14 Tips to Get Better, More Beautiful Bokeh – by Paint the Moon Photoshop Actions I am often asked about how a subject appears to almost pop off the background of a photo. The images have that beautiful, creamy, smooth bokeh. Bokeh is a photographic term derived from the Japanese “boke” – which means “blur” or “haze”). There is some debate over what the definition is and what “good bokeh” really consists of, but in most basic terms it is the pleasing quality of the out-of-focus areas in a photo (most notably the background, but can also be the foreground). It can be the difference between a ho ..read more

The look on the kids faces was questioning at best. I did my best to portray a look of assurance, all the while giving Mr. PTM frequent glances of “where in the world are you taking us,” and still wondering if we were lost. We had started our day by waking the kids just after 3am, having no idea of the adventure that lie ahead. We haven’t ventured far from home since being pregnant with my youngest three-years ago. But there we were disturbing their peaceful slumber with John Denver’s “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” telling them they need to get up so we could get to the airport on time. With confus ..read more

THE PHOTO SESSION It was overcast and gloomy … but I suppose that is the perfect mood for a bunch of ragamuffin pirates. All photos were processed with The Grace Collection Photoshop Actions and shot with the Nikon 85mm 1.4G lens (outdoor portraits) or the Nikon 35mm 1.4G lens (indoor shots at night) for those interested (for those interested in similar lenses on a budget, see the Nikon 35mm 1.8 and Nikon 85mm 1.8) .   Yes, I’ve put off sharing theses images so long that I was actually still 7 months pregnant with baby Silas when I took these.   THE INVITATIONS We delivered i ..read more

Editing newborn baby photos can be challenging. They are inherently perfect as is, and in my edits I strive to enhance the natural beauty, being careful to keep precious details. Sometimes though, once you open the images and zoom in to examine all those little details you’ll notice things that aren’t as apparent in real life … the red blotchy skin, purple/blue tiny feet, jaundice, flaky skin, etc. The most important steps begin when you are shooting … getting your exposure right, good lighting and proper white balance. If you pay attention to these factors in camera, then the editing process ..read more

Sooo, we were invited to a little Crazy Hair Christmas Party this week. Oh, Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree … Hopefully, you don’t mind a fun, personal post! After sharing this photo on my Facebook page I had so many requests for how this was done that I thought I would post a little quick “how to” here on the blog for those who wanted the details, and to Pin it. Supplies needed (we had everything on hand already except the green colored hairspray): • Large plastic cup (a red Solo cup worked perfectly) • Green construction paper • Scotch tape • Hairbrush and comb • Hairspray (lots ..read more

Hey everyone! I know things have been a little quiet around here for a while. But, I’ve been a busy gal and I’m absolutely giddy about sharing it all with you. Have you noticed anything new around the Paint the Moon site? I hope you’re shouting YES, because pretty much everything is new! Let me tell you, it has not been an easy task containing my excitement for so long and keeping all the new changes a secret from you! But, I’m so excited the day is finally here that I get to invite you in to see what we have created for you. My home on the web finally feels like it represents me and Paint the ..read more

Taking photos in direct sunlight can be a daunting task for many photographers. Sometimes it just can’t be avoided, especially when documenting life as it happens, so it’s best to have a few tricks up your sleeve to make the best of the sunshine when you have to shoot in it. * Above photos edited with the Photoshop (and Elements) actions from the Luminosity Collection, Picture Perfect Mega Set and the Grace Collection. Honestly, my first advice for taking photos in direct, overhead sunlight is to avoid it if at all possible. Or if you don’t have another option, try to find ways to manipulate ..read more

Above photos edited with the Photoshop (and Elements) actions from the Luminosity Collection, Picture Perfect Mega Set and the Grace Collection. Continued from part one … 6. Get some sunglasses. For your camera, that is. Some photographers take advantage of Polarizing filters or Neutral Density filters for shooting in bright conditions. They allow less light in and therefore allow you to use smaller apertures and slower shutter speeds. Polarizing filters can also help cut down on reflections and intensify blue skies. They are a little bit like putting sunglasses on your lens. 7. Widen up your ..read more

I brought out the rich colors and added some depth in this edit. Processed with Grace Collection actions Opulent (base action), Rich Color Boost, Apricot Light Blossom and I used the Background Color Palettes to create some dimension, detail and softness in the background which was pretty lifeless in the middle of our rainy, winter day here. Finished up the edit with Velveteen for some velvety softness from the Luminosity Collection (Luminosity is also available for Elements users). Grace Collection coming soon for Elements users too! The post Fantastic Little Fox appeared first on Paint The M ..read more

Miss Junebug was appreciating the birdies singing in the trees outside her soon-to-be bedroom window … just sharing a little sunshine on the blog today! Edited with Grace Collection actions Opulent (base action) and the Lighten and Darken (Brush On) action to help create more drama with the light and shadows. Grace Collection coming soon for Elements users too. The post A Little Sunshine appeared first on Paint The Moon ..read more