White Balance: Comparing Different Methods

May 24, 2013 By 9 Comments
CWB CIUAN-1_web

When it comes to white balance, there are several ways to accomplish it. Honestly, I think I have tried them all! Finding the best one for your shooting style is important. You may like to set a CWB in camera or adjust it in an editing program such as Lightroom or Photoshop. Whichever way you choose to address white balance, it is a step that can't be skipped. White balance plays a huge role in the outcome of an image. When beginning to edit an image, one of the first things I do is ...continue reading

What to Wear in Family Photos-May 2013

May 23, 2013 By 2 Comments
What to wear in family photos via Click it Up a Notch

Loving the pink and green in this month's what to wear in family photos idea. I'm excited that I'm adding a new feature...I found the links to most of the clothes in the pictures so you can BUY them! Several people have expressed wanting links so here you go. Have fun for what to wear in your next family photo session. Mom: Michael Stars Racerback Maxi Dress Steve Madden Warmthh Dad: Old Navy Men's Cotton-Pique Polo Gap Lived In Slim Khaki Older boy: Gap Uniform Short ...continue reading

6 Tips to Getting the Most Out of Your Online Marketing

May 22, 2013 By 2 Comments
Tips for getting the most out of your online marketing via Click it Up a Notch

*This is sponsored by SME Writing Services. You have heard the expression, "You never get a second chance to make a good first impression". This is true if you have a business, like photography, where you advertise or seek out clients online. Your website/blog may be the first impression people see of you. If you want to turn those people into clients, you need to make sure you are putting your best foot forward. Your website is your biggest source of online marketing, make it shine. Tips to ...continue reading

Critique Me – Pam at PhotogHer

May 20, 2013 By 6 Comments
Pam at PhotogHer

Remember: -Read How to Critique a Photo -Make a critique sandwich - something positive, something you would have done differently, something positive -My rule: no improvement tip = deleted comment -This will benefit the person leaving the photo critique just as much if not more than the person receiving the critique. Thank you to Pam at PhotogHer for submitting the following image. Settings: ISO 1000, F/3.2, SS 1/100 ...continue reading

8 Tips for Backlighting

May 17, 2013 By 10 Comments
8 Tips for Backlighting via Click it Up a Notch

Shooting into the light is my favorite. I receive emails all the time from people asking what the trick is to backlighting. Most often people say their images are dark or they can't focus into the light, don't know how to find the light or have no clue how to position their subject. While this takes lots of practice & requires different settings/set ups for different lighting situations, here are some general tips. I hope this helps some of you! 8 Tips for Backlighting 1. Spot Meter. ...continue reading

Lensbaby Composer Pro with Sweet 35mm Optic – 6 Lessons Learned

May 16, 2013 By 10 Comments
Lensbaby Lessons learned

*I received a Lensbaby in exchange for this post. The Lensbaby Composer Pro with Sweet 35mm Optic is such a fun lens. I have had a blast learning how to use it and figuring out different ways to photograph our lives with it. Below are a few lessons I've learned from using my Lensbaby. 1. Set your aperture to f/4 or f/5.6. Unlike most lenses we are used to these days, you set your aperture on the lens. In fact, your camera will say the aperture is f/0. Don't let that confuse you. ...continue reading

Letters to Our Children – May 2013

May 15, 2013 By 15 Comments
letters to our children

Dear Sweet Girls, Please, oh please, use your manners. ALWAYS. If you receive a gift or compliment, say "thank you". When someone says "thank you" to you, say "you are welcome". Don't say "no worries", that drives Honey crazy. Look people in the eye when you speak to them. Shake someone's hand when meeting for the first time. Look them in the eye, give a firm hand shake, and say "Hi, I'm ____. Nice to meet you, ________". Be sure to say their name back. It helps you remember ...continue reading

Critique Me – Laura at Super Sweet Life

May 13, 2013 By 14 Comments
Laura at Super Sweet Life

Remember: -Read How to Critique a Photo -Make a critique sandwich - something positive, something you would have done differently, something positive -My rule: no improvement tip = deleted comment -This will benefit the person leaving the photo critique just as much if not more than the person receiving the critique. Thanks to Laura at Super Sweet Life for submitting the following image. Settings: SS 1/125, f/2.5, ISO 100 ...continue reading

Happy Mother’s Day: Give Yourself a Gift

May 12, 2013 By 12 Comments
get in front of the camera

Happy Mother's Day! I realize not everyone who reads my site is a mother but I know a lot of you are. I hope you are spoiled today and feel as appreciated as you should be. You have an important job. You have a thankless job. You have a job where the children you are raising won't appreciate all your hard work as much as they do once they have their own children. Being a parent is tough work but it is a job that God has entrusted you with. You get to raise these amazing, ...continue reading

Lensbaby Love – May

May 8, 2013 By 25 Comments
lensbaby love via click it up a notch

It's as if I fall in love and am challenged each time I put this lens on my camera. There is something about using manual focus and turning this lens to capture the effect you want, makes it a fun and interesting lens to play with. I heart my Lensbaby Composer Pro with a Sweet Optic 35mm. Don't forget to follow through our circle of photographers to see some amazing Lensbaby Love images. Check out Tracy Bradbury who rocks her Lensbaby! ...continue reading