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they grow up way too fast…

I feel like I just hit a fast forward button and time flew by. I am not going to lie, she is at such a fun age now and I love having our little mommy daughter chats like the boy Brayden in school that she’s going to marry, or how she wants to be a mommy just like me when she grows up.. ( a tear just formed in my eyes at the though of my precious little daughter being a wife, and mommy some day.) The days of getting her dressed and picking out her clothes are over..she wants to pick out what SHE wants. It’s not about what mommy wants anymore:(

I have had a hard time letting go of many things with her..such as the getting dressed or keeping a shopping cart cover over high chairs at resturants until she was 2 (can we say GERM A FOBE) I still wash her in the bedtime bath J&J and follow it up with the lotion. I know I won’t be able to do that forever but for right now that’s the only baby moments I have left to hang onto. It amazes me to see the little person that she’s grown up to be. She is so smart, she knows what she wants, she has the most creative little mind and imagination I can only imagine how she will be even 2 years from now.

I normally don’t post personal stuff on my photography page, but I am starting to learn that people want to connect with their photographer.. I would.. So if letting people into my life to allow them to connect or relate helps then I am all for it:)

So as I look back at pictures of the most wonderful gift from god, I wipe my tears, smile and thank god for this little blessing….my daughter…

 

Bridal Edit Tutorial – Mississippi Wedding Photographer

My Basic Bridal Edit

One of the things I have learned about photography is that it can be VERY time consuming. I remember when I started that I had a hard time finding my style and sticking to it. Now I know what I like. This has made editing much easier on me, and less time consuming. I wanted to share with you all how I edit a basic bridal from a session from start to finish. Excuse my screen shot images, as you can see below I was in the zone with my music on Spotify. Please note this is how “I” edit. There are probably a million different ways to edit photos but this works for me.

First thing I do is open all my images to Lightroom. I then select the ones I want to edit and click on develop. Here I will adjust exposure or color balance.

 

Next I will open in Photoshop and again check the color balance. Adjust as needed.

 

Then I use the patch tool to remove any blemishes from the skin.

 

Next I use “Sharpen on the Spot” from the “Miracle Makeover” Set by Paint the Moon Actions. I use this on eyes, dress, rings, anything I want sharper. – let her know I sent ya!;)

 

 

Then I use the “Make My Skin Perfect” from the same set and smooth out the skin. Just enough to smooth it, not to make the subject look fake.

 

 

Now I use an action that I created by pulling together my workflow together. I really like hazy type pictures so after doing a custom tint on all my photos I decided just to throw it into an action. This has worked wonders for me during my newborn sessions as well. This action is for sale at my shop www.shannonjohnstonphotography.bigcartel.com if anyone is interested in that.

 

 

After adjusting my action to taste I will flatten, save an original, then a web and i’m done!

 

Had I not been playing around with my music and facebook this edit would have taken me about 5 minutes to finish.;)

 

This is the way I edit..it’s not the “correct” way.. it’s just how I do it. There are probably a million other ways to do it and maybe even easier. But sometimes people who are just starting out can learn a thing or two and I enjoy helping.

 

Have a great day!

 

Shannon -

Spring Mini Sessions! Brandon, MS

Spring Mini Sessions

When: April 14, 2012

Price: $40.00

Includes: 20 minute session, (2) 4×6 & (2) 5×7 prints

How do I sign up?

Session fee must be paid within 48 hours to hold your spot. I will invoice you via paypal for the session fee

Available Spots

9:00 –

9:30 –

10:00 –

10:30 – Booked

3:00 – Booked

3:30 – Booked

4:00 –

4:30 – Booked

5:00 – Booked

6:30 – Booked

I still have a few spots left. If you are interested please contact me at johnstonphotography@hotmail.com The sessions will be held on Brandon at an outdoor location.