For Photographers

When I first started photography, I always wanted to know how other photographers achieved a certain look or pose. Some photographers were more than willing and others liked to keep their "how to's" a secret. I am one of those who like to share! So here are a few links for those who would like to learn how to better their photography skills, learn more about photoshop, or simply know how I acheived a certain look on a photograph. 

Please feel free to ask me any questions you may have!!


Baby Posing

I highly recommend Keri Meyers for baby posing mentoring. Her prices are very affordable, the class is one on one (which I feel is absolutely necessary when trying to learn baby posing), she is about a three hour drive outside of Portland and she makes her own slings. If you are not looking for a mentoring session, at least check out her newborn work. She is truly amazing!


Props


Wraps and Cocoons: Marta Locklear skinsJoCo Couture, and TFJ Designs


Fur/Blankets/Rugs: Ikea and Target


Photoshop Actions

I only use actions from two different creators and both of them offer their actions for FREE:


Rita is a SUPER sweet lady who spends her days photographing the life of her two sons and her nights creating wonderful actions for all of us to use. I seriously use ALL of her actions but I consistently use Powder Room, Butterscotch Vintage and her Classic Black and White. 


I always use Nelly Nero's FREE Platinum Black and White action. I love her actions! Her black and white pack comes with an assortment of black and white conversions. I am sure you will find something in her pack that you will use over and over!



Learning Photoshop and Photographic Techniques


Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a Flickr ADDICT. Seriously. This is where I have learned most of what I know now. Sign up, post some of your imagery and then join groups. The best way to find a group is by looking up the program you are using (i.e. Photoshop, CS4, Photoshop Elements, Illustrator, ect.), photographic technique (HDR, long exposure, DoF, ect.) or type of photography (portraits, newborns, seniors, weddings, ect.). You can find a group on just about anything and learn anything and everything there is to know about that topic. 


Amanda writes the BEST tutorials on just about anything. Cooking, decorating, making earring holders and camera straps and best of all, she posts how to take awesome pictures! Go browse through her tutorials and blog. Sign up for her newsletters. Receive so much information you wont know what to do with yourself!!


If I cant find what I am looking for from any of the above (which is rare), I ALWAYS resort to Google. Type what you want to do, press "Google Search" and find your answer!!

If I really want to see how to do something, then I search YouTube. You would be amazed at what you can find. I learned how to tie my newborn sling, learned how to brighten and bring out eyes in Photoshop and other miscellaneous photography tips. 


I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any questions!!