Sunday, September 30, 2012

P52 | Metal

Bloom P52 | Metal

This weeks p52 theme is "Metal", and well, I happen to have lots of images that fit the bill. But rather than inundate you with a dozen of fence images (I love fences, in case you didn't already know), I thought I would just share a few of my favorites.


the fence in my backyard as the last trickle of sunset peeked through the trees.


Found while driving Mississippi backroads...




A bundle of clover my daughter picked for me while we played in the yard



Also found while driving backroads...

Now, head on over to Erin Norman Photography's Blog and check out her take on project 52.  Be sure to follow the links around the globe to see what other photographers are doing!

Friday, September 28, 2012

KINDLING: Luminescent Textures I

Light. Contrast. Tone. Add subtle texture or no texture at all....


*Please note there are TWO sets available in the "Kindling" Textures Collection. They are available as Collection I, Collection II or Bundled together (I & II).  Save by buying them together!

Be sure to check out the before and after images below!

Introducing the newest texture overlays from Swoon the Moon, "Kindling".  Fuel your creative process with beautiful, clean tones and dreamy effects with these easy-to-use subtle textures, compatible with all versions of photoshop (yes, even PSE), Corel and even GIMP, a free, downloadable software.


KINDLING Textures Collection I
24 high-resolution (300dpi) files, for use with any software that allows layering.
These can also be used for your graphic design needs, such as designing cards and templates.


$24


Add to Cart


be sure to check out my other photographer's tools

*Due to the digital nature of this product, they are non-refundable. Please make sure you have proper software prior to purchase. Basic knowledge of your software is essential to use of these products.



Meet the "Sister Set" to the Kindling Collection I.  These are the complimentary tones of the original textures (if the tone of the original was warm, the sister set will have the cool version).  This allows for the ultimate in creative freedom with editing and use of the gorgeous tones and illumination that these textures lend.  Prepare to swoon your workflow!!!!


KINDLING II Textures Collection
24 high-resolution (300dpi) files, for use with any software that allows layering.
These can also be used for your graphic design needs, such as designing cards and templates.


$24

Add to Cart



BUY BOTH SETS TOGETHER AND SAVE 



 


KINDLING TEXTURES COLLECTION I and II

$40
Add to Cart


Now, for some before and after magic....
(please note that actions from my shop were used to achieve a clean edit prior to applying the textures)


 









Monday, September 24, 2012

p52 | complimentary colors

Inspired by Color


I have been out of the P52 loop for several weeks.  This is my contribution for this week's theme, "Complimentary Colors".

Mondays on the blog will now be about color inspiration!




I LOVE lillies.  So much, in fact, I have a daughter named Lily.  So what better color inspiration for me to share than that of this fine art print I created of a lily?  Not to mention these colors compliment the  new season oh-so-well....

Now, head on over to Cara's Blog for some more color inspiration!


Monday, September 17, 2012

Debut Textures Collection I



Introducing the Debut Textures collection for photographers 
compatible with any editing program that allows for layering, including the free software, GIMP

$15

Add to Cart
 

This collection includes 24 high resolution textures (4288x2848, 300ppi)
These textures can be used with any editing software that supports working in layers, including Photoshop Elelments, Photoshop CS, and even Gimp, a free software.

These beautiful textures add light, color, contrast, tone, texture and vignette to images. 

They can also be used to make cards, templates, backgrounds and more.








Friday, September 14, 2012

Spectrum Presets Collection For Lightroom

workflow: swooned


Introducing the new Spectrum Presets Collection for Adobe Lightroom.
This collection of versatile presets for RAW images will speed up your workflow, push your creativity to new boundaries, and bring new life to your images!






These are just a FEW samples of the presets in the collections, as well as I have shown how the "enhancers" can change the look of a preset for maximum versatility.  This variety-packed collection includes several black and white, clean color, vintage and haze options.  The enhancers can be used alone or stacked onto the artistic presets to give them more depth, detail, color and artistic flair.





This collection was originally designed as a Mega-Set of 40 artistic presets and 16 enhancers that can be used on top of the artistic presets or alone, but I have decided to offer them 4 ways.

{Spectrum} Artistic Collection I | $30

 20 beautiful color and black and white presets; clean, creative, hazy and vintage.

Add to Cart    

featuring the black and white presets:

  • Acidic
  • Sunday News
  • Faded
  • Beautiful
  • Antique Hazy
  • Baby
  • Violetta

the color presets:

  • Bluesy
  • Clean
  • Daydream
  • Lollipop Retro
  • Oh Honey!
  • Simply Dreamy
  • Sun Goddess

the hazy presets:

  • Truffle (B&W)
  • Sunset
  • Hazy Jane
  • Delicious

the vintage presets:

  • Mocha (B&W)
  • Oh So Vintage

{Spectrum} Artistic Collection II | $30

20 beautiful color and black and white presets; clean, creative, hazy and vintage.

Add to Cart

featuring the black and white presets:

  • Simply
  • Film Lover
  • Muted
  • Beautiful II
  • Almost
  • Washed Film

the color presets:

  • Baby Wash
  • Candied
  • Natural Beauty
  • Drama Queen
  • Lovely
  • Simple Pop
  • Summer Romance
  • Wishful

the hazy presets:

  • Wonderful (B&W)
  • Love
  • Hush
  • Autumn Sun

the vintage presets:

  • Old Postcard (sepia)
  • Mostly


{Spectrum} Enhancers | $15

16 stunning add-on presets that can be used alone, or stacked on top of artistic presets.
Includes helpers like sharpen, orange tamer, add sunshine, add aloe, film grain, 3 vignette varieties and much more.

Add to Cart

 includes the enhancers:

  • Add Aloe
  • Add Blues
  • Add Sunshine
  • Brighten
  • Film Grain
  • Find Detail
  • More Color, Please!
  • Orange Tamer
  • Reduce Noise
  • Sharper
  • Subtle Details
  • Sweet Soften
  • Vignette Medium
  • Vignette Strong
  • Tiny Vignette
  • Crisper

{Spectrum} Mega Collection | $65

All 40 amazing, artistic presets plus all 16 "Enhancers".  Save $10 buy buying them all together!

Add to Cart

includes:

  • all 40 {Spectrum} presets from collections I and II
  • all 16 {Spectrum} enhancers

Workflow: Swooned!





Thank you to Rachel Allen- Photographer for these beautiful samples!


And thanks to Tonya Holsey Photography for these samples!


*Due to the digital nature of these products, they are non-refundable








2K Party!


This week I hit the 2K mark on facebook, and to celebrate, I am giving away lots of stuff!  Every hour, on the hour, I will be releasing a limited number of discount codes for 30%-75% off the products I sell in my shop!

AND...to make sure everyone gets to celebrate, you can use the code 2KPARTY20 for 20% off on any actions, textures and presets, now through Sunday Midnight!

So without further adieu, here's how to enter!


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Giveaway ends Sunday, September 17 at midnight!
Thank you all such! Good luck!

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Photo Love: RACHEL BRENKE | Giveaway Winner



A few days ago, I featured Rachel Brenke on the blog with an announcement about a special giveaway of my newest textures set, FOLLOW.  Rachel was kind enough to test them and I am so thrilled that she loves them as much as I do!  She wanted to give a set away and offer a discount to her fans and so we did!   Today, she has joined me here for my very first "Photog Love"  feature.  Now, for those that have been following her, you know how open and willing she is to help fellow photographers.  She is an asset to the photography community, and if you aren't following her already, head on over to her facebook page and hit "like".  You'll thank me!   She has freebies, advice, inspiration and is known to frequently offer discounts on products and services for photographers (like the discount on my products, using the code BRENKE30, good until midnight tonight!)  Also, be sure to sign up for her newsletter and get a free downloadable copy of "The Legal Lens" (trust me, YOU WANT IT!).    SEE??? She really is an asset to the photography community!   So, lets get to know her a little better!

(Following this interview, we will announce the winner of the textures giveaway. ) 



 




Getting to Know You:

Homebody or Busybody?
Um both? I'm busy at home! Does that count? 


Favorite way to spend a Sunday afternoon?
Hanging out with the family watching movies or going to the park!


Last song that played on your iPod?
Call me maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen


Let's say have $500 dollars that you must spend on YOU. What's on your wishlist?
135mm. I am DYING for this lens!


Things you can't resist?
Dunkin donuts coffee, diet dr pepper and green orbit gum!

Pet peeves?
Not being considered a real business by people outside of the photography industry.  I work my butt off like any other person.  Just because I work from home doesn't make it any less of a job. In fact, I think it's harder.  As I type there's two little ones running around.



About the Biz:


Nikon or Canon?
Nikon!

Zoom or Prime?
Prime. All. The. Way.  85mm. to be exact!

So, what's in your bag (and what bag is it in!)?
That is a loaded question!

(umm...does anyone else have a case of "lens envy" after reading that?!)

Lightroom or Photoshop?
Photoshop. I started out on graphics design and editing in Paint Shop Pro.  It was an easy transition to Photoshop!



How did your photography journey begin?
Like most now-a-days.  Got a DSLR for christmas.  My husband calls it the worst (and best) present he's ever given me.  I never pictured myself artistic by any means. In fact, my dress styling and home decorating skills are lacking.

How did you learn photography?
Endless nights online, endless free shoots learning, and continual education.  Never ends. I'd make this question present and future tense.  Education should never end.



How much direction do you give your clients before and during a session?
My client guide gives them some idea what to expect, I do a pre-session consultation on styling and location.  I try to guide and educate them as much as possible but allow them to make the ultimate decisions on some things.  

Does posing come natural to you?'
Heck no! This is one area that I wish did!

What do you think is your strongest point where photography is concerned?
Being open to learn.  I'm restless.  I always have to be doing something. That serves me well with photography. I'm always looking for something to push the boundaries.  I'm just now getting the confidence to get out of my box and push these boundaries.

Is there a particular aspect of your business you feel like you struggle with?
Balancing family and work life.  I'm essentially running two businesses (photography and consulting) so it takes alot of time.  I'm putting into place more time-saving methods so I can spend more time with family...and sleep more...at all. LOL



What is one thing you wish someone had told you when you were starting out?
Oh man! Just ONE?!  I have a friend who did tell me most everything I needed to hear. She is the reason I'm on this path.  Without her I would've given up.  So... maybe it would be to listen those that are more seasoned.  They aren't trying to get at you. They are trying to help you.

What photography-related purchase led you to the most buyers' remorse?
HA! Good question.  Ummm..probably my newest speedlite.  The thing keeps overheating, had I looked at reviews I would've known.

And your best purchase?
85mm. HANDS DOWN.  The 1.8 AND 1.4.  I miss my 1.8 because that was the first lens that gave me confidence.  It's been passed around (sold) in a facebook group - it's kinda like sisterhood of the traveling lens.  I love knowing who has it and see the art they create with it.

How do you balance the consulting business with the photography business?I do consulting through the week.  Shooting on weekends.  I work long hours to balance both.  I also restrict the number of sessions for each that I take so that I can give ample amount of time to the clients I do have on both sides.



If you had to choose between shooting or teaching, which would be most tempting?
I'll never give up shooting.  I started out as a consultant when I got my MBA - working with a variety of industries.  I saw a need in the photography industry for more of a legal influenced business consulting perspective.  I could never give that up either.  I didn't really answer your question LOL  - but if I HAD to choose.... okay I can't.

If you could shoot any location in the world, where would it be?
Australia. Fiji. Thailand.  Umm..just one? 

If you could photograph any celebrity, who would it be?
JASMINE STAR

If you could spend a day with any photographer (dead or alive), who would it be?
Ansel Adams. Hands down.  

Any words or wisdom?
Ignore the naysayers. People are bullies when they are insecure with themselves or feel threatened by you.  Don't take it personally.  Pull up your big girl/man britches and march on.  Just like not every client is for you, not every photographer is going to like and support you.  You do you. Don't worry about anyone else.


Rachel, your work is beautiful.  Your help and inspiration to others is priceless.  Thank you for all you do!

Fellow photographers, I highly recommend checking out Rachel's workshops and mentoring.  And if you need legal contracts and forms that are rock solid, Rachel also has those.

AND NOW FOR THE WINNER OF THE GIVEAWAY:

CONGRATULATIONS!
email me at swoonthemoon@gmail.com to claim your textures!

Don't forget, the code BRENKE30 (for 30%off!) is good through midnight tonight.  Check out the actions and textures HERE

Thanks to everyone that entered and look for a special weekend of goodies up for grabs and limited discount codes to be announced every 2 hours this weekend (Friday noon - Sunday midnight) in celebration of 2K facebook fans!

And a very special THANK YOU to Rachel Brenke!!!