from "pretty" to "OOOOOH"
[Tips, tricks and behind the scenes a bit.] There are a lot of photographers out there known in the community as the "shoot and burn" type. They will take your picture, burn you a disc of the results, and that's that.
That's just not me.
I love love LOVE spending time behind the computer to customize my images. Each session has a different "look" and "feel" to it...a different recipe that brings out the mood of the moment. This is my art. This is where I play.
Very rarely will you see an un-edited image of mine. During a portrait session, I do show you a few images on the back of my camera just so you can see what we're capturing and know we're on the right track (and can be assured that you look FABULOUS), but very rarely do I share an un-edited image otherwise.
Here's why.
I LOVE the dreamy, creamy, sun-kissed look.The pop of color and brightness.
But being a natural light photographer, I can't control Mother Nature... which means I can't always control my light source (as I'd be able to if I were in a studio setting). Yes, I can use light modifiers such as scrims, reflectors and flash... but those don't always work with my spontaneous, natural shooting style (especially in sessions with wiggly wee ones). And while I've gotten to the point where I actually prefer to work in the sunlight (as opposed to open shade, which is the "beginner's" trick), it doesn't always cooperate.
So while the photos I take look DO look good straight out of the camera (SOOC), I like to give them that extra little "oomph" to get them to that place I visualized when I originally shot the image.
I do use Photoshop... not as a crutch to "fix" images... but as a tool to enhance them.
Below is a great example of this.
The image was taken in an open field in pretty harsh light. You can see that the sunlight is coming from the back/left side of the subject. Had this been shot in "automatic" mode with my camera, the sky would be a vivid blue, but the subject's face would be nearly black. Using manual settings I was able to manipulate the scene so that the subject's face (the most important part) was properly exposed. I also used the environment to help manipulate the light... the light colored sand the subject is walking on works as a natural reflector to bounce light back at her, while I angled the paper umbrella she holds to work as a scrim... diffusing the sunlight before hitting her face so there are no harsh shadows.
The image on the left is straight out of the camera (SOOC). Pretty darn good.
But I wanted to add that dreamy, creamy look that I love. So I brightened up her skin and eyes a bit, played with the contrast, and then layered on a few favorite Photoshop "actions" to achieve that warm glow. (A quick note to those of you who dabble with "actions"... here's the trick: do NOT use them in full force.)
And the image on my right is my final product.
OOOooooOOOOOOOOo0ooooohhhhh.
Like what you see? Sign up for my newsletter by clicking the red tab on the left. I've got BIG things planned for next year and you won't want to miss out!
documenting the everyday
I document my life on a daily basis. It's just what I do. Long before Facebook told me it was cool to share what I ate for lunch, and Foursquare allowed me to "check in" with my location, and Instagram let me instantly share my view with others... I was still documenting. I was collecting, journaling, scrapbooking. And taking lots and lots of pictures of my everyday. Because in the long run, it's the everyday moments that count.
I still journal, and I still take daily pictures.
And I invite you to do the same.
Not sure what to document, exactly? Try starting with this:
There are lots of different daily prompts out there to choose from, but the one from Chantelle Ellem on Instagram is one of the more popular ones to play along with. (You might recognize her as @fatmumslim.)
I'll be playing along with this one in December, too. Follow along with my own daily adventures here: http://instagram.com/thesuitcasestudio
I'd LOVE to see how your December goes. Be sure to tag me in posts on Instagram and Facebook (@thesuitcasestudio) so I don't miss a thing!
santa baby
Here's a sneak peek from a recent portrait session... just a little something to get you into the holiday spirit.
LOVE what you see? Share the love by simply leaving a comment below. If this blog post receives 25+ comments, the family will receive an 8×10 print of their choice.
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Still need to take your holiday family photo? There's still time to book a mini-session with me, which includes a photo session and 25 custom holiday cards. Taking place this Sunday, December 2nd only. Don't delay... click here to book your mini-session now!
Hannah
Inhale. Stretch. Aim. Exhale. Fire. Archery is new to Hannah's life, but she's fallen in love with the sport.
"It's totally zen, and forces you to slow down and focus on your breath. And you get a great workout without getting sweaty."
Ha! I love the way this girl thinks.
Her life being a bit of a whirlwind at times (she's a doctor, and world travel has become a big part of her life, as well)... it's wonderful that she has found a great outlet to help her relax and refocus.
I wanted to capture pieces of this. Pieces of her.
Concentration, relaxation, fiery spirit. And total zen.
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The holidays are going to be here in a FLASH! Have you taken your holiday portraits yet? There's still time to book a last-minute mini-session with me, which includes a photo session and 25 custom holiday cards. And extra cool... the sessions will be taking place in this awesome field location shown in the photos above! (With a Christmas tree added for some fun flair.) Don't delay... click here to book your mini-session now!
Holiday Mini-Sessions are HERE!
The holidays are a GREAT time to update your family photos or even just get new pictures of the kids. And photos make FANTASTIC gifts... hint, hint.
Space is limited.
Click here to reserve your spot.
Details:
Each mini-session is only $125 and includes:
- 20 minute portrait session
- 15 fully-edited images hosted in an online gallery for 2 weeks
- 25 custom holiday cards (and we're talking the nice, big, 5x7 folded cards here, people...)
Digital packages and other products will also be available for purchase.
Etc.:
Mini-Sessions are taking place on Sunday, November 11th in San Juan Capistrano and Sunday, December 2nd in Irvine (specific locations to be shared with participants)
Each mini-session includes up to 5 people; there is a $10 fee for each additional person. Your final images will be ready for viewing within one week. Images will be hosted online for 2 weeks, at which time you will select your holiday card design. You will also have the ability to purchase additional items at that time.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR A MINI-SESSION.
Ethan turns ONE // sneak peek
Time flies. It doesn't seem like a whole year has passed since I took pictures of newborn Ethan. But here he is now... a lot bigger and an explosion of personality. Fearless and happy and inquisitive. And a wonder to behold. Here's just a peek of our afternoon together at the park, spent capturing photos for his first birthday.
Is it just me or does he look like he's busting out a kung-fu move?
Isn't his smile absolutely beautiful?
LOVE what you see? Share the love by simply leaving a comment below. If this blog post receives 25+ comments, Ethan's family will receive an 8×10 print of their choice.
LET'S PLAY: If you still need family photos for the holidays, I am holding mini-sessions THIS SUNDAY (November 11) and Sunday, December 2. Click here for more details on my mini-sessions and to snag yourself a spot. And don't delay... these are the LAST SESSIONS I have available before the end of the year!
Happy Halloween!
Happy Halloween to my favorite boys and ghouls... Tonight is where ghosts and goblins come out to walk alongside the superheroes. And where kids of ALL ages are encouraged to dress up and PLAY. (Grown-ups, I'm talking to YOU)!
No matter where you end up tonight... whether you're handing out the candy or gobbling it up yourself... HAVE FUN! And don't forget to take plenty of pictures along the way!
(images from a "Trunk or Treat" event at my nieces' & nephews' school a few nights ago):
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Have a holiday party or other special event coming up? Let ME photograph it so you can actually relax and ENJOY your day! Click on "Let's Talk" at the top of this page to get started.