In this post I wanted to share a couple of portraits from a recent newborn session.

A couple of weeks ago my cousin gave birth to a precious baby girl.  Five days later she texted me  and asked if I had any time to stop by  that afternoon and take a few pictures for her.  We all know that babies are sleepy during their first two weeks of life and this is the best time to capture those sweet sleeping images so I couldn’t resist!  

Tip #1 – Turn Up The HEAT!

I told her to crank the heat up and I would be there in an hour.

Here’s a list of what I took with me for this session.

1. Small white vinyl backdrop (5′x7′) 
2. Large soft blanket
3. Heating pad
4. Few cute props
5. ….and of course my camera

No Excuses…Use What You Have!

I want you to know that all I had was the items I listed above. I didn’t have a big fancy studio or my professional lights. I used natural light and bounced my flash when I need to. So, because I didn’t bring a backdrop stand, I just draped the backdrop up on her bed.  The lighting was pretty good and the bed was high enough that she didn’t have to bend over much.  Anyone who has given birth and has had a c-section will tell you that bending over can be dangerous and not to mention extremely painful!  I like to make sure the Mom is comfortable and doesn’t have to do much bending during the sitting!

Before draping the backdrop over her headboard, we took a large piece of plywood and put it underneath, so when I set the props down they would have a hard surface to keep them stable.  Always remember that safety is your first priority with newborns!

I usually let Mom choose which props she would like to use first.  Since my cousin is a bird lover, she decided to use my  grapevine basket that looks like a little bird’s nest.  I scrunched up a neutral colored blanket that was warmed up in the dryer and put it inside the nest.  

Next…we placed Baby Gianna in her warm nest where she  looked so cozy and peaceful. She was even smiling at times.  I think she must have been dreaming of mamma bird bringing her lunch

Ok…so next we decided to try the distressed green wooden bucket I just purchased.  Once again we warmed the blanket and place her inside. Her cheek was a little scrunched up at first so I took a small washcloth, folded it a couple of times and placed it under the blanket to lift her head.  Mom was standing right next to baby and I told her never to look at me and only focus on Gianna.   

I’m posting 2 more shots below to show you that you are never  limited to what you have. You can use creative cropping to zoom in and get an entire different look and you can also use a Digital Background to give you even more options.

This was so much fun and  I plan on getting together with her again this week! 

I’ll keep you posted and share some more photos from her next session:)

This is an example of how you can create a close-up to give your clients more options. From my experience, the close-ups always sell.

This shot below was done on the white vinyl and wasn’t edited, but I wanted to take this on white so I could create the next shot.

Ok…here is the edited version using a Digital Background. It’s actually from 2 different Digital Creation’s inside the DC Club. I might see if Scott can make this available as a Free download

Now…get out there and take some newborn portraits. It’s so much fun and people will tell everyone about the job you did for them. New parents are always so excited and telling everyone they know. Why shouldn’t it be  you?

As always…leave a comment below and let us know your thoughts!

In this video I’ll show you how I create more than one portrait from the same shot. It’s super simple to do and it only takes a few minutes to complete.

Watch the video below to see me in action perform these simple tricks.

Here’s the link to check out the Digital Creation’s CLUB!

Here’s a brand new Fairytale Baby Swing Portrait we just finished for our Digital Creation’s club. I wanted to share this with you so you could be inspired and create similar images in your Photography. These style portraits are BIG sellers and can be created with just a few simple elements.

Now…you all know we sell Digital Backgrounds and Props in our club and this portrait can be created within minutes. But…if you want to use this concept and create this portrait in you studio…you can.

All you need is a few items to create this portrait.

• 1. Hand Painted Forest Style Backdrop
• 2. Unique Hand Woven Style Basket Swing
• 3. Add Flowers Or Floral Veins (On Basket) For Girls  – Optional
• 4. Boutique Rosette Ribbon To Cover Rope
• 5. Branch To Hang Swing From (We Used White Birch)

And that’s it!

Some of you may already have some of these items and could start using this idea ASAP!

I hope this has inspired you and got your creative juices flowing

Club Members Login HERE!

Ok…let me explain how this picture you see right here has caused me a few problems and how I FOOLED the Pros!

Plus…I want you to see that these style portraits are very popular and you should be using these in your portrait business. Your clients will LOVE THEM!

First…I created our “Unique Trench Bowl” Digital Prop and Background set for our Digital Creation’s Club. Then I listed it on Ebay to be sold to professional photographers.

It was selling for $24.95 and people were loving it.

But…not all was good

We started to receive a few refund requests, because they thought it was  a real Wooden Trench Bowl. They said the picture looked real with the baby in the prop. They said they never used Digital Backgrounds or Props before. Some said they wanted to learn more…but some didn’t.

Every time I list something on Ebay or Amazon I’m very careful to be as detailed as possible, so people know what they are getting. You never want refunds on Ebay…especially because it hurts your feedback rating. We don’t want that!

2 Important Lessons HERE!

• 1. Wooden Trench Bowls are very popular right now and you should get one and add this to your prop collection.
• 2. Digital Props and Backgrounds can look real if done correctly and can be added much easier and far less expensive.

Here’s a few Wooden Trench Bowls I found on Ebay to show you that they are available. But…they can be expensive. With that being said…they will pay for themselves over and over again…as anything you invest in for your business. As long as you use it!

I wanted to share this with you, because it proves that people want this stuff and that Digital props can look REAL! Look I Fooled The PROS

I’m probably going to remove our listing on Ebay for a little while and try to create a better description. But…if you want access to our “Unique Wooden Trench bowl” Digital Creation set…I have a special offer for you.

You can download this set for just $19.95.

Click Here to download

or

You can join our Digital Creation’s club and receive this same set for 50% off regular price and over 100 others to choose from. Plus…all the other benefits of becoming a member.

Join the club HERE!

So…I hope I’ve opened your eyes to this huge opportunity…if you’re not already using Digital Props and Backgrounds.  There’s so many options once you learn the process and it will become very exciting for you and your photography.

Talk to ya soon!

Scott

I noticed this on our Digital Creation’s Private Facebook Group and I needed to share it with all our blog and NPB subscribers. It was submitted by Lori Register Burlew of Forget Me Not Photography and she was asked …Is This A Digital Background?

The answer is YES!

This set is from our Digital Creation’s Club and it is called “Comfy Basket Set”

You Can SWIPE This Idea!

Yes…you could recreate this very easily with a hard wood floor, baseboard molding, solid backdrop or wall, wicker style basket and colorful blanket. But…most people don’t want to spend the money on all these components and would rather we create it for them.

So…just keep in mind that if done properly, Digital Backgrounds and Props can be a HUGE asset to your business and help offer more options.

I also would like to say that not all Digital Backgrounds and Props are created equal and there is some bad stuff out there. I’m not bashing anyone here…just stating the facts.

It’s the old saying…Good Quality In…Good Quality OUT!

I hope this post has helped inspire you and also given you some ideas that you can use in your Photography.

Here’s the original post from our Digital Creation’s Facebook Group.

]]> http://newportraitbiz.com/blog/1215/was-this-a-digital-background-and-prop-or-not/feed/ 2 http://newportraitbiz.com/blog/1092/5-holiday-portrait-ideas-using-digital-backgrounds-and-props/ http://newportraitbiz.com/blog/1092/5-holiday-portrait-ideas-using-digital-backgrounds-and-props/#comments Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:50:28 +0000 NewPortraitBiz http://newportraitbiz.com/blog/?p=1092

The Holiday’s are one of the busiest times for portrait photographers and their businesses. That’s why you need to take advantage for these busy times and be creative in your sessions.

I wanted to share 5 new portraits we just created for our NPB Digital Creation’s Club. You are free to use these as inspiration and put your own spin on them for your upcoming sessions.

Portraits #1 – Peaceful Holiday Night

Pro TIP: Always try to name your portraits or themes. This makes it unique to you and your style.

Portrait #2 – The Train StationPro TIP: Using Trains as a theme or a prop are usually a big hit with clients.

Portrait #3 – Elegant Evening

Pro TIP: Old Victorian furniture adds a classy look and can be used for the Holidays or anytime of the year.

Portrait #4 – Christmas Eve

Pro TIP: Capturing cute poses or expressions will help sell your portraits. Try this one!

Portrait #5 – Hat and Mittens

Pro TIP: Use fun props to be creative, but don’t over do it. Simple is sometimes better.

So…there’s 5 unique portrait ideas to get your creative juices flowing. Study these images and see how you can add a unique flare to your Holiday portraits.

It doesn’t matter if you use our Digital Backgrounds or not…you should have some fresh ideas for you to…BE Unique!

Now…if you want to take a short cut and add portraits like these almost instantly and you’re not currently a Digital Creation’s club member…you can get started HERE!

Good Luck and I look forward to seeing your unique portraits this holiday season.

Happy Shooting

I want to share these 3 new portrait ideas that were created for our Digital Creation’s Club. I wanted to give you some ideas that you could use in your photography.

It doesn’t matter if you use our Digital Backgrounds or not…you can create similar portraits like the ones I’m about to share with you.

All it takes is sometimes is a few creative ideas and inspiration to get your creative juices flowing

Portrait #1 was an idea for people that “Love” Motorcycles and that Freedom Type Feel. Remember…I’m sure you’ll have a client that’s into motorcycles and would love an image like the one we created here.

You could always offer to shoot their motorcycle if they have one and use it as your prop.

We named this one “Born To Ride”

The 2nd one we created for The DC Club we named “Flower Pot Surprise”

This can be created using a large Flower Pot that has some type of unique look to it. Usually you can find these at Home Improvement stores or even Garage Sales. Then…choose a backdrop or background that will compliment the Flower Pot with blending…non distracting colors.

The 3rd portrait we created we named “Stylish Stacked Bowls”.

This is all about simplicity with some bold colors. All you need is some large wooden bowls and a white backdrop to create this shot. These don’t have to be bold colors, but with a white background…it looks really good.

The bowls can be found at stores like Target, Walmart or any other Home Department store. These can be expensive…but well worth the investment.

Side Note: I added the light blue background in Photoshop using the vignette technique and erasing the bottom portion.

So..there you have it!

3 New Portrait Ideas that you can use in your photography. I hope you use these or something similar and offer to your clients.

Remember…as photographers in this competitive market we need to be unique. Creating portraits that people will talk about and can only receive from you.

If you would like to find out more about our Digital Creation’s Club…CLICK HERE!

Have Fun and Happy Shooting

Scott

P.S.

If you like these new portraits…Click The “LIKE” button and spread the LOVE

This video is a Must See! It’s only 9 minutes and 20 secs long…but filled with golden nuggets of GREAT TIPS!

This video will show you how one of our NPB Pro students creates AMAZING portraits with a super simple set up. Try to say that 3 times fast

Honestly…you’ll be surprised how simple it is and you’ll be able to start creating these Amazing Portraits Too!

Click Play to watch the short video

After you watch the video…leave a comment below!

…and click the “LIKE” button and share the LOVE

I’m so glad we decided to have this Facebook portrait contest. It was something that we wanted to do for fun, so people could share their work with others and have a chance to win something in the process.

We had over 75 entries and a few hundred likes

There were so many great portraits, but this contest was about getting the most “Likes” to your image.

We had so much response…so we decided to choose 2 Winners.

….and here they are.

Winner #1 Received 73 "Likes"

Winner #1 - Used 1 Digital Fish Prop (Very Creative)

Winner #2 - Received 47 "Likes"

Winner #2 - Digital Fish Prop/BW and Selective Color (Creative and FUN)

Check out the Honorable Mentions Below

Here's a few entries that received Honorable Mention

Congratulations to the Winners and thanks to everyone who entered.

Don’t worry…we’ll be having more of these in the future and everyone will have more chances to Win!

You can always visit our Facebook Fan page and see what others are posting.

If you want to share this with others…click the “Like” button below.

Update: If you already read the original post…scroll down to the bottom.

New Digital Creation’s Member Doesn’t Mess Around!

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Original Post:

I wanted to post a couple of new portrait ideas for you that will work well for Easter or Spring shoots.

These were created for our Digital Creations Club as Digital Backgrounds and Props, but you could create similar shots using unique props and backgrounds.

The first shot we named “Spring Bowl“. I know pretty unique

It’s pretty simple and only requires a few items to create this shot.

• 1. Hand painted background or soft muted muslin backdrop. The key here is to have soft colors that give a springtime feel.
• 2. Find a large bowl that is unique and has earthy soft colors. You want to have the bowl blend with the backdrop and have a special unique shape.
• 3. Add painted Easter eggs around the bowl. This is optional to give it a Easter theme and to accent the soft colors in the background.

The second shot we named “Spring Basket“. Yep…we got really creative with that name too!

This is very similar to the first shot. The basket is what makes this shot different from the last. Props can add so much to your shots…if not overdone. You want to find unique props at antique stores, thrift shops, flea markets, garage sales, any place that sell unique items.

This shot we used the same backdrop, but just added the new basket.

Now…because we created a Digital Creation Set, we produced two portraits with just one shot. We shot the baby on a white backdrop and then cut her out to insert her in the Bowl and the Basket.

So…I hope you can see that anyone can create unique portraits with just a few unique props. Sometimes clients will come to your studio for a special unique prop they saw from a friend’s portrait session.

My Final Thoughts…..

It’s all about being UNIQUE!

We wanted to make it even easier for you to give this Digital Background thing a try. Until Friday, the 25th you can gain access to the club for just $1. This is another way of saying thanks to our loyal NPB subscribers.

Check Out The Digital Creation’s Club Here

Here’s another example below

Check Out The Digital Creation’s Club Here

Update:

New Digital Creation’s Member Doesn’t Mess Around!

Misty didn’t mess around. She joined the club, downloaded the monthly Digital Creation and created a beautiful portrait. She asked for some advice through Facebook and I responded what I recommended. It’s funny, because I created a tutorial in the club for February that shows exactly what I did.

I’m including the before and after shot from the simple technique I shared with Misty.

Here’s the adjustments I told her I applied to the image that improved the overall portrait.

I wanted to share this image, because it shows how someone decided to give our club a try and received an AMAZING portraitin return.Misty didn’t waste anytime and has proved that she can do this.

Check Out The Digital Creation’s Club Here