How to Get A Black Background Effect in Camera Tutorial

I read this tutorial today on how to get a black background in camera without a black backdrop from clickin moms site.  I tried these tips myself today. (had to brib my little girl with a popsicle.)  I’m happy with the results and learned a  new photography technique.   To do this I used my west facing doors and shut my east facing blinds to create the cave effect.  I stepped on the deck and shot into my house.  When I edited these photos in ps I darken the blacks and burned the area where my blinds where showing just a bit and then converted to b&w.  I love that I don’t have to set a backdrop to do this.  Give this tutorial a try.

Keep Clickin,

Nickie

Father’s Day Photo Tips

Walking with daddy.

With Father’s Day just around the corner, I wanted to post a few of my favorite articles.  I love this article by Me Ra Koh, Father’s Day Photo Tips .  She shares wonderful tips on how to capture your children with their dad or grandpa no matter what their ages.  Make sure to click each picture and read the description below.   How to Take Memorable Father’s Day Pictures is a two-part article.   This article gives you an assignment to take a picture of your dad and ask these three question.  Great questions to think about every time.

“What is the subject of my photograph?”

“How can I attract attention to the subject?”

“How can I simplify the picture and eliminate any distractions?”

How about a free Father’s Day card and template.  Check it out.  And last but not least here is a blog post with some fun Father’s Day gifts.   I think I’m going to try the sock bouquet.  My husband differently could use some new socks.    I hope you have a very special Father’s day!  Would love to see your father’s day pictures.

Keep Clickin,

Nickie

Friday Favorites- Top Articles of the Week

A few of my top finds of the week:

1.  Ever wonder what baby’s dream about.  This mom did and took her creativity to a new level.  Check out these amazing photos.  I’m going to have to give this a try!  Check out her blog.  Mila’s Daydream.

2.  Have a hard time getting your kids to look at the camera.  Try your own DIY camera props by Lisa Ward.

3.  Want to take your passion for photography and go professional.  A must read six step article, From Hobbyist to Professional.  This article is step one, get educated.  I’m a big believer in education.  There is so much free information out there.  Set a side time to read, attend photography workshops, or talk with other photographers  (like me.)  You will notice a difference in your photography and give you the confidence to charge for your work.  Make sure to read all six steps.

Let me know if any of these articles where helpful.  If you have a question about photography or a picture for me to critique send me an email to nickie@nickiejean.com  Would love to hear from you.

 

Keep clickin,

Nickie

Remember the Details

I was getting ready to put Violet to bed when I noticed her dirty feet.  My first thought was gross! Get those dirty feet cleaned right away.  But those cute dirty feet represented how much fun she had playing outside today.  Her cute dirty feet reflects a little of her childhood, playing with her cousins at Grandma’s house.

Remember to include detail shots.  You don’t always have to include the whole person in your shot.  A part or a detail of your subject is just as powerful.

Keep clickin,

Nickie

Friday Favorites- Top Articles of the Week

Every Friday (keep  your fingers crossed!) I’ll post some of my favorite articles on the web that I think you would enjoy.

1. Advice on Getting the Best Shots of your Kids.  I teach this in my photography class.  To move in and get on the level of your subject.  This article is great for my ClickinMoms who want to work on their composition and tell stories with their pictures.

2.  Love this article. My Advice For Aspiring Photographers.  Lots of good advice if you’re thinking about starting a photography business.

3. One of the challenges I had as a photographer was posing.  If you’re a family photographer you might enjoy this article. Family Posing Photo Tips (Older Children).

4. This article made me laugh.  Common Photo Editing Mistakes and How to Fix Them.  Trust me, I did all of them.

Did you find these articles helpful?  Would love to hear from you!

Keep Clickin,

Nickie

Welcome Clickin’ Chicks

Welcome, to my new blog dedicated to all you clickinchicks who love to take pics!  Whether you just got a new camera, or thinking about starting your own photography business you’ve come to the right place.

I have a passion for photography and I love to teach.  My goal for this blog is educate and  mentor.  I want to help you ladies understand your camera better so you can go out and take awesome pictures.  I’ll share my knowledge with you through classes, field trips, articles, guest blogs and more.   I hope that you will visit often and if you have questions about your camera or photography email me at nickie@nickiejean.com  I’ll post your question and answer so everyone can learn.

My first question comes from a “Click” graduate who attended one of my classes.  She wanted to know where to find additional information, good authors or websites that I find helpful.  Today, I will focus on some really great books and my favorite authors.

Have I mentioned how much I love to read?  It’s very common to find me reading three books at once.  Below is a picture of some of my photography books.

My first and favorite author is Me Ra Koh.  I love her book, ‘Your Baby in Pictures’ .  She teaches you how to capture all those cute stages of your baby’s first year.  This book makes a great baby shower gift.  This book also explains how to set your camera whether you have a DSLR or a point-n-shoot.  Another book I highly recommend is   ‘Expressions’ byDonna Smylie and Allison Jones.  This book is great for the beginner photographer.  It goes through equipment, lighting, composition and has a wonderful image gallery featuring pictures of babies all the way through young adults.  If you’re photographer thinking about starting your own business I would recommend any of Tammera Lackey’s books, ‘Envisioning Family’ or ‘The Art of Children’s Portrait Photography’.  I’m currently reading, “Worth Every Penny’ by Sarah Petty and Erin Verbeck.  So far I love it.  It’s changing how I do business.  If you own a small business get this book!.  Like I mentioned before these are just a few of my favorites. I’ll  post more books, dvds, top blogs and additional resources at another time.  I hope you have enjoyed my first post.

Keep Clickin,

Nickie