Studio Space
Well I am officially outgrowing my small little studio. Right now I am currently using a spare room upstairs. It's just not big enough. What to do? I'm not sure. Any suggestions?
Backdrop Stands
I just bought 3 new backdrops and I am now in need of an adjustable backdrop stand so I can use various sized backdrops instead of trying to hunt for only 1 size that will fit my current stand. I've looked around on Amazon and E bay. I want to make the best purchase in a reasonable price range. Anyone just love there stand? Let me know all about it so I can find a great one! Thanks!
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Photo Editing Tips-Snow Globe Templates
Have you seen the snow globe photos that are everywhere this year? They are just precious and so simple to make! Here are the instructions to make your own snow globe photos.
STEP 1
First you will need to purchase a snow globe template. The snow globe template found at rock my edits comes with 9 different templates for $5. They also have some single ones you can choose from for $1! I also LOVE the ones found at Dreamy Babies on Facebook. These feature Santa!
STEP 2
Now that you have a snow globe template. Open it up in Photoshop. Now click on "File" then "Place" and choose the photo you want to put in the snow globe.
STEP 3
Once the photo is placed accept it. Now go to your layers panel and lower the images Opacity to around 55%. This allows you to see the snow globe behind the image.
STEP 4
Now go to "Image" and then "Free Transform." Click on the corner of your image while holding down the shift key to re-size your image to fit in the snow globe. I find that horizontal images work best.
STEP 5
Once you have your image in place, raise the Opacity back up to a percentage that looks nice in the globe. Around 77%.
STEP 6
Now add a layer mask to the image.
STEP 7
Click on your paint brush. Make sure black is your foreground color. Click on the layer mask and begin painting away the edges until your image fits perfectly in the snowglobe. Dream Babies template users are done. Rock My Edits template user please go to Step 8.
STEP 8(Rock My Edits Templates ONLY)
Now open up the "Lay over Globe-change opacity.png" Drop this image into your snow globe photo and place it over your snow globe. You can lower the opacity to make the snow less obvious if you like. If you need to remove any of the snow from the edges or the faces in the photo simply make a layer mask and follow steps 6 and 7.
Here is a wonderful tutorial video done by Rock My Edits:
And here is a look at one of my finished edits from Dream Babies:
STEP 1
First you will need to purchase a snow globe template. The snow globe template found at rock my edits comes with 9 different templates for $5. They also have some single ones you can choose from for $1! I also LOVE the ones found at Dreamy Babies on Facebook. These feature Santa!
STEP 2
Now that you have a snow globe template. Open it up in Photoshop. Now click on "File" then "Place" and choose the photo you want to put in the snow globe.
STEP 3
Once the photo is placed accept it. Now go to your layers panel and lower the images Opacity to around 55%. This allows you to see the snow globe behind the image.
STEP 4
Now go to "Image" and then "Free Transform." Click on the corner of your image while holding down the shift key to re-size your image to fit in the snow globe. I find that horizontal images work best.
STEP 5
Once you have your image in place, raise the Opacity back up to a percentage that looks nice in the globe. Around 77%.
STEP 6
Now add a layer mask to the image.
STEP 7
Click on your paint brush. Make sure black is your foreground color. Click on the layer mask and begin painting away the edges until your image fits perfectly in the snowglobe. Dream Babies template users are done. Rock My Edits template user please go to Step 8.
STEP 8(Rock My Edits Templates ONLY)
Now open up the "Lay over Globe-change opacity.png" Drop this image into your snow globe photo and place it over your snow globe. You can lower the opacity to make the snow less obvious if you like. If you need to remove any of the snow from the edges or the faces in the photo simply make a layer mask and follow steps 6 and 7.
Here is a wonderful tutorial video done by Rock My Edits:
And here is a look at one of my finished edits from Dream Babies:
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Newborn Photography
Planning Your Newborn Session
My newborn sessions take a minimum of 2 hours to complete. This includes time for diaper changes, feedings, soothing, scene and outfit changes, and whatever else may come. One thing is to expect the unexpected with newborn sessions! Newborns are often unpredictable. Keep your camera ready at all times because you never know when that smile is going to come!
If the session is at my studio, I always make sure to have the room nice and warm(around 80 degrees) so the baby will be comfortable while photographed naked. This often means short sleeves and shorts for me even in the dead of winter. Although gloves are a good idea. Babies don't like cold hands!
I also have the first scene set up and ready before my appointment arrives. This helps to get things started smoothly. Make sure to let the parents know what to expect during there session. This will help a lot. It takes time and PATIENCE, PATIENCE, PATIENCE! You can not rush a newborn. I always tell my parents to expect 2 hours at least, bring extra diapers, wipes, spit up cloths, etc. and bring a friend or family member with them to help.
I make sure to have all scene changes ready and together that includes props, backgrounds, etc. so that I know where everything is and can change scenes as quickly as possible.
Here are 2 samples from my recent newborn sessions:
Little Miss Olivia Rose
Sweet Little Jensen
I hope you find this information useful in your sessions. More tips to come!
Monday, November 19, 2012
Custom Flash Drives!
Images on CD's
I offer my clients CD's with all the edited images from their session or special event. However, my CD-ROM drive decided to stop working! I was in a panic! I had wedding photos ready to deliver and I could not get a CD made. What to do? I visited http://www.pexagontech.com/photoflashdrive/. They offer custom flash drives with no minimum order! What a lifesaver! I got a nice custom designed flash drive with the wedding date and couples names engraved on it. I also purchased a box to present it to them, all for a really reasonable price! Turn around time was reasonable and I received my item in the time frame promised. Check them out!
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Lessons In Marketing-Business Cards
Lessons In Marketing
In an earlier post, I mentioned that I would be purchasing some nicer business cards (moo.com) and seeing if they brought in more business than the free ones offered at http://www.vistaprint.com/. So far, I have not seen any difference. The nicer cards featured samples of my work. I thought if people picked up the card and liked the photograph, they would be more likely to call me for an appointment than someone who just got a standard card with my information.
However, this has not proved true. My standard cards all disappeared from a local children's boutique. My nicer cards with sample works are still at the local antique store where I left them 2 weeks ago! So I have to say, it's not worth it to spend the extra money on the nicer business cards. Neither business card has produced any bookings. Although my Facebook page has grown, it's hard to say if this is from the business cards or not.
You can check out my Facebook page here: Shannon's Snapshots. Please take a second to like my page.
Facebook Advertisement
I try to update my Facebook page daily. I do monthly specials and giveaway frequently. My page has grown in likes and I have received a few bookings from it, but it seems the majority of Facebook fans are simply liking my page and then disregarding it or not seeing it again in their news feed. Facebook and my business cards are all I have to get the word out about my business.
How do I make these more successful?
How do I get the word out?
How do I get people to chose me over other area photographers?
It seems like the only way people are interested in my Facebook page is if I am giving something away for free which of course, means no profit for me. How do I turn my business into a successful one and not just a hobby? Now that is a good question. Any suggestions?
In an earlier post, I mentioned that I would be purchasing some nicer business cards (moo.com) and seeing if they brought in more business than the free ones offered at http://www.vistaprint.com/. So far, I have not seen any difference. The nicer cards featured samples of my work. I thought if people picked up the card and liked the photograph, they would be more likely to call me for an appointment than someone who just got a standard card with my information.
However, this has not proved true. My standard cards all disappeared from a local children's boutique. My nicer cards with sample works are still at the local antique store where I left them 2 weeks ago! So I have to say, it's not worth it to spend the extra money on the nicer business cards. Neither business card has produced any bookings. Although my Facebook page has grown, it's hard to say if this is from the business cards or not.
You can check out my Facebook page here: Shannon's Snapshots. Please take a second to like my page.
Facebook Advertisement
I try to update my Facebook page daily. I do monthly specials and giveaway frequently. My page has grown in likes and I have received a few bookings from it, but it seems the majority of Facebook fans are simply liking my page and then disregarding it or not seeing it again in their news feed. Facebook and my business cards are all I have to get the word out about my business.
How do I make these more successful?
How do I get the word out?
How do I get people to chose me over other area photographers?
It seems like the only way people are interested in my Facebook page is if I am giving something away for free which of course, means no profit for me. How do I turn my business into a successful one and not just a hobby? Now that is a good question. Any suggestions?
Monday, November 5, 2012
New Lenses Craze!
Okay, I can not wait to tell you all about Lensbaby! Check them out online at http://lensbaby.com/. From the website, "Lensbaby lenses mount directly onto your SLR or mirrorless camera body. Lensbaby lenses have interchangeable optics. Each Lensbaby lens comes with an optic installed. This optic can easily be removed and replaced with any of their 7 other optics. Each Lensbaby lens gives you access to our full line of creative effects. Choose the lens that fits your shooting style."
Flexibility and Creativity
These lenses can do so much more than your average lens! Depending on the lens you chose for your creative shooting style, you can bend them, squeeze them, and twist them. Here I will give you a run down of each lens and it's capabilities.
The Swivel Lens
Composer Pro-The Composer Pro is a refined version of the Composer with an upgraded swivel ball and focus mechanism that provide professional performance. You can learn more about the Composer Pro here: http://lensbaby.com/lenses-composer-pro
Composer-The award-winning Composer's design is based on a ball and socket configuration that delivers smooth creative effects photography with ease. You can learn more about the Composer(my personal favorite!) here: http://lensbaby.com/lenses-composer
The Squeeze Lens
Muse- Perfect for fast and loose, artistic photography. Squeeze the Muse to focus, hold it steady and shoot. The Muse does not lock in place. Learn more about Muse here: http://lensbaby.com/lenses-muse
Spark-Express your creativity and capture the magic of everyday moments with the Lensbaby Spark. Learn more about Spark at: http://lensbaby.com/lenses-spark
Straight Lens
Scout-The only unbending lens offered by Lensbaby. Scout is perfect for Fisheye photography because your image will always be perfectly centered.Learn more about Scout at: http://lensbaby.com/lenses-scout
Optics System
The optics system offered at Lensbaby makes creative photography fun, affordable, and easy! Lensbaby offers 8 interchangeable optics. Each optic produces a different creative effect. Start with a sweet spot of focus surrounded by dynamic blur or a fun fisheye, then swap your optic to experiment with a sharp slice of focus bordered by smooth blur, soft focus, or pinhole photography.
You can view videos, sign up for their newsletter, check out their blog, and more at http://lensbaby.com/.
Flexibility and Creativity
These lenses can do so much more than your average lens! Depending on the lens you chose for your creative shooting style, you can bend them, squeeze them, and twist them. Here I will give you a run down of each lens and it's capabilities.
The Swivel Lens
Composer Pro-The Composer Pro is a refined version of the Composer with an upgraded swivel ball and focus mechanism that provide professional performance. You can learn more about the Composer Pro here: http://lensbaby.com/lenses-composer-pro
Composer-The award-winning Composer's design is based on a ball and socket configuration that delivers smooth creative effects photography with ease. You can learn more about the Composer(my personal favorite!) here: http://lensbaby.com/lenses-composer
The Squeeze Lens
Muse- Perfect for fast and loose, artistic photography. Squeeze the Muse to focus, hold it steady and shoot. The Muse does not lock in place. Learn more about Muse here: http://lensbaby.com/lenses-muse
Spark-Express your creativity and capture the magic of everyday moments with the Lensbaby Spark. Learn more about Spark at: http://lensbaby.com/lenses-spark
Straight Lens
Scout-The only unbending lens offered by Lensbaby. Scout is perfect for Fisheye photography because your image will always be perfectly centered.Learn more about Scout at: http://lensbaby.com/lenses-scout
Optics System
The optics system offered at Lensbaby makes creative photography fun, affordable, and easy! Lensbaby offers 8 interchangeable optics. Each optic produces a different creative effect. Start with a sweet spot of focus surrounded by dynamic blur or a fun fisheye, then swap your optic to experiment with a sharp slice of focus bordered by smooth blur, soft focus, or pinhole photography.
You can view videos, sign up for their newsletter, check out their blog, and more at http://lensbaby.com/.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Standing Out In The Crowd
Getting Noticed
If you have read my previous posts, then you know I ordered the free business cards from vistaprint.com. They only cost me about $7 in shipping and handling and I got 250 one-sided cards. I still agree that this is a great way to get started and get your name out there. However, I have ran into some problems.
1. Do people perceive my business cards as cheap? All they have to do is flip them over to know I got them for free!
2. I recently set out some business cards at a children's boutique which already had 5 other photographers cards on the table! Mine was a generic card that did not stand out in the crowd. 2 of the photographers were well known in the community. If I was a customer, there is no way I'm picking up all 5 cards. Most likely, I am going with the name I know or the card that is the most appealing to me visually. So with that in mind, my cards didn't stand a chance
3. I set my cards out at the local antique store and someone had the same exact design as mine!
Testing the waters
So now what to do? The only advertisement I have going for me is my Facebook page and my business cards. But are my cards doing the job? I decided to experiment.
I went to http://us.moo.com/ and ordered a nicer business card. I bought the smallest pack available and have decided to put the nicer cards in one store and the generic ones in another and see which ones get picked up faster! I will put the same amount of cards at each store and then check back in a week to check the results. Check back with my blog next week to see the results!
If you have read my previous posts, then you know I ordered the free business cards from vistaprint.com. They only cost me about $7 in shipping and handling and I got 250 one-sided cards. I still agree that this is a great way to get started and get your name out there. However, I have ran into some problems.
1. Do people perceive my business cards as cheap? All they have to do is flip them over to know I got them for free!
2. I recently set out some business cards at a children's boutique which already had 5 other photographers cards on the table! Mine was a generic card that did not stand out in the crowd. 2 of the photographers were well known in the community. If I was a customer, there is no way I'm picking up all 5 cards. Most likely, I am going with the name I know or the card that is the most appealing to me visually. So with that in mind, my cards didn't stand a chance
3. I set my cards out at the local antique store and someone had the same exact design as mine!
Testing the waters
So now what to do? The only advertisement I have going for me is my Facebook page and my business cards. But are my cards doing the job? I decided to experiment.
I went to http://us.moo.com/ and ordered a nicer business card. I bought the smallest pack available and have decided to put the nicer cards in one store and the generic ones in another and see which ones get picked up faster! I will put the same amount of cards at each store and then check back in a week to check the results. Check back with my blog next week to see the results!
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