Thought I would have had this done for this Friday, but reached a little snag. Someone is setting up a password protected area for me for my readers so that you can download some of the freebies I am working so hard on for you. Once that is up, I will have a sample press card, business card, and gift certificate to share with you all for your businesses.
Hope everyone has a safe and happy weekend. Off today to search for some holiday props for my Xmas shoots.
Want to leave a freebie friday on this note:
Please check out this awesome site and click here... it is a little bit of digital scrapbooking, a little bit of photo editing. There is Free Tutorials, Backgrounds, Classes, Kits (that have awesome backgrounds for templates) I love the Strawberry Lemonade Kit!!!
Friday, November 20, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Why I Love Ikea
When I lived in philly, I had a happy place (which if you know me now it has been replaced by Target) where swedish meatballs are abundant and you can buy a chair for 19.99. A place where you can redo your home for a thousand dollars instead of tens of thousands. A place where you can buy cookware, appliances, paintings, swedish frozen food and plants all in one place. Where is this nirvana you ask? Well it is the big blue box - Ikea.
I decided to take a trip to my happy place and get some meatballs to make for my DH. I think I forgot just how much I love this place. It has been at least 3 years since I set foot on that concrete floor. While I was there I found an awesome blanket to use for newborn shoots. The picture doesn't do it justice. It is soooo worth $19.99 I heard about it on a forum that I am a member of and decided to buy one for myself:) I have a newborn shoot in a week. I am determined to work it into my maternity shoot this weekend. Just haven't figured out how yet! Pictures to follow.
I also found a great down comforter in the as is section for $6.99 (normally $49.99) Click here to see the same one on the website. with nothing but a black mark. I'm taking the clorox bleach pen to it- my favorite tool at home next to the Tide Pen:) Its queen size. I like to use it under the newborn and the blanket I am using. I think it works a little better than a boppy. Plus it is sooooo warm for the little one. The shape of the boppy shows sometimes and I like the unrefined edge of the cushion and the way it makes them look like they are floating:) If I really need that support, I will put the boppy under the down comforter (which is under the blanket or whatever I am shooting on. I am still well below my $100 budget for props- by the way!
There are some awesome chairs if you have a studio and need that great fluffy chair you know that one that the young child sits on or the chair that the newborn in a swaddle lays on. There is a curtain system where you can hang backdrops and fabric and curtains that can double as backgrounds. I'll put the links below for all these items...
Next week I will share my on location props and what I have for maternity, newborn and child props all on a budget stay tuned:) I spent less than $100 on props.
I decided to take a trip to my happy place and get some meatballs to make for my DH. I think I forgot just how much I love this place. It has been at least 3 years since I set foot on that concrete floor. While I was there I found an awesome blanket to use for newborn shoots. The picture doesn't do it justice. It is soooo worth $19.99 I heard about it on a forum that I am a member of and decided to buy one for myself:) I have a newborn shoot in a week. I am determined to work it into my maternity shoot this weekend. Just haven't figured out how yet! Pictures to follow.
I also found a great down comforter in the as is section for $6.99 (normally $49.99) Click here to see the same one on the website. with nothing but a black mark. I'm taking the clorox bleach pen to it- my favorite tool at home next to the Tide Pen:) Its queen size. I like to use it under the newborn and the blanket I am using. I think it works a little better than a boppy. Plus it is sooooo warm for the little one. The shape of the boppy shows sometimes and I like the unrefined edge of the cushion and the way it makes them look like they are floating:) If I really need that support, I will put the boppy under the down comforter (which is under the blanket or whatever I am shooting on. I am still well below my $100 budget for props- by the way!
There are some awesome chairs if you have a studio and need that great fluffy chair you know that one that the young child sits on or the chair that the newborn in a swaddle lays on. There is a curtain system where you can hang backdrops and fabric and curtains that can double as backgrounds. I'll put the links below for all these items...
Next week I will share my on location props and what I have for maternity, newborn and child props all on a budget stay tuned:) I spent less than $100 on props.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Why I love photoshop... let me count the ways
I started out with the generic image enhancing software that came with my printer. The result was OK pictures. Then I bought Elements 5. It sat taking up space on my hard drive until one day I bought a book and joined a forum and the rest was history, I was hooked. I never had a mediocre picture that I sent to the photolab again. I had an arsenal of actions that I downloaded and away I went. Years later I upgraded to CS3, which is what I have now.
The following images are of my son. It was a so-so picture before and in two steps (plus a sharpen for the web) I drastically improved this pic.
Here is the before Here is the after
I did an exposure adjustment layer (set the blackpoint first then upped the exposure a little) In case you are JSO with photoshop to set the black point - in the exposure pop up box that comes out, choose the black dropper and choose a spot on your picture that is or should be black and click. Then adjust your exposure slider.
Did a curves adjustment layer pulled up and to the left a little for a creamy tone to the skin.
There you have it. Anyone can do it. Even me:) This is basic. I'm sure some pros will cringe and I can normally put about 10 more steps in there when I proof for a session. However, if your just starting with photoshop or want a quick edit for your snapshots, this is a simple way to make them pop.
The following images are of my son. It was a so-so picture before and in two steps (plus a sharpen for the web) I drastically improved this pic.
Here is the before Here is the after
Did a curves adjustment layer pulled up and to the left a little for a creamy tone to the skin.
There you have it. Anyone can do it. Even me:) This is basic. I'm sure some pros will cringe and I can normally put about 10 more steps in there when I proof for a session. However, if your just starting with photoshop or want a quick edit for your snapshots, this is a simple way to make them pop.
Clickin Moms Giveaway!!!
Hi, all. I have some great news!!! Kendra from Clickin Moms has graciously donated a YEAR subscription for me to give away on my new blog Jens Photo Mojo. This is a $50 value!!!
Clickin moms is a community of women who are passionate about photography with over 4,000 members!! There are forums, tutorials, Inspirations, Galleries, Contests and Prizes, and so much more. I personally have learned so much from the wonderful women that are on the forum! I owe so much to them. This membership is a must have if you are a mom and want to take great pictures of your child, or interested in photography as a business, or a pro who wants to connect with others. Joining Clickin Moms was one of the best things I have done. Money well spent for me:)
In order to win this you must be new to Clickin Moms (not a current member). If you are new to Clickin Moms and would like to enter your name in the drawing you need to do the following...
SUBSCRIBE (and confirm subscription) to Jen's Photomojo blog and newsletter via the box on the right of the screen, check out my new blog, and then POST a comment on this thread with your name and that you would like to enter the contest. I will be confirming posts with subscriptions. You will need to check back on November 24th after 12 p.m. and have until November 26th at midnight to claim your prize
BONUS ENTRY: Fan me on my new Facebook (see link to the right) and leave it on another comment on this thread and I will enter you twice:)
We will choose a winner on November 24th at 12 p.m. Please come back and visit us again.....
DECEMBER is the grand kick off of my blog. We will be having giveaways all month!!!! Stay tuned!
Clickin moms is a community of women who are passionate about photography with over 4,000 members!! There are forums, tutorials, Inspirations, Galleries, Contests and Prizes, and so much more. I personally have learned so much from the wonderful women that are on the forum! I owe so much to them. This membership is a must have if you are a mom and want to take great pictures of your child, or interested in photography as a business, or a pro who wants to connect with others. Joining Clickin Moms was one of the best things I have done. Money well spent for me:)
In order to win this you must be new to Clickin Moms (not a current member). If you are new to Clickin Moms and would like to enter your name in the drawing you need to do the following...
SUBSCRIBE (and confirm subscription) to Jen's Photomojo blog and newsletter via the box on the right of the screen, check out my new blog, and then POST a comment on this thread with your name and that you would like to enter the contest. I will be confirming posts with subscriptions. You will need to check back on November 24th after 12 p.m. and have until November 26th at midnight to claim your prize
BONUS ENTRY: Fan me on my new Facebook (see link to the right) and leave it on another comment on this thread and I will enter you twice:)
We will choose a winner on November 24th at 12 p.m. Please come back and visit us again.....
DECEMBER is the grand kick off of my blog. We will be having giveaways all month!!!! Stay tuned!
Marketing Monday -JSO (Just Starting Out) 10 Free and Low Cost ways to market
If you have a limited or non-existent marketing budget, like mine:) Here are a couple of CHEAP ways I got my name out and built a list of people to market to.
1. YOU NEED A WEBSITE, and a professional looking one. You can get one at Photobiz.com (tell them Jen Carl sent you if you sign up - my family appreciates it:) or portfolio sitez. I host mine through photobiz. I had to pay $125 upfront and just $15 a month. It is DEFINATELY worth it. You have hundreds of templates to choose from and you don't lose your work when you do. Make sure you only put your best images, professional images, and a nice selection truly showing your work as a photographer. This is much cheaper than radio, tv, magazine and newspaper ads trust me. You can hand out your business cards directing people to your site. Can I repeat again - You need a website!
2. Get a FACEBOOK PAGE for your business - make sure you get everyone you know on your regular page to fan you. Then get all of their friends to fan you. Then put a widget on your blog where people can fan you.
3. Get a free blog like mine from BLOGGER This will serve as a makeshift website for you until you can afford one. Make sure to make it as visually appealing and professional as possible. I got my template here from Shabbyblog.com . You can search around and find more free templates on the web, too.
There are great tutorials on Blogs like Coffeeshop and Blogger Tricks
4. Get a Twitter - make sure all your followers follow this as well.
5. Get a myspace:) Friend everyone and everyones friend, family, etc. get as many "potential" clients as possible.
6. Put on your facebook (once you get as many fans as possible and you have some images in your blog) that you are having a contest. The first 5 people to comment will get a $50 print credit (or you make the terms)with a paid session. (P.S. Most of the time, you will pay from 2-5 for a 5x7 personally I charge $25 for the 5x7 so That $50 print credit cost me $4. But it causes a buzz). You can come up with your own terms, but people love freebies.
7. Get on every photographers resource blog, or local blog, or mom blog in your area. Introduce your business and tell them a link to your blog. Some may post it on your site. I usually announce a contest for that blog or group(like $25 starbucks gift card or if it is a local mom blog maybe a half price session or print credit) however if you cant afford it, that's OK just introducing yourself and telling them about your blog or website will get your name out there.
8. Make a quality business card or promo card. You can do a simple one on your own with business cards from Office Depot (I reccomend the clean edge) or you can go to Vista Print - they have free and seriously discounted business cards. Click the link below to check it out.
Approach local businesses like dr offices, stores, childrens stores ask if you can put the cards out. Place your card in any bulletin boards that allow - churches, library, anywhere where people will see it.
9. Send email out to editors at local magazines and newspapers. Fashion it like a press release and explain to them why they should have an article about this new up and coming photographer. If they do an interview - TONS of free press. At the least maybe they will just have a little article or mention you as a new business.
10. Volunteer with an organization to take pictures of an event that can be sold with the proceeds going to the charity. For example, the fire company up the street is having an open house. You are a family photographer - these events will have hundreds of familys that show up. Little kids love firetrucks, parents would LOVE a picture of their kid in one. Approach and offer to set up a booth where you would take a picture of their child in the truck with the fireman. Have parents sign a release and give you their email address. Then you take images and put them in your proofing session of website and email all the parents with the passwords. Just do one large proofing cart and same password to keep it easy. They can view and purchase the 5x7 and then you could send them a special thank you with a coupon or gift certificate for a future session. Oila!!! Future customers! Don't forget to give the donation (after you have taken the cost of printing) TIP - give a deadline for ordering. Do not edit each proof. Just when they order and just basic - do a batch if you can. This will make life much easier for you. You can have them pick up prints at the station on a certain day.
You could also do the same basic thing with any charity event. Just use your creativity.
More to come.... for another Marketing Monday!
1. YOU NEED A WEBSITE, and a professional looking one. You can get one at Photobiz.com (tell them Jen Carl sent you if you sign up - my family appreciates it:) or portfolio sitez. I host mine through photobiz. I had to pay $125 upfront and just $15 a month. It is DEFINATELY worth it. You have hundreds of templates to choose from and you don't lose your work when you do. Make sure you only put your best images, professional images, and a nice selection truly showing your work as a photographer. This is much cheaper than radio, tv, magazine and newspaper ads trust me. You can hand out your business cards directing people to your site. Can I repeat again - You need a website!
2. Get a FACEBOOK PAGE for your business - make sure you get everyone you know on your regular page to fan you. Then get all of their friends to fan you. Then put a widget on your blog where people can fan you.
3. Get a free blog like mine from BLOGGER This will serve as a makeshift website for you until you can afford one. Make sure to make it as visually appealing and professional as possible. I got my template here from Shabbyblog.com . You can search around and find more free templates on the web, too.
There are great tutorials on Blogs like Coffeeshop and Blogger Tricks
4. Get a Twitter - make sure all your followers follow this as well.
5. Get a myspace:) Friend everyone and everyones friend, family, etc. get as many "potential" clients as possible.
6. Put on your facebook (once you get as many fans as possible and you have some images in your blog) that you are having a contest. The first 5 people to comment will get a $50 print credit (or you make the terms)with a paid session. (P.S. Most of the time, you will pay from 2-5 for a 5x7 personally I charge $25 for the 5x7 so That $50 print credit cost me $4. But it causes a buzz). You can come up with your own terms, but people love freebies.
7. Get on every photographers resource blog, or local blog, or mom blog in your area. Introduce your business and tell them a link to your blog. Some may post it on your site. I usually announce a contest for that blog or group(like $25 starbucks gift card or if it is a local mom blog maybe a half price session or print credit) however if you cant afford it, that's OK just introducing yourself and telling them about your blog or website will get your name out there.
8. Make a quality business card or promo card. You can do a simple one on your own with business cards from Office Depot (I reccomend the clean edge) or you can go to Vista Print - they have free and seriously discounted business cards. Click the link below to check it out.
Approach local businesses like dr offices, stores, childrens stores ask if you can put the cards out. Place your card in any bulletin boards that allow - churches, library, anywhere where people will see it.
9. Send email out to editors at local magazines and newspapers. Fashion it like a press release and explain to them why they should have an article about this new up and coming photographer. If they do an interview - TONS of free press. At the least maybe they will just have a little article or mention you as a new business.
10. Volunteer with an organization to take pictures of an event that can be sold with the proceeds going to the charity. For example, the fire company up the street is having an open house. You are a family photographer - these events will have hundreds of familys that show up. Little kids love firetrucks, parents would LOVE a picture of their kid in one. Approach and offer to set up a booth where you would take a picture of their child in the truck with the fireman. Have parents sign a release and give you their email address. Then you take images and put them in your proofing session of website and email all the parents with the passwords. Just do one large proofing cart and same password to keep it easy. They can view and purchase the 5x7 and then you could send them a special thank you with a coupon or gift certificate for a future session. Oila!!! Future customers! Don't forget to give the donation (after you have taken the cost of printing) TIP - give a deadline for ordering. Do not edit each proof. Just when they order and just basic - do a batch if you can. This will make life much easier for you. You can have them pick up prints at the station on a certain day.
You could also do the same basic thing with any charity event. Just use your creativity.
More to come.... for another Marketing Monday!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Freebie Friday - Actions
My favorite part of learning photoshop was discovering the wonderful world of actions. When I did, I cut my post processing time in half! Actions are specific sequence of photoshop layers/commands, etc. that are automated. Lets say that your normal post process is to curves layer, soft light layer, reduce noise filter, then sharpen - you could create an action so that instead of doing those steps independantly, you can do them all at once saving time. Actions can also be used to create certain effects, like black and white, vignette, lomo, HDR, etc.
There are some phenomenal FREE actions out there. My ultimate favorite free action website is COFFEESHOP! Most will run both on Elements and CS, CS2, CS3, CS4. Pioneer Woman has a great action set and great photography information. Click on the photography tab on the bottom of the screen and take a look around. While you are looking - Texas Chicks is also the site you want to check out. There are a couple free actions and they also have a subscription that you can join for future actions. (The subscription has a fee, but well worth it - they have some great stuff!!!) I found these other links as well:
http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/10/20/the-ultimate-collection-of-useful-photoshop-actions/
http://designm.ag/resources/photoshop-actions-touchups/
http://naldzgraphics.net/freebies/60-useful-photoshop-actions-to-enhance-your-photos-for-free/ Great Touchup actions
http://www.atncentral.com/download.htm this is the quick download page – no pictures
At first I was obsessed with downloading EVERY free action I could find. My action file was bogged down and it took me forever to find the one I wanted, actually making the process less efficient. I would forget which one was which! Then I started to sort through. I would download and keep the ones that I don't use on a regular basis in a file with others on my external hard drive, labeling with a description. Then I could just add as needed.
HANDY TIP: What I did was create a file where I actually had a picture I took with the action. My first photo was the Original and then I ran an action and that was file #2. I then went back to the original and ran another action this would be another file. I have an option to print with my document which allows me to print a contact sheet so I put the images all on one sheet and printed so I could quickly reference what action effect I was looking for.
Personally - I keep it simple - I have a photo retouching/eye pop (Coffeeshop glamour glow), I have a sharpen - MCP Crystal Clear, I have a black and white with optional vignette, I have a vintage, I have a color pop, and I have a resize for web/sharpen for web for my blog. These are the ones that I use 95% of the time when proofing for clients. Those I will keep handy in the Action folder in Photoshop. The rest I have stored away for a rainy day when I feel like playing:) I am sure when you ask different pro's, they will have different ways of doing it - this is how I like to stay organized and keep things simple - my new mantra.
The most important thing is to have fun and play around with the actions and see if you can fit them into your workflow. I will have a future Tutorial Tuesday article on Workflow and how to make your own actions so stay tuned!
There are some phenomenal FREE actions out there. My ultimate favorite free action website is COFFEESHOP! Most will run both on Elements and CS, CS2, CS3, CS4. Pioneer Woman has a great action set and great photography information. Click on the photography tab on the bottom of the screen and take a look around. While you are looking - Texas Chicks is also the site you want to check out. There are a couple free actions and they also have a subscription that you can join for future actions. (The subscription has a fee, but well worth it - they have some great stuff!!!) I found these other links as well:
http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/10/20/the-ultimate-collection-of-useful-photoshop-actions/
http://designm.ag/resources/photoshop-actions-touchups/
http://naldzgraphics.net/freebies/60-useful-photoshop-actions-to-enhance-your-photos-for-free/ Great Touchup actions
http://www.atncentral.com/download.htm this is the quick download page – no pictures
At first I was obsessed with downloading EVERY free action I could find. My action file was bogged down and it took me forever to find the one I wanted, actually making the process less efficient. I would forget which one was which! Then I started to sort through. I would download and keep the ones that I don't use on a regular basis in a file with others on my external hard drive, labeling with a description. Then I could just add as needed.
HANDY TIP: What I did was create a file where I actually had a picture I took with the action. My first photo was the Original and then I ran an action and that was file #2. I then went back to the original and ran another action this would be another file. I have an option to print with my document which allows me to print a contact sheet so I put the images all on one sheet and printed so I could quickly reference what action effect I was looking for.
Personally - I keep it simple - I have a photo retouching/eye pop (Coffeeshop glamour glow), I have a sharpen - MCP Crystal Clear, I have a black and white with optional vignette, I have a vintage, I have a color pop, and I have a resize for web/sharpen for web for my blog. These are the ones that I use 95% of the time when proofing for clients. Those I will keep handy in the Action folder in Photoshop. The rest I have stored away for a rainy day when I feel like playing:) I am sure when you ask different pro's, they will have different ways of doing it - this is how I like to stay organized and keep things simple - my new mantra.
The most important thing is to have fun and play around with the actions and see if you can fit them into your workflow. I will have a future Tutorial Tuesday article on Workflow and how to make your own actions so stay tuned!
Thrifty Family tip
I was doing some figuring and realized that my family eats out way too much - at least 2 times per week for dinner and usually breakfast and lunches on the weekends. Like most of us, I have been looking for ways to cut back on expenses and saw a huge money savings.
I figured out a way to save myself about $1,300 per year. Every Friday we order pizza we get two large at the pizza shop and a two liter of soda (sometimes some mozzarella sticks) and it usually comes to about $30. in my effort to be thrifty, I found a way to save some big bucks on pizza night. I buy Longos sicilian pizza crusts(i am in Pennsylvania so I'm not sure if that brand is national, however, most grocery stores have pizza kits in the prepared section or shells in the refrigerated section). There are two in a pack (and one shell is dinner and lunch the next day). I freeze one and use the other. I buy a small can of tomato sauce and a 8 oz bag of cheese. Sometimes we'll throw some sausage or pepperoni's. It's actually kind of fun, we take turns making your own section of the pizza with what you want:)
Pizza Crusts $1.75(for one)
Sauce $0.89
Bag of Cheese $1.99
For about $4.65 I fed four adults and it comes to about $1.16 per person
Pizzaria pizza $30 per week x 52 weeks $1,560 a year
my pizza $4.65 per week x 52 weeks $241.60 a year
savings of $1,318.20 a year - thats a vacation, down payment to a car or a new dSLR (depending on the model.... hehe;)
If we would cut back to 1 time per week and lunches on the weekends - we would save about 5,000 per year or more! Crazy.... and I like to cook... Imagine if you eat out every night how much you would spend.
Just thought I would share!
I figured out a way to save myself about $1,300 per year. Every Friday we order pizza we get two large at the pizza shop and a two liter of soda (sometimes some mozzarella sticks) and it usually comes to about $30. in my effort to be thrifty, I found a way to save some big bucks on pizza night. I buy Longos sicilian pizza crusts(i am in Pennsylvania so I'm not sure if that brand is national, however, most grocery stores have pizza kits in the prepared section or shells in the refrigerated section). There are two in a pack (and one shell is dinner and lunch the next day). I freeze one and use the other. I buy a small can of tomato sauce and a 8 oz bag of cheese. Sometimes we'll throw some sausage or pepperoni's. It's actually kind of fun, we take turns making your own section of the pizza with what you want:)
Pizza Crusts $1.75(for one)
Sauce $0.89
Bag of Cheese $1.99
For about $4.65 I fed four adults and it comes to about $1.16 per person
Pizzaria pizza $30 per week x 52 weeks $1,560 a year
my pizza $4.65 per week x 52 weeks $241.60 a year
savings of $1,318.20 a year - thats a vacation, down payment to a car or a new dSLR (depending on the model.... hehe;)
If we would cut back to 1 time per week and lunches on the weekends - we would save about 5,000 per year or more! Crazy.... and I like to cook... Imagine if you eat out every night how much you would spend.
Just thought I would share!
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