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SOUVENIR FOTO SCHOOL ::FAUX ALBUM COVER

Over at the Souvenir Foto School for Creative Captures (doesn't that sound like the start of a comic?  In Gotham City our hero was...), we are working on our final.  It's due this weekend. Guess what?  The teacher hasn't started.  Well false starts.  I start, stop, change my mind and delete.  I am probably certifiable. I have had so much fun teaching this class, well, maybe teaching is not quite the right word for what it is I do.  Anyway, the class and I will be doing a photo exchange after we turn in our final and then get started on Session II which I haven't quite got a handle on.  I have lot's of ideas but I really want to try to include as many levels as possible.

One of my fave assignments was the creation of a faux album cover, it seems that like myself my students are inspired by music. It really was a creative project and I think it would be so much fun to put together a photo album filled with faux covers.  Student/photographer Susie J commented that we should do mixed CD's with our albums next time and I think that's also an amazing idea--a shot that captures the essence of a great trip/time along with a soundtrack? What a cool way to save and share your memories, no?  Here are the 'albums' they created...

Susie J is talented and kind, it's a really welcome combo in a student.

{by susie j}

Weezer are you watching?  How professional does this look?  Kari did a great totally AWESOME composition!

{by kari beard}

I think this looks like a young, up & coming country ingenue's debut album.  It just seems to fresh, right?

{by ashley siobahn}

This 'album' might be very calming, what do you think? It just exudes a softness to me..

{by moira}

How fun is Alex's album?  Totally feel like this would have a Go-Go's vibe to it.  Alex is super creative so we all need to be on our 'A' game when she's around.  I like that.

{by alex asher sears}

I love that this is an actual photograph but feels like an illustration.  I am drawn (ha ha) to images that make you take a second and third look.

{by amy majken}

Just really creative the name and the concept.

{by jaime hamilton}

I love how inspired and motivated Alicia is.  I know that feeling of finding something you LOVE and she has that and it's contagious. I would love to have a dozen more Alicia's in class to get me off my rump!

{by alicia}

I had the pleasure of watching Jenny develop her own signature style while in class.  I am so proud I could burst.

{by jenny}

Is is wrong to wish this was my turned in assignment?  I love the tones and the charm of this 'album' by Creatocrat.

{by creatocrat}

Kellie lives in Australia! Do you know how cool that is to have your school go international within a couple of months?  So cool.  Her album so reminded me of a popular 80's song.  I loved the shadows and comp.

{by kellie}

This was my effort, which alas was not what I had envisioned.  I so want to be light and airy but a lot of my captures seem so dark and melancholy.  I am neither.  Practice my dears, practice...

{by yours truly}

Phew, that was rather long but hopefully enjoyable and inspiring!  You didn't need to join the class to play along, so I hope some of you who didn't picked up some bits and pieces to call your own.  The next session will last only 6 weeks, which is a much more manageable number than the original 16!  I will make sure to put up a notice prior to launch of second session and hopefully will see you in class!

TEXTURE TUTORIAL ::KINDA + FREE TEXTURE DOWNLOAD

I say this is kinda of a tutorial because I kinda suck at writing tutorials and well, explaining things in general. With the upcoming launch of our creative tool kit for digital post processing your images I think it might be necessary (or at the very least nice) to have some how-to on well how to use the tools in the kit.  I want to make it clear here that there's only a bajillion and one ways to work in Photoshop, this is one way.  I am open to feedback and requests and any pointers and of course if you would like to write a tutorial for the Blahg I am pretty sure that I won't object.  Our kit will have larger size textures of course, I made these as free 5" x 5" squares because I thought it would be easy if you just wanted to do a quickie on a blog image or just to play around with.  When we launch I also promise to have perfected my tute skills so you may actually be able to follow me.

I found the 'original' image on a free photo stock site.  It's cute but well it's nothing to write home about. I am sure you, like myself have collected a lot of snaps that are just sort of hanging out on your hard drive because they bring happy memories but aren't 'hey mom look what I did worthy'.  Right? I think I have a bunch just like this. The sky is sort of not a real special blue but not too dark or light.  I really wanted to show you the type of photo and colors that work best with the 'grass' colored textured square to achieve a nice, vintage aqua sky.  That's where I am pulling my hair out with other texture sets, PLEASE tell me what kind of images will look good with your texture, give me large enough examples that I don't have to take out the Hubble or whatever to see. I really would love to see MORE 'before and afters' if you are selling textures (or actions/presets) because I am so easily persuaded that I probably would buy.  Okay, enough of my rant. This 'tute' (using the term loosely) assumes you are familiar with Photoshop/Photoshop Elements.

This type of photo (color wise, with lot's of blue sky) looks fab when paired with the Souvenir Foto textured square in 'grass'.

• In Photoshop/PSE place the texture above the photo in the layers palette.
• Once you have the texture on top of the image go to the layer blending modes and choose "overlay'.  I set this to 100% opacity, you could lower this setting of course but I wanted a beautiful aqua sky a sort of cross processed look. I added a layer mask to take the texture off the birds but I don't wanna go into masks here today that's a whole 'nother can of worms/tute but because I love you here's a tute from someone more competent than myself.
  
• I liked the look so I stopped there and cmd 'e' (Mac) ctrl 'e' on PC to merge layers and I was done with that one.

For the second sample I did the first two steps as outlined above, once I got to the super saturated aqua:

• I added a hue/saturation adjustment layer above the texture (it's that half black/white circle at the bottom of your layers palette, here's a shot from another tute)
• I slid the saturation layer to the left about mid way to take away some of that crazy color.
• I then added another adjustment layer but this one was called 'photo filter', I chose 'deep yellow. As you can see from the last image it made the blues more green and the yellow on the birdies is a little more pronounced.  The color is very muted because of that nice slide to the left on the saturation slider. It makes for a totally different look than the first sample and I like them both ways and probably could keep going if I didn't need to get back to work.

Here's a color chart for the texture download, I hope this makes sense and you can have fun right away!

 {SOUVENIR FOTO TEXTURED SQUARES DOWNLOAD}

5 AWESOME PHOTO 101 RESOURCES

I will try to keep these coming as I find them so you can easily reference them again and again.  I haven't gone through all of these in depth so if you think something is no bueno let me know and I will review again, if you have any for me to add let me know as well and that would be greatly appreciated!

Pioneer Woman Basic Photography tutorials this is hands down one of the easiest and most comprehensive set of posts on the basics such as exposure, shutter speed, f-stops yaddayadda...

Andre Gunther Photography Tutorials Andre has a boat load of answers to your burning questions.

Cheapshooter 11, yes 11 video tutorials culled form You Tube (so you wouldn't have to). Everything from aperture to cleaning you sensor and then some.  These may be hit and miss but see if you like any of them and toss the ones you don't.

Digital Photography School A plethora of information for the novice photographer plus the bonus of a forum to ask as many questions to your fellow photographers s as your lil' heart desires.

Jodie Coston Morgue File classroom lessons, tips, the whole enchilada and of course free!

TTV TUTORIAL|THROUGH THE VIEW FINDER TUTORIAL WITH RACHEL FROM MOONFLOWERS PHOTOGRAPHY

Hello Again! It's me Rachel from Moonflowers Photography here to talk a bit about TTV. Have no idea what that is? Well, you know all those amazing photos you've been seeing with the heavy black frame around them? They are ttvs. That stand for "Through the Viewfinder". This is when you take an old camera that has the viewfinder on top, like a Kodak Duaflex for example, and point the lens of your digital camera through that viewfinder and take a photo of whatever you pointed your old camera at. Sound complicated? It doesn't have to be.First, look around your local flea markets, thrift stores or antique malls. You'll likely find the kind of camera you need. Perhaps you already have on in your own camera collection? I use a Kodak Duaflex,like I mentioned above. I like it because it has an open viewfinder on top, meaning it has no lid, or cover to get in the way. Here is a photo of my Duaflex:

Of course there are a bunch of other cameras you could try. Like Argus, Lubitel, Brownies... as long as there is a viewfinder on top, you can try it! The first time I tried it, I simply pointed the Duaflex at a bunch of flowers, held my digital above the Duaflex, and shot. Here is the result. Not great, but we all have to start somewhere.

If you're using a point and shoot, you'll need a macro setting, and if you're using a DSLR, you'll need a macro lens. Now for the slightly strange and daunting part.You'll need to block the light from getting between your digital lens,and the viewfinder of the other camera. Otherwise, you'll get a bunch of reflections in the photo.These light blockers are commonly referred to as "contraptions".Usually made from items you can find at home such as a cereal box, and some electrical tape. How fancy you get is up to you. Or how not fancy. You can use a tripod to keep either one of your cameras steady, or you can wing it and just wield two cameras. There is a great tutorial on these contraptions here. Personally I use a foam tube to block the light- I cut a hole for the lens of the Duaflex, and I point my dslr down through the tube. I'm not into taping stuff to my cameras. But hey- this is supposed to be fun, so you do it however you want! Play around, experiment! Here is a photo of a contraption made by Russ Morris. (He is a wonderful photographer!): Yes, I know, it looks like a smokestack. But like I said, it can be as fancy as you like, or not.

Here are a couple more TTVs by me- after a bunch of playing around with tripods and light blockers- you'll be surprised to know that these were taken with no light blockers at all. I used my free hand as a shield and went for it.

I like the white or light colored background in these. I placed my subjects in front of a white wall, or on a white sheet of paper in a well lit room. There was very little glare to worry about, since there was no direct sunlight. I also like imperfection. I don't quite mind when a TTV looks a bit fuzzy or out of focus. I think it's so fun to try new things. I have an old Argus and a Duaflex II that I use as well- here is my most recent one-

There are so many great TTV images on Flickr. You'll find all the inspiration you need there. (Alicia Bock is absolutely amazing) If the process seems intimidating, just remember, it's supposed to be fun! Don't be scared to grab some cardboard and duct tape, and go for it! Sure, people will stare at you and wonder what it is you are doing with your contraption, should you choose to use it in public, but even more so, people are curious, and they will ask what's up, and you get to tell them. It's a great conversation starter!

SOUVENIR FOTO SCHOOL::ASSIGNMENT NO. 12::CREATIVE PORTRAITS

{join souvenir foto school today!}

Creative portraits and what I mean by that is not someone sitting there with no life in their eyes/expression looking like they are being tortured (unless that look is part of your creative set-up than go for it).  I want you to get as creative as you want on this.  I am including some inspiration images and links that I hope get you in the mood...This first image if from Phillipe Roy of his assistant, he has an explanation on his site of what he did. Click on any of the images to take you to the photographers sites.

 

 I found a site that was all portraits, it is really hit or miss some are great some are um, interesting.  This is one I liked by Jareck Kubicke but they have a random picker you can click that will give you a whole new set of portraits.

This was a very cool self portrait I found.  I liked that he admitted that it took him 102 tries! It's digital baby, go for it, shoot as many shots as you need, one may be a total winner like this shot:

 

A creative photo project called Room 23 collaborated by photographer Deborah Anderson and Diana Jenkins. 100 people (okay celebrities) shot at this one location--a hotel room.  Think how the photographer had to step outside the box on that! 100 people, in the same setting (not at the same time), a relatively small space with the same basic set-up (no new sets were created for each sitting). 

So no excuses for not being able to find a person to shoot (yourself will do quite nicely thank you AND most point and shoots do have a self-timer). If she could dedicate a 100 portraits to one room I am sure you can do one quite nicely. Pick your place and go outside your comfort zone. I can't wait to see what you come up with!

SOUVENIR FOTO SCHOOL::ASSIGNMENT NO. 10::REFLECTION

The assignment does not have to be literal, it can be a scene that you are 'reflecting' on, a memory, I want you to get creative and interpret this how you want. If you would like to join in you can start Souvenir Foto School at any time, we would love to have you, it's all levels, all types of cameras from all over the world.  If you need a little creative nudge and want to hang with some awesome people then this is the class for you.  Join Souvenir Foto School today!

This is a very inspiring photo stream by Benoit P, he has some excellent reflection images that are both literal and figurative, please click on his photo to see more of his work.

This is an image by yours truly but again I think the concept of both reflecting on something and capturing the reflection is there in an interesting way (too me at least) and that's the whole idea of Souvenir Foto School to try to get a more interesting photo, create a new memory and have your friends ooh and ahh at your new found prowess with your camera (the last one really has nothing to do with anything but I want to make sure you are still with me).

The below site has some nice tutorials to skim through and is worth taking a look around.

As always have fun and enjoy the heck out of yourself!

FRENCH + ITALIAN VINTAGE POSTCARD PHOTOSHOP BRUSH DOWNLOAD

I emailed Karen from the Graphics Fairy today to see if I could use some images from her vast collection of ephemera to create some more digital stamps/photoshop brushes for you.  She thankfully agreed and here we have a lovely li' set inspired by vintage postcards.  I love the idea of making your own postcards with these stamps.  The image above was taken the other day on a hike that went awry (I got sun stroke) it was snapped with my little 4 megapixel point and shoot camera and it came out pretty awful not one to give up on a photo I altered it a bit and now I quite like it (here's a bigger version if you insist)

My business partner and cyber bestie Jules and I will be coming out soon with a mega set of creative tools and tutorials to turn almost any of your images into works of art (some images are just beyond saving). I am pretty excited about this project as you may have figured out with the Souvenir Foto School and downloads etc. I am TOTALLY into this whole photo capturing and altering process and I think that providing the tools and how-to will really open up some possibilities for your photography, art, inner Craftista and blog repertoire. I have been in my studio (read closet) working on the prototype for the kit chugging along and I feel that if I am not too insane (this part might be hard to avoid) we should have it done in another month or so, perfect time for you to get all cozy in the Fall and edit your snaps from summer vacation and get ready to show off your mad skills for holiday. Feel free to offer your two cents on effects, types of stamps, etc. you would want in the 'tool' kit, I am all ears... Okay, I'll let you download now, thanks Karen!

{download postcard brushes here}

P.S. Don't know a Photoshop brush from a hole in the wall?  Than you must visit rockstar designer Rhonna Farrer for some learnin', go on now, don't be shy, here's the address she is plenty friendly....

SOUVENIR FOTO SCHOOL::ASSIGNMENT NO. 09::VACATION/STAYCATION + SUN FLARE

{join souvenir foto school here}

Everyone seemed to enjoy our very first assignment the most which was to interpret the word 'sunshine'.  Since I am longing for a vacation I thought it might be apropo to have it as assignment no. 09. For those that can't wrap their heads around vacation, I have doled out the option of 'staycation' which is urban vernacular for a "vacation" where you don't leave your zipcode. For my students that are chomping at the bit to try some 'technical' skills, I have added sunflare as a third option.  The sunflare assignment will need one to adjust their aperture and shutter speed (uh-oh), which I know can be daunting but Miz Booshay over at Pioneer Woman has such a pleasant tutorial-Sun Flare for beginners that it won't hurt a bit.  Yes, I wrote 'pleasant' Miz Booshay has such a pleasant demeanor, really and truly. I can attest to the fact that her tute works (and is simple enough, even for this here simpleton) because I tried it to make sure it wasn't too hard (unlike my last assignment that I failed miserably at but was able to get sunflare!).

I think this image by one of my new favorite photographers Krysta Manthe (she is as physically beautiful as she is talented which says a lot because she is REALLY talented) sums up all of the assignment 09's components perfectly--Vacation, Staycation (I live not so far from where this was shot) and Sunflare.  This is a gorgeous inspiration shot which means not to copy but get inspired by the feeling of this image and make a capture that is your own (I totally know you can do it!).

We are still accepting students into our Souvenir Foto School and the price is still right--FREE! No need for a fancy schmancy camera as your excuse for not joining a lot of the students have point and shoot cameras and create such magic with them that you will surely be inspired to do the same. I hope to see you in class soon!


P.S. Don't forget to check out Alex Asher Sears post on watermarking your images here.

MAKE YOUR MARK: WATERMARKING 101 BY ALEX ASHER SEARS

GUEST POST:: BY ALEX ASHER SEARS

FACT: Every photograph you take remains yours under federal copyright law. Any photo. Even if you are paid, share copies or give someone a CD. Unless you release your rights in writing, it’s yours to say to say where it may be used publicly and receive credit.

ANOTHER FACT: Many people think that photos found online are public property. Most of these people are simply naïve and when they lift your shot and use it for their site (or Facebook page or whatever) it’s out of love for your work. I truly believe most people have no idea that they’re doing anything wrong. But it’s your work. That’s why I require all clients, commercial or private, to sign a copyright acknowledgment contract before a shoot and watermark anything that goes online.

A watermarked image kindly reminds people that you own it. Depending on your needs, you can watermark for security or identity purposes. This doesn’t guarantee your photos won’t show up on a billboard in the Czech Republic, but it does do two things. One, it puts a name to the image. Two, it’s a detractor for those looking to misuse your work. There are many programs out there that can attempt to secure your images from theft. In the end, people are going to find ways to get a photo if they really want it. But you can do simple things to make lifting your image less appealing.

SECURITY

When trying to protect your image, the more visible the watermark in the image, the more time someone would have to spend in Photoshop trying to remove it. That is why I choose to use a sheer band with my name that goes across the image. I place it on top, bottom or center depending on what will take away the least from the shot but deter theft.

If you’re looking for simple, effective protection, placing your WM in the center of your image adds the most security. Choosing to ghost the text can make it far less distracting but still do the trick. Painters, sculptors and filmmakers put their mark on their work, and so should you. You don’t have to use your name. If you have a website, consider incorporating it into your signature.

       
IDENTITY

When creating a watermark as a signature an image alongside text can create something more personal and easily identified as yours . Free clip art and brushes can easily be found online (the bee below came from The Graphic Addict but it’s important that if you want to sell your work you only incorporate images that are permitted for commercial use. The Graphics Addict told me that at her site “most of the images I use are copyright expired so they can be used for art, etc., just not resold in an image collection.” A simple google of “free photoshop brushes for commercial use” is an easy way to begin. be safe, always double check with the site/artist and their Terms of Use if you’re using them in any for profit work.

Since people use different types of graphic software, I’m including a great link to the About.com’s Graphic Software Watermarking site that has various step by step how-to’s for Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, Paint Shop Pro and more to get you started (Miss B. has links to other tutorials but if you trouble, let me know and I’ll see how I can help). Remember whatever you design, be sure that your font is legible so people can recognize the name behind the lens. Stay away from using your actual signature for identity theft reasons. But have fun and create a watermark that is as unique as your work. You do deserve the credit, after all.

Miss B here, please give a round of applause to my friend and fine photographer Alex!  Thank you Alex, always happy to have conned you into coming back and divulging more of your pro secrets.  As always Alex is willing to answer any burning questions you may have on her guest post.  Please feel free to ask away in the comments (if you feel comfortable) because others may have that same question and are too afraid to ask. If you don't care about your fellow readers (I jest), if you don't feel comfortable asking in a public forum, just click on Alex's link above and she may be able to help you out.  I'm not making any promises but maybe (she is real nice and all).

SOUVENIR FOTO ASSIGNMENT::NO.08 FORCED PERSPECTIVE + TILT SHIFT

I am offering up two assignment this week just in case force perspective is too difficult for the beginners (and that enclosed yours truly).  The second assignment is faux tilt shift and both these technical sounding terms will all make sense when I show the samples. Students are welcome to do either one or both if you are feeling inspired.  Digital Photography School currently has some great examples on their site.  Here's a tutorial I found for you that gives you details to accomplish your own FP capture.

Behold the Forced Perspective inspiration from the Forced Perspective group (click on the photo's to be taken to the photographer's photostream)...

As you may have gathered this technique is both fun and funny.  Imagine how charming the addition of this technique will look in your family photo album? The second assignment is faux tilt shift which again is an exercise in perspective, it makes everything look miniature which is fun for the whole family!  To achieve this you will need to have an image that you shot looking down on, preferably from up high and then you will run it though the Tilt Shift Maker all images are from the Tilt Shift Maker gallery (and are RAD).

I can't wait to see what you come up with!  Have fun!!!  If you want to join in on our good times enrollment is currently zilch, nada, rien and worth every penny! You can join Souvenir Foto School here today...