Love So. Fla. brides but...

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Photoshop for Moms - "Round around the edges" tutorial

There are many reasons why fellow moms decide to get Photoshop: to improve captured images, to get creative with their pictures, to put together their own photo cards, etc. but the most common reason why they don't go anywhere with it is NOT TIME to figure it out how/what/when to use it.
That's why I decided to start giving away simple step-by-step PS tutorials which will help you to understand a little bit better all this "layers-masking-actions" language behind the fascinated world of PS.

(click on images to enlarge)

 

 

Feel free to email me with all your PS questions to letmegrowstudio@yahoo.com and keep me handy :)
Rosie
http://letmegrowstudio.net

The little fine print just became bigger

Before the year ends I want to give a quick explanation of what you are paying for when hiring me as a photographer.
Yesterday, I had a consultation over the phone and I was able to go over the details of what and why I charge what I charge.
I try to offer packages that I would like to get as a customer. Simple like that. I don't like surprises, hidden fees, after charges, over-priced products...

Personal copyrights, complimentary CD and affordable prints are some of the add-ons I know make you happy so... why not???

Anyway, this is a basic list of things to have in consideration when looking @ your quote:

- Pre-session research and setup of looks, theme, poses, etc. I just don't show up with my camera. I do my homework :)
- Traveling time when on-location session or event
- Time of shooting (from 1 1/2 to 8 hours)
- Downloading all the captures to my computer
- Edition time: over 4 hours, for sure. I take advantage of the latest available editing tools and I keep on re-educating myself about techniques and new post-production trends
- Uploading your final images to your private gallery (from 30 min. to 3 hours)
- Over $8,000.00 in professional equipment (cameras, lenses, editing programs, lighting, etc.).
- Printing feature: I work exclusively with a very reputable photo lab so you can be confident that when you buy prints from your private gallery they are up to my standards
- Burning CD and mailing :)

After reading all of the above and looking @ my work I hope you see the difference between your always-handy camera, the chain studio at the mall, the local high-end photographer and ME.

Looking forward to portrait you and your loved ones during 2010.

Rosie :)

http://letmegrowstudio.net
http://sunshineweddingphotography.com

What it means to you matters to me...

I promised to myself not to take any more jobs til' next year but, I'm having another great opportunity to be part of a very meaningful project and saying NOT is never my word of choice.

I won't go into details... but I want to take advantage of this last minute assignment to show the setup I'm using tonight and what really happens behind the lens.

http://lisabottolee.com/

An American Portrait Artist

I believe in the power of "green"

- 90% of my communication with potential and current customers is done electronically: email, FB, Twitter, Skype and FTP - paperless operation.
- I recycle and reuse all my shipping material :)
- All my photographic packages include a complimentary CD with final images to avoid printing of pictures that were not going to be framed.

2010 is coming strong with the addition of the following items to the team:

- HQ Video: available for portrait and event photography projects.You will be able to purchase this new product with any photographic package and share it anytime!
Click HERE to sample it.

- Natural Media Packaging: available with Wedding and Event packages. This unique recycled packaging will enclosed a complimentary CD with all your favorite images and will be the highlight of your entertainment unit or office.

"Girls Night Out"... with a twist!

Experience the ultimate "Girls Night Out"!!!

Perfect treat for you and your partners in crime :)

How?

Put up to 3 of your BFFs together + you.

Price: $400.00

What's next?

Contact me to set a date and reserve your spot with a $100.00 deposit. Fair enough, don't you think? letmegrowstudio@yahoo.com

Package includes:

- 1/2 hour with makeup artist Shannon McPherson, per person (please bring your own makeup and some will be provided).
Time to learn some new looks!

- 1/2 hour portrait-studio session with me, per person (up to 2 change of outfits).

- Props will be available and you are welcomed to bring yours :)

- 10 FINAL edited images in a mailed CD (over 50 photos taken) for each person, copyrights included.

- Wine and appetizers will be served.

- Home studio is located in SW Ranches, FL 33331. Sessions start @ 7pm.

Approx. 4 hours of great company, passionate artists and a time to remember...

NOTE: Shannon and I will be available over the phone @ anytime prior to your scheduled session to go over details and questions.

Rosie

FB question - Camera advice for non-pro's

Patricia: What digital camera would you recommend to someone 

who's main concern was anti-shake? I've read that there's a difference 

between digital cameras that have hardware for it and software for it....

heard it's more essential to have the hardware. I've got a horrible shake 

in my right hand and the pics I take keep getting worse. 

Thanks in advance for my cheesy request for "free" advice....! :o)

Rosie: my suggestion

you need to practice w/it, excellent tool for shaking. I use it when I carry the heavy cameras around for a long period of time,
not shame LOL

what camera u have??? whatever camera that says VR has vibration reduction
and it helps but it's a pricey feature.

I'd go w/ the monopod first :)

Do you have a question - ask away!

Tips for selling more: Take better photographs

"As a photographer and graphic designer, I understand the power of an image. My photography becomes the visual connection between you and your clients. If you are looking for instant recognition and impeccable presentation of your products, look not further."

I combine state-of-the-art digital equipment and lighting to produce high-quality images of your goods, which can be generated as digital images and/or be used as part of your marketing material (business cards, postcards, website, brochures, ads, etc.)

Feel free to contact me to get more details. Letmegrowstudio@yahoo.com

Last weekend photoshoot

Newborn + terrible 2!!! = Yum'

2010 new products - HQ video

click HERE to see the very best version (the one you will get) please press the "HQ icon" before "play button" so you can see it High Quality :)



This is a great new feature available for portrait and event photography projects.
This sample video contains approx. 100 images and themed music.
You will be able to add this new product to your photographic package and share it among your friends and family, anytime :)

Almost done :)

This weekend will be the last working one for me :) Yay!!!

I need to re-charge my mental/physical batteries for next year.

Anyway, I really couldn't wait to release the info about my improved gear (Merry Xmas to me!) BUT... that's just the beginning of a 2010 fully loaded with new features, products and services so... keep this blog handy :)

New additions to my team :)

We are welcoming the Nikon D300 to the family, Yay!!! and saying good bye to the "always be remembered" Nikon D40 and D70 :/

A great opportunity came out of nowhere to get the dreamy D300 and, I took it.

Back up plan??? Nikon D90 baby!

What else is in my bag???

CLICK HERE

What life is all about...

I had the opportunity to photo shoot Cary's baby shower and after re-viewing all the images I realized WHY I love event photography THAT much; it's all about friends and family, it's all about relationships :)

Photos in this post are © all rights reserved.

On a thankful note...

There was a time in my life when pursuing photography was something impossible to accomplish... ya know, being a mom of 2, married, full time job, big house, etc, etc... there was no way to fit photography anywhere, I mean NO WAY!
So, for years the creative side of me did everything you can imagine to be around images, thinking... my time will come, eventually :)
When I was not squeezing an "every blue moon" session into my crazy schedule I was educating myself, editing for other photographers, you name it. I just needed to do as much as I could photography related... it didn't matter what :) and yes! you can call me pathetic or obsessed. I prefer the term "never a quitter" :)
Today, as I put together this post, I can tell you that "be careful what you wish for" is not a quote, it's my reality and even though I still have a crazy schedule, and kids, and a house, and my full time job... I am a professional photographer and that completes me :)

I have to give a big shout out to my kids. They are troopers, I mean... keeping up with me ain't easy and... adding to that studio sessions, events, endless editing hours, etc... good luck with that!...
but you know what??? we make it through. Every single project involves team effort and I never take it for granted, NEVER. I'm grateful to them for allowing me to be this whole ME and... then some.

My photography mentors, big shout out to them. You don't even know I exist but it's ok... you do and that is good enough for me :) I'll just mention Zack Arias cause' he is one of the best but, there are a handful of them I follow.

My last shout out goes to my clients and friends because without them wouldn't be "Rosie, the photographer" thank you for trusting me with your memories.

Rosie :)

PS: So, if you have too many things on your plate but still don't see the whole yourself when looking @  the mirror... go for it! find whatever it is that completes you, make it a priority... is worth it :)

only in South Florida

Ideal weather, amazing location, delicious food, fun people... only in South Florida :)

Just before the sunset

Big shout out to Coconut Cove Resort for their hospitality and for keeping a piece of paradise right here on earth :)

Coconut Cove Resort and Marina
84801 Overseas Hwy.
Islamorada, Fl. 33036
305 664-0123

"delete" button is not an option

If you follow what I do as a photographer you already noticed 75% of my time is dedicated to edit mine and other fellow photogs work.
Doesn't matter how much research, preparation, trial and error, you name it... I do before a session cause' every once in a while images like this one come out of nowhere and "delete" button is not an option :)
This is the perfect example where PS and LR become unvaluable tools of my post-production process.

Rosie

Location, location, location

Scouted locations from West Broward :)
Perfect for your upcoming engagement, wedding, trash the dress and after wedding day sessions...
Enjoy!

What am I up to?

"Rosie did our engagement/family photos and we had such a great time at our shoot. Jeff's sons were hamming it up and enjoyed every minute. When the photos came in, we OOOHED and AHHHED with happiness !! She captured all the emotions we displayed and our beach setting added the perfect touch. We look forward to having Rosie participate in documenting our upcoming wedding. She's terrific !!!!!" - Amy W from Delray Beach, FL

I've been editing a LOT... my own sessions and 3 fellow photographers ones.

What else? Planning ahead for next year weddings, doing a lot of networking...

Also, I created a group in FB called So. Fla. Vendors United and I'm glad I did. Broward/WPB counties vendors we needed something like that. Check us out!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Lauderdale-FL/South-Florida-vendors-united/292152065359?ref=ts

Happy Halloween!!!

Rosie :)

Success is a choice

1. Marry the right person. This one decision will determine 90% of your happiness or misery.
2. Work at something you enjoy and that's worthy of your time and talent.
3. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
4. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
5. Be forgiving of yourself and others.
6. Be generous.
7. Have a grateful heart.
8. Persistence, persistence, persistence.
9. Discipline yourself to save money on even the most modest salary.
10. Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.
11. Commit yourself to constant improvement.
12. Commit yourself to quality.
13. Understand that happiness is not based on possessions, power or prestige, but on relationship with people you love and respect.
14. Be loyal.
15. Be honest.
16. Be a self-starter.
17. Be decisive even it it means you'll sometimes be wrong.
18. Stop blaming others. Take responsibility for every area of your life.
19. Be bold and courageous. When you look back on your life, you'll regret the things you didn't do more than the ones you did.
20. Take good care of those you love.
21. Don't do anything that wouldn't make your Mom proud." - H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Wondering... no more :)

And when I couldn't ask for more...

After a kick @ss photoshoot weekend I'm back to the board... I've been editing for the last 3 days and @ least I have one more day to go... and I love it!


Also, I'm finishing up a lil' project for http://MelonTreeKids.com while I'm getting ready for my next 4 sessions this upcoming weekend. And when I couldn't ask for more...

I've got a phone call to cover a private high-profile bday party, Yay!
I won't be able to give details til' after the event cause'... it's a SURPRISE :)
I'm all excited about it!!! wish me luck...
Ta-ta for now, R

A night to remember...

I decided to put Shannon's skills to the test... two of my favorite people (yup, my kinda women) were the perfect canvas to a night of makeup, wine and pictures.


Carol and I will be doing a Boudoir session pretty soon and makeup is a must-have for the occasion. Veronica is trying a new color palette and thinking 'wedding' :)
Pictures are good but I believe they are not giving enough credit to Shannon's talent and passion for this art called makeup.

To all my brides' readers - if you are looking for a kick @ss makeup artist Shannon is the one. Not only you will get the magic done but she will educate you through the transformation and, that's a plus... enjoy! Rosie :)

Wedding photography - 1st consultation's details

I have to confess... took me a while to find my very personal approach to wedding photography consultation, til' I realized showing who I am and exposing the passion I have for this art were the  tools I really needed to create a relationship with my potential clients.

The most important reason behind meeting with my brides and grooms in person is to see IF we click, because... at the end of the day it's going to be a matter of trusting me with, com'on... your wedding memories!

I have the LUXURY to work on my own terms; I make the rules and I break them all when I have to :) that's fun LOL

I started offering packages just to make it easier on couples but nothing have been written on stone.
You want more options? CD, prints, albums, canvas, you name it and I'll make it happens without the pressure of 'gotta pick a package'.

I learned that in life... after all the pitches, all the negotiations and all the necessary signed contracts, my word is the one you can count on. Why? Cause' I care.
Let's meet...
Rosie :)

Spa Day / Bday party :)

It feels like I edited another wedding LOL, not joking. With over 350 final edited images I'm wondering what her mom is planning for her 15th :)
Had a great time, well... everybody did, enjoy! R