Some tips on what you can use for Newborn Sessions

Here are some helpful tips that not only are simple but will also have your wallet thanking you!


Newborn Session Tips - Props:

A newborn posing kit which comes with a backdrop stand, posing bean bag and posing pillows for roughly a $160-250+ -- Why pay a fortune plus additional money for shipping and handling, when you can pay a lot less, simply by using items you may already have or can purchase for cheaper?




Replace with:  A traditional child's size bean bag from Wal-Mart ($19.88+ FREE store pick up)  - I recommend one that is 96 inches in circumference or larger.


Purchase a traditional backdrop stand (eBay - $30) and a boppy and/or nursing pillow (can be found on Amazon or eBay for less than $25, compared to Wal-Mart's $45+). Simply lower it to the lowest you level it will go and clamp your blanket backdrop to the stand.


** You can buy various clamps at a wide variety of stores online or in person for less than $3 and often with free shipping (such as on eBay or Amazon).


Use small hand towels that you already own to place underneath blankets, instead of posing pillows, to help provide additional support for the newborn.  Neck pillows also work wonders - you can literally purchase one with messaging neck beads for $1 at your local Dollar Tree!


Use puppy pads (also an inexpensive find at Dollar Tree) in between the multiple layers of your blankets - that way if the newborn happens to have an accident, it will be an easy clean up.


Instead of going out to purchase an expensive White Noise Machine, simply download the free version of Spotify Music Software onto your laptop, phone or tablet and create a 'Soothing Baby Sounds' playlist -- it does not get any better than free!


You can buy a pack of 3 baby wash clothes (again at Dollar Tree) for $1 -- these can be used as additional burp cloths or to simply help clean up any accidents that may occur.


I also recommend checking out thrift stores for potential baby props - what is one person's trash can easily be repurposed as another person's undiscovered treasure!  Thrift stores almost always have a wide variety of blankets of different textures, colors, patterns and so much more -- usually between $4.99-$6.99


So, let's recap....those expensive newborn posing kits - $160-$250+
Your Expenses:  $80-$100 (if not less) that is approximately a 30-40% difference!



That is all for this time folks!  I hope I have inspired you to go out there and find things still at great value but for a whole lot less!!



 

Now hiring for photography assistant internships!

Brittani McConnell Photography

Internship Application

Brittani McConnell Photography© is accepting internship applications for a part time internship position. Please read all information below to be considered. If you should have any questions, please email me at brittanimcconnellphotography@gmail.com 

Internships with Brittani McConnell Photography© can last anywhere from 6 months-1 year. 
*NOTE:  Internships are unpaid and may or may not lead to paid job opportunities.

Internship Duties:

• Must be available to work 2-3 days per week, a minimum of at least 3 hours a day + events
• PR, Marketing, Social Media
• Assisting with editing photos
• Assisting on photo shoots 
• Managing shipping and/or delivery of prints, albums or products
•  Assisting with scheduling photo shoots based on my calendar availability
•  Answering calls and emails
•  Assisting with keeping my studio neat and clean
•  Assisting with carrying cameras and equipment 

Perks:

• Access to my props, backdrops and floor drops
•   Being a part of a fast paced, fun, and creative environment
• One on one learning on the ends and outs of the business
•  First hand experience on photo shoots

Requirements

• Having your own DSLR camera, equipment, Adobe PS CC + Lightroom are BIG pluses
•  Must be available at least 2-3 days a week and often on nights and weekends
•  Must have reliable transportation
• Having a resume` that list some experience is a BIG plus
•  Must have at least 3 (non-family) references I can contact
•  Must be comfortable talking on the phone with clients
• Must have excellent people skills – graphic design skills are not required but are a HUGE plus
• Must be 18 years+ and/or legally able to work
• High School Diploma or GED Equivalent are preferred but not required
• Must be creative and dependable
• Must be able to lift 30lbs +

Internships can be applied during any season of the year.

How to apply

Send me an email here with your resume and cover letter.

* Please wait 1-2 days for a response

If you are chosen you will be notified by email and an interview will be arranged.

NOTE: Interviews will either be by phone or in person depending on my availability. 

Creating a Ombre Sky Overlay in PS CC

One of my favorite photographers, Page Kuepper, has recently decided to jump back into the photography business, after a needed break. As much as I hated to hear that she was considering ceasing her business entirely,  I am very happy that she is still involved with her photography and is now doing tutorials!  This particular post is more or less being written as a guide for me to be able to create an ombre sky overlay. However, I encourage you do give it a try too!




To see Page's tutorial on how to create an ombre sky overlay, click here.



Other links to view Page's work are:
Page's blog -  boulderlifestylephotography.com
Page's inspiration blog for beginner photographers - justforphotographers.com
Page's photography business page on Facebook - Page Kuepper Photography
Page's Facebook group for all things photography - Page Kuepper's: All Things Photography




Drop her a line and tell her how incredible she is!

How to resize your digital images for printing

As a photographer, I am confident in my talent and knowledge.  However, if I were to be told I had to be a mathematician....well, I would be completely out of luck. Thankfully, when I need to resize a digital image LR 5 (Light Room 5) already uses a 240 dpi (dot per inch); also known as ppi (pixels per inch) that automatically resizes my photos without me having to do them manually.  However, sometimes I do like to do things the hard way -- you can say I am a little stubborn with a whole lot of perfectionist.


I found  a video on YouTube that can help you learn how to quickly (under two minutes) resize a digital image manually.  This video shows you two different ways how to achieve this in Photoshop.


Click here to view, professional renowned photographer Scott Kelby's video on how to resize an image in Photoshop.

How to add a sky overlay in PS CC: Part 1

Have you ever taken a photo outside and the sky looks very bright and white?   I know I have. I am guessing that you have too. Well, today you are going to be able to add a sky overlay to fix that pesky whiteout in your photo in under 2 minutes!   Yes, folks', it is THAT easy.


Step 1:   Open the photo you wish you edit in Photoshop
Step 2:  Once you've loaded your photo, right click on your photo in the photo panel and create a duplicate layer.

Should look like this

Step 3:  Next, right click again on the original layer and then press the Lock symbol.  This will cause the layer to lock in place, so you do not accidentally ruin it and have to start over. 

Step 4: Once your original layer is locked, press File, then press "Place" or "Place Embedded". 

Step 5:  Choose the overlay you wish to use for your photo.  Be sure to have some already downloaded (it is easier and quicker to have them pre-loaded). Then press "Place".

Step 6: Next click on the check mark symbol once you have your overlay in place. 

Step 7:  In your photo panel (located on the bottom right hand side) click on where it says "Normal" - this is your blending mode button.  Scroll down where it says "Multiply" then click on it. 

Step 8:  Once you have your blending mode on Multiply, click on your overlay in the photo panel, then click on the "Add Mask Layer" also known as the "Add Vector Mask" button (located under neath the photo panel -- is a white box with a grey circle in the middle). This will cause a white layer box to automatically pop up beside your overlay. 

Step 9:  Click on the Brush Tool (located on the left side of PS).  Be sure you choose a soft white brush. Next you're simply going to drag the brush over the parts of the photo that you want removed. By using the Brush Tool, you are blending in the overlay in with your photo. 

Step 10:  Lastly just gently blend the overlay in with the photo.  I left my overlay opacity at about 86% and my fill in layer around 90% -- Once you've blended in the overlay, be sure you right click on the overlay in the photo panel. This will cause a white screen to pop up -- click on "Merge Down". By merging the overlay edit down, it will combine with your duplicate layer and your original layer to form one layer.  All that is left is to simply click "File" and "Save As" and you're done!!

End Result

Let's talk about LR Presets!

If you are a photographer, then you have had experience with using Photoshop and/or Lightroom, perhaps other products from Adobe - yes?   What if I told you that you can find LR presets and PS Actions for free -- Would you believe me?  Well, it is true!   I have 44 user presets that I downloaded for FREE, no sign up costs, no package fee, FREE.


Here are some links where you can download free LR presets and PS Actions:
Cole's Classroom
The Coffeeshop Blog
Greater Than Gatsby
Adobe Creative Cloud - Add Ons


I'll be sure to add more links the more I find them and post them for you all on here!  (:

Why I prefer digital cameras to film cameras

Why I do not love film cameras:

Film cameras are actually pretty great and photographers are more inclined to use one when first starting out in this profession.  However, film cameras can be a bit tricky...

• You NEVER know how your photo(s) are going to turn out, yes, even when you are on the level with professionals. 

• Film no longer cost as low as $.50, $1.00, or so per roll.  Now, ONE roll of 200-400 mm indoor/outdoor film is $5, change, plus tax. 

• Film is no longer inexpensive to develop.  ONE roll of film (just for single prints) is $9.99 + tax.  Seriously, folks' - it is camera madness. 

• A lot of camera service shops no longer carry parts to old cameras (all brands). 

• With a 35 mm film camera, you cannot edit your photos on the spot, or adjust your camera's setting to specific functions (unless the model is less than say 15-20 yrs old).  

• You HAVE to know your lighting and how the light of day changes as the clock goes on. This can be hard to achieve, even if using a digital camera, if you do not have good knowledge on the topic. 

Like I said, film cameras are great but pretty much only when you are first starting out.

Other wise, your hard-earned money, should be put towards a digital camera. 

Here is a photo of a vintage 35mm Canon AE-1 film camera (not credited to me).

Why I love digital cameras: 

This happens to be the very same model in which I use and I am head-over-heels in love with it.

• Digital cameras are fantastic because before you click the "take photo button", you can have the option to see what it is you are capturing vs. not being able to see using a film camera. 

• Particularly with my T5i, I can edit photos while they are still on my camera, pre-upload to Lightroom or Photoshop.

• You never have to pay exuberant amounts for 35 mm film or have to pay to have your film developed (unless you want prints of your digital photos -- then you're on your own). 

• More often then not a local camera service store, such as Wolf, or Canon, will have the extra parts you may need (i.e: internal reflecting mirror, lenses, straps, even additional camera bodies, etc).

• The photo quality is sharper and you have the option of photographing in a HR format. ** HR = High Resolution, also known as HQF, "High Quality Formatting". 

• Other local area photographers would be able to assist you more if you used a digital in comparison to a film camera.  This is due to the fact that nearly 9 out of 10 photographers, now and days, prefer digital over film. 

• Ultimately, for me, there are just a lot more pros to cons when using a digital camera. 

 Here is a photo of a digital Canon EOS Rebel T5i DSLR camera (not credited to me). 

Which is the best camera for you?

My advice is to play around on either or until you have knowledge of photography 101: camera basics (such as: How to operate your camera, indoor/outdoor lighting, knowledge of ISO, manual mode vs. automatic mode, and so much more). Only YOU can really decide which you feel is better. I am a apart of a small community of photographers and approximately 1/3 of them prefer classic film to modern-aged digital and are very good with using them. So, you never truly know what will ignite that photo-taking-enthusiast deep within in until you try. 

Posing for newborns-12 months

As a photographer, it becomes aggravating when someone else says to another photographer (especially if that person is newer to the business) that "there are only so many poses a small child can be put into from newborn-4 months" is not only ridiculous but it is also completely untrue.  There are virtually any pose you can dream of with the use of the photographer's creativity, props, blankets, posing pillows and Photoshop/PSE.  Never allow someone else to tell you that you are limited in this field - the whole point of photography is show your passion for the work that you do and the creativity that you possess. Simply have fun with your work and explore uncharted avenues that you never knew toy could!


You can do the following:  1) Create a composite photo (combining and/or 'stitching' photos together is a popular term among the photogs of the world) where the mother's hands are used to aide in additional support for the baby/small child in holding them up when they are too little to do so themselves.

Example: Photo 1

 Example: Photo 2

Example: Composite result, final photo.

*I do not take credit for the three photos above*

Used from www.iheartfaces.com

Want to learn more about how to do a composite photo? Check out: Newborn Composite Photo Examples or How to composite an image for more tips. 

The second thing you can do when having difficulty posing your subject is to make the wise investment in posing pillows and/or props.  I recommend investing in both because you want to 'up the anti' the more sessions you do with newborns. Another words, you want to always be creative, therefore you often need props to do so.  A photographer does not always need fancy props in order to create a beautiful photo. However, it does not hurt you nor the child if you decide to splurge on fancier props. Have Facebook but cannot decide where to purchase props?  Then you need to check out Photography Props group on Facebook. These hard working vendors put a lot of love, time, thought, blood, sweat and tears into their amazing prop creations (Did I mention the group has 16,000+ vendors to choose from?).

I have learned all of these tricks, tidbits and more over the years and even I have to resort to google how to do something, especially if it is a skill I have long used and pretty much forgotten.  It makes for a great refresher course as well as helps new photographers develop their specific skill and/or trade mark.

I certainly hope this blog provides some good insight as well as assistance to anything photography related that has been bothering you -- see you all next time!  

Tips on how to take a photo at night

When it comes to taking a photo at night here is what can happen:

• The camera's flash will fire (if set to automatic) and the photo will more often than not become over exposed, causing the subject(s) to look too bright.

• The camera's flash does not fire (if set to manual) and the photo will more often than not become under exposed, leaving your subject(s) looking too dark. 

What you want to do is the following if you are using a 50 mm lens:

• Set your camera on a non-flash and/or non-firing mode

• Be sure that your ISO is set at 1600 (if your camera does not have an ISO this high, then you would need to first check your camera's ISO settings and read your manual about how to properly set it). 

• Set your aperture to 1.2 and your SP set at 60.

What you want to do is the following if you are using a 70-200 mm lens:

• Set your ISO setting at 3200

• Set your aperture at 2.8

• Set your SP at 60

Now, for me, I use either my Canon 35-58 mm lens or my 75-300 mm lens and depending on which lens I decide to use at that time, I set my ISO setting accordingly. 

However, it is very important to have an understanding of your camera's ISO settings.  Below is something that can help.

When choosing the ISO setting, you want to ask yourself the following questions:

1. Light – Is the subject well lit?
2. Grain – Do I want a grainy shot or one without noise?
3. Tripod – Am I using a tripod?
4. Moving Subject – Is my subject moving or stationary?

** Tip for beginners: ISO measures the sensitivity of the image sensor. -- Another words: The darker the subject, the higher ISO setting you will need and the lighter the subject, the lower ISO setting you will need. 

How to make eyes pop using LR 5 - Tutorial #1

You might think that making a person's eyes in a photograph pop with color is difficult to do. However, I am here to tell you that not only is it easy but I can show you how with a few easy steps!

Here is a photo of my nephew, Jacob. 

As much as I adore the original, I wanted to enhance a few things.

TIP:  Do your best not to 'over enhance' your photo. Keep things as natural as possible.

** For this photo:  I enhanced the subjects skin complexion, added a bit of sparkle to his eyes, and slightly adjusted the photos exposure, contrast and clarity tones, yet still keeping it natural as can be. 

Photo Stats

ISO: 6400

Focal Length: 75 mm

Exposure:  1/320

Aperture: f/4,0

Lens:  EF75-300 mm

Camera:  Canon EOS Rebel T5i

Step 1:  Open your Light Room 5 software (these techniques will also work for LR 4) and import the photo you want to edit. Once you have imported your photo, click on the [Develop] tab located in the upper right hand side of the screen. 

Step 2: After clicking on the Develop tab you will see what is called your Histogram (this is located on the far right hand side of your screen).  Underneath your histogram, you will see a series of buttons - Crop Overlay, Spot Removal, Red Eye Correction, Graduated Filter, Radial Filter and Adjustment Brush.  Click on the [Adjustment Brush Tab].

Step 3: Once you click on the Adjustment Brush, you will see more serious of buttons - Exposure, Contrast, Clarity, Shadows, etc....scroll down just a little until you see where it says 'Brush Size'. Adjust the size of your brush to fit to your liking.  TIP:  I personally recommend keeping it at 5.7-6.8 but it will depend on how big of an area you are wanting to enhance. In this case, it will be the subject's eyes. 

Step 4: Once you have the brush size you want, click on the subject's eyes but be sure to change your settings on Clarity, Feather, Flow and Density all to 100% by moving the slider all the way to the right (you can always adjust these later if you want).  When you have finished clicking on the eyes, you will see a small black circle in the middle of the pupil (do not fret, this is how it is supposed to look).  TIP: By clicking on the black circle, everything you have painted over with your adjustment brush tool will turn to red. This will help you not 'paint' out of the lines and keep you solely focused on enhancing the eyes. You can always sharpen the eye lashes, too -- as well as other areas. 

Step 5: Next, to enhance the subject's eyes, simply move the slider on the [Exposure] tab. Increasing the exposure will allow more light to enter the eyes (this is what makes them *POP*) and decreasing the exposure will cause the eyes to look more darker. Adjust the amount to your own liking. TIP:  I usually keep my exposure setting at about 1.88-2.07 depending on how much light I had to work with when the photograph was taken. 

Step 6: Once you have adjusted your exposure settings, then you can play around with the other settings, such as:  Contrast, Shadows, Highlights, etc until you have achieved the look you want. After you have adjusted everything you want adjusted, simply click 'NEW' to add another mask layer to your photo. The [NEW] button is located directly underneath the [Adjustment Brush] button -- (it will say New  |  Edit).   At this point, you will see the changes that you have made to the subject's eyes.  TIP:  I recommend displaying a side by side comparison of a before and after photo (as seen above as the photo example).  This will help you when you edit your photo(s). 

Step 7: Now, you have enhanced the subject's eyes (you can even change the color of the eyes) you are ready to save your edited version of your photo to use as for web or printing. However, the most important thing is to just have fun and play around with the editing techniques!  

I hope this tutorial has helped you in anyway possible. However, if you should find yourself becoming confused, you can always go to The Coffee Shop Blog's Tutorial on Eye-Popping-Ehnhancement page and view Rita's instructions (are similar to mine). 

Lightroom 5 Editorial - Cherry Blossom Festival in Birmingham

Original photo

ISO: 320

Focal Length: 300 mm

Exposure:  1/400 

Aperture: f/5.6

Lens:  EF75-300 mm

Camera:  Canon EOS Rebel T5i

Now to add a touch of green and a pop of color.....

Edited photo 

Using Lightroom 4/5 preset: Velvet Butter by thecoffeeshopblog.

Exposure: 1/400

Contrast:  21+

Temp: 0.00

Tint: 40-

Highlights: 0.00

Shadows: 76+

Whites: 100-

Blacks: 5+

Clarity: 43+

Vibrancy: 50+

Saturation: 2+

Photography Prop-selling & buying

Photography-props, whether you are buying or selling -- If someone advertises for a similar or 'like' product in which you are looking for a price of say "$12" and then someone else comes swooping in and instantly says "$30", kindly tell the person that it is rude of them to undersell someone else.  I see this all too often really and more than 50% of the time, the person underselling the other, has a product less value (even though they are pricing their item relatively too high). It is all a product of "How much money can I make by ripping off which consumer?".    It's pathetic really.


What is even worse is when I see other photographers doing the same thing to me.  You should worry about your own business, because what I am lacking now, I will not be lacking in the future.


Food for thought, folks'.

Photoshop Tutorial #1: Part 2

ISO: 400

Focal Length: 100 mm 

Exposure: 1/1000

Aperature: f/4.5

Lens: EF75-300 mm

Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T5i

Original Photo ^

Photo in Photoshop after removing the tent and patrons. 

* For a quick and easy way to remove unwanted items in a photo, click on the [spot healing tool] as described above in the photo. It may take a few tries to get it where you want it as well as learning to adjust the settings but once you do, it will literally take only seconds. It is that amazing! :)

Photoshopped Version ^

As promised, here is a perfect example of a 'before and after' piece.  So, if you are thinking about using Photoshop for the first time, it is best if you google specific things you want to learn before giving yourself a headache with trying to learn everything there is to do. 

Photoshop Tutorial #1

Shinkendo:  

A martial arts style of swordsmanship

ISO: 640

Focal Length: 155 mm

Exposure: 1/1250

Aperature: f/5.0

Lens: EF75-300 mm

Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T5i

Here is a photo I recently took of a woman (yes, a woman - so cool) who practices Shinkendo. 

Can you guess what used to be in the green area (besides the obvious trees)?

* Answer:   A large purple colored tent and patrons walking around

So, how did I mask a large purple tent and remove extraneous people from my photo?  Through Photoshop.

It was quite easy really. However, do you get to thinking that Photoshop is always easy to use, if you have never used it before and are planning on buying it for the first time, it is actually quite difficult to master. 

What you do:

1. Load Photoshop on your computer
2. Upload desired photo into Photoshop
3. Click on the Spot Healing Healing Tool
4. Click on the photo, right click with your mouse and drag
5. Repeat until you have removed all extraneous variables from your photo
6. Save to your computer and voila!

Stay tuned for before and after photos on my next post. 

Introducing my April 2015 Photography Prop Vendor Monthly Feature...

Every month I will be featuring a new photography-prop vendor to showcase their work as well as any specials that she/he may have. For the month of April, I have chosen Fresh Off Linda's Hook! Check out her amazing and creatively detailed custom-crocheted new born outfits here. Also, if you are a photographer, you receive 20% off your order!  Cute, functional, creative, and lets not forget reasonably priced outfits for your bundle of joy -- what's not to love?


Also, during the month of April, if you purchase an order with Linda, you will receive a 10% off newborn session if booked with me!  Book your session today with Brittani McConnell Photography.


Congratulations, Linda!  I wish you continued success with your business and thank you for participating in my monthly photography-prop vendor featured posts!

Coming soon.....

I will soon be hosting bi-weekly mingles with photography vendors as well as once a month I will be hosting a featured-post of a photography vendor.  This is just one small way I can give back to those who have given so much to me and have helped me get where I am going.


Stay tuned....lots of exciting announcements to make in the near future! :)

10th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival

I am currently editing away to my heart's content on some recent photos I took at the 10th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival at my local Botanical Gardens, hosted by the Japan America Society of Alabama. You can find more information about their organization here.

• Mini sized Geisha Girls (children)
• Beautiful Flowers
• Shinkendo: Martial Arts Show
• Japanese Koi Fish & Sunbathing Turtles
• Portraitures
• Gorgeous Statues

What is not to look forward to?    :P      Hang tight my friends, hang tight.

Where you can find me on social media

Click on the links below to follow me on social media.



Instagram:  brittanimcconnellphotography

Twitter: BrittaniColleen

Facebook Business:  BrittaniMcConnellPhotography

Welcome to my blog!

Here I will be showcasing some of my best and favorite work, along with various tips for people, who are wanting to get into the profession of photography. I will also include various advice and insights of my personal journey as a photographer. Buckle your seat belts, kids, it is going to be one wild ride...