Light Room Forum

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FREE stuff for your PhotoShop toolbox

did u know that they have 3000 free, royalty free, textures??
well now ya do.....
here's the link.....
http://www.autofx.com/utc.asp


can be Plugin or stand alone! They Rock...have fun and let's see your stuff!!!!!

http://www.autofx.com/freeplugins/dreamyphoto.asp?id=7

http://www.autofx.com/freeplugins/mosaic.asp?id=20


steve

Wow a FREE On line DOF calculator

Click here

you can also download files and print them out and make one (a dof calculator) that you can carry in your camera case !!!!!

Steve

Every thing you wanted to know about guide numbers

http://strobist.blogspot.com/

Lightroom plug-in for Flickr

here is the link to this Free application

be sure to read his Notes on this plug-in

steve

Our New Wedding Web Site isNow Live

Spent a few hours over the last couple of evenings
building our new wedding web site
Here is a link to it

As we continue to finish up those last minute Christmas orders we want to take this time
to thank everyone of you, our customers !

This Friday we start our Christmas break, by heading West to Texas
As most of you know that are reading this we often check our email, even when on the road
So if you find a need for our services during the Holiday take a chance and call 318-746-6955
or Email us ( LottsPhoto@Gmail.com )

Shortly after the new year I will begin teaching again at BPCC
Three courses this coming semester
Two are full semester courses and one is a one day class

The one day class is February 9 and is on Adobe Lightroom
the other two courses are Portrait Photography & Wedding Photography

I hope you all have a fantastic Christmas and look forward to seeing some of you again this coming semester at BPCC

Steve

Copyright infringement

It is not perfect but here are a few things we do to try and slow down how much theft we have of our rightfully owned images.....

We do three things...
1) make it easy for clients to do the right thing and reorder from us
by placing our contact info on the back of every print sold and attaching copyright info to any digital files sold.

2) We place road blocks or more precisely speed bumps so that it slows down the amount of infringement of our work, like use of Flash Based web pages versus static html where copy with left mouse click is so easy and we always post images to our site with low resolution.

3) We invoice offenders when we find them, then it is a collection issue.

These steps along with supporting the Professional Photographers of America through our membership helps . Education of our client base with a soft and non big stick approach also helps us keep from alienating our customers

Steve
Steven Lott

Your Top Ten list............

A Top Ten list for your business.....

make a list of the top ten things you have done to better your business

an example.....

1. shoot with Off Camera Flash
2. use of Studio Management software (we use Photo One)
3. long glass at reasonable aperatures outside and a 24-70mm for in the studio
4. fast lens shot at reasonable aperature
5. New Camera room (new pictures will be posted soon)

Steve

Scams....... Geared towards photographers

here is a typical email that is designed (although the grammar is poor)
to get you excited and contact them
once they have you interested the con begins

I am Thomas, I will like to let you know that I need a photographer who will coverage for the upcoming event which will take place by 31th of this mouth,2007 at California (CA), and I will want you to send the quotation including the transportation charges which will take you to the venue so I will like to read from you so that I can contact my client who also wish to come for the event that I have get a good photographer that will cover the event kindly get back to me with the quote and the payment will be make via cashier's check and let me know the name and address,phone number where the payment will be address to and I will let you know that the event is [meeting]but the event will be 1hour 30mins.So I will contact my client as soon as possible that I have found a good and reliable person to cover the event.Thanks.
Thanks.

Thomas...

The con is rather simply they will offer to pay you and pay you well
the catch is they will pay you with a bank check that is no good
although it will look real and can be deposited into your bank, but the check is worthless
just like any bad check you end up not having that money in your account after a few days

Here is where the con is smart..........
they will ask you to pay a third party, usually their wedding coordinator or even a videographer that they have already "secured"
this third party is part of the scam.

If you do as requested by the time you find their check was worthless
you have already used a check from your account to wire this third person money
and are out a few thousand dollars of your own real money.

These scams have been around on the internet for some time and change in exact wording from time to time

Remember if it sounds too good to be true it usually is not

I never thought I would embrace selling of this.....

As some of you know, I like to concentrate on the fundamental of our profession and pretty much keep our product lines the same.
Portraits in print or on Canvas, with the occasional painting or two
I have recently came to know a fellow photographer that sells Photo Jewelry
Fact is she has such great business concepts and refuses to cater to just anyone and that made me more attracted to her product line, she will work only with Pro's
iow she does not sell to our customer base
O.K. enough rambling on you say
click here to see Heart to Heart Photo Jewelry
I am pretty sure she is accepting no more orders for this year,
but talk about a great product for you to introduce in time for Valentine's day !!!

Steve

Portrait Photography 2007 Class Photo

More kewel Lightroom Presets.......

click here for WhiteBalance Presets
and if that ain't enough awesome stuff from Matt
check out his DuoTone presets right here

what's my source for these...

simple LightRoom Killer Tips Blog

as the end of this semester at BPCC approaches.....

Students are already signing up for the next semester.................

I will again be teaching Portrait and Wedding Photography, as well as a One Day Class on LightRoom on 9 February

here are some of the details......

Portrait Photography $270 www.BPCC.edu
This course includes mastery of portrait lighting, posing and camera
techniques. The student will be required to produce portraits of
various subjects using interior and exterior situations. Prerequisite:
Photography or consent of instructor. This course is open to both credit
and non-credit students. Limit: 25 (age 15+). 42 hrs/14 sessions.
Instructor: Steven Lott.
Wed, Aug 22-Nov 28, 6:30-9:30 pm, D303, LART-4010A

If your looking for this course taught by me in the accredited side use the following info.....

TLCM-267 -51 PORTRAIT PHOTO	10304	Open - 16 of 20	Lecture	T 06:30-09:30PM Main Campus Building D 210	Lott S	Normal Academic Term 01-12-08 to 05-09-08	3.00
Prerequisite course required TLCM-160

Wedding Photography $270 www.BPCC.edu
This course will introduce the student to different approaches of
properly photographing wedding practice, pre-wedding events, and the
wedding itself. The student will be immersed in both static and dynamic
situations in order to prepare them for real-life situations. This course
is open to both credit and non-credit students. Limit: 25 (age 15+).
42 hrs/14 sessions. Instructor: Steven Lott.
Tues, Aug 21-Nov 27, 6:30-9:30 pm, E322, LART-4012A

The complete catalog for the upcoming Non accredited semester may be found by clicking HERE


If your looking for this course taught by me in the accredited side use the following info.....

TLCM-260 -51 WEDDING PHOTOGPRAPHY	10202	Open - 19 of 20	Lecture	W 06:30-09:30PM Main Campus Building D 311	Lott S	Normal Academic Term 01-12-08 to 05-09-08	3.00
Prerequisite course required TLCM-160

Number of seats open is as of 26 November !

Here is the link to the accredited side click her

Monday
I was admitted to the hospital because of chest pains etc
Just got shown a really kewel image of my healthy heart

My only trouble lies in my neck (three ruptured Discs)
I see a much lighter camera case and less toting of heavy power supllies etc :)
in my near future !

it's Thursday evening

I thank everyone of you for your prayers
they meant and mean a lot to me !

Steve

The San Disc Sale is back at Dury's......

click here

more from my friends at Coffee Table Software..

There are only 2 ways to make a great Website:

1. You get your hands a little dirty and learn some HTML
2. or you don’t learn HTML and use a visual editor

If you want to make a quick and easy Website without learning HTML, you should use Visual Site Designer. Its unique Drag & Drop functionality and 35+ free templates will have your first Website up and running in minutes.

But if you want to make a really great Website, learning and writing your own HTML code is the only way to go. You get far more flexibility and customization; the possibilities are endless!

Learning HTML is actually pretty easy with the right tools. Our Award Winning HTML Editor and Web Design Book are both excellent tools that help you learn and code HTML and make great Websites. Since they work so well together, we decided to create a special deal too good to pass up.

HTML what the heck is that..........

While we did discus this in a recent class session at BPCC

here is a great link to html and building of websites...........

click here

cheers !

steve

Northern Exposure presents

REGISTRATION FORM Follows below the announcement

NORTHERN EXPOSURE hosting NANCY MICKLE-EMMERICH is around the corner - NOVEMBER 11TH in SHREVEPORT. Nancy will be speaking on Seniors and Photoshop.

Please complete the attached registration form and fax or mail it in at your earliest convenience. Visit our website at www.ppla.net for more details on Northern Exposure and to view the photographers and results from State Convention.

www.ppla.net

...........................................................................................................................................................

NORTHERN EXPOSURE – NOVEMBER 11, 2007

• In order to attend Northern Exposure, you do not have to be a PPLA member.

• Please fill out a separate registration form for each person attending .

• Please submit registration via Mail (109 North Patton Street, Marksville, LA 71351) or Fax (318-253-8661)

Name: _____________________________________________________________________________

Studio Name: _______________________________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________________________

City: ______________________________________ State:___________________ Zip:____________

Parish: _____________________ E-Mail Address: _________________________________________

Telephone Numbers: Studio ________________________________ Work______________________

Fax:__________________________________

Home _____________________

REGISTRATION FEES:

*** Please circle your classification

PPLA Members PPA Members Non-PPLA Members

Registration Prior to November 9th $50.00 $ 75.00 $100.00

At the Door $75.00 $100.00 $125.00

TOTAL DUE………………………...$______________

Payment Type _______ Check ______ Credit Card

Credit Card Information: (Circle One) Visa Mastercard Discover American Express

Name on Account: ___________________________________________________________________

Account #__________________________________________________________________________

Expiration Date: ______________________ Amount to be Charged: $________________________

Signature: _____________________________________________________________

Professional Photographers of Louisiana, Inc., 109 North Patton Street, Marksville, LA 71351
318-359-6633 Fax 318- 253-8661

www.ppla.net

creating Templates in Photoshop How to Movies

Below is a link to an old How To Movie I created several years ago
a student recently asked me for some tips on creating templates

The movie shows this very slowly
in fact you even get to watch me make mistakes and back up
some have said that is good because it allows them to follow along easier
(since I have many templates saved in my computer I rarely create new ones and was very rusty when I made these movies, I hope they will be of value to some one)

click here to see the movie

Now how to use that Template..........

Templates How to use them....

---

Creating Templates of your own is pretty easy
all you are doing is staring with a canvas (a palet)
use a solid color like black

then make cutouts by selecting areas and creating a new layer from that selection

as you work you will end up with more layers for each new cutout

most people understand this part, but a movie on how to use this template
once you have it made may be of a benefit

so here it is...................

A movie on How to Use a Template that you created

Also instead of a black base (bottom layer)
you can have any image
easiest method is start with the new canvas and then drag an image for the background on to that canvas
Like an image of Fall Foliage
You could also have a white base and the fall foliage could be less opaque
just use the opacity slider for the layer that contains the foliage
Each time you need to duplicate a layer just use the short cut of Cntrl-J

Need help or are confused simply email me
I am always glad to help

steve

some painter Links.....

One of my students asked me about some Painter and or Fine Art tips....

First painter is one of the many tools that photographers have embraced to separate them self from the masses of others will a DSLR

Painting takes time
there is little instant gratification with it
un like PS filters and actions

Basic painter teachings include cloning and use of just add water brush technique to blend colors
while there are no rules in painting, only different styles
few paintings in the traditional sense have straight lines
so as photographers we should work on those lines within our images and then start blending

here is a few links..........

The Daily Download Am-Pro impressionism


Corel Painter Update

Corel Painter Tips

Jeremy Sutton

Don't over look the Shared items on the right hand colum of this Blog

it is where I share items I find items of general interests while using my Google Reader tools
one such item has a great post about use of multiple flash units and even Gels

This one is The Strobist click here to go right to it

The current article has a neat image of a Fireman

Cheers !

Steve

What a great person

Another of Sarah

A Real Bride

This young lady has personality that is really kewel !

Me showing a bride how to pose with a Bouquet

This image sure needs White Balanced

Just a few Images from the Class at BPCC

Light Room Panels customizing

click here for a link to a sight on this

Light Room Tutorials, a website

click here

A movie on Creating a Water Mark Action in Photo Shop

Click here to see this movie

This water Marking can also be easily done without creating an action in Adobe Light Room

Steve

glimpses of our new camera room....

glimpses of our new camera room

while not finished our first portrait session in the new large camera room was 25 August 2007

The Dam Book Digital Asset Management that is

http://www.thedambook.com/

A very good article on High Speed Sync with Flash

Click here

Scams Beware !

Remember if it sounds to good it is probably a Scam !

Here is a typical scam email
This comes in many versions
Don't fall prey

-----------------------------------------------------------------
FROM: Anthony D. Loehnis,
GROUP AUDIT FOR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DIVISION
ALPHA BANK LONDON
66 Cannon Street, London EC4N.

DEAR ,
RE:TRANSFER OF 36,759,000.00 MILLION POUNDS TO YOUR ACCOUNT.

I feel quite safe dealing with you in this important business. I choose to reach you through
(Internet) because it still remains the fastest medium of communication. However, this
correspondence is private, and it should be treated as such. At first I will like to assure you that this transaction is 100% risk and trouble free to both parties.

IN ORDER TO TRANSFER OUT (THIRTY SIX MILLION SEVEN HUNDRED AND FIFTY NINE THOUSAND POUNDS STERLINGS) FROM OUR BANK HERE IN LONDON. THE FUND FOR TRANSFER IS OF CLEAN ORIGIN. THE OWNER OF THIS ACCOUNT IS A FOREIGNER, a global leader in distribution of agricultural equipment who was believed, before his death to acquire the fund through his Crude Oil deal with the Kuwait Government. The deceased died with all the members of his family in an auto-accident in JUNE 23, 1999 without a WILL. The amount involved is [36, 759,000.00 POUNDS STERLINGS].

I WANT TO TRANSFER THIS MONEY INTO A SAFE FOREIGN ACCOUNT ABROAD BUT I DON'T KNOW ANY FOREIGNER WHOM I CAN TRUST TO HAVE THE FUND INTO HIS ACCOUNT, I KNOW THAT THIS MESSAGE WILL COME TO YOU AS A SURPRISE AS WE DON'T KNOW OURSELVES BEFORE, BUT BE SURE THAT IT IS REAL AND A GENUINE BUSINESS. I CONTACT YOU BELIEVING THAT YOU WILL NOT LET ME DOWN ONCE THE FUND GOES INTO YOUR ACCOUNT.

If you are intrested, Let me hear from you URGENTLY by Email, Also, I will like you to send
me your private telephone number so that I will call you for us to discuss in the respect
forward of this transaction.

Regards,

Anthony D. Loehnis, Chairman, Alpha Bank London.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Caution ! Scams geared at artists

Below is a recent post on The Pro4Um about a scam targeting photographers and other wedding vendors (more on the pro4um may be found here) by a friend of mine Michael Plumeyer

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Originally Posted by Doug Box

Dear Members,
I received an email from a fellow member warning about someone scamming photographers. I wanted to pass this on to you.
Let me know if she is in your area.
Doug Box
TPPA Executive Director

There is a woman named Paula Jacobs, who is selling ad's for a bogus magazine...Elegant Traditions, Premier Wedding and Bridal planning guide. She is from Nacogdoches, but has hit Dallas and as far away as Jefferson, she got us in Tyler pretty hard.
Several of us in this part of the state have purchased ads from her for major $$ ...mine was a $600. quarter page ad, friends have bought the back cover for $1800, and $2000. She is targeting wedding vendors, photographers, florists, caterers, venues, bed and breakfasts etc.... She has been selling ads and ours were purchased from November to April...It was to be a Spring issue that would be distributed to all of the college dorms and bridal shops in the East Texas area...the magazine was never published and never will be.
Complaints were filed with the BBB. We are working with a detective at the Tyler PD...I have a meeting with him in the morning 7/19 at 8:30. Her response to the BBB complaint was that she was filing for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy....The bankruptcy court has not received anything as of this afternoon on her...we think she is lying about that too. We are afraid she is moving into the College Station area and getting ready to hit you guys pretty hard....She is a fraud deluxe...and there is NO Magazine!!! She is very smooth and very persistant.
Call me on Thurs. ....and I will tell you all about it...but beware if she has hit your neighborhood!!!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

just be careful who you give your hard earned money to
do some research, call your chamber of commerce and BBB and ask them
look on the internet, not just at the website of the person wanting in your wallet
do a google search and find discussions on the person or product

steve

Split Tone in adobe Lightroom

click here

Light Room Develop presets bt Seam McCormick

click here

Photo Prests with One Click Wow and they are FREE

These Rock
Not just because they are Free
Click here to get to the site
enjoy !
steve

The Best 0age Rec6very S6ftware Bar none

Here is hope you never need it, but....
http://www.cardrecovery.com/
Cost is about $40

Steve

I pose for a new student of lighting

Lighting How to Tips

Here is a link to a page on my web serer
about lighting
Basics such as Main light and Fill as well as hair light
Here is the link
I hope you find the page(s) helpful
steve

Inspiration from another working Pro and his use of Producer

Not often enough do I really look at other photographers work, glances yes
but not in depth

Occasionally we find images so powerful that they demand a closer look

The work of Mark Ridout, is just that demanding and powerful

He has embraced the power of digital presentation and uses Photodex Producer
to provide some very very powerful shows. The ones I really enjoyed were on page 7
His Wedding Vision, was but one.

Notice the lack of spinning transitions but smooth yet powerful layouts

Steve

Flash Sites from adobe Lightroom

Just a couple of LightRoom Tips...

Adobe Lightroom is a powerful tool for photo organization and processing.

One of its many features is the capability to generate web photo galleries

from a user specified collection of photos.

Lightroom comes equipped with two basic galleries,

one HTML-based and the the other Flash-based, and offers colorful variations each.

From my perspective, however, Christophe Beyl’s Slimbox is a far more simple and elegant approach to galleries.

Flash galleries take an eternity to load but flash versus html sites is a different Marketing topic

Preview before and after in LR with the Back slash key

Lightroom has a before and after view of your images which most people know about. However, if you press the backslash key ( \ ) that toggles between your current view and the before view. So if you’re ever unsure about the effect of something you’re doing in Lightroom, just hit the backslash key to see a before view. Hit it again to see the after.