Posts Tagged ‘adobe photoshop tutorial’
More Tips For Photography Lighting Info
Correct digital photography lighting is vital to taking great photographs. Just like for any other method of photography, photography lighting is a very important aspect of digital photography and photography lighting or the lack thereof can make or..... Read the rest of this entry »
Are yellow page ads dead or dying? And other photography goodies….
” Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.”
Recently received an email on using lenses and apertures…..
“Hi Rob,Taking a look at your DVD I ordered and it is great, thank you so much for putting
this together. I have some questions and I know a lot of them will be answered as I practice
more and more and try out some of the tips you have provided. I noticed that you like to use
F2.8 for a lot of outdoor shots. I just watched the Jumping video and you used 2.8 ofcourse
but what I am wondering is, you also seem to use you 70 to 200mm lense and zoom right into
200mm. Why is that? I personally would automatically go closer and not zoom at all if
posible. What are the differences between going far back and zooming in compared to
staying close and not zooming? Thanks so much again!”
this together. I have some questions and I know a lot of them will be answered as I practice
more and more and try out some of the tips you have provided. I noticed that you like to use
F2.8 for a lot of outdoor shots. I just watched the Jumping video and you used 2.8 ofcourse
but what I am wondering is, you also seem to use you 70 to 200mm lense and zoom right into
200mm. Why is that? I personally would automatically go closer and not zoom at all if
posible. What are the differences between going far back and zooming in compared to
staying close and not zooming? Thanks so much again!”
My reply……”good question. it’s all about perspective. the longer the lens, combined with a very wide aperture, as long as you capture a sharp, in focus image (this might take some practice, but totally achievable), the more it creates a compressed, ‘cinematic’ look and feel. Other wise it might look bland, flat, and, well, like a snap shot. Little perspective. Make sense?”
She’s referring to when I shoot this style of shot:
Are yellow page ads dead or dying?
Another email I received from Ben…..
“Hi Rob
I was looking if you had a yellow page add in Sudbury , did not found one . Is it something of the pass , what do you think ?Ben..”
“Ben, we’ve cut way back on YP for many years now. It’s not dead, but dying, and for someone who wants to be aggressive with their photography marketing it has a place. We’ve relied more on our list of past clients, both via email, direct mail and social media, and displays, to drive our marketing. We have a strong market position in our city so going that route makes sense…..cool? Rob”
When you analyze yellow page marketing vis a vis marketing fundamentals, those
who do still go to the yellow pages-an ever diminishing crowd, no doubt- are, still, for all
intents and purposes, “qualified leads”.
who do still go to the yellow pages-an ever diminishing crowd, no doubt- are, still, for all
intents and purposes, “qualified leads”.
After all, they are looking for a service that is specific to what you
offer: portrait photography.
The key here is to NOT throw all your eggs in one basket and hope a great big expensive ad will create
magic. And when you do advertize in the yellow pages, find ways to STAND OUT….don’t be
just another boring, logofied, corporate and sterile voice in the crowd.
magic. And when you do advertize in the yellow pages, find ways to STAND OUT….don’t be
just another boring, logofied, corporate and sterile voice in the crowd.
Use a powerful headline, sub headline and make sure you arouse curiosity,
an offer, a reason for them to want to check out your website, where the sales
process continues, or calls your studio, where, again, the sales process continues.
an offer, a reason for them to want to check out your website, where the sales
process continues, or calls your studio, where, again, the sales process continues.
_______________________________________________________
Another email from Bruce on lighting…..
Rob,
Just read your article for Shoot smarter. I personally use Lumedynes for my on my outdoor shoots with an 400 ws unit and a couple 200ws’s. Find the weight of the heads are very light with the battarys down at the bottom of the light stand for stability. However, if I didn’t have that, I like the Paul Buff unit as I shoot White Lightning also.
One thought I have regarding the umbrella outside. I use a Westcott Halo or Mono. They are conical both in the front and the rear so the wind tends to be as big a factor over conventional umbrellas. The wind seems to go around it better. Plus, the light is pushed through the front with no light lost on the sides. Worth a look. The difference between those umbrella/softbox can be the weight of the person needed to hold the light stand.
You might also look into the Redwing light stand. This stand is unique in that the legs spread out a little more than the conventional stand for stability in a breeze plus when you pick them up the legs collapse. So moving it around means you don’t have to worry about bumping with your legs or going through door ways. Ever try putting a light stand between pews? This thing makes it a dream. Put it between the pews then set it down and the legs automatically extend down.
A buddy of mine did a lot of beach shoots. He took pieces of pvc pipe and slid them over the legs of his light stand. The length of the pvc are longer than the legs giving him more stability in the wind. Plus, with the caps on the ends kept the metal of the legs from getting the salt water on them when the stand was in the surf. I am going to do the same thing with my location stand except I might use aluminum as I can tap the leg and put on a set screw to make the configuration more flexible. I am midcoast so the salt water is not an issue unless the water softner goes out.
Been doing this gig for 35 years and try to work smarter not harder. Bruce L. Dynes, Andover, MN, www.bruceleephoto.com Really like your insights. Bruce”
Bruce is referring to this light. Click on image to see on the website where it’s for sale.
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Photography Tips. How to get perfect High Key portraits every time.
I love high key portraits. They are one of my favorite portrait styles and a look that I use in my
studio just about every day. I sell a ton of these of portraits. So what set up do I use and what
enhancements make these backgrounds look great? To help with this, I created a video on the
Photoshop tricks that really make these images pop. Here are a few samples of what I mean…
I simply love the look, feel and simplicity that high key portraits offer. My clients love them, too and
I sell a ton of images every year based on this look. Families, couples, babies…you name it!
I sell a ton of images every year based on this look. Families, couples, babies…you name it!
The favorite look for me is when I create a black and white high key image of a child or in the case of the next image, two siblings, where the image starts to take on a painterly, pencil drawing look. This look is very classic and timeless.
Of course,straight on black and white images rock too!
Another favorite variation would be a sepia image or half sepia:
Of course, regular bread and butter portrait of families any size are also shot on the high key drop in my studio……
How do I get my images on high key? There are two sides to that coin. One is at capture and the other is during the workflow process which I’ve included a video later on in this newsletter.
Look way back there and you will see two umbrellas.
Above: Here’s a better angle. Those are the lights that will add the extra light needed to
create pure white on the background. The exposure on the already white background needs to be around one to one and half stop over what your main light is.
create pure white on the background. The exposure on the already white background needs to be around one to one and half stop over what your main light is.
In my studio those lights are at f11.5. My main light is, you guessed it, f8. Anything less and it may get muddy. Anything more and I may get blowback and lens flare from too much power.
Notice that I had umbrellas. I no longer use umbrellas opting for small softboxes. It doesn’t matter what kind of light source you use, as long as it’s controllable. Use what suits you best!
Here’s a video on how I create high images in photoshop. It helps explain the second part to this equation.
yours in photography,
Robert Provencher
More About Photoshop
Photoshop actions help everyone as it is a program prepared to modify pictures through artificial methods. This means that it uses only virtual actions for changing the quality of your picture. Photoshop actions can be easily explained through tutori..... Read the rest of this entry »
Methods For Learning Digital Photography
If you want to learn digital photography you really need to be truly passionate about it. There are plenty of various resources, tutorials and articles available for those that really want to put some effort into learning this art. One method to lear..... Read the rest of this entry »
Mastering Photoshop Actions
Photoshop is considered to e a great tool for photographers worldwide, as it is practically the hands-down best to photographers when it comes to photo editing, enhancing and other adjustments. Also, there has to be kept in mind that Photoshop has ma..... Read the rest of this entry »
School is never out….
“Desire is possibility seeking expression”
Greetings friends…..I had a busy week, hosted two webinars with many attendees and positive
feedback from most, if not all.
feedback from most, if not all.
I feel fortunate to be able to tap into this education, information and constantly expand
my knowledge base. Even for an old dog like me, who still likes to learn new tricks.
my knowledge base. Even for an old dog like me, who still likes to learn new tricks.
Webinars are an amazing tool and format, and what better way to bring folks
together to share information.
together to share information.
And meet some very cool photographers. Guys like Brian DeMint, with his dry,
hilarious sense of humor and amazing insights into photography.
hilarious sense of humor and amazing insights into photography.
Here’s some Brian DeMint samples…..:
I received many emails, this being only one that exemplifies the feedback and appreciation felt:
“This was an excellent presentation. I really appreciated Brian going over the
photographs in detail, demonstrating the design elements, and how they work in the
image. I could certainly use more of this type of webinar, as it really helps me to learn
photographs in detail, demonstrating the design elements, and how they work in the
image. I could certainly use more of this type of webinar, as it really helps me to learn
to see better.”
Brian spoke on elements of design and had us captivated from the start. However, he only
scratched the surface, and opened up a can of worms with many layers and possibilities
for future discussions and presentations on the many layers of photography
and photographic design.So, we’ll have him back some day soon. Stay tuned and watch for more
webinars from guys like Brian other hand picked presenters. Of course, members of my online
forum NoBsPhoto Success get access to all past webinar recordings
scratched the surface, and opened up a can of worms with many layers and possibilities
for future discussions and presentations on the many layers of photography
and photographic design.So, we’ll have him back some day soon. Stay tuned and watch for more
webinars from guys like Brian other hand picked presenters. Of course, members of my online
forum NoBsPhoto Success get access to all past webinar recordings
One question that might arise in your head is: Why bother?
Or, why bother dedicating that time to learning when I could be, gulp, watching Teevee.
If you ever find yourself asking that question, or any similar excuses for opting out
of the opportunity to feed your mind, rest assured, you’re not alone.
of the opportunity to feed your mind, rest assured, you’re not alone.
Everyone does it. Me too. We all have to struggle with the inner demons
that try to bring us down to the basest level where the masses sit and calcify.
Where in truth, the only path to success, on all levels, is to be willing to take
initiative and go 110%. Give it ten percent more that what you’re willing to go,
to what most are even willing to consider, and you’re miles ahead.
that try to bring us down to the basest level where the masses sit and calcify.
Where in truth, the only path to success, on all levels, is to be willing to take
initiative and go 110%. Give it ten percent more that what you’re willing to go,
to what most are even willing to consider, and you’re miles ahead.
School is never out.
What’s more, in the field of photography, it is rampant
with sloth and ego. In other words, we let our base animal brain take over,
or our egos become the primary mindset, where we feel that we have these
amazing talents, magical wizard like skills and powers that the common
masses cannot even comprehend, but love us for, and hold us awe and amazement.
with sloth and ego. In other words, we let our base animal brain take over,
or our egos become the primary mindset, where we feel that we have these
amazing talents, magical wizard like skills and powers that the common
masses cannot even comprehend, but love us for, and hold us awe and amazement.
Watch that trap. It is a trap, of our own doing.
It will lead you down the wrong alley, everytime. Sure, the masses can perceive us
as having great talent. But, as I always say, talent alone is not enough.
as having great talent. But, as I always say, talent alone is not enough.
There are other often ignored layers and elements to success. Prosperity, long term
customer value, marketing, the art AND the business side of photography….on and on,
the list is long. Don’t limit yourself. Personally, I keep trying to expand and growth
through self education, to keep spreading the layers of knowledge into my life. To become a better
person, and a better photographer.
customer value, marketing, the art AND the business side of photography….on and on,
the list is long. Don’t limit yourself. Personally, I keep trying to expand and growth
through self education, to keep spreading the layers of knowledge into my life. To become a better
person, and a better photographer.
Don’t limit yourself. School if never out.
If you’re gonna watch teevee, at least check out our No Bs TeeVee, that James (hodgy)
and I try to produce every week…..click image:
and I try to produce every week…..click image:
Here’s a brain dead dumb idea...some folks get mad at me because I make the occasional
spelling mistake. I’m sure others get mad because of the lack of design and slick production
values in my videos and such. Not to mention that some days I look like I just came off
a three day bender (I don’t drink fyi..). Those are just bad hair days, where, when
I decide to shoot a video, and here it comes, my main point in all this: It doesn’t matter the delivery
mechanism. It’s the value in the information and ideas that I am trying to convey.
If all that matters to you is good grammar, perfect spelling, Spielberg production, then you might want to get
a job as an english teacher. Make that your life mission, not grilling guys like me,
who, in my own defense, are really busy running my own studio. I mean, busy!
I’m too busy having fun, making profits and creating images that my clients love…
a job as an english teacher. Make that your life mission, not grilling guys like me,
who, in my own defense, are really busy running my own studio. I mean, busy!
I’m too busy having fun, making profits and creating images that my clients love…
And making money at it too. More importantly, I don’t have to sit and write this out
to share with the photographic community. Often working late into the night
and more often on Sunday mornings, my only day off.
to share with the photographic community. Often working late into the night
and more often on Sunday mornings, my only day off.
Thankfully most get it. I receive way, way more emails from photographers
who are moved, inspired, educated, motivated, and informed by my newsletters, than offended
by the occasional spelling error or my frenetic design. Thankfully.
who are moved, inspired, educated, motivated, and informed by my newsletters, than offended
by the occasional spelling error or my frenetic design. Thankfully.
For the easily offended, I offer this advice: grow a pair. Kudos to those who did.
*****************************
Last week I was in Costa Rica, for a second trip so far this year. While there,
I grabbed a few shots of Rosa and her baby.
Last week I was in Costa Rica, for a second trip so far this year. While there,
I grabbed a few shots of Rosa and her baby.
If you watch the NoBs TeeVee episode above
I discuss the background on this image. I posted this image on facebook and someone asked about
the photoshop and background to this image. So, I created a video that explained
the photoshop techniques used. Click on the image to watch it::
I discuss the background on this image. I posted this image on facebook and someone asked about
the photoshop and background to this image. So, I created a video that explained
the photoshop techniques used. Click on the image to watch it::
*******************************************************
Here’s an image from one of my sessions this week. It was the second in the series
of the babies first year that this couple have signed on for.
of the babies first year that this couple have signed on for.
Why am I telling you this? Simple. Marketing. Everything is marketing.
How I got them in, how I got them to stay, and how I get them to tell everyone.
How I got them in, how I got them to stay, and how I get them to tell everyone.
I’ve said it once, I’ll say it loud and clear a million times: “Don’t go looking
for that ONE way to get a hundred clients, look for, and implement one hundred ways
to get and keep ONE client.“
for that ONE way to get a hundred clients, look for, and implement one hundred ways
to get and keep ONE client.“
They came in as referral. They signed on for the babies first year program.
They loved the experience their first time in, now their second, it’s like we’re family. Trust.
None of this, and more, left to chance. All strategic.
They loved the experience their first time in, now their second, it’s like we’re family. Trust.
None of this, and more, left to chance. All strategic.
She’s a doc, he a massage therapist. Know your clients, know about your target market.
Know what they want, even if they don’t. How? Ask questions. Find out about tattoos. And shoot
ideas that even they didn’t know they wanted. Even if it’s impromptu blouse off, bra only pose.
Know what they want, even if they don’t. How? Ask questions. Find out about tattoos. And shoot
ideas that even they didn’t know they wanted. Even if it’s impromptu blouse off, bra only pose.
yours in photography,
Robert Provencher
Master Them And You`ll Ease Your Job
Within our society, more and more people are eager to preserve their memories. Technology has found out that, and nowadays we can identify numerous cameras manufacturers who constantly create and improve plethora models of digital cameras rather mode..... Read the rest of this entry »
Making Choices For Wedding Day Photography
The culmination of many years of planning is being represented by the wedding day, which is considered to be a day in which you celebrate your love and marriage with the party to end all parties. A host of services designed to make your wedding day t..... Read the rest of this entry »
Make Your Pictures Look Pro By Improving Your Photography Techniques
Talking about digital art would sound kind of fastidious for people who are not familiar with common concepts belonging to technology. Defining digital works as art is also a matter of judging the beauty of creation from a superficial point of view...... Read the rest of this entry »
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