Interested in using Alien Skin Software Exposure X and Capture One in tandem? I show you how simple it really is! Find out how by clicking the link below!
http://www.alienskin.com/blog/2016/photo-finishing-with-exposure-x-and-capture-one/
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Get Out There And Be Awesome
Are you a photographer struggling to attract more clients? If the answer is yes, Look no further. These tips below will help you grow your business.
1. Dont just sit there, Get up and look for the clients.If you are not willing to network and sell your service to people, you will loose potential income. To become a successful photographer you will need to step out of your comfort zone and meet new people.
You dont have to be a professional sales person. All you need is passion and drive for what you do. Love your work and people will do the same.
When you meet new people, tell them about the experience they would get from working with you. Paint a picture in their minds on how it will make them feel. Talk about what makes your product or service unique. Explain the benefits of your product or service.
In the same way, explain to them the process of working with you.
2. Explore different ways you can promote yourself. Dont be scared to explore different platforms. Make use of both traditional and digital marketing strategies.
Everyday make it a priority to write down different ideas on ways you can promote yourself. Make sure to use this list everyday and cross out ideas that are not actionable.
3. Traffic is keyA beautiful website does not guarantee any traffic. The problem is most photographers put in a lot of effort into creating a beautiful website when they should be trying to drive more traffic to their site. The more visitors you have to your site, the higher the chances of maximizing your sales.
Learn the different SEO techniques or you can hire an SEO expert to help you. The time and money you invest determines the result you will get.
Also, it is important that your website is mobile friendly or else google will down rank it.
4. Work with other business owners in your areaCollaborate and network with different business owners in your area. Dont be greedy when networking, support others in your network and they would be willing to do the same for you.
think of places where you can find potential clients like coffee shops, spas, hairdresser and so on. Meet with the owners and ask if you can promote your product or service.
In the same way, you can design a beautiful postcard or flyer and hand it out to people you meet. You can include discount offers or other promotional techniques you feel is appropriate.
If you dont have a newsletter you should get one. In the meantime, you can collaborate with other business owners that have newsletters. Offer to do a portrait session for them or you send them some beautiful pictures and then have the owner of the business recommend you in their newsletter. In like manner, you can decorate a local shop, restaurant, café with your photographs and then give them your business card so they can distribute to their customers who need your service.
Alternatively, you can organize a get together with other business owners. You can organize events that give you the opportunity to promote your services. For example, if you photograph new born babies, create an event for mothers to come and hear you talk about infant photography. This is a fun way to promote your product or services to people while educating them at the same time.
5. Get a mentor. A good mentoring relationship can give you a competitive advantage. It is important that you have a mentor that can help you succeed, especially at the early stages of your carreer.
X-Rite Color Checker Passport
The X-Rite ColorChecker passport {refers to|describes|identifies|is the term for} {a powerful|a strong|a robust|an effective} device that {acts as a|provides a|behaves as a|provides for a} ‘color solution’ for accurate {as well as|in addition to|along with|and also} consistent photos {and creative|and inventive|and artistic} flexibility. It combines multiple pictures into one pocket size photograph {that can be|that may be|which can be|that could be} easily positioned {to any|to the|to your|for any} angle and scene {that you would|that you’d|that you will|that you might} desire {as a|like a|being a|as being a} photographer. It {enables you to|allows you to|lets you|permits you to} {have a|possess a|use a|have a very} wonderful functionality {when you|whenever you|once you|if you} incorporate it {with a|having a|using a|which has a} camera calibration software {in your|inside your|within your|with your} camera. {With a|Having a|Using a|Which has a} raw picture {or one|a treadmill} {that you may have|you will probably have|you will likely have|you might have} just captured, {it will help|it can help|it helps|it may help} in {improving the|increasing the|enhancing the|helping the} {picture quality|display quality|image quality|picture}, flexibility {as well as|in addition to|along with|and also} productivity {as soon as|when|the moment|after} it {is incorporated in the|is within the|influences|consistantly improves} picture.
Description
{If you are a|If you’re a|An advanced|A high level} photographer {and looking|and searching|looking|and seeking} {to enhance|to boost|to improve|to further improve} you pictures, {ensure that your|make sure that your|ensure your|keep your} exposure {is good|is nice|is great|is a useful one}, {or even|or perhaps|as well as|and even} create custom profiles, {then the|then your|then a|then this} X-Rite ColorChecker {would be the|will be the|is the|could be the} {most appropriate|most suitable|best suited|best fitting} {look for|search for|try to find|seek out} your photography, especially {if you are a|if you’re a|an advanced|a high level} raw shooter. {The main|The primary|The key|The principle} features it {comes equipped with|comes with|has|consists of} {for its|because of its|for the|due to the} amazing functionality {is listed|shows up} {as follows|the following|the subsequent|the next}
– Color management workflow: The X-Rite ColorChecker passport {comes equipped with|comes with|has|consists of} {a feature|an element|an attribute|a characteristic} {that enables|that allows|that permits|so that} it {to match|to complement|to fit|to check} {all the|all of the|every one of the|each of the} colors {that you would|that you’d|that you will|that you might} want {in the|within the|inside the|from the} camera, {in an|within an|in a|in the} organized any manner. {It is|It’s|It really is|It can be}, therefore, {easier to|simpler to|much easier to|better to} edit {as well as|in addition to|along with|and also} organize {the colors|the colours|the shades|colors} {in a way that|in a manner that|in a fashion that|in ways that} {you want to|you need to|you would like to|you wish to} capture {the color|the colour|along with|large}.
– White balance: {With the|Using the|With all the|Together with the} X-Rite ColorChecker, {you will be able|you’ll be able|it is possible|it will be possible} {to set|to create|setting|to put} a white balance {for your|for the|to your|on your} camera to capture true and accurate pictures across a spectrum. {The color|The colour|Along with|Large} editing {of the|from the|with the|in the} pictures taken also {becomes easier|becomes simpler}.
– Camera Calibration: {You can|You are able to|It is possible to|You’ll be able to} {be able to get|be capable of getting|be capable of geting|get} a calibration technology that {enables you to|allows you to|lets you|permits you to} get perfect or excellent shots even from unusual light sources. {It will|It’ll|It’s going to|It is going to}, therefore, {be easy|be simple|the simple} {to establish|to determine|to ascertain|to create} {an accurate|a precise|an exact|a definative} color {to use for|for} developing {and effective|and efficient} {control of|charge of|power over|control over} {the other|another|one other|the opposite} colors.
– Passport size: {It has been|It’s been|It is often|Many experts have} {designed with|made with|fashioned with|built with} a passport-size case {that you can|that you could|you could|that one could} effectively carry {and use it|and employ it|and then use it|and utilize it} anywhere {for your convenience|for your benefit|to save you time|for your leisure}. It {has also been|has additionally been|been specifically|has been} {designed with|made with|fashioned with|built with} a rigid material {that can|that may|that will|that could} enable it to last {for a long time|for some time|for a long period|for years}.
Benefits
-{Ability to|Capability to|Capacity to|Power to} easily match colors and edit photos, {thanks to the|because of the|due to the|with thanks to the} color management feature.
– {Ability to|Capability to|Capacity to|Power to} create and generate profiles, {thanks to the|because of the|due to the|with thanks to the} .DNG file extension.
– Automatic {and effective|and efficient} color calibration: {Thanks to the|Because of the|Due to the|With thanks to the} automatic color calibration, {it is easy to|you can easily|it is possible to|you can actually} set {the correct|the right|the proper|the best} color display {that you want|that you would like|you want|that you might want} {for your|for the|to your|on your} photos {to appear|to look|to seem|to show up}.
– {Easy to use|Simple to use|User friendly|Simple to operate} operation software {that comes with|that is included with|that accompany|that accompanies} the manual.
– Small, pocket-size {and therefore|and for that reason|and thus|and so} flexible {to use|to make use of|to utilize|to work with} almost anywhere.
Conclusion
The X-Rite ColorChecker passport {is basically|is actually|is essentially|is simply} one {the best|the very best|the most effective|the top} solutions {for taking|to take|when planning on taking|when deciding to take} quality pictures, {especially if you|particularly if you|specifically if you|particularly if} {are just a|are only a|are a|are simply a} beginner in photography {and would like to|and also|and even|as well as} perfect {your skills|your talent|your abilities|the} in managing and determining {the best|the very best|the most effective|the top} colors {for your|for the|to your|on your} picture, {as well as|in addition to|along with|and also} white balance. {What is more|Furthermore|In addition|Additionally}, {since it is|as it is|because it is|as it is often} {a very|a really|an extremely|an incredibly} recent software, {it also|additionally, it|in addition, it|what’s more, it} {comes equipped with|comes with|has|consists of} {a very easy|an easy|a very simple|a simple}-to-use installation manual {for easy|for simple|for straightforward|for quick} following of instructions {and it is|which is|and it’s also|in fact it is} {very cheap|inexpensive|really cheap|cheap} {in cost|on price|in price} {as well|too|also|at the same time}. {It is best|It’s best|It’s a good idea|It’s advisable} in {taking control of|managing} brightness and contrast of monitors and displays {for an|to have an|with an|on an} accurate picture profile. {Try it|Check it out|Test it|Do it} today {for the best|to find the best|to get the best|for top} quality photography!
Why Choose An Online Photo Editing Service For Your Photo
It’s been awhile since my last blog post, and I thought… what better way to get back in the swing of thing than a guest blog post from my friends over at Clipping Paths Asia. Take it away!!!
Why Choose An Online Photo Editing Service For Your Photo
Photo editing is an art of bringing back the lost glory of the images or enhancing the beauty of them with the use of some additional features and applications.
Photo editing process involves scaling the contrast and brightness of images, enhancing of colors, mending the minor or major scratches, photo clipping, removal of petty dust and stains, reconstructing the missing parts of the image and many other such processes. With the innovations in technology, you can also remove the excess flesh, add special features like black and white, remove red eye etc.
Photographs are important for businesses and individuals alike. People mostly get attracted towards photographs than anything else. An advertising campaign cannot draw the attention of people without images. People don’t like going through the plain text and always prefer to look at some interesting images. Even Business organizations require several images for various reasons like providing information about the services they offer, distributing press releases etc. Businesses need the help of such firm to make sure that the images are of good quality and should be able to seek the attention of consumers. Such firms can help your business by ensuring that the images are customized and meet your requirements.
Gone are the days when one had to visit a photo studio personally to get his/her photos taken, enhanced or retouched. There are several online photo editing services today that offer individuals the chance to get their photos digitally enhanced and retouched online, either for the same price or cheaper. Therefore, if you are thinking of getting some of your old photos retouched or enhanced, here is why you get to benefit more by choosing an online photo enhancement services company.
Wide Variety of Online Tools
An online digital photo editing service or company will offer you a wide variety of online tools, including online digital contrast adjustment, color adjustment or brightness adjustment and more, to work with when retouching your photos. This will give you a far better idea of which features you can choose to make your photos look better.
Clear Progress in every step
In a photo studio, you are at the mercy of the photographer or editor who simply gives you a brief overview of what can be done to enhance a photograph. You will have no idea how the photo will look after retouching. However, with an online photo editing service, you are in full control of how you want your photos to look at the end. Most of these online digital photo color correction services give you the opportunity to test their tools on your photos before actually contacting them for the job. You can also remain in contact with the company during the editing process, thus ensuring the best outcome for your photos after enhancement.
Cost Effective or Free Services
Many online photo editing services and companies let you enhance your old photos at just a fraction of the cost you will end up paying in a photo studio. Many of these companies tend to offer online photo editing packages that allow you to pay for a few services, but enjoy more of the latter in the process. For instance, while you get to pay for online photo correction, you can possibly enjoy freebies like online digital photo adjust exposure services and online digital photo special effects services that come with the package.
Guaranteed Service Quality
Last but not the least, an online digital photo editing service or company like clipping path asia will provide you with 100% client satisfaction. In addition to being in control of how your photos need to look like at every step of the enhancement process, you will also be able to take note of some of the company’s previous projects and clients.
This allows you to shop around quite a bit and without any hassles before zeroing in on the best online photo editing company for your needs. As such, this will drive every photo editing service you meet online to offer guaranteed service quality.
How To Light a Bottle – On Location
When I was hired to photograph 125 different wine and liquor bottles (at a wine shop) in a 4-hour period, I knew I had to keep my lighting setup simple and unobtrusive. I’m going to explain my lighting setup as well as camera settings on how I was able to achieve this look quickly and easily
Lighting a wine bottle, or any glass object for that matter, can be a bit tricky due to the fact that the bottle will reflect everything that is in front and adjacent to it, at about 180 degrees. The most noticeable reflection will be your light source, so how do you make your lights visually appealing? Use a large light source! Unfortunately I was confined to a small, high traffic area and using large light modifiers was out of the question. I needed a device that is capable of not only making a small light source BIG, but also softens the light too. That’s when I reached for my 1- stop diffusion panel. Using a diffusion panel as a gobo (go between), would achieve the effect I required.
As you can see in the photo above, a speed light was mounted on a light stand, and placed to the left of the bottle. I then positioned the diffusion panel between the flash and wine bottle, making sure to keep the diffusion panel as close to the bottle as possible in order to create a larger and softer light source. Rounding out my setup, I placed a strobe/softbox combo behind the bottle, to create a completely white background. In addition to providing a white background, the light also illuminated the bottles beautifully. White seamless paper was used beneath the bottle to complete the set.
Before shooting, a spike mark was drawn on the paper, so I would know where to place every bottle. Using spike marks sped up my workflow dramatically. Without the marks I would have had to position and reposition every bottle in order to match shots.
Camera settings are as follows:
Shutter Speed – 1/60th
Aperture – F/7.1
ISO: 200
Gear Used:
Impact Collapsible Oval Reflector Disc
TetherPro USB 3.0 SuperSpeed Micro-B Cable
Uber Cool Film Look in Capture One
The ”Film Look” is all the rage right now in digital photography, and one of my favorite looks comes as a built in preset inside Capture One. “Color Effects – Creative 2.” Sounds exciting, doesn’t it? Despite its rather tame name, it’s quite powerful and simple to apply to any photo.
On my recent trip to LA, I found myself on the beaches of Santa Monica, and couldn’t resist taking a photo of this lifeguard station. I loved how the light blue color of the tower contrasted with the yellow sand.
Upon opening the photo in Capture One I knew I wanted to give this photo a film look. In order to do this select the “Local Adjustment” brush, create a new layer by hitting the “+ button.” Next, scroll down to “Styles and Presets” select “Color Effects” and “Creative 2.” Instantly your photo changes to the selected preset.
That’s all! Done! An amazing looking photo with literally 4 clicks of the mouse.
Apple Watch
I’ve been rocking the Apple Watch for about a week now and i’ve never felt more trendy. This is the must have item in wearable technology, however, i’m giving it up. The Apple Watch can send and receive calls, respond to text messages and even works as an iPod (with bluetooth headphones). The battery life is excellent for my use, but for those who want to wear the watch while they sleep, you’ll need to find an hour or 2 to charge everyday. The Apple Watch is very easy to use and after a few minutes you’ll be customising your watch in no time.
Now to the big question you’re all asking, “Why are you getting rid of it?”
I’m getting rid of it because it does TOO much! If Apple made a watch that in addition to displaying the time and date, simply made and received calls i’d be happy, but Apple added features like text messaging, fitness tracking and siri. And I want MORE!!! I’ve become conditioned to want and need MORE!!! I want the watch to be independent of the iPhone, I want Apple to include a bluetooth headset. I want Safari and Youtube and Facebook, oh my! Wifi and Google and Laser Beams… As you can see I want more.
Apple Watch is awesome! But I want more… It’s the way of the world now a days. Instead of focusing on what it does, i’m constantly thinking of what it doesn’t do. I wish the iWatch simply displayed time and could send and receive calls. But knowing that it can do SO MUCH MORE… I want that… I want it to do more.
Cinemagraph
Have you ever heard of a cinemagraph? I didn’t until just last night and let me tell you, they are awesome!!! Cinemagraphs are still photographs in which a minor and repeated movement occurs. Cinemagraphs, which are usually published in an animated GIF format, can give the illusion that the viewer is watching a video.
This was my first attempt at a cinemagraph, and honestly its pretty poor, but I do have some more creative and exciting ideas, so please keep on the lookout.
October 12th 2014 Lighting seminar!
I will be holding a lighting seminar in Little Falls, NJ on October 12th, 2014! Limited seats available! Bring your camera, you WILL be shooting!!! Models Davide Loop Filippini and Andy Peeke will be available immediately after the seminar for private photo sessions!
For additional info please contact andrew@andrewfoordphotography.com for information
Lighting Seminar October 12th, 2014!
I will be holding a lighting seminar in Little Falls, NJ on October 12th, 2014! Limited seats available! Bring your camera, you WILL be shooting!!! Models Davide Loop Filippini and Andy Peeke will be available immediately after the seminar for private photo sessions!
For additional info please contact andrew@andrewfoordphotography.com for information
Andrew Foord Photography 