Adobe has just announced an update to it’s popular program, Lightroom 3, bringing the current version to 3.2. Some of the new features include direct publishing of your images to Facebook and Smugmug. Plus, they have added over 120 new lens profiles.

If you are serious about your image editing, and you are not using Lightroom, you need to seriously consider it! Visit the Lightroom website for all the details.

I will tell you, I use it for EVERY photo! There’s not a single photo that doesn’t go through Lightroom before visiting Photoshop. I’ve been an avid user for about 4 years now and can’t imagine my workflow without it.

If you are already using Lightroom, you can download the update here.

For a free, fully functioning, 30 day trial, go here.

Are you a 7D owner? If so, there’s a new firmware update available. If you shoot video, this is a pretty important update.

Canon releases firmware update version 1.2.2 with the following improvements:
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the set aperture moves when shooting movies in manual exposure mode using some Canon lenses (e.g. macro)
• Fixes the AF point-selection of the C.Fn III-7 (Manual AF pt. selec. pattern) custom function when set to [1]
• Fixes the AF point display for the viewfinder electronic level when shooting in the vertical position
• Corrects misspellings in Spanish/Thai menus…

If you are new to firmware updates, make sure you take time to read the instructions first.

Download: Canon 7D firmware version 1.2.2

I’ve read this article several times over the last few months. Twice the day it was released.

I often ask myself some of these same questions. As a photography business owner, I have been able to produce reasonable answers as to why I offer low(er) rates on some services. But only based on demographics. Otherwise, I am teetering on the edge of underselling too.

If you are a “weekend warrior” read this article carefully. Not only is what you’re doing limiting the entire industry, it’s setting certain limitations for your future as a professional.

“There’s no do-over on a wedding. It takes a decent budget to get a decent result. Good reliable gear with backups cost money. Training cost money. Quality wedding prints, albums, books and gallery wraps cost money. If you sell a bride a cheapo wedding album that falls apart because you couldn’t make enough profit doing the cheapo wedding shoot, how does that serve the client?” ~Scott Bourne

I had no idea how many pictures I had that would fit this category! Alas, all that did was make it harder to choose.

I went back and forth between the “fun & cute” and “serious”. Then I stumbled across this image. It’s definitely not one of those bright, fun, balloon pictures. But what it definitely is, is perfect for the challenge.

Speaking of challenge. I only had one time to get this shot right. It was about 112F inside this little training tower. Before going up the ladder, I had to position and set the power on my lights. Then the climb started. Camera had to be carried. There wasn’t enough room to have it dangling from my neck. So camera in one hand, and the other hand to climb. Oh, that’s right, I had another flash and remote in the other hand. Needless to say, it took some skilled (read careful) climbing. Once up to the top, I had turn around and use my feet and head to wedge myself into the ladder well. Another challenge in itself was keeping my feet out of the image, while holding the camera in one hand, and the flash in another.

Was it fun, no. Did it look funny, yes! We all got a few laughs out of this one. In the end, I felt like it was all worth it. Firemen are true heroes. And this is something that some of them see regularly, over their head.

Be sure to visit iheartfaces to see all the great entries.

If you take pictures, you’ll like love Photojojo.com!

This is a great tutorial on how to add a little spice to your images. Expert or beginner..doesn’t matter. This is fun for all ages. This is something your children can help you with too. Be creative.

DIY Photo Diorama by Photojojo.com

“How to Make a Pop-Up Photo Diorama”

Don’t stop at this tutorial. There’s plenty more where this came from. Photojojo has tons of great DIY photo ideas. As a matter of fact, I purchased their book, “Photojojo! The Book”. I welcome my clients to look at it and share the Photojojo love! You can pick one up for yourself here.

I often get asked, “What is lifestyle photography”? I’m sure that it means different things to different photographers. But to me, it’s exactly that, lifestyle. Your lifestyle. It’s about capturing your emotions. Right there. Right then.

There are a thousand studios that will happily sit you down in front of some boring, two tone backdrop and force you to smile. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, if that’s what you want. But that’s not what I do. My approach to photography is more natural, and candid by nature. Don’t misinterpret candid for unprofessional. Exactly opposite. Even my candid’s hold a high level of professionalism.

Many people don’t understand why I offer your photo session in your home. Because, that is your home. That is where children are the most comfortable. You have a bond with your home. And a million stories that happened in the room of the photo. The way I see things, and the way I capture them is different than you. My images, taken in your living room, will not look anything like the images you take in your living room.

Regardless of age, what’s one thing that almost everyone enjoys? Old photos. Remember those old, square, scratched up and faded photos? Yeah, the one’s in the shoebox in the closet. Odds are, those are your favorite images. Yet they have the poorest quality. Why are they your favorite? Because they provoke emotion! It’s not about being perfect. It’s about the moment. The memories associated to that image.

Most people own a digital camera. I’m willing to bet that most of them have hundreds, if not thousands, of photos they’ve taken with it. Are they all perfect? Of course not. So why do you keep them? Again, the emotions and memories tied to them. The quality of today’s professional digital cameras is insane! They show detail that the human eye doesn’t see. Now is that quality necessary. No. Why? Because there is no emotional bond to it.

Back to “lifestyle”. When I’m shooting a session, I’m not 100% focused on that “perfect” picture. Perfect, referring to the rules of photography. Yes, there are rules. Rules that I love to break! Lighting, composition, focus. None of those matter to me if there is no emotion. I am happier with an image of a smile, a heartfelt smile, that is slightly out of focus, than I am with a perfectly in focus, nicely composed image, with a fake smile.

I would like to think that all my clients, and future clients, choose me for my creativity in photography. Not because I have an expensive camera. The camera doesn’t choose the image, I do. The camera is simply a tool. If you call me up and your first question is “How much is an 8×10″ or “How much do you charge”. Odds are, I’m not the photographer for you. Why? Because those people are simply looking for a price competitive photographer. Not an artistic one. And more than likely, my style is not what they are looking for.

To better understand what I’m talking about, take a look at the images below. In the professional world, the first thing that comes to mind is, these are so NOT technically correct. Nothing about them is right. Well, not in the traditional studio sense. But for me, everything about them is perfect! Each one tells a story. And that’s what photos are for – capturing a moment in time. I would happily display any of these images in my studio. And display them LARGE! What’s the point of a great image if it’s too small to enjoy?

Please, don’t mistake anything I’ve said here. I am not saying that blurry photos are ok. But I am saying that a blurry image isn’t a bad thing in the right hands. If you’re image is based on eye contact…it had better be sharp! And what about color? I alter my color – A LOT! But, it’s very accurate when I start. I see images every day of white shirts/pants that are blue? If your photographer tells you it’s because you were in the shade…bologna! Photoshop is a great tool. I rely on it every day. But Photoshop should be used to improve your images. You cannot make a bad image good. You can only make a good image better.

I would love to hear your opinion. If any of these images were of your children, would you be happy with them? Are they types of images you like and are willing to purchase?

Who wants to play BINGO? I knew you’d say that, so here’s the deal.

Around395 is hosting a fun game of online BINGO! The winner will receive a $150 credit good for any service provided by Around395 Photography! That’s right…families, seniors, weddings, any service offered.

Card Price = $3 each or 10 cards for $25 (max 10 cards per person)

Game starts June 1st, 2010

How To Play:

Ummm…it’s BINGO! I randomly draw numbers and post them on Facebook. If it’s on your card, mark it. First person to get 5 in a row wins! Must make a horizontal, diagonal or vertical line to get a BINGO. Really? OK, look here.

Stop by Around395 Photography at 205 W Ridgecrest Blvd to purchase your cards. Numbers will be drawn at random (by me) and posted as status updates on the Around395 Facebook Fan Page. Every number will be a new status update. In order to play, you must be a fan. If you are not already a fan, click on the link I just provided, look near the top of the page, and click “Like”. *You must have a valid Facebook account

The 1st person to claim a valid BINGO is the winner. The winner MUST announce BINGO in a reply to the status update that contained their final number. The game will be paused until the alleged winning card has been verified. The winning card MUST be submitted to Around395 Photography for verification within 24 hours! Got it? You must bring me your card within 24 hours of calling BINGO. Failure to do so will result in that BINGO being disqualified. In the event the card is disqualified, or does not have a valid BINGO, the game will continue as normal. Otherwise, the game will be considered over.

Recap:

Cards: $3 each or 10 for $25 (cash or credit card only, no personal checks)

Game starts June 1, 2010

Cards must be purchased from Around395 Photography @ 205 W Ridgecrest Blvd

Players must “Like” Around395 Photography

BINGO numbers will be posted randomly as status updates on the Around395 Facebook Fan Page

Winner must announce BINGO in a reply to winning number status update posted by Around395 Photography

The best part of this…well, besides the awesome prize? You don’t have to sit in a crowded room full of old ladies that smell like yarn and cats that are fully prepared to beat you with their walker if you call BINGO! I’m telling you, those old ladies are tough! You get to play from work, home, or wherever you have internet. Remember to check Around395′s Facebook status updates often once the game starts! So that’s it. Let’s play and have fun!

At this time, only persons capable of picking up and submitting they’re BINGO card locally to Around395 @ 205 W Ridgecrest Blvd are eligible to play. Sorry to anyone not local. I will work on a solution to include you if we play again.

One of the most common questions I get is “how do you do this or that”? Well, the answer is always the same, Photoshop. Of course, if you are not an experienced Photoshop user, that doesn’t offer much insight. But explaining Photoshop techniques that I consider basic can be very trying if the person I’m explaining to doesn’t know the basics of Photoshop.

So, I am suggesting that anyone truly interested in improving your images with Photoshop take this class! Beginner’s Photoshop Bootcamp The class is being offered by Jodi Friedman of MCP Actions. Not only is she more knowledgeable in Photoshop than I am, she is a great instructor. Stop by the MCP Actions site and sign up. Classes are limited so hurry!

Just in case you were wondering, yes, I do use MCP Actions as part of my regular work flow. So hurry…visit Jodi and sign up to get a jump start on your editing!

Sometimes I think how lucky I am to get such great senior portrait subjects! But maybe, just maybe…the best one come to where they’re gonna get the best photos? Just trying to reassure myself.

Meet Lindsey. What can I say about Lindsey? F.U.N.! F.U.N.! F.U.N.! Oh, and smiles. This girl smiles! It just comes natural. I actually asked her to not smile one time. It was the only time. Good natured people just naturally smile, a lot. Lindsey’s session was also taken when it was cold outside. I mean cold. It was only 34F on our first stop. You’ll notice in the pictures with the balloons the snow on the mountains. And she smiled the whole time. It wasn’t a fake smile, cause she was laughing too.

A couple of these images are now in my studio, framed. Super fun day Lindsey. Thank you! I wish you the best of luck in the future.

Some of you may remember this image. I posted it (a couple months ago) as a preview. Well I added another one of the fun shots that included her boyfriend.

I’m behind schedule on Brittany’s pictures. I left for WPPI in Las Vegas the day after her session, so it put me behind. But, in all fairness, I did post the first image to Facebook before I left. But, since I’m running a bit behind, I thought I’d post another image.

This was a fun session. We rummaged through abandoned housed, a couple of would-be junk yards, and some old train cars. The background here, an old camper trailer. Hang in there Brittany, I’m almost finished. There are a TON of pictures to edit!