Exposure Photographic Art Studio

Shoot-Edit-Print-Head to the Party

2012-05-21T01:53:22Z

I called my Goddaughter’s parents and asked if I could steal her and her big sister for a quick 15 minute photo shoot. It was 3:45pm and the party started at 6:30pm. We took the girls to a local park. With help from her big sister Megan, 5 year old Morgan blasted through our spontaneous photo shoot. I was home by 4:15pm. I quickly loaded roughly 150 photos into Lightroom 4 using Hoodman’s USB 3.0 Raw Steel card reader. It took me about 5 minutes to select 40 images. I made a collection and selected two images to edit. From the collect I created, I used those images to upload to my SmugMug gallery so the family could see the images at the party. As the images were uploading, I started my 5 minute edit.

I could have used Lightroom to edit my images, but while shooting, I envisioned the shot using the new Tiffen DFX V3 Software Filters and printing the final piece using Metal Mural. I exported the image into Photoshop, changed the layer to a smart object (just in case I need to tweak the filter) and fired up the Tiffen plugin. I applied a preset I created a few days ago that I knew would work for this image. Back in Photoshop, I ran a len’s flare and saved the image.

Inside Lightroom, I exported the image to a full size jpg and uploaded it a local one hour photo lab. Yes, I’m embarrassed to say Walmart. But to their defense, the images are more than acceptable for a quick print. I printed 25 images for Morgan to give away as a keepsake. I also printed an 8 by 10 of the two girls.

So to recap…

15 minute photo session with a vision in mind.
5 mins or less to load into Lightroom using Hoodman’s high speed USB card reader and cards.
5 mins to select 40 images.
Created a collection of the selected images and uploaded them to my SmugMug gallery for the family to see at the party.
Used the new Tiffen DFX V3 Software Filters for the edit with a custom preset I created.
Applied a Len’s flare in Photoshop and saved the image.
Exported a full size jpg from Lightroom and uploaded to Walmart
Picked up the photos on our way to the party.
Sat at the little kids table enjoying the reaction from Morgan and Megan.

Morgan said she has an idea for our next shoot, it involves her princess dress!

Nikon D700

70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens

ISO 200, aperture f/4.0, shutter speed 1/400, Focal length 90mm

Aperture priority

Spot metering

Matrix Focus

Camera raw

Hoodman 16GB RAW card and USB 3.0 RAW Steel card reader

Stored on Drobo S

Lightroom 4.0

Photoshop CS 5.5

Tiffen DFX V3 Software Filters

SmugMug photo gallery

Walmart 1 hr print (I’ll use SmugMug for final prints)

Metal Mural for a creative wall piece

Lightroom 4: Rounded Corners

2012-05-14T19:25:29Z

My buddy Christina Moody; a very talented still life photographer, inspired to make a few quick presets for Lightroom. I’ve noticed she adds rounded corners to final images to display on Facebook. I created an action in Photoshop that would add the corners years ago. Since I’ve been doing 85% of my work in Lighroom now, I forgot about the action. To make my life easier, I created the same effect in Lightroom.

You are welcome to download the preset and add them to your Lightroom workflow.

Have you ever wondered what plugins your favorite WordPress sites use?

2012-05-11T18:02:15Z

For years I have collected what I feel are some of the best plugins for WordPress. Most are free or require a small donation. Some are expensive but worth every dollar. My attitude, why reinvent the wheel!

Keep in mind, going plugin crazy can slow your WordPress site down. Be selective. Deactivate plugins that you don’t use or better yet, delete them from your site.

This is a complete list of WordPress Plugins I use for our site. I used the WP-PluginsUsed plugin to generate this list and used a short code to display them in this post. They are not in any special order.

Please feel free to add your favorites to the list.

Add LightBox & Title 1.5

» Created by ppalli

This plugin automatically add the rel=”lightbox[POST-ID]” to images linked in a post and in a comment, and recovers the image title. POST-ID is unique per post so all images per post are grouped in one lightbox set. Doesn’t add the files required for lightbox! It is inspired by [Add Lightbox](http://mdkart.fr/blog/plugin-add-lightbox-pour-wordpress/) of Mdkart.

Advanced RSS 2.7.3

» Created by Stephen Ingram

Feed aggregator widget which is able to reformat your RSS and ATOM feeds into any HTML layout you want. Like the built in widget feeds are cached locally to speed up load times, and title, link and number of items to display may be modified. Feeds are formatted via XSLT, but if you don’t know how to write XSLT there is a variety of built in templates for you use and learn from.

Ajax Spell Checker 0.7

» Created by m0n5t3r

Spell checker for Wordpress using Ajax.

Akismet 2.5.6

» Created by Automattic

Used by millions, Akismet is quite possibly the best way in the world to protect your blog from comment and trackback spam. It keeps your site protected from spam even while you sleep. To get started: 1) Click the “Activate” link to the left of this description, 2) Sign up for an Akismet API key, and 3) Go to your Akismet configuration page, and save your API key.

All-in-One Calendar by Then.ly 1.6.3 Premium

» Created by Then.ly

A calendar system with month, week, day, agenda views, upcoming events widget, color-coded categories, recurrence, and import/export of .ics feeds.

Before After 1.0.1

» Created by Hemant Nandrajog

Before After Photo viewer

Favicon Generator 1.5

» Created by Brandon Dove, Jeffrey Zinn

This plugin will allow you to upload an image file of your choosing to be converted to a favicon for your WordPress site.

Fix Rss Feeds 3.1

» Created by flyaga li

fix wordpress rss feed error “Error on line 2: The processing instruction target matching “[xX][mM][lL]” is not allowed.” while you burn wordpress rss feed from http://www.feedburner.com, also fix error “XML or text declaration not at start of entity” in firefox, and fix error “XML declaration not at beginning of document” in opera.

FV Wordpress Flowplayer 1.2.16

» Created by Foliovision

Embed videos (FLV, H.264, and MP4) into posts or pages. Uses modified version of flowplayer (with removed FP logo and copyright notice).

Google Analyticator 6.2

» Created by Ronald Heft

Adds the necessary JavaScript code to enable Google’s Analytics. After enabling this plugin visit the settings page and enter your Google Analytics’ UID and enable logging.

Google Calendar Events 0.7.2

» Created by Ross Hanney

Parses Google Calendar feeds and displays the events as a calendar grid or list on a page, post or widget.

Google Plus 1.0.2

» Created by Ajitae

Google Plus Widgets to your wordpress blog.

Google Voice Widget Plugin 0.2.2

» Created by Mike Rosile, incredipress

Adds a Call Me widget ala Google Voice

Gravity Forms 1.6.4.3

» Created by Rocketgenius Inc.

Easily create web forms and manage form entries within the WordPress admin.

Gravity Forms Directory & Addons 3.2.2

» Created by Katz Web Services, Inc.

Turn Gravity Forms into a great WordPress directory…and more!

Gravity Forms FreshBooks Add-On 1.2

» Created by rocketgenius

Integrates Gravity Forms with FreshBooks allowing form submissions to be automatically sent to your FreshBooks account, creating clients, invoices and estimates

Gravity Forms MailChimp Add-On 1.6.3

» Created by rocketgenius

Integrates Gravity Forms with MailChimp allowing form submissions to be automatically sent to your MailChimp account

Gravity Forms PayPal Add-On 1.4

» Created by rocketgenius

Integrates Gravity Forms with PayPal, enabling end users to purchase goods and services through Gravity Forms.

Gravity Forms User Registration Add-On 1.4

» Created by rocketgenius

Allows WordPress users to be automatically created upon submitting a Gravity Form

Jetpack by WordPress.com 1.3

» Created by Automattic

Bring the power of the WordPress.com cloud to your self-hosted WordPress. Jetpack enables you to connect your blog to a WordPress.com account to use the powerful features normally only available to WordPress.com users.

List Plugins 1.2.0

» Created by SedLex

Create a list of the active plugins in a page (when the shortcode [list_plugins] is found).

The list may contain:

the name of the plugin,
the version,
the screenshots (up to 3 images),
a link to download the zip file of the current version.

Plugin developped from the orginal plugin WP-PluginsUsed.

This plugin is under GPL licence.

Maintenance Mode 5.4

» Created by Michael Wöhrer

Adds a splash page to your blog that lets visitors know your blog is down for maintenance. Logged in administrators get full access to the blog including the front-end. Navigate to Settings → Maintenance Mode to get started.

Plugin Organizer 2.2

» Created by Jeff Sterup

A plugin for specifying the load order of your plugins.

Quick Subscribe 1.7.1

» Created by Leo Germani

Allows visitor to quickly register to your blog using only an email address

Shareaholic | email, bookmark, share buttons 5.0.0.4

» Created by Shareaholic

Shareaholic adds a (X)HTML compliant list of social bookmarking icons to each of your posts. See configuration panel for more settings.

Subscribe2 8.2

» Created by Matthew Robinson

Notifies an email list when new entries are posted.

Subscribe Remind 1.3

» Created by Trevor Fitzgerald

Give your readers a little reminder to subscribe to your blog’s feed or your Twitter account at the end of each post.

Theme My Login 6.1.4

» Created by Jeff Farthing

Themes the WordPress login, registration and forgot password pages according to your theme.

TinyMCE Advanced 3.4.5.1

» Created by Andrew Ozz

Enables advanced features and plugins in TinyMCE, the visual editor in WordPress.

Ultimate Google Analytics 1.6.0

» Created by Wilfred van der Deijl

Enable Google Analytics on your blog. Has options to also track external links, mailto links and links to downloads on your own site. Check http://www.oratransplant.nl/uga/#versions for version updates

Viper's Video Quicktags 6.4.1

» Created by Viper007Bond

Easily embed videos from various video websites such as YouTube, DailyMotion, and Vimeo into your posts.

W3 Total Cache 0.9.2.4

» Created by Frederick Townes

The highest rated and most complete WordPress performance plugin. Dramatically improve the speed and user experience of your site. Add browser, page, object and database caching as well as minify and content delivery network (CDN) to WordPress.

WordPress Post Tabs 1.3.1

» Created by Internet Techies

WordPress Post Tabs will help you to easily display your WordPress Post or Page sections in structured tabs, so that if you are writing some review post, you can add distinct tabs representing each section of the review like overview, specifications, performance, final rating and so on. Watch Live Demo at Plugin Page.

WP-PhotoContest 1.5.6

» Created by Frank van der Stad

Adds a photo contest to your post or page. Note: Only apply auto-upgrade when you don’t care about losing your contests!! (and if you do: Backup you tables, ‘CONTEST_FOLDER’- and ‘skins’-directories!)

WP-SmugMug 2.0.9

» Created by Adam Tow

Integrate your SmugMug galleries into your WordPress blog.

WP Database Optimizer Tools 0.2

» Created by Moyo

This plugin will help you to optimize your wordpress database.

WP E-junkie.com Shopping Cart 1.6

» Created by Seth Shoultes

A simple plugin for easily adding products hosted on e-junkie.com to your WordPress powered website.

WP Hide Post 1.1.9

» Created by Robert Mahfoud

Enables a user to control the visibility of items on the blog by making posts and pages selectively hidden in different views throughout the blog, such as on the front page, category pages, search results, etc… The hidden item remains otherwise accessible directly using permalinks, and also visible to search engines as part of the sitemap (at least). This plugin enables new SEO possibilities for authors since it enables them to create new posts and pages without being forced to display them on their front and in feeds.

WP to Twitter 2.4.0

» Created by Joseph Dolson

Posts a Tweet when you update your WordPress blog or post to your blogroll, using your chosen URL shortening service. Rich in features for customizing and promoting your Tweets.

WPtouch 1.9.40

» Created by BraveNewCode Inc.

A plugin which formats your site with a mobile theme for visitors on Apple iPhone / iPod touch, Google Android, Blackberry Storm and Torch, Palm Pre and other touch-based smartphones.

HOW TO FIND A MODEL

2012-04-25T13:05:25Z

By adding the word model to the title, I knew that would get your attention. I really meant to say, how to find someone willing to allow me to photograph them so I can work on a new style or learn about lighting. But that title was way too long and really, most photographers like the term model. It conjures up images of drop dead, beautiful runway females. So, how do we find subjects to work with?

Experimenting

Depending on what you are trying to accomplish, you can use family, friends, co-workers or people you meet everyday. Approach them and be up front. Tell them you are working on a new style and you are experimenting. They can keep the best images when you are done. This style of shoot is just for practice. You may or may not get great images. Try to take a few “safe” shots. Safe shots are traditional head and shoulder images that, when all else fails, you have at least a few good photos to give them. Depending on how much experimenting you are working on, a family member may not be your best choice. You as the photographer must have patience and sometimes working with a family member you lose it. Always have fun with who you shoot, otherwise it will show in the final image.

Building a portfolio with TF

Starting out is hard for both the photographer and model. A photographer wants to show their talent, but they need subjects to photograph. A model, wants to show photographers how versatile they can be. The problem, no images to show. You could always paid a professional but that could mean big bucks. Another option is “Time for” or better known as TF. Both the model and photographer are willing to trade their time for the photos you create. Both parties receive the images that can be used for their portfolio or self promotion. If for any reason you are able to sell the image, pay the model a percentage. Remember, the original idea for the shoot was to create exposure for both the model and photographer.

Model Mayhem, One Models Place and Model Brigade are a few online resources to find models or photographers to work with. There are many pros and cons with this option. Most experience models are not willing to work with unknown photographers. Most experience photographers are not willing to shoot for free. Since it is a free shoot, most times reliability is a problem. If you are shooting for a project and you absolutely need the model to be there, put out a casting call for paid work. Usually this works, but again it’s a risk. If you paid for the shoot, the images are yours to sell. Make sure a proper model release form is signed.

Join an active meet up group or a camera club. Not only will this give you the opportunity to network with other photographers, but most times the group leader will schedule events that include models. Depending on the group, the images you take can be used for your personal portfolio as long as you agree the model can use the images also.

Network with other photographers by offering to be an assistant on a shoot. With their permission, build a relationship with the model for future shoots. Offer the photographer that made the connection to join in on the next shoot.

Post your best images on Facebook, SmugMug or other online photo galleries. Share the links with the model. Both network of friends will see the images and possible work may come from it. It’s best to narrow down your selection from the shoot and ask the model to pick a few of their favorites. Try to only show your best work. The difference between a good photographer and a great one; the great only show you their best images.

Most important, when looking for subjects to photograph remember your purpose. Be up front with your intentions and always act professional. Building a respectful relationship will give you a network of models to choose from.

Quick tips

Use family and friends for experimenting.
Find subjects at places you frequent and offer a TF shoot.
Join a meet up or a camera club that offers shoots with models.
Search on sites such as Model Mayhem, One Models Place and Model Brigade.
Pay to take classes with a professional teacher that offers models as part of the class.
Budget in the cost when you absolutely need a model.
If your TF images sell, offer to pay the model a percentage.
Share the best images with the model for self promotion.
Fill out a model release form.

Giving Yourself A Photography Assignment

2012-04-23T00:02:20Z

My buddy Joe Glyda has a new training class coming out April 9, 2012 on KelbyTraining.com entitled “Giving Yourself A Photography Assignment”. This inspired me to work on my new project: “Misunderstood“

This is a rough draft of the first piece: Why do people insist these are weeds? I see them as misunderstood flowers!

Imagine staying up all night, rushing to and from different events and you come across a patch of flowers that others insist on calling weeds. Most people don’t even notice them or consider them an eye sore. What do you do? Do you rush by or do you stop and absorb a deeper meaning? You do the right thing, you stop and take a few moments to capture memories that will last an eternity.

Before we judge people or situations, remember even a weed can be a flower.

Adding Keywords to Images saves time

2012-03-31T17:37:41Z

Adding keywords to tag images can be a tedious process, but if you make it a regular part of your workflow, it really brings your catalog to life. Searching, sorting and working on your images can be so much easier if they contain descriptive keywords.

Adding Keywords

Lightroom
Adding key words in Lightroom is simple. From the Library Module, select KEYWORDING. Separate your keywords with commas.

Photoshop
Adding keywords in Photoshop can be found under File > file Info (Alt+Ctrl+Shift+I).. in new dialog that opens go to Description tab and add keywords in Keywords text field.

Adobe Bridge
From the right panel, select the Keywords tab. If the tab doesn’t appear, click on windows from the top menu and place a check mark next to keywords panel. Click on the + icon in the lower right side of the tab. Enter your keywords using a comma to separate them.

These are a few popular image editing software. If you are using other software to edit your images and add keywords, please feel free to add your workflow in our comments section.

For an in-depth tutorial on adding keywords, check out my buddy Michael Hoffman’s post on the popular site Tipsquirrel.com

Gatorland Workshop Gallery

2012-03-31T02:32:18Z

Vanelli & Friends hosted a workshop at Gatorland on March 17, 2012. We are uploading images from members that attended as well as tips and tricks. This project should be done in the next few days.

Midnight Madness Photoshop World D.C. 2012

2012-03-30T18:19:35Z

Midnight Madness recap, what a party! Special thanks to our vendors for giving away killer prizes… SmugMug HoodmanUSA Metal Mural Piqsure onOne Software The Tiffen Company Tether Tools and Animoto

Oreo Title Up for Grabs at the Pre-Midnight Madness!

2012-03-22T03:18:08Z

The World Champion David Rogers

David Rogers has reigned as the Oreo King during the Pre-Midnight Madness show for the past several Photoshop Worlds. He was looking to snatch another victory this year in D.C. but, as fate would have it, he is unable to attend this year’s event. Although we considered canceling the Oreo challenge, the out cry from past participants was too much. We decided to let the event continue. David’s undefeated title is up for grabs at the Pre-Midnight Madness Sunday, March 25 at 9:30!

What is Midnight Madness?

Dubbed as the session for “Photoshop freaks who just can’t sleep,” Photoshop Midnight Madness has become legendary in the world of training conferences. If you’re lucky enough to snag a ticket to this late-night Photoshop love fest , you’re in for a hilarious night of wild surprises, tons of prizes, howls of laughter, and loads of fun.

This night of no-holds-barred Photoshop mayhem is definitely the hottest ticket at the conference – delivering non-stop music, madness, contests, and partying is hosted by the conference ringmaster himself, Scott Kelby.

There are two things we can promise you about Photoshop Midnight Madness:
(1) You’re not going to learn a darn thing about Photoshop, and
(2) You’re going to have an absolute blast doing it! So, if this sounds like your brand of fun, make sure you get your ticket early, then plan to stay up late!

Only 200 tickets are given out for Midnight Madness. Tickets will be given out on Sunday, March 25 at 7:30am, outside of the Expo Hall A.

Bahamas Cruise

2012-05-06T23:15:08Z

Vanelli and Friends take the Bahamas Hollywood style featuring Michael Kubeisy!

June 22-25. 2012

Royal Caribbean “Monarch of the Seas”
Port Canaveral, Florida
Cruise Terminal #10 9005 Charles M. Rowland Drive Cape Canaveral, Florida

$595.00 Workshop Fee (Pay cruise separate see details below)

From crime scenes to war zones, Hollywood celebrities and family portraits, Michael Kubeisy’s cameras have shot it all since 1984, as a Motion Picture and Television Stills Photographer. He is currently shooting on shows being televised worldwide.

Kubeisy brings his talent to a special Vanelli and Friends Bahamas Cruise workshop. His experience from working on Hollywood sets will teach you to recognize the light and surroundings of your subject. Learn how simple lighting tools, unique props and fantastic posing to assist our models, will enhance your images!

We will talk about color temperature, diffusing and reflecting of light.
We will talk about sets, backgrounds, and props.
Our talk will be about Lights, Dragging the shutter and mixing various light sources.
Posing will be discussed in all sessions. The use of different lenses and their characteristics.

Space is limited so register today!

OK i’m in now what?

Purchase your workshop ticket online with us.Once complete, book your cruise on the Royal Caribbean 1-800-465-3595

Group ID # 1911929
LEAVING FROM: Port Canaveral, Florida
Current rate is $449.45 Per person double occupancy
Group receives $50 on-board ship credit

No Companion Fee

Family and friends are welcome to attend our cruise. Just book your cabin with Royal Caribbean. They are welcome to join us on our adventures.

Itinerary

Day	Port	Arrive	Depart	Activity
22-Jun	Port Canaveral, Florida	—-	4:30 PM	Leave
23-Jun	Nassau, Bahamas	12:00 PM	11:59 PM	Docked
24-Jun	CocoCay, Bahamas	8:00 AM	5:00 PM	Tendered
25-Jun	Port Canaveral, Florida	7:00 AM	—	Arrive

Gratuities (in USD)

Gratuities are recommended to be prepaid at the rate of $34.95 per person for the entire cruise. This gratuity includes for the stateroom steward, head waiter, waiter and assistant waiter.

Individual Expenses
The price of the Cruise includes ship accommodations, ocean transportation, most meals, nonalcoholic beverages and most entertainment onboard the ship. The Cruise price does not include air transportation (except as noted); transfers (except as noted); optional shore and land excursions; meals and accommodations ashore (except as noted); certain beverages; photographs; gratuities; telephone calls; specialty restaurants onboard certain vessels; purchase from the ship stores or items of a personal nature, such as medical services, laundry, massages, spa treatments, hairstyling or manicures. Some of these items may be purchased separately.