In between shoots and weddings I try and post some FAQ’s, TRA recipes, and some of my own recipes as well. I think it’s great when photographers help each other out in any way that they know how to. I know that my strength and forte in helping others is sharing the way I do things, creatively and in the business aspect as well. For those of you just starting out, I have definitely been there before. It’s frustrating, and you will find soon enough that running your own photography business isn’t as easy as you thought it would be. Please don’t let it get you down. And more importantly don’t give up! Surround yourself with supportive friends and family members who can root you on when you are doubting yourself and just KEEP GOING. You will doubt yourself many a times, no doubt <--pun was definitely intended. And even I, still to this day, second-guess myself and doubt myself before each and every shoot. Probably because the night before, I experience horrendous nightmares about equipment malfunctions on the wedding day and stuff like that, and I really don't think it'll ever go away -for me at least.
My husband has been so supportive of myself and my endeavors, and boosting my confidence whenever I would find myself down. He's pushed me to move forward when all I wanted to do was go backwards, to my life before photography. God bless him for being the best husband and partner ever. Without him, I may not have ever realized my calling as a picture taker. Yes. A picture taker. I take pictures. That's what I do. And I can NOT believe that I get to do this as my job. I woulda' never believed it if you were to tell me that even 4 years ago.
So like I said before, rather than being all competitive and refusing to share my "secrets" with other photographers who are starting out, I'd rather be as helpful as I can be. There are plenty of clients out there for all of us to share, and so I don't feel the need to feel threatened. I am so grateful to the photographers who have been there for me during their busy schedules, particularly Scarlett Lillian. She’s been such an inspiration to me during the beginning phases of my business and she doesn’t know this but she has definitely made a huge impact in the smallest way. I sent her an email basically complimenting her portfolio and not really expecting a response since she is such a popular girl and EVERYONE loves her. But then I did get an email back from her. And I could tell she really took the time aside from her busy schedule to write a well-thought out email. I was so blessed to know that there were photographers out there, of her level and caliber, that did truly care. Scarlett, if you are reading this by any slim chance, I just want to thank you for not being a photographer snob. You have no idea what a blessing you, your emails, and your blog has been to me. I really do pray that God will continue to bless you and your business abundantly and in your personal life too
So that’s what’s been on my heart last night, and felt compelled to write about it this morning. I hope I have inspired just one of you who may be reading this. I will leave you with a sneak peek from Sarah Lynn’s country bridal session from the past weekend. I have also included this same image below, unedited so you can get an idea of where it started. I have also included my recipe below as well. Enjoy, and happy weekend!!
AFTER
BEFORE
RECIPE:
~Create New Adjustment Layer and choose Color Balance
~Highlights (Cyan -5), (Magenta -5), (Blue +5)
~Midtones (Cyan -5), (Magenta -20), (Blue +10)
~Shadows (Cyan -5), (Magenta -10), (Blue +5)
~Now change the opacity to 80% on the color adjustment layer
~Flatten Image
~Use lasso tool to select any shape around the edges (feather about 250 pixels)
~Create new layer, select background and then go to image > adjustments > levels and slide to the right to get desired vignette
~Flatten image
~Select-O-Pop (using TRA) *on hair, eyes, boots, parts of barn, flowers, etc…
~Boutwell Magic Glasses (using TRA)
~F-Zero (using TRA) then use gradient tool to find middle and drag line out to center of edges
~Now click on either of TRA’s “f/zero High Quality Conversion”, “f/zero Super High Quality Conversion”, or “f/zero Insane Quality Conversion” (I would use either Super or Insane)
~Pro-Retouch (using TRA) on her face, arms and knees and then reduce overall opacity to 50%
Congratulations, you did it!
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