Usually an Artist…like a photographer, needs inspiration to get the creative flow moving. That’s what I wanted to do with this idea that Lisa and I came up with for one of our Digital Creations. It’s called “Summertime Lemonade”.

Forget that it’s a Digital Background and Prop we created for a minute and just study the idea. You can easily model this idea by using some stuff right around the house.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1. A nice day with some blue skies. Usually a field or park is a good background that has flowers or a pond.

2. A glass or plastic pitcher for the lemonade and glasses

3. Lemonade in the pitcher and glasses

4.Wire or wicker stand

5. Lemons to include around the tray

6. Optional: Include some Sun Flowers

That’s basically all you’ll need to create this portrait.

I hope you can see that this an easy way for you to create a new portrait idea for your clients very easily.

If you want to have this instantly and use our Digital Creations version…check out our NPB Club.

Click Here to check out our Digital Creations Club!

Happy Shooting

Scott

P.S.

Leave your comments below to let us know what you think.

In the video below I’ll demonstrate how using these Digital Backgrounds and Props in Photoshop can be super simple.

The Digital Background we used in this video is available in our Digital Creations Club.
Check it out…Here!

Click Here to check out our NPB Digital Creations Club.

Here’s an example of the finished portrait. Great Job Carol!

I received some questions on how to add Digital backgrounds to the WorkFlow template.

Watch the video below to to see the actual process.

Click Here to check out our Digital Creations Club!

As always…leave your comments below and let me know what you think.

Enjoy!

We would all like an easier and faster way to work in our business. If you want to speed up your WorkFlow and be more productive…Watch the video below.

These Digital Backgrounds are part of our New “Urban Graffiti Collection Vol.1″.

Click Here to see more of our Digital Creations!

Keep in mind that you can receive these same results with certain lighting set ups in a studio setting. But…sometimes when you’re first getting started you may not have professional lighting equipment or maybe just need to enhance your High Key shots. This technique will help you achieve those beautiful High Key portraits that you and your clients will love.

Enjoy!

As always…please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. We would love to hear from you.

Scott

Basically a Cover-Up layer is an additional layer that covers the front of the prop in the Digital Creation. We have been using these in our own business and have recently started including them with our Digital Backgrounds and Prop Sets.

Watch the video to understand how these Cover-Up layers are created and work.

If you would like to see more of our Digital Creations…Click Here!

As always…leave your comments below and let us know what you think!

Enjoy!

In this example I used our “Yesterday’s Wicker Scale Prop And Background Set” to show you how these can be used.

For more information about our Digital Backgrounds and Props visit the link below.

Clicke Here…To Visit NewPortraitBiz Digital Creations Club

As always…Leave your comments below.

In this video, I walk you through a simple workflow process for using Digital Backgrounds And Props in Adobe Photoshop. There a many methods and techniques to create cut outs in Photoshop, but this is one of the easier methods.

Adding Digital Backgrounds and Props to your photography business will allow you to offer your clients more choices and not have it cost you a small fortune. Your portrait studio won’t have to store all the backgrounds and props anymore. You’ll just need a bigger hard drive on your computer.

Photography Business Opportunity (No Studio Required)

That’s Right! You could actually get started without a studio at all using this method. Just go on location with your camera, basic lighting, white background and edit your pictures at your home office. Follow up with a proofing session of the clients portraits. Then….Make Some Sales!

Keep in mind that this does take practice, but if you follow this video and Take Action…you’ll be on your way.

Happy Shooting!

Scott

P.S.

Leave a comment below and let me know what you think.

If you would like to take your photos from a simple snap-shot to a more professional looking image, here are a few tips to steer you in the right direction.

Tip #1 – Shadows

Shadows can work for you or against you. If you are trying to take a shot outside on a bright sunny day, then the glaring sun can produce a very harsh and contrasty photo.

Having your subjects facing the sun will get rid of shadows but produce the ’squints’ which make the eyes disappear. Photograph your subjects with their backs to the sun and use either a reflector or your camera’s flash to provide fill light. Avoid angles in direct sun. If you can find shade somewhere, use it but remember you need to adjust your white balance.

On point and shoot cameras there is most likely a setting for ‘Shade.’ Better yet, wait for the golden hours to shoot outside. These are the first and last hour of the day; they are called the Magic Hour for very good reason. Try the early morning sun or early evening when the sun is going down.

Tip # 2 – Backgrounds

Watch what is in the background behind your subject. Having trees and poles coming out of people at various angles can be most distracting. Also having other people walking in or out of the photo or showing objects, such as signs or cars, can detract from an otherwise great shot.

Keep it simple; busy backgrounds will take the viewers eyes from the main subject. If possible, scout out your locations before the shoot.

Tip #3 – Subjects

Make sure you give your subject clear and explicit directions. Showing them where to stand, how to pose and where to look can help you compose the shot you are looking for. Take your time, but within reason.

People have a tendency to lose interest and have trouble maintaining their smiles and poses for extended periods of time. It is good to have some idea before hand of what kind of shots you want and where you want to take them.

If there is more than two people, grouping them to form triangles is a great way to make your photos look more interesting. Remember not to amputate hands, legs or arms at the joints or at awkward angles.

Tip #4 – Candid Shots

When taking candid shots, it is sometimes difficult to make sure you have the shadows right and the backgrounds clear. The subjects will not be posed but instead will be caught in real-life moments. Sometimes these turn out to be the most emotional and exciting photos.
A little blur can give movement, out of focus can add softness to a photo.

Use different angles and lighting. Most of all, take a ton of shots. Use your creativity, you may be surprised at what you captured!

Use every opportunity you get to practice these key elements. Use these tips all the time, engrain them in your memory so you do them instinctively and they come naturally to you; they will take your photos from snap-shots to works of art!

If you would like to share a Digital Photography Tip that you’ve learned, post a comment below.

Happy shooting!