No BS Photo Success

Photoshop Actions Featured By Photoshop Cs

Rob — Thu, 17 May 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Developed and published by Adobe Systems, Adobe Photoshop, or simply Photoshop, is a graphics editor. For commercial bitmap and image manipulation, it represents the actual market leader and also is known as the flagship product of Adobe Systems. Specialists describe it as an industry standard for graphics professionals. Even though Photoshop has been specially designed to edit images for paper-base printing, it can as well be used for a wide range of other professional and amateur purposes.

On 16th of April 2007, Photoshop CS3 has been released by Adobe. This is actually the third version released since Adobe re-branded its products under the CS umbrella. CS refers to the Creative Suite. The additional Photoshop actions featured in this version are represented by the ability to apply non-destructive filters. Even more, the Photoshop actions are as well enriched by adding a new selection of tools named Quick Selection and Refine Edge, which is actually capable of making more streamlined selections. On the 30th of April, two weeks later, Photoshop CS3 Extended has been released, including besides the same Photoshop actions featured by Photoshop CS3, new Photoshop actions for the development of scientific imaging, 3D, and high end film and video users.

Strong ties are maintained by Photoshop with other Adobe software for media editing, animation and authoring. Through evolved Photoshop actions, files in Photoshop’s native format, PSD, can be exported to and from Adobe Image Ready, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects and Adobe Encore DVD for the making of professional standard DVDs, and also providing non-linear editing and special effects services, such as backgrounds, textures, and so on, for television, film, and the Web. For example, menus and buttons for DVDs can be broadly supported by Photoshop CS. PSD files can be exported as a menu or a button.

Photoshop Actions And Tools

Rob — Tue, 15 May 2012 05:00:00 +0000

How much do you know about Photoshop actions? It is great to have the possibility not only to modify pictures, but to create all kind of images and designs. The program provides all kind of Photoshop actions. But, it takes some basic training, skill and passion in order to know how to make use of all Photoshop actions available. There is also an intuition one should have, so that the result would be great. Adobe Photoshop is a graphics editing program, developed by Adobe Systems.

Available on Mac OS or PC, it is one of the leading image design programs available. Nowadays, there are various versions and products of Photoshop, like Image Ready, Premiere, Illustrator, After Effects, and Encore DVD useful to create professional videos and DVDs. The file format used in order to store multiple layers of an image is called a .PSD or .PDD. Adobe Photoshop actions are useful not only for modifying digital photos, but for creating web pages designs and representative logos or advertisements for professional companies. The most basic Photoshop actions include cropping and straightening of the photos that have been scanned or taken with a digital camera.

Underexposed or overexposed photos can be easily saved by using this program. Also, photos that have been taken in bad lighting conditions can be perfected. You can make a photograph look old or make it black and white. By using various layers and different levels of opacity, great effects can be created. You can use shadows, blurs or you can play with layers of colors. You just have to let your imagination run free.

He’s just a geek with a good camera…‏

Rob — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:20:29 +0000

“To succeed in life, you need two things: ignorance and confidence.”

I was shooting a wedding a while back. Chatting with the mother of the bride.
She was thanking me, expressing how much she loved my wedding photography.

“Oh stop it” I said….:)

My head swells. Seriously. I love it when I hear stuff like that.

Especially coming from one of the parents.

Sometimes I get into trouble with one of the parents, because they have some
preconceived notion of what wedding photography ought to be. And when my work
doesn’t match that notion in her overactive imagination, trouble can brew.

I don’t let it get to me. Instead, I investigate.

My first thought it: “Those images rocked. I bet it’s just the mom.
She’s probably thinks that wedding photography is stuck in 1982.”

So, I turn to the bride. I’ll ask what she thought. Here’s what I’ve heard
from the bride, on the few occasions when troubled brewed:

“Oh my god no! I love the photography…no, no. That’s just my mom….we don’t
always see eye to eye…don’t worry about it.”

Phew.

Saved by the bride.

I know some of you might be thinking: “Rob, but the parents are paying. You should
respect that.”

Uh, no. Well, yes, I do. But ultimately, the bride is the client. Even if someone is
gifting her the service.

That would be like giving someone a gift certificate for a restaurant, and showing
up in the day of them going there, and insisting they order the Salmon Tartar.

“But, we don’t like raw fish.”

“Shut up, order it, eat it and enjoy. I paid for this outing.”

Makes little sense.

Anyhoo, back to my big head and the happy mother of the bride.

When I was chatting with her, another comes comes walking by, with a DSLR,
a guest, and he not only had a nice camera (I bet he even has CS5…paid for or not),
he also had a flash, and, wait for it, a Gary Fong light modifier….or something to that effect.

I get scared when I see this at a wedding. It means the guys
taking it up a notch. What if his images totally rock,
mine suck? ouch!

After all, look at that camera. And he has a pack sack. I bet he’s hiding
all sorts of secret photographic gear in there designed to make me, the paid
(over paid in his mind, I’m sure) help, look like I have no idea
what I’m doing.

I always crack some sort of joke. Sometimes, when a little old lady comes
by me with a small point and shoot, I may say something like:
“Oh oh, the competition’s here.” Always gets a chuckle.

Of, if there’s a group of guests all shooting over my shoulder, I may say
something like: “please, go ahead, I’ll wait until you’re done.”

As I wave them to the front and center.

Always a joker.

So, when this dude with the armada of gear comes walking by, I said, tongue in cheek:
“You’re stuff better not be better than mine, or I’m in big trouble.”

He smiles. Humbly says: “oh, I don’t think you have anything to worry about.”

We chat for a bit. He leaves. The brides mother says:
“Oh, he’s just a geek with a camera.”

At least she gets it. Many don’t. Many think it’s all you need, a nice
camera, a bulging pack sack and some fancy light gizmo. And you’re a photographer.

I mean really. He must know what he/she’s doing. Look at that gear! And they
own Photoshop (CS5..latest version…scammed or not. Ownership is nine/tenths
when it comes to photographic skill perception and fooling the masses.)

Sad. But, I am not crying. Who says I need to have it handed to me on a platter? It’s my job,
my responsibility to prove, sell, educate the masses and maintain my status
as someone who can deliver quality images and memories. That’s where it counts.

I am in the business of selling my services. If they, my clients, don’t want or don’t
buy it, it’s MY responsibility. No one elses.

Many feel, as one lady said to me: “photographers are a dime a dozen.”

True. They are.

But in that truth I see opportunity. Marketing opportunity.

**************************************

An email and some insight into pricing your photography
services…….

“Hi Rob, I bought a bunch of your marketing materials over the past while (including
your book) and I was going through the “big book of ads”. I have some questions about
your pricing methods.

I realize some of the material is a few years old and prices have changed but its about
your portrait sessions and weddings pricing. The studio sessions and promo prices you
offer seem quite low. Do you use these session fees like a “loss leader” to get the clients
into the studio and then you up-sell them portraits and prints at the sales session?

And for your wedding packages (also in the “book of ads”) it seems like the add-on
albums you offer are also priced very low (most studios I know are selling similar albums
for 2-3 times that). Are you including your albums at a low cost in order to sell the
packages?
Your input would be appreciated. thanks, Larry”

My reply……

Larry, my studio sessions are about $250.00, nowadays, $325.00, unless you’re talking
about something else? can you specify?

Weddings, to me, are somewhat influenced by the area. Big cities, higher cost of living,
higher prices. to some drgree, but not wholly.

I arranged my wedding prices like this: what do I want to take home? and, what time am I done?

So, I take home almost $3,000.00 and am home for supper on Saturdays. I priced wedding
accordingly. the albums are about 100% to 150% marked up. they are easy to create, and
we feel ok at that price. I know other album companies cost way more, but Album Epoca,
our supplier, keeps the cost way down, and they have a superior product. When I book a
wedding, I tell them not everyone wants an album, those who do, can get one. We don’t
force it. And, I tell them that they are not buying albums and prints. they are investing (I use
that word) in me. My skills. My talents. They can’t argue with that:) Hope this helps….Rob

Keep reading….Larry replied with:

“Thanks for your reply Rob. That helps for the wedding question.

For the studio sessions in your book of ads your promos for the “1st year baby panel”
and “5 yr child plan” are priced at below $100. Is this old pricing or still current? Or is it
priced low as an incentive to sign up?

And do you still recommend not giving clients proofs to take home, but getting them to
return for a sales presentation?
If so are you using any particular sales presentation software? Thanks, Larry”

Those are leaders, for sure. I don’t want to call them “loss leaders”, because in a much bigger sense, they are not.

Sandy Puc talked about this before. She experienced the same thing I did. Babies first year
cannot be compared to each session. It’s more about bringing them into your family, and having
them come back again and again. She canned her, realized it was a mistake, and fired em up
again. I only wondered why they didn’t make as much, but realized their inherent value, overall,
and allowing for long term client value. Clients come to you because of what they think you will
do for them. They return again and again because they like you. It’s all about building a ‘herd’, a
family. Those are programs. They target a specific group and is an irresistible offer. Each studio
has to price it according to their market position and their ability to sell.

We let all our clients leave with proofs. But, they have to pay a hefty deposit AND we educate
them. If you sell and market on price, and let proofs leave, you’re doomed. If you get a great
rapport going, get paid, and make it about the experience, they will get it, and honor you….the
software doesn’t matter. Seriously. It’s all about the process, not the tools. I could use windows
explorer, proof them using PS proof sheets….wouldn’t matter. I’d still make the sale.

Some very successful studios I know use zoombrowser, free with canon cameras. they swear by
it. And they make a truckload of sales and profits. I know this for a fact. Some use bridge, very
similar. Included with PS.

Some use Pro Select (we have this, but I don’t swear, live and die by it the way some studio
do). I used to use, and it is my preferred choice, but Epson canned it, Film Factory. Came free
with a basic printer 11 years ago. Loved it! I mean loved it! It did everything. But again, the
tools aren’t secondary to the process and the communication.

We do use pics to exe for slide shows that they take home. Creates .exe files that expire in
given time. Hope this helps/ Rob
(PS- google pics to exe if you want to get it. Not expensive)

************************************************

Another email this time from Gareth, with an excellent
example of a direct mail postcard:

“Rob, Having promo postcards printed similar to this (uses this image). No contact info on
the front, on the back 3 more images & my contact info. What do you think? Gareth”

My reply:
“Gareth, that is a marketing question. When marketing, the two most
dynamic components are A- Who are you communicating to? and B-
What are you saying, offering, pitching?

So, who? If you’re general population mailing, this would be a waste of money.

If you on the other hand have a list of just engaged couples, for some
reason or other have a higher than average likely hood of booking with
you, than that makes sense. The list is VITAL. It is the life blood.

So is the offer. The offer is communicated through words. Words are the oxygen.

What are you pitching them? Showing them some images, and adding|
your studio logo/name is one thing. How about a more powerful reason to
contact you? an offer….something. Not a vague percentage off dealio
(boring). Get creative. Here’s the chance to really connect with them, reel
them in. The answer is in you, not out there. Rob”

PAY ATTENTION….. this is an excellent marketing strategy. It’s lean, mean,
accountable. The kind of marketing I’ve used in my studio and the kind
of photography marketing that I encourage others to use.

*********************************

Mark your calendars for November 2012 in Nashville.

The Inferno 3 Day photographic workshop is set.

The speakers are being lined up and the major sponsor, Durys Camera

***************************************

Wedding season has started in most parts in and around North America.

If you want to crank up your wedding photography business and experience the kind of success
I do in my wedding photography business, then I urge you to check out my wedding
photography success system. And at the cost it’s being sold for, it’s a steal at triple the price.

It is loaded, I mean loaded with information. DETAILS HERE.

Yours in photography,

Robert Provencher

Photography Tutorials To Set The Basics In Photography

Rob — Sun, 13 May 2012 05:00:00 +0000

If you want to learn the art of photography at home, at your own pace, without any time limits required, you may take into consideration the opportunities provided by online photography schools, colleges and universities. For developing the skills of a professional photographer, distance learning and online photography school courses are comprehensive, detailed and technical. So, whenever you are ready to enroll you may begin these courses.

Presented in a clear step-by-step approach, with illustrated text, students are thought the art of photography through studies in exposures, lenses, and techniques, which are al accompanied by hands-on projects. By enrolling to these courses, the students get several qualifications after the courses are over, such as Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, and Master of Fine Arts, all these degrees coming from accredited institutions. There can also be released certificates in photography from individual classes which are meant for the simply pleasure of learning the art of photography.

For a better understanding of the techniques involved in photography, there have been developed several photography tutorials, which are available on the internet, being provided by sites of online courses in photography. These photography tutorials are meant to ensure the fact that the students understand and are capable of producing aesthetically and technically sound work. These photography tutorials are not setting limits to students; they are encouraging their creativity by setting the basics. Therefore, through photography tutorials, students manage to express viewpoints, and, if rigorous training is performed, they might even develop their individual style.

Among other topics in online photography, several photography tutorials may include camera basics, lighting for photography, digital and video photography techniques, portraiture, fine art, image design, photo illustration, commercial advertising, documentary photography, photojournalism, setting up a studio, printing color and black and white photographs, and also business skills.

NoBs TeeVee episode 19

Rob — Sat, 12 May 2012 17:29:09 +0000

Photography Tutorials We Need To Keep Up With Technology

Rob — Fri, 11 May 2012 05:00:00 +0000

There are numerous pleasant events that occur to us every single day. As it is easy to imagine the reason, we tend to keep those moments inside our harts for good. In order to succeed, we take pictures which to remember us not only the places and the people we encountered, but to remember also the extraordinary feelings we had then. Photography tutorials are some written materials which explain us how to take the best pictures even so that to avoid ruining our best memories. Thanks to these photography tutorials we can manage to guide ourselves through the photography tricks. There is no doubt that photography tutorials are the best information sources for those passionate for cameras and immortality of this kind of keepsakes.

Through the present article we do not intend to name distinct things pertaining to photography tutorials. Our main purpose is to plead for photography tutorials’ utility. Any individual interested by the photography field should pay attention to those data sources. Basically, they render a wide range of information from the type of cameras to the trouble shooting or even the way of using the automatic exposure feature. Moreover, photography tutorials are written by experts in photographic art. And now, let’s face it: from whom we should learn better if not from the professionals?

However, the internet is full of free photography tutorials, interspersed with precious tips. Nowadays, cameras that we purchase are accompanied by their own photography tutorials. Farther more, any individual can learn more about the latest innovations in the field by logging into the distinct manufacturers’ web sites. We all see that cameras’ industry change and improves every few months. This fast development is quickly turning your modern model into an obsolete one. Under these circumstances, latest photography tutorials come to help you upgrade.

Photography Tips

Rob — Wed, 09 May 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Whether you’ve just purchased a new digital camera, or simply looking for more information on how to take great photos, some photography tips will come in handy for you. But the internet is full of such info these days, and picking the best there is might seem difficult, especially if you are a beginner.

Many of those searching for photography tips are overwhelmed by the amount of details provided on different sites, and they tend to simply drop the idea of learning more about good photos. For others, even the decision of buying a good camera might seem a tedious task.

But good photography tips can still be found; the secret is not to be discouraged and to keep looking for good books on the topic. Also, if you are really interested in photography, you could start looking for digital photography classes-this way you’ll even get a degree in photography, maybe even start making some money in your spare time.

Getting good photography tips is very important, especially if you want to be up to date with the latest technology, as these days it’s very easy to loose track of all the new models and techniques. There are many amateur photographers out there that are constantly looking for new ideas, and if you are one of them you should be able to find good discussion forums, where passionate photographers share their experience, maybe even give some photography tips and tricks.

But remember that the first thing you need to do is to get to know your camera really good. Without practice, all the theory is in vain. So, after reading the users’ manual, start taking pictures, as many pictures as you can, as this is the best way to get to know exactly what you can do with your camera. Without this, all the photography tips you might get will be useless.

Photography Tips Useful For All The People

Rob — Mon, 07 May 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Are you a fan of the digital photography? Then you should try as much as possible to improve your skills, by reading materials which provide photography tips. Paradoxically, digital photography can be a lot of fun but also frustrating. The frustration occurs when images are blurry, or the eyes come out red. Not to mention the annoying camera’s delays in shooting and its incapability of focusing fast enough. Basically, the largest part of the photography tips teaches you how to avoid the most common mistakes when taking pictures. Generally speaking, in order to master the photography art, it is not necessary to attend some special but expensive courses. Some thorough photography tips will do just fine.

In order for you to get the right idea about the benefits of the photography tips, we will mention only few of them. For instance, a photographer should shoot lots of pictures. Take advantage of the main characteristic of the digital cameras – there is practically no cost associated with taking multiple shots of the same scene and afterwards you can easily delete the bad ones. Judging by the frequency of this piece of advice, it is one of the most encountered photography tips. Furthermore, professionals place it as the first on top 5 photography tips.

Another photography tips are the following: learn all your camera’s settings, pre-focus for instant shots or train yourself to deal with basic post-processing. Plenty photography tips suggest you should take your time and read your camera’s manual if you want to understand when to use each shooting mode. Bare in mind that waking over your novice status means to overstep the ‘automatic’ mode of hooting. Fortunately, the largest part of the photography tips are written by experts in photography who reveal their personal troubles encountered throughout their toilsome work.

Photography Portfolios And Photo Success

Rob — Sat, 05 May 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Success in photography is a very desired goal but if not aware of how to represent your art and yourself, chances are the success will remain a dream. The most important element when presenting your work is the portfolio. Photography portfolios compile an individual’s best photographs, depicting various moods and themes and reflecting the photographer’s taste. Photography portfolios can be very impressive and interesting to view and they can be decisive in insuring your success in photography.

They help the photographers to win acknowledgment and fame. The photographs included in the portfolio reflect the technical and artistic skills of the photographer, along with his understanding of photography. Photography portfolios can be crucial in deciding the business prospective of the photographs and establishing the photographer’s position. Photography is an art and can be best demonstrated through a photography portfolio. Success in photography will depend on how well done the portfolio is.

A photography portfolio may include photographs of wildlife, nature, travel, sports, and leisure. Only the best photographs with the perfect blend of the technical aspects and artistic vision should be included in the portfolios. It is very important to edit and compile the photographs. It is essential for creating long lasting impressions because ultimately these will have a say when it comes to your success in photography. The complete profile of the artist, including individual collections, is categorized according to the subject.

Online galleries display unique combinations of photography. Some websites even display the best photography portfolio of the month. Interested persons can buy from these collections, which help the photographers to reach potential clients. If you wish to take a chance at the photography business and eventually obtain success in photography the main tool of representing yourself and your art must be an impeccable portfolio.

Photography Photoshop Actions

Rob — Thu, 03 May 2012 05:00:00 +0000

There are many professional photographers who have an Adobe Photoshop product featuring Photoshop tutorials specially developed for photography. This product is known as Photoshop for photographers, as it features tutorials which can be readily found online at advantageous prices. These tutorials explain exactly all Photoshop actions as they show the photographer the best use of them in order to obtain the wanted results.

Visiting the vendor’s site can practically provide the photographer with the possibility to peruse an online demo of the first three chapters of the Photoshop photographer’s tutorials which explain exactly the photography Photoshop actions, before buying the entire CD/DVD package.

There is a basic introduction included in the introductory CD, which helps the photographer understand the photography Photoshop actions, as well as the best w ay to use the tutorials in order to work best with Photoshop. An introductory demo can be watched by the photographer in order to help him/her learn how to customize his/her own Photoshop workspace. This way, the photographer can learn to take advantage of the essential Adobe Photoshop shortcuts for all Photoshop actions, the keyboard being included as well. There is also a demo included for the Photoshop products explaining which Photoshop actions must be applied in order for snapshots to be taken using the Photoshop program. Also, this helps the photographer to learn and understand the presets for the Photoshop tools.

There is also a second CD which features the basics of contact sheets and file browsers. This CD helps the photographer learn file browser basic, and as well provides with information on which Photoshop actions to be used in order to export the chase and to alter the metadata. Also, this CD represents the best way for the photographer to learn how to rename the batch, assign keywords, in order for the contact sheet to be created, as well Photoshop picture package.