Taking Photos in Harsh Light: Desert Edition Photography is an art form heavily dependent on light.  We all prefer to shoot when the light is soft and diffused.  Still, there are times when harsh light becomes inevitable, especially when shooting outdoors during midday—think weddings, elopements, or even portrait sessions. So how do we create imagery that is still breathtaking despite the “difficult light"?  Let’s take a look at what I have learned throughout my career.  And this is the "desert edition," so there are no trees to hide behind! What Do I Mean When I Say: Har ..read more

How to Photograph the 2024 Solar Eclipse Witnessing a total solar eclipse is an awe-inspiring experience that transcends mere observation—it’s a celestial ballet, where the moon and the sun align perfectly, shrouding the day in an otherworldly twilight.  This rare and mesmerizing event captivates not just astronomers, but anyone fortunate enough to stand in its shadow. The next opportunity to be part of this cosmic spectacle unfolds on Monday, April 8, 2024, when the path of totality for the solar eclipse sweeps across North America, gracing skies from Mexico, through the United States ..read more

Top 15 Ideas to Inspire Your Maternity Photoshoot Are you embarking on the magical journey of pregnancy and dreaming of capturing these once-in-a-lifetime moments in a way that speaks volumes about your joy, anticipation, and the unique love story of your soon-to-arrive little one? Whether it’s the anticipation of meeting your first child or the joy of welcoming another beautiful addition to your family, a maternity photoshoot is more than a trend—it's a celebration of life, love, and the beginning of an unforgettable adventure! With so many ideas out there, it can feel overwhelming to pinpoi ..read more

Photo by Tina Auten.  Edited with presets from the Salted Evolution Collection 4 Key Reasons to Attend a Photography Retreat Imagine standing atop a serene hill, camera in hand, as the golden hour casts a perfect glow over a landscape you’ve only dreamed of capturing.  Around you, a group of photographers—once strangers connected only by an online forum, now fellow adventurers sharing in this moment of pure photographic bliss! This was the scene at one of my first photography retreats.  It was a moment that transformed online connections into lifelong friendships ..read more

10 Stylish Outfit Ideas for Your Next Photoshoot Choosing the right outfit for a photoshoot can be a daunting task, but it's also an opportunity to showcase your personal style and make a statement. Whether you're planning a professional portrait session, a fashion blog shoot, or capturing memories with loved ones, selecting the right attire is crucial for creating stunning images. To help you navigate through the multitude of fashion choices and ensure you look your absolute best, here are 10 stylish outfit ideas to use as inspiration for your next photoshoot. And to trul ..read more

Top 30 Photo Poses for Groups Photographing groups is fun, but it can also be challenging.  You need to find poses that suit different genders, body types, ages, etc.  Additionally, the context in which the group photo is taken should be taken into account, as the scenarios can range from cozy family gatherings to professional corporate photos. In this article, you will find a great selection of poses to use as inspiration for your next group portrait photoshoot. Family Group Poses These poses are especially suited for groups that include both children and adults.  H ..read more

Guide to Lifestyle Family Photography (And How to Capture Timeless Moments) In the dynamic world of photography, lifestyle family photography stands out as a unique art form, one that thrives on the beauty of the unpredictable.  It's not about chasing perfection but about capturing the magic of everyday moments, turning mundane scenes into cherished memories.  This genre celebrates the "slice of life" filled with laughter, love, and the real essence of each family. To excel in this field requires not just a keen eye but also practice and experience, particularly because of its focus ..read more

Photography Mini Sessions (Ideas to Make Extra Money) Themed mini-sessions are a great way to attract many clients at once.  Mini sessions are short sessions, usually averaging between 15 and 30 minutes.  They are typically low-cost sessions, so they fit most budgets.  The benefit to these is that you can set aside one day or a weekend and book clients back to back all day while remaining at one outdoor location. Throwing a theme in is an excellent way to keep all of the sessions coherent based on some basic props or a specific background.  Here are some ide ..read more

Top Photos of 2023 Pretty Presets & Actions Photo Challenge We are so excited to share these incredible photos from our Pretty Presets and Actions photo community with you.  It's always so hard to narrow it down.  Below are our favorites from the shared images in the Pretty Presets community!  Thank you to everyone who submitted an image, and congratulations to all the photographers featured below.  We're so grateful to be surrounded by so many talented and inspiring photographers.  We have listed our winners below, followed by fourteen honorable mentions.&nb ..read more

Understanding Photoshop Layers (And How to Use Them) Conceptually, Photoshop layers resemble a stack of transparent sheets, much like a stack of papers.  Each layer in this stack contains a specific element or object, and the beauty of this system lies in the fact that these layers function independently.  This means you can edit or modify elements on one layer WITHOUT affecting the other layers or your original image. In essence, working with layers in Photoshop is a non-destructive approach, allowing for flexibility and creativity WITHOUT PERMANENT CHANGES. These layers come ..read more