Meet Jessica Rivera

The other day I asked in my testers group if someone would let me edit one of their images, and Jessica Rivera of Urban Allure Photography stepped up with several for me to choose from.  How could I not edit this one? Totally swoon-worthy.

About this edit:

I love the before image, but full sun images can be really challenging, both in camera and in post processing. For this image, I chose to use "Paint it deeper" (from The Soul Collection) first, in order to add some richness to their surroundings and also to prevent the background from getting too light when I added fill light and brightness to the couple.  I chose a brown brush instead of black on this action to add an earthy warmth instead of a neutral depth.  Next, I ran the action "Frills" (Modern Whimsy Actions), turning on the vignette first and then the fill light, and brightness before making any opacity adjustments or masking.  Next I added "Storm Skirts" from Silver Lining Sky Overlays, using the quick-select tool to make placement quick and easy, then ran "Faux Tilt" (Modern Whimsy) to blur the clouds and treeline for added depth. Finally, I applied the texture "Sunny" (Kindling Luminescent Textures I) at 100% soft light (masked off subjects) and ran "Gold Digger" (The Soul Collection) to add a dreamy quality to the image.  I love the results!  Sounds like a lot of work, but I think I spent about 5 minutes total on this edit.  

Now, a little about the lady behind the image:

Meet Jessica Rivera

photo credit : Capture Photography

Getting to Know Her

Tell me a little about yourself, How did you get started with photography?

As with most photographers, it all started with the birth of my son. I had always been into taking pictures but I wasn't really inspired until after I had him. I wanted to capture things from his point of view. I'll never forget the first time he ever touched grass, he was in awe and it was amazing. I took the little things for granted until I started to see things from the simplest view and it just opened a whole new world for me. 

Edited with Loveley, Sharper and Brighter from The Spectrum Presets Mega Collection for Lightroom

What inspires you?

My son of course and the journey through life. Time flies and I'm glad I am able to freeze a moment for families to look back on and remember how small their little ones once were.

What's in your bag?

 I have three bags actually! I swap them all out to switch it up every now and then. I have a Bronze Rose Jo Tote, Porteen Gear Bag, and a Mustard Epiphanie Lyric. Now for what's in my bag, I have a gripped Canon 50d, 50 mm 1.4, and 85mm 1.8, grey card, a miniature book of inspiration and poses that I made to reflect back on, business cards, memory cards, hand sanitizer, and batteries. Sometimes, I'll randomly have an army man, diapers, etc from my son.

What's your software of choice?

My favorite software is Photoshop CS6. I started with Elements 9 and then upgraded to CS6. I also have Lightroom 4 but I still use CS6 the most.

Edited with Candied, Hazy Love, sharper and Brighter, all from the Spectrum Presets Mega Collection for Lightroom

Do you have any favorite causes, non-profits or charities?

I haven't actually offered any of my services yet to any non-profits or charities but I just applied for a great cause called The Gold Hope Project. I would love to work with them!  (editors note: The Gold Hope Project is an amazing new organization, geared at donating photo sessions to families affected by childhood cancer)

If you weren't a photographer, what would you be?

 I currently do photography on the side. My full time job is in Property Management. I hope to one day grow up and be a full time photographer and teach others with Workshops either in person or in post processing.

Edited with Perfect Skin, No More Red, Tiny Soul and Willow, all from "The Soul Collection"

Favorite things outside of photography?

I'm a total do-it-yourself kind of girl. I love making my own home decor with either simple crafts or revamping furniture.  I also make a lot of my own props.

If you could photograph anyone, alive or dead, who would it be?

Total cliche I know, but I would love to photograph Princess Diana. She had the most amazing style and beauty. Can you imagine having a stylized session with just her and her wardrobe? All the glitz and glam of gorgeous gowns and jewels!

Edited with Bluesy from the Spectrum Presets Mega Collection for Lightroom

A big thank you to Jessica of Urban Allure Photography for letting me edit her gorgeous image and for sharing a little about herself!  I also want to thank Jessica for being one of my testers and for making my products looks so good!

If you would like to be featured on my blog, email me a RAW file for consideration (swoonthemoon@gmail.com). If I edit your image, you'll be featured on the blog!