Photographer's Bling » Resources for photographers interested in taking their skill and businesses to the next level

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Take your photography to the next level

Being a photographer means you are capturing something special and meaningful for your clients. It means you have an artistic vision that must be told. Nailing your settings is part of your journey to capturing quality photographs but that alone won’t make your images stand out or be their ultimate best. We live in a day where digital photography is rampant and everyone ‘is’ a photographer who can afford the latest point and shoot camera. So how are you going to set yourself apart from the competition? How are you going to ensure that your images move people and inspire them?

Back in the ‘olden’ days of film photography we would rely on our labs to process our negatives with the gentlest of care, our labs would ensure that our final images had just the right amount of contrast, saturation and pop. Today being the digital world that it is many photographers have the impression that if you simply take a great shot that your work is done. But this is not the case. Digital photographs, untouched are your digital negatives and in these modern times Photoshop, Lightroom or you other editing software is your darkroom. Images need to be post processed to become their best. Digital images demand this final step and it is in this process of editing in your ‘digital darkroom’ that you are able to bring your artistic vision to it’s final, most beautiful form. This final step is one of the most important steps you can take because this final step is going to be the one that represents your work, represents your artistry and style. Defining your editing style is extremely important to becoming the unique artist that you envision yourself to be.

Are you experienced with Photoshop and looking for that trademark edit that will define your style both quickly and with quality in mind? Are you a new photographer who is overwhelmed with Photoshop and has no idea how to get the depth, contrast and pop you want on your images?

I am here to help! Not only do I have an extraordinary action line designed for BOTH professional and Newbie photographers but I also offer PS training, Camera training and in person workshops. Take a look below at my newest action release and class info.  See how easily you can start utilizing the Photoshop program to make your final edits not only artful, but truly unique to your vision and style.  See how my classes will nurture and support your through your photography career and journey.

SALES CODES:

PBPL10 ( to receive $10 off your next purchase of $50 or more)

PBPL30 (to receive $30 off your next purchase of $100 or more)

Shop now!

TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT’S NEW!

Spring is a time when everything comes back into color as the long bleak days of winter start to melt away. It’s a time for new beginnings. Many photographers are itching to take out their camera gear and get shooting the glorious colors and textures that have been hidden away for too long.

Become Inspired

“New Inspirations” has been in the works for months and was inspired by my action testers and students. They requested an action set that would provide them with warmth, contrast, depth and stimulating tones while being high quality, easy to run and fast to adjust. This set delivers all of that and them some.

Take a look at just a few of the effects you can achieve from this action line and be sure to click on the video link below to view an introductory video of the set in ‘action’.

This set includes 12 total Mega Actions which can be used singly or run over one another to create beautiful effects quickly.

Set Includes:

  • 12 Mega Actions
  • Each action contains easy & simply folder editing options which means editing is fast and effective
  • Non destructive editing means you cannot make a mistake during the editing process; easily brush on and off effects with little effort
  • 20 Minute instructional Video showcasing how to use the set, with special instruction on masking and layers
  • PDF print out instruction sheet explaining masking and layers

 

Image by Nicki Hufford of Hufford Photography

 

Image by Nicki Hufford of Hufford Photography

 

Image by Rebecca of R&J Studios

 

Image by Nicki Hufford of Hufford Photography

 

Intro video PHotoshop

Intro Video PSE

 

White skies got you down?

Sometimes the skies just don’t cooperate with our shooting schedules, sometimes the sun is just to bright for us the get the effects we want and maintain skin tones.

The new Epic Overlays and SKY action set is here to help. Add in skies quickly and with little effort with this action set designed to take all the guess work out of this process. This set comes complete with action, clouds and texture overlays to give your images that boost they need to become extraordinary.

Set includes:

  • Epic Sky & Over lay action set
  • Video instruction to explain easily how to add and adjust your sky easily and effortlessly
  • Cloud overlays
  • Texture overlays
Photography by Jolene @ Studio 217
Image by Hufford Photography

Add texture to your images for popping contrast

Image by Hufford Photography

Watch Epic sky & overlay set in action

I send out weekly Tips & tricks including how to boost sales and market your photography studio to your local area. To get on my mailing list sign up below!


Looking for 1-1 help? Need someone to be on your side as you grow as a photographer?

My online classes are here for you. They require NO special software need and are for ALL levels. If you want someone who is kind and compassionate to hold your hand through the frustration of learning your settings then please sign up for a class with me. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been shooting for 10 days or 10 years. If you are frustrated by your settings or your editing I can help. I was ‘that’ photographer who was beyond frustrated for about the first 10 years of my now 20 year career and I can share with you the concepts that have helped me become confident and able to execute my shots and editing style with ease. My classes are very visual, taught at your speed and pace and most importantly taught with compassion. You will never feel belittled, hurried or not good enough in my company. My goal is to see you succeed. Use code CLASS100 to receive $100 any private online class with me.

CLASS CODE:

CLASS100 (to receive $100 off any private class)

SHOP NOW

Become Inspired & Showcase your best work!

 

Spring is a time when everything comes back into color as the long bleak days of winter start to melt away. It’s a time for new beginnings.  Many photographers are itching to take out their camera gear and get shooting the glorious colors and textures that have been hidden away for too long.

Become Inspired

“New Inspirations” has been in the works for months and was inspired by my action testers and students.  They requested an action set that would provide them with warmth, contrast, depth and stimulating tones while being high quality, easy to run and  fast to adjust.  This set delivers all of that and them some.

Take a look at just a few of the effects you can achieve from this action line and be sure to click on the video link below to view an introductory video of the set in ‘action’.

This set includes 12 total Mega Actions which can be used singly or run over one another to create beautiful effects quickly.

Set Includes:

  • 12 Mega Actions
  • Each action contains easy & simply folder editing options which means editing is fast and effective
  • Non destructive editing means you cannot make a mistake during the editing process; easily brush on and off effects with little effort
  • 20 Minute instructional Video showcasing how to use the set, with special instruction on masking and layers
  • PDF print out instruction sheet explaining masking and layers

 

Image by Nicki Hufford of Hufford Photography

 

Image by Nicki Hufford of Hufford Photography

 

Image by Rebecca of R&J Studios

 

Image by Nicki Hufford of Hufford Photography

 

Intro video

White skies got you down?

Sometimes the skies just don’t cooperate with our shooting schedules, sometimes the sun is just to bright for us the get the effects we want and maintain skin tones.

The new Epic Overlays and SKY action set is here to help.  Add in skies quickly and with little effort with this action set designed to take all the guess work out of this process.  This set comes complete with action, clouds and texture overlays to give your images that boost they need to become extraordinary.

Set includes:

  • Epic Sky & Over lay action set
  • Video instruction to explain easily how to add and adjust your sky easily and effortlessly
  • Cloud overlays
  • Texture overlays

Photography by Jolene @ Studio 217

Image by Hufford Photography

Add texture to your images for popping contrast

Image by Hufford Photography

Watch Epic sky & overlay set in action

Looking for your SALE coupon?

If you are already on our VIP list your coupon will be included in our release email tonight!  If you are NOT a VIP then click the link below to sign up and you will receive your coupon with our other VIPs tomorrow night!


 

Reminder!

All of this weeks SALES END tonight at midnight!  Be sure to head on over the www.blingactions.com to take advantage of this week’s sales before they are gone for good!

 

Spring has Sprung! Get creative now with your sessions

Now that spring is finally here we are all excited to get creative with our shooting.  Blossoming flowers, blue skies, budding trees and that sweet, amazing smell of LIFE!

To celebrate I am offering my most popular Photoshop and Photoshop Elements action sets at reduced prices.

PLUS get $10 off your purchase of $50 or more with code SPRING50 at checkout!

Want quality, fast edits for your spring minis? NO problem!

Get the 60 Second makeover action now.

Pop colors, smooth skin, sharpen eyes, and boost your images glow and depth, all in just 60 seconds or less!

Want that creamy dreamy vintage feel? You got it!

Vintage Dreams is fast, easy and will give you that dreamy vintage feel.

Image by Goddess Yourself Photography

Got weddings? Dark churches and reception halls? No problem!

WeddingOgraphy is THE set to help you with ALL your wedding edits.  Even your toughest weddings will be edited fast and easily with this amazing set!

Image By Photography by Jolene @studio 217

 

Looking for that Matte Luster finish and the color bleeds of classic film?

Check out our Color Centric set!

Image by Goddess Yourself Photography

 

SALE CODES:Shop now!

Spend $50 get $10 off with code SPRING50

Spend $100 get $20 off with code SPRING100

Sets for PS & PSE

TIP!!! Adobe now offering the FULL version of Photoshop for just 19.99 per month, no contracts.  This means you get the FULL version of Photoshop for just 19.99 AND you will receive ALL future upgrades included in that price.  This is an amazing new opportunity for every who was using elements to upgrade and at a very affordable rate too!

Want to get a better grasp of your camera? or want to edit with east inside of PS ?

Classes now just $75 for group options!

Group classes for MAY just $75 !! Slots are limited to first come first serve, 10 slots per class. GO here to see class dates and times.  Choose group options at checkout to receive this discounted rate!

HAPPY spring!!!

Click here to See all SALES now

Am I good enough to do this?

Feelings of being not good enough, overwhelmed, lost and confused are frequent in the thoughts of every photographer.  We all go to that dark place from time to time and feel lost and may even question trying to make photography work as a business but underneath all of that most of us have a drive that motivates us and pushes us forward in a way that forces us to get creative and to see the world with fresh eyes.

Spring time is a time of growth and of new beginnings. Many photographers are emerging from a long Winter season;  depths of snow and shorter days, reduced bookings, a change in the angle of natural lighting and are maybe searching for their inner spark as a result of the “dry season” in photography when it’s so easy to become stagnant.

Suddenly, the days are longer and the sun is higher in the sky. People are removing their layers and beginning to emerge from their homes. Trees and flowers are in bloom.

Those moments are the ones we live for and breath passion into.

This is a time to get creative, to have fun and breathe new life into your photography career.

If you are like many who are feeling down trodden and in a shooting funk try some if these ideas to get your creative juices flowing and jump-start your business.

  • Set up a just-for-fun creative session; possibly themed. Work with a model that lets you have full creative control and let yourself play comfortably with settings, posing and style so you can express your inner-artist voice.
  • Offer a photo session to a local family in need, someone who is sick or to a local shelter. Paying it forward in the spirit of giving each Spring is great way to stir your creativity and move your energies in a positive direction.
  • Spend 3 min each day for a month photographing your own kids or your own life then assemble an album that makes you smile. Doing for yourself what you offer others is a great way to reconnect with your passions. Be sure to order prints from this experience.  How can you expect your clients to want to invest in your photography by buying prints when you don’t print your own work for your own family’s enjoyment? Go do it, get crackin!
  • Take a class. Learn something new or enhance a skill you’ve been wanting to master. Education is the key to creativity by spurring new ideas and new knowledge. Learning how to use your camera properly will enhance your career and bring you a multitude of blessings! Learning to define your editing style will allow your work to represent you as the artist you want the world to see and to know!  Right now I have discounts on Group online class for both the Camear101 class & the Beginner Photoshop editing classes.  Just $75 will reserve your slot in either class! Click here for more info. Class space is limited to 10 students so be sure to buy your slot before they are gone.
  • Maybe you’re feeling like you’re in a creative editing funk? Play around with photoshop, try out some new actions, try out new ways of editing your photos, try new editing styles.  You never know what your style is going to be until you’ve tried a few things so go play! Just be sure to save your original art work:)  Right now is the perfect time to try out my Bling Action line too! I am offering close out deals starting at just $15 because like you, I am feeling the need to be creative and I am closing out most of my action sets from last year and creating a BRAND NEW line.  So go check out these deals while you can, once the sale is over these sets will be gone for good! No coupons needed! Go here to shop now.
  •  Make some new props or hit some garage sales, thrift shops and second-hand stores to repurpose some finds. Your money often goes to a really good cause.Many of the props I use in my studio have come from Goodwill & Habitat for Humanity stores.  Things like old doors, drawers and chairs can be shabby chic to become amazing props for your studio and at a fraction of the cost of buying them new.

This is a great time of year to jump start your business. To breath new life into it and to set your year up exactly how you want it to be.

Visualize the clients you want to attract, the types of sessions you want to photograph and the type of professional you want to be. Then get your creative juices moving and get yourself photographing again, even if it’s a just-for-fun shoot!! Having fun will spark creativity and that is the place you want to be working from.

Remember you are the creator of your own destiny.  Empower yourself with ‘how can I’ statements.  If you have a dream it can be achieved and if you feel like you’re in a funk there are multiple ways to get creative now.

 

xoxo Love

Nikki-Lynn with many thanks to my amazing editor Kristin Campbell McCullough who’s friendship, love and support mean so very much!

 

Ready to Bloom, Jump starting your photography career today!

Starting your photography business is so exciting! But questions linger about how to get going. This article will help you figure out what you need and how to best get started on this journey.

In our last article we jump started you with the basics of how to set up a business plan & how to effectively market your business. By now you should know what area you want to specialize in and should have your business branding in place.

Now the bigger questions loom ….

  • What equipment do I really need and how much is it going to cost me ?
  • I can’t afford a studio space … should I go ‘natural light’ & on location ? What does natural light mean?
  • How the heck do I use my flash ?
  • How experienced do I need to be with my camera settings before calling myself a “Pro” ?

Lets start with your Camera settings, and the big question “how experienced do I need with camera settings before calling myself a pro”

The answer is easy. If you’re still on Program mode because you’re too afraid to use Manual mode, or you simply don’t know how to use Manual mode ….. you shouldn’t be advertising yourself as a pro. Now don’t read that and feel freaked out, you can take steps today to change your level of comfort while shooting in manual. Shooting in manual doesn’t have to hard and honestly it’s not. Once you learn a few simple concepts you’ll be swopping settings around fluidly and with confidence. If you need help with this go here for more info on my Camera101 class. I teach this class because I want everyone with the dream of being a professional photographer to reach that dream with ease.

Living up to the industry standards and knowing how to use your camera settings, along with a raw talent for how things will photograph before you even snapped the shutter, are what really being a pro is all about.

You’re going to find yourself in many lighting situations throughout your career and even the best of us blow out a shot from time to time or mess up on a camera setting, but you’ll need to know how to pick up on this and make appropriate changes on the sly.

Yes, lots can be done these days in Photoshop, but Photoshop can’t create a great shot, Photoshop can’t make up for a lack of raw talent, or the eye for taking a great picture. Photoshop can’t replace the ability to know exactly as the light changes through a shoot what setting is best for which scene and scenario.

So our advise is GET OFF Program mode and GET ON the Manual mode train! The transition can seem daunting but once you do it for a few weeks you’ll find your experience will pick up, your shots will go from okay to AMAZING and you’ll be SO proud of yourself for DOING it!!

Let GO OF FEAR and take the PLUNG ! Manual Mode rocks it baby!

Some people learn best by reading and doing. Others learn best by hearing and doing.

“I personally do best by seeing, hearing and doing!”

If you are with me and you learn best by having someone teach you then check out my Camera101 class mentioned above. It’s offered both in person and online with computer screen share opportunity. I LOVE teaching this class because I have been in your shoes and I KNOW how frustrating it can be to not understand the exposure triangle. I spent YEARS at the beginning of my career there. It’s nothing to be ashamed of but please, if you’re in that spot, take steps today to get out of it. Doing so will change your life! My class was designed to take the mystery out of these settings. The class is easy to follow, full of simple to grasp but solid concepts and is VERY visual.

If you are are the type of person who learns best by reading then doing then take a looking at these amazing books. Understanding Exposure can be very affordably purchased from Amazon.com. This book is a manual mode bible & the explanations of how shutter, fstop and iso work together are fantastic.

FILL FLASH & natural light photography:

If you are the person who says “I’m so overwhelmed & confused, what do I do with my flash, so many settings so many options, to bounce or not to bounce.” My biggest piece of advise is to learn how to use your flash as a fill flash. There is something GREAT and amazing about true Natural light photographers … the catch lights in the eyes are so perfect, the depth and tone of the photographs they capture is simply outstanding.

It’s important to realize that the photographers people “ooowww” and “ahhh” over are experienced at working with the marriage of correct exposure with proper lighting angles & a fill flash. Fill flash does just what it says, it should FILL in areas of darkness, NOT wash out the image or overpower the natural light.

True Natural Light photographers rarely if ever use flash, even fill flash, and in an ideal world with amazing sunlight and proper shading available we would all be shooting this way. However, as it turns, out we don’t have control over the weather, or the lighting of the venues where our clients want us working, so a fill flash will in many circumstances become your best friend. As with understanding our camera in manual mode, understanding your flash in manual mode is just as important.

Our recommendation is to get out your flash guide and play around with all your settings. A helpful tip! One of our favorite features of our flash when using it as a fill flash is to use it as 1/4 to 1/2 power with a Gary Fong bounce – this delivers just enough fill to add some glow to your images without overpowering the natural catch lights of the image. This setting of course won’t be a fix all and will need to tweaked based on your setup but it’s a great place to start playing!

NOTE: your fill flash settings will vary depending on the distance to your subject and the available light – we also recommend learning how to read your histogram. Doing so will change your shooting game and make nailing the correct exposure and seamless process. This technique is covered in detail in my Camera101 class as well.

So now for the big question – What do I need exactly to go Pro ?

Of course this depends on what type of business you are starting – an on location verses a studio business are completely different in start up nature. We are going to focus here today on a start up, natural light business since most new photographers that we encounter choose to go this route for financial reasons.

Here is the list you’ve been waiting for ~ things we recommend for a start up natural light business. This is a bare bones basic list and one that I started out with 17 years ago and one that did me justice and serviced me well. You of course will need to fine tune based on your skill level, where you want to go with your business & what type of things you want to photograph. Someone who photographs children in the park will have a much different start up list than someone who wants to photograph weddings and could potentially be in dark churches & reception halls.

DSLR Camera body & at least one good lens

* we recommend something that will allow you to shoot at a 2.8 with some zoom for a first beginner lens** because these purchases are often times the biggest ones you’ll make to start your new business. We recommend renting a few different models from a rental store before you buy. This gives you the option to try different lenses & bodies together, feel them in your hands, and work with them.

This process takes the sting out of purchasing because you are confident when you finally do make that big purchase that you’ve made the right one, based on your own experience. There are several rental places out there you can choose from like Borrow Lenses or Lensprotogo.

Light meter or understanding of how to read your histogram

We use and love the Sekonic L-358 Flash Master Light Meter and of course you can learn to use your camera’s historgram to review information about how your camera has metered for light and adjust settings from that point as well.

Flash for fill- your chosen flash unit will need to be something compatible with your camera body – be sure to research and read reviews or again rent before you buy. This is another area you will not want to skimp on. You want something that will last and something powerful enough for your needs and something reliable.

Flash bounce and or Softbox setup for your Off Camera Flash units

I have used and can recommend Gary Fongs Bounce, it’s a great affordable way to start playing with flash and offers user ease and function.

Reflector in two varying sizes- these are used in natural light to reflect light into the shadow areas of your subjects face, depending on which cover you use can also be used to give a warm glow to your clients skin tones.

You’ll also want plenty of extra batteries & chargers, & Memory cards in your bag!

Computer

You’ll need a computer for processing & editing software. We know so many start ups who really cut back on spending here. Simply put, you will want a power horse for a computer to process all those large files. Trust me when I say the LAST thing you want to deal with is constant freeze ups and slow processing when you’re trying to meet deadlines and fulfill orders.

Software

Your editing software is as important as the camera body you choose.

You are going to need & want a powerful editing program to take your photography to the next level. In this modern era, editing isn’t a choice it’s a necessity. Your clients expect to see fully edited images, and if they don’t this will directly effect your reputation and the bracket for which you can charge for your services.

You can download FREE samples of varies editing software online and we recommend you try them out and then budget for the editing software that will provide your business with the means to grow. Remember the phrase ‘it takes money to make money?” that phrase rings loud and clear -

Right now at the time of this article you can download for free, the full copy of cs2 from Adobe or Cnet.com – these are legal copies and are totally free at this time.

Yes, Photoshop is expensive, but this is a career you are building and you want to have a strong foundation under you as you continue this journey. Be sure to break down your purchase in terms of clients, both in how many jobs it will take to pay for the purchase and how many clients you will GAIN by having the need equipment to succeed. It’s a trade off that speaks for itself. It’s an investment in your business but also in YOU !

In the end, starting up your photography business will probably cost you at least are few grand, but if you have a dream, if you have the talent, if you have a vision for where you want your business, life, passion and skills to go, then it’s money well spent!

Remember the journey is only fun if your enjoying it along the way.

So get SNappin !!

xoxoxo Nikki-Lynn

Class Coupons?

USE CODE VIPME100 to get $100 off any Class through March!

Actions Coupons?

Want to get our Brand New set for just $25 bucks!

Sign up for your exclusive coupon today! Once you confirm your email you will receive a coupon for $150 OFF this set!



 

Nikki BeanMay 17, 2013 - 10:57 pm

Yes all installation can be found on the web site http://www.blingactions.com click on the FAQ page for details

Sherri Ann Leiolani SalangsangMarch 14, 2013 - 8:16 pm

I would love to do photography bootcamp.

Melissa BecerraMarch 13, 2013 - 10:30 pm

I can’t wait for bootcamp photography! WHOOP! :)

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