Look what you have done!

LOOK at what you have done! My mom has said that a time or two to me in my life. And usually it meant something bad. But this time it means something good! I challenged you all to take your families out and take some Christmas card pictures for yourself. And I have a few samples to show you.

Kim Goodwin took her family out to the beach.

She had a friend help her with the photography but we can learn alot from what she was able to accomplish.


1. She and her family were dressed perfect for beach pictures. Anytime you go to take photos that are meant to be of portrait quality you have to think about what you will wear. Ideal clothes are solid color, scooped neck for women and 3/4 length sleeves. The scoop neck give you a nice long neck and the 3/4 sleeves hides our upper arms that most woman don't like to see in a picture.

2. The light was harsh in this picture and sometimes that is impossible to avoid. But if you can avoid it take pictures about one hour before sunset. The light is softer then. If you can't avoid it get a large white umbrella and an assistant. It works like a lampshade softening the light. Also use your flash. Even if you don't have a fancy flash. It will help balance the light that is so bright behind them so your faces aren't as dark.

Doesn't she have a cute family!

GOOD JOB KIM! Keep taking pictures. She is using a Nikon D70.

Mariann also has taken some pics!

1. This one is very pretty! It has captured great facial expression and emotion. The flower is lovely. Knowing when to capture the image is a huge gift! And Mariann's photo does a great job with that.
2. The light on this photo could be better. Luckily for Marianne Photoshop can help. The photo is a little too dark. So what you can do it lighten it up a bit and add just a touch of warmth. This can be done a number of different ways. Play around with LEVELS adjustments as well as BRIGHTNESS/CONTRAST. If you have the ability to adjust the white balance that is where you can warm it up a bit. In Photoship CS2 it is in ADJUSTMENTS>PHOTO FILTER or if you have done your shoot in RAW you can use the plug in to adjust the "TEMPERATURE" of the photo.
Here is the photo again after a little manipulation.
Mariann is using a Nikon D70 also.



GOOD JOB GUYS!