Written by Platinum Photographer Maris Ehlers

You see an image posted by a photographer, and he or she writes above it:  “Straight from the camera, Baby!”  We’ve seen those posts and most of us have written a post or two like that in our time.  That’s because we’re so excited when we do get an image that is perfect, just as we shot it.

Unfortunately, in our day to day shooting lives, most of us have more pictures than we’d like that are less than perfect.  At least I do.  Sometimes, believe it or not, that’s the picture the client wants. This means that the image may need an expert hand to help create the quality of image your client expects from you, and that can be tough on a photographer.  Why?  Because you’re a photographer, not a Photoshop whiz kid.

Another scenario might be that you have an image that truly is amazing and you want to take it to the next level by submitting it somewhere for publication.  A professional edit can be a great investment for a photographer at a time like this.  The trick is knowing who to trust your images with.  You need someone who can improve upon your original vision and who can get the job done on time.  I have found Jennifer Frances of Jennifer Frances Retouching to be that resource.

Jennifer has a remarkable skill, and I’m so thankful that she shares it with the likes of me when I need it!  Extremely competent with a wide range of photographic styles and subjects, she can make a great image look spectacular, and she can “save” an image from the computer recycling bin.

Her work has been published in many of today’s top fashion and entertainment magazines, and she really is an artist in her field of expertise.

So the next time you have an image you absolutely love, consider sending it to her and find out how much MORE you love it when you get it back.  She’ll completely amaze you with what she does.

Oh… and the next time you have an image where the client says “If only Bob’s head didn’t look so funny twisted at that angle I’d order ten of these…” send Bob on over to Jennifer, too.  She’ll get his head on straight.

Before / After

Written by Platinum Photographer Maris Ehlers

I am totally embarrassed to admit how I handled my professional lenses before Shootsac.  During a shoot I’d get so focused on what I was doing, I’d end up leaving lenses lying in the grass, up against walls, you name it.  On more than one occasion a client would say “Um, don’t you want that?” while pointing to a lens that I had taken off my camera, set down and completely forgotten about!

It’s like Jessica Claire designed this bag JUST for me, but it’s really for any photographer who wants to be able to access a variety of different lenses at any moment, and keep their investment safe by protecting them during every other moment of the shoot (Please note that Shootsac is not recommended as a replacement for your camera bag, to transport your lenses from shoot to shoot, or to hold your camera with a lens attached).

I bought my first Shootsac about two years ago, and I now own two of them.  I insist my second shooters wear one (especially for weddings), and we have a variety of fantastic covers to choose from for different looks when shooting.

So often with even great products there is a compromise between form and function, but not with Shootsac!  The neoprene bag has mutliple pouches to hold several different lenses plus other accessories you need throughout your shoot, i.e. flash units, cell phone, car keys, memory cards, etc., etc, and is every bit as stylish as it is functional.  With a fantastic selection of cover designs, you can always make sure you look your best and get the shot – quickly and easily with Shootsac!

Be sure to visit them at http://www.shootsac.com to see the awesome lineup of products  and covers!

The Shootsac / Images for a Cure Partnership
by Kristen Weaver, Images for a Cure Founder

It is with a lot of excitement that I share the amazing partnership that Shootsac and Images for a Cure has created this year! While most of our sponsors have tirelessly supported and encouraged our photographers and their goals, Shootsac has taken that one step higher by contributing 50% of all sales from their new Images for a Cure inspired Cover – “Uptown with Flowers“. Thinking about purchasing one of these amazingly cute new covers? Sorry, but they sold out just a few days after their website launch! Shootsac sold 81 of these gorgeous new covers which contributed $2,025 to Images for a Cure!

I was lucky enough to snatch a couple for me and Reema (my second shooter) and wanted to show you how gorgeous these covers are!

Check out the email newsletter here!

I just wanted to extend a HUGE Thank You to Jessica Claire, and all of the members of the Shootsac team for their tireless support of Images for a Cure and our photographers. – Kristen Weaver

Written by Pink Photographer Trish Finfer

You didn’t even know you needed Lightroom presets, funky textures and Photoshop actions for your photographs till you’ve seen what Totally Rad Actions has to offer. They have some of the most amazing tools for digital photographers I’ve ever seen – and what’s even more rad, is they offer total support for any question or problem you have.

‘Smack My Pix Up’, ‘Bitchin’ B&W’ and ‘In-Faux-Red’ are just a few of my fave actions and presets – not only are they fun to say; they are fun to use too. Totally Rad makes it a point to create tools that are easily customizable and work with each other so when you need to tweak a little something, or use more than one on a single photo, it’s a snap!

The in-depth video tutorials on their website are an amazing resource to learn more about actions and how to use them. And if that isn’t enough, you can go to the Totally Rad Help Desk and read through the help book or submit your problem or question and get personalized technical assistance. From time to time they post tutorials on their blog too – so be sure and stalk it if you don’t already.

My favorite resource on their site (besides the actions of course) has to be the Recipes. I go here for inspiration and to see what other folks are doing to their photos and how they are manipulating actions to get a desired result.  It’s fun to look through the thumbnails and pick one that looks interesting and try to guess what’s been done to enhance it. Many times I find myself saying, ‘I would have never thought to try that!’

Possibly the raddest thing about Totally Rad is their sponsorship of Images for a Cure. They have donated an entire TRA Suite to one lucky photographer! That includes The Original Totally Rad Action Set + Totally Rad 2: The Revenge + Dirty Pictures + Totally Rad Lightroom Presets! We are so happy to have you guys on board this year – thank you for your innovation, support and contribution to the cause!

Written by Pink Photographer Christine DeLessio

You’ve heard the expression about planning down to every last detail, right? That’s what Lauren Grove wants to help you do with your wedding. Her blog – not coincidentally named Every Last Detail – aims to help provide inspiration, ideas and insight during the planning process. “I want to educate brides,” she says.

Part of that education comes from a wonderful concept she calls a “Wedding Style Dictionary.” She has taken 25 common wedding styles, including bohemian, eclectic, rustic and whimsical, and gives you the dictionary definition of the terms. But that’s just the beginning. She then invites stylists, photographers, designers and do-it-yourself gurus to create inspiration shoots based solely on the definition of the word – all while keeping budgets in mind.

Lauren advises brides to look not only at her blog, but others like it for ides. Not the DIY type? Check out www.esty.com, and try to bring in something home- or hand-made when you can.

She says she’s always looking for new submissions for her blog, especially those with a focus on every last detail. “I want unique and cool details for each aspect of a wedding,” she says. She wants to see it all, “from a DIY cupcake bar to interesting table numbers.” She suggests keeping submissions simple, and avoid using fisheye lenses or tilt frames when photographing the details. “Make sure to have clear, clean shots of the ideas and details,” she says. “Brides want to see everything.”

Lauren says she’s excited to be able to use her talents to contribute to IFAC. “When I heard it was a nationwide event where everyone can participate and 100% of the sitting fees went directly to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, I knew had to partake in it, too,” she says.

Of course, don’t forget to check out her blog, http://everylastdetailblog.com/. You can also follow her on twitter at http://twitter.com/ELD_Lauren and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ELDblog.

Written by Platinum Photographer and Workshop Committee Chair, Michelle Guzman

Hi. My name is Michelle Guzman, and I am so excited to be a part of Images for a Cure!

I love that so many photographers and businesses have come together for one great cause. Through IFAC, I’ve met some amazing photographers and gotten to know other photographers better. It’s also encouraging to me that any help I have given, no matter how small, is contributing to something big. I am so happy to team up with other photographers around the world who are compassionate and giving. It’s amazing to be a part of something like this.

IFAC has many wonderful sponsors who generously stepped up and donated amazing products or services. One of IFAC’s sponsors is Adorama. Adorama is one of the USA’s largest photo retail and mail order stores. They have teamed up with IFAC from the start and are once again donating fabulous giveaways. Not only does Adorama carry a great selection of cameras and accessories, but they’re one of the most personable companies I have ever heard of. If you’re on Facebook, you may have seen Joel’s fun status updates or received a comment from him.

I’m a big fan of their Facebook page. You can get information on sales, links to current photography news, updates on what’s new with Adorama, and more. Recently, a friend of mine was looking for the Canon EF 70-200 2.8L lens. I saw on Adorama’s Facebook page that they had a recent price drop on that lens, so I was excited to pass that information to my friend. You’ll also notice that Adorama answers questions and offers help to anyone that posts on their Facebook page. I love that a large company is so accessible and willing to help its customers. Great customer service makes the shopping experience a great one. Visit their Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/Adorama.

If you’re on Twitter, you can also follow Adorama at http://www.twitter.com/adorama!

Adorama also has a learning center online and workshops at their NYC headquarters.  If you’re in the market for new equipment or accessories, check out their buying guide and reviews. Once you’ve made your purchase, take advantage of Adorama TV. They have different episodes from shooting lightning to photographing self portraits to freezing motion with your shutter. Adorama not only provides photographers with a great buying experience, but they provide different opportunities for us to learn something new.

Adorama has generously donated some fantastic giveaways!
3 $100 gift cards
Flip HD Video Camera in Pink
Fuji Instax Camera in Pink
Apple 8GB iPod in Pink

Notice the pink theme here? Love it!

Thank you Adorama for your enthusiasm and support! It’s sponsors like you that makes IFAC possible.