers for family portraits. The free image is well worth his time to capture those leads that turn into repeat business.
  • Strategy #3 – Partner with jewelry stores using the Stealth Engagement strategy. The first business most engaged couples visit, even before they set the date or even pop the question, is the jewelry store when they pick out an engagement ring. Enter the “Stealth Engagement” strategy. Create a special certificate offering the recipient a free proposal photo session, and invite the jewelry sales person to present it to the bride or groom who purchases an engagement ring. The groom looks good because he’s arranged for a photographer to capture that proposal moment; the jeweler looks good because he’s hooked up his customer, and you get introduced to a couple who’s going to be hiring a wedding photographer very soon…before your competition even has a chance.
  • Strategy #4 – Get another local wedding pro to promote you to their fans and followers on their blog. Let’s say you discover that your ideal wedding clients seem to hire a popular local DJ for the wedding. Her clients are a good match for you, and she has a huge following on Facebook and a vibrant wedding blog. Offer to write a guest blog post for that DJ and add some gorgeous photos to really spice it up. Be sure to include a link to your website and a compelling offer in your author byline. Regular bloggers are always happy to feature great content (believe me, I know!) and you’ve just introduced yourself to a highly targeted audience of brides who are the perfect match for your business. Instead of using the same marketing strategies your competition uses, the ones that butt you right up against them and make it even more difficult to stand out, think creatively to put yourself in front of the couples who are looking for the photography you specialize in.

What do you think about these strategies?

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About the Author: Stephanie Padovani and her husband, Jeff, are the dynamic husband-wife duo behind Book More Brides, the #1 online resource for transformational marketing strategies for the wedding industry. Visit BookMoreBrides.com to get more low cost, effective wedding marketing strategies.

 

 

Photographer Spotlight

Photographer Spotlight : Caralee Case

We are so thrilled to welcome the amazingly talented Caralee Case to the Blog! Learn more about Caralee in our Photographer Spotlight and visit her at her website Caralee Case Photography.  Thank you so much Caralee for sharing your work with us today!

Where did your inspiration for photography begin?
When I had my first child almost 12 years ago, nothing was more important to me than capturing the details of her life as she grew up. She inspired me to take more pictures, to remember more details, and to savor every moment. And so my passion for photography was born. And when I decide to start a business almost 5 years ago, with my college background in film and television, photography just made sense to me. I guess it was meant to be. My kiddos are and always will be the joy and inspiration in my life and in my business.

How would you describe your photography style?
Colorful, fun, creative, timeless. I really enjoy incorporating my love of color, as well as unique and unexpected elements into my imagery.

Did you study photography in school or are you self taught?
I am self taught and continue to learn and grow every day. In college I majored in television and radio broadcasting and film classes were always my favorite. The lighting, composition, angles, colors, and costumes in the movies all drew me in. So I think when I decided to pursue photography, some of those principles already made sense to me.

Do you shoot Canon or Nikon, and what is your favorite lens?
I shoot Nikon and have several favorite lenses depending on what I am photographing and the look I desire to achieve. I use my 50mm f/1.8 and 85mm f/1.8 for newborn sessions, and my 85mm f/1.8 and 70-200mm f/2.8 for outdoor work.

Do you have any tips for photographers on how to find the light?
Photography is all about light! I once heard photography defined as ‘painting with light’. I’d say study, practice, and learn to use light and shadows to sculpt and define your subject.

What is the most challenging thing about photographing newborns?
Probably the time involved and the fact that newborns do what THEY want, not always what I want. 🙂 Sometimes I go into a session with a dozen ideas in my head of what poses we will do and in what order. But each newborn is so different, and many times I have to quickly adjust my strategies when I start to get a feel for their personality, likes and dislikes. I work with what each baby will give me and do my very best to make them look happy, peaceful, calm and sweet.

What is a good lesson you have learned this year in photography or in your business?
Balancing personal life and business life. I have struggled with this for years, but only recently found my ‘happy place’. As part of achieving this balance, I had to sit down and really look at where I was spending my time each day. I have eliminated things that weren’t beneficial, freeing up time in my life for more important things.

If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?
Business. I know that for me personally, I love the creative aspect of photography. I love planning for the session, creating works of art, and seeing my visions come to life. But the business side of photography isn’t as exciting for me. A successful photography business MUST have a solid business foundation. So my advice is to take time to really think about all that is involved in running a legitimate business, do your research, crunch the numbers, and develop a plan for profitability and success.

What do you love most about being a photographer?
Meeting new people, snuggling with sweet little babies, making children laugh, and capturing the love that families share.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
That’s tricky. I’m always trying to push my creativity, learn new things and try new things, so it’s very possible that in the future I may venture into some other aspects of photography. But I have a feeling that newborns will always hold a VERY special place in my heart. These sweet little spirits have brought so much light and joy into my life when I needed it most. They have truly been a blessing to me.

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About Caralee: I am a full-time mom and a part-time photographer. I have two amazing children, and a wonderful, supportive husband who are the joy and inspiration of my life and my business. I am a lover of family, food, fun and photography.  My enthusiasm for photography started 11 years ago with the birth of my first child.  I started my business in January 2009 and it has been such a wonderful journey.  I love to meet new people, make children laugh, capture the beauty and innocence of new life, and share my passion for photography with others.  I strive to capture images that will help you remember those fun, happy, special, beautiful, and precious moments in life.

Find Caralee at her WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK pages today!

Guest Contributor

How to Capture Raw, Emotion-filled Family Pictures

by contributor Allie Boss

When I look back at some of my first family photos I took, they looked empty. They looked boring, simple and had no life. I would go from pose to pose and just always try to get that perfect shot. You know, the one mom wants of all her kids smiling looking like the perfect cookie cutter family? Yeah I was that photographer. Not to mention I would get about 15 minutes tops of kids being actually interested in me taking their picture.

I started realizing the pictures I loved from other photographers that inspired me where full of life and had a realness to them! I asked myself why I didn’t have that in my pictures? What was I missing? Interaction, that’s what! I’ve always LOVED kids and really do love to interact with them but I think I was so focused on getting “that shot” for the parents I forgot about interacting.  So here are some things I’ve learned to make my sessions go from boring and stiff to real and fun, not only for the kids but parents too!

First it’s not common for many kids to love getting their picture taken for a period of time. Making it fun and less like work keeps them entertained, having a good time with happy faces. I always try getting down on their level first and become their friend before just putting my big camera in their face.  Even if kids aren’t shy, most need a little time to warm up. I always ask them things about themselves. What kid doesn’t love to talk about themselves. Even simple things about their age, school, friends, sports, cartoons.. etc. Find out what they like and it usually works to your advantage later on in the session when making small talk while shooting.

I usually start my session with a more traditional pose, because I know they will be a bit stiff at first. They need some time to warm up and heck so do I.  If its a family I don’t know it helps us get comfortable with each other and them in front of my camera before I start making them do silly things.

The first easy way to get your families to go from a stiff sitting pose is to yell different things.  Usually I start with something like ” who’s stinky feet do I smell, is it you Liam.”  This will most likely get the kids to blame each other and start to giggle.  I also yell things like ” kiss someone next to you” or ” group hug”.  This always makes for interesting funny/adorable pictures. That is when I get everyone nice and cozy in each others personal space and you get those real emotions and expressions. When I have them nice and close I try and yell different things to keep them giggling, laughing, and interacting. “Tickle mom, parents tickle kids, did someone toot, mom and dad kiss.. etc.”

When moving from spot to spot at a location I am always making the most of it.  Having kids holding hands, running around mom and dad, parents spinning kids, kids on parents shoulders etc. There is always a picture that can be taken at any moment of a family, capturing them just being them.

A mom told me recently something that stood out to me. ” Wow, my kids had so much fun tonight, I don’t even think they knew they were having their picture taken. Usually I get about 10 minutes before they are over it and we just did a hour and a half with no bribing or complaining.”  There is a reason for this… we played. The whole session.

Playing games the whole session is something I think that really helps keep kids interest.  Things like Simon says is a great way to get them into a pose without them even noticing. “Simon says put your hands in your lap, Simon says sit down on this blanket, Simon says everyone hug dad…” so on.  Keep kids moving and keep their minds off the fact they are sitting posing for pics for up to 2 hours!  Keep things silly.  Every kid likes to have fun and laugh so even if you are doing a more posed shot don’t be afraid to jump up and down like a crazy person and yell funny things to get some natural smiles and giggles (even parents laugh at my non sense).  I really do try and make the whole time fun for them.

Kids also love competition so after putting them where you want them tell them something like: “let’s see who can be the stillest statue – whoever can stay in their spot for 30 seconds wins” ( count out loud so they know how long they have stayed).  They are always trying to be better then their siblings and competing but I try not to make it all about winning and losing as that may make for some unhappy campers.

When I start individual pictures I always ask if anyone wants to go first. Sometimes I will get one kid over another that will want to but if I have more then one I play a game.  Pick a number one through ten, whoever is closest gets to go first!

Try bringing props that can be “used” during the session is another way to make family’s interact!  Some examples are: a big quilt to have parents parachute in the air well kids run under it.  Also serves as a cute blanket to sit on or snuggle in nice and close.  Try thinking more “lifestyle” instead of posey! So maybe end the session at an ice cream parlor and snap pics of them eating their melting ice cream cones, or bring popsicles  to end the session with.  Its fun when kids can make a mess and they feel like they get a treat out of it all!

Getting down on the kids level and becoming their friend during the session is so big. I hear a lot of my clients say ” Our kids can’t stop talking about you and how fun you were” that is what you want.  When you leave a session and the kids are hugging and high-fiving you or trying to tickle and play tag with you, you know you have had a good session.  I know I love kids and its easy for me to sit and chat with them but really being interested in what they have to say and really getting down and playing with them will make the world of a difference.  There are times I even set my camera down to play a quick game of chase. If you become their friend they will open up to you which means they open up in front of the camera.

My biggest advice is to stop focusing on getting “the shot” and focus on the emotions in the picture. Stop worrying about someone not looking or everyone having a perfect smile because life isn’t perfect and that’s what makes a perfect shot. So when your tempted to pass up editing a shot, step back and ask yourself will this be a memory your client would want to forget 20 years from now.  The real emotions of the way the parents love their child.

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About the Artist:  Hi I’m Allie i am 23 years old, a wife to a wonderful man and a mama to a four legged 105 lb “baby” named cooper. I Love what I do and have a hard time calling this my “job”. I also own a newborn prop shop called Timeless Heirloom. I have a love for anything old vintage and antique and get inspired to use them in my photography and my props. My goal is to create art and capture moments you want to put on your walls and cherish forever. I’m a horrible writer and speller. I probably should never have passed english class. I’m a caffeine junkie and can’t make it through the day without it and I love a good DYI! I’m so blessed to do wake up and do what makes me happy!

Visit Allie at her WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK PAGE

 

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