If you’re wondering if there’s anything new of substance in the updated version of Adobe Camera Raw (ACR), take a listen to image-editing expert Blake Rudis who says this: “There’s an epic color theory tool that I never knew I needed, and now that I have it I’m stoked.”
Rudis is the brains behind the f/64 Academy YouTube channel, and he’s not given to hyperbole. So when he get’s so excited about a new image-editing tool it’s time to stop and pay attention. The topic of this eye-opening episode is a color range feature that Rudis says represents “next-level color theory at play.”
The enthusiasm in this 16-minute tutorial is contagious, so prepare for a WOW! moment as you learn how this game-changing feature works. In fact, if you’re like Rudis you just may want to go back to all of your images and redo everything—or at least use it for all of your edits from now on.
Rudis begins with a quick overview of the new features in ACR 16.0, while catching his breath and before revealing his favorite “amazing” new feature. He discusses a new HDR capability, a powerful feature for enhanced bokeh, changes to light and color, and a few other enhancements for improved productivity.
Once he calms down, Rudis is ready for the big reveal; namely, ACR’s new Point Color feature that he now can’t live without. As you’ll see, when compared to the old Color Mixer, this really is a big deal. He pulls up a beautiful autumn landscape photo captured last week just outside Telluride, Colorado and jumps right in.
He begins by using the Sample Point Color tool to select the yellow tones of a tree in the foreground. As you’ll see, the tones aren’t particularly bright, and accentuating colors is Rudis’ goal. He says that in the past he’d brighten up the image by using the Color Mixer and/or Exposure slider.
Now, however, “I don’t need to do that because I can control all of my colors with the new Point Color feature.” You can either do this with sliders or by clicking within a color panel above. We simply can’t match Rudis’ rabid level of enthusiasm, so we’ll skip summarizing the necessary steps and let you enjoy watching him demonstrate the power of this new tool.
Rudis provides a wide variety of image-processing tips on his popular YouTube channel, and we suggest paying a visit after watching this video to see everything else that’s available.
One characteristic of great landscape photos is an abundance of depth and dimension in the shot. Today we’re featuring a remarkably simple image-editing trick that will help you achieve that goal. Best yet, this method works wonders with whatever software you use.
Instructor Scott Davenport is an experienced shooter who posts weekly tutorials on landscape, seascape, and other types of outdoor photography. In this episode he demonstrates why temporarily converting an image to b&w will greatly improve your basic processing.
By working in monochrome to adjust exposure, black point, and white point you’ll find that your edits are easier to accomplish—including those that will make a big difference in the depth of a shot. Then you can convert the photo back to color and make whatever additional enhancements are required.
Davenport puts it like this: “The distractions of color are temporarily out of the way and you can concentrate on the tones—getting rich deep shadows and crisp highlights.” His demonstration image is of a very compelling scene with a mountain in the foreground and other peaks in the distance. What’s lacking is a clear sense of depth and dimension that differentiates the two important zones in the shot.
The first step is tapping the “v” key—a keyboard shortcut that converts the image to monochrome when working in Lightroom. Then Davenport uses simple sliders to adjust various tonal characteristics like highlights, shadows, whites, and blacks. He also enhances Texture and Clarity, while slightly dropping Dehaze so that the background “retreats.”
Davenport then turns to the Tone Curve and uses the Picker to brighten snow on the left side of the frame without opening up dark areas further back in the scene. Throughout the process you can once again tap the “v” to see how the enhancements affect the color version pf the image.
Davenport repeats the process using ON1 Photo Raw so users of that software see how it works to increase depth and dimension in their photos. The technique there is pretty much the same, although some adjustments are made in reverse.
Regardless of your software of choice the results are impressive, as you’ll see in Davenport’s before/after examples. Bottom line: Flip the photo into b&w and you’ll be surprised by how easy it is to make meaningful changes without the distractions of color to hold you back.
If you’re a landscape photographer who strives to capture great images in the camera, rather than resorting to post-processing, the quick tutorial below is just what you need. In barely 10 minutes you’ll learn what an accomplished pro says are the three lens filters you need, and how to use them.
Lyndsay demonstrates her tips using a popular Haida Magnetic Filter Kit, and she provides a link beneath the video where you can get a 10% discount. But the advice she provides is equally appropriate for employing filters of other brands. Just make sure that you buy high-quality filters so that you don’t degrade the optical quality of your trusted lenses.
Lyndsay’s favorites include a 10-stop ND filter, a six-stop ND, and a circular polarizer; and these three simple tools have always been in her bag for the past 10 years. As she says, “they cover all the bases I need.” So take a look at how she uses them throughout her photographic excursions in the field.
Surprisingly, the popular polarizer is actually the filter Lyndsay uses the least because it’s typically not appropriate for shooting photos with long exposures. But as you’ll see, it’s very valuable for other types of outdoor photography when you want to darken pale blue skies, remove distracting reflections, enhance saturation, and more.
On the other hand, Lyndsay’s neutral density (ND) filters play a big role when she employs slow shutter speeds to capture movement in the clouds, soft flowing water, and other long-exposure subjects.
Blue Hour and Golden Hour are the favorite times of day for just about all landscape photographers, Lyndsay included. You’ll see which of her two ND filters she uses most to when shooting just before sunrise and when the sun is about to drop below the horizon
The lesson also provides solid advice for making the most of 6X and 10X ND filters throughout the day. Along the way you’ll discover a variety of tips for nailing exposure, proper composition, and more. And the stunning images she displays provide all the inspiration you need to give her tips a try the next time you’re out in the field.
Ever wonder how photographers get those dreamy, heart-melting shots of newborns we all adore? How do they achieve that serene ambiance and picture-perfect positioning? Here’s a secret: it’s not just about the camera or lighting—it’s also about using creative, safe props to craft each precious image.
Photo by Kelly Romano
You see, behind every awe-inspiring photo is an array of carefully chosen items designed to keep baby comfortable while adding depth and charm. These include wraps for swaddling little ones, snugly, adorable headwear that brings out their innocent charm, containers like bowls and baskets that create unique frames—and much more! So, let’s dive in and explore these amazing tools of the trade together.
Props for Newborn Photography
Newborn photography is an art form, capturing the innocence and beauty of a newborn baby. Great photographer props can enhance this experience and result in gorgeous newborn photos. Let’s explore some essential props that are perfect for creating stunning images.
A must-have prop in every newborn photographers’ studio is wraps. They are versatile, providing warmth to the little ones while also adding texture to your photographs. Wraps, due to their variety of colors and materials, create colorful backdrops or snuggly swaddles making them great for both lifestyle newborn photography and posed sessions.
Another popular choice among photographers are wooden crates which serve as adorable yet sturdy photo props. Perfectly coordinated with soft blankets or faux fur inside, these wooden crates provide safe support while positioning babies perfectly.
Newborn hats, bonnets, headbands – all make cute photo accessories. Adding style elements such as these helps create different themes or feelings within the frame. But remember they should be appropriately sized so it doesn’t overwhelm the baby’s head.
Safety should always come first when choosing your equipment for a session with older babies too.
Finding props that fit babies comfortably and are safe can be a task. But, it’s well worth the effort to ensure baby is happy while you’re creating memories for parents.
Bean Bags for Newborn Photography
One such prop, often overlooked but vital to getting those gorgeous newborn poses, is a posing bean bag.
bean bag made for posing
A posing bean bag provides a comfortable surface that molds perfectly around the baby’s body. It gives photographers control over positioning and creates angles for capturing stunning photos of newborns.
The Comfort Factor in Bean Bags
Comfort is crucial when it comes to newborn photo sessions. The babies are just days or weeks old, so their comfort should be prioritized above all else during these sessions. That’s where the role of bean bags becomes critical – they provide softness similar to a mother’s womb, making them ideal for ensuring baby comfort while striking that perfect pose.
When appropriately sized, these posing pillows fit babies snugly, offering security and support which helps keep them calm throughout the session.
Versatility of Posing Bean Bag in Newborn Photography
Pose variety can add depth to your newborn photography work – with one simple prop like a posing pillow, you can create numerous cute photo ops.
This versatile tool allows changes in posture without disturbing the little one too much – you could go from a laying flat on back pose to a curled up side pose effortlessly because this pillow takes shape as per the baby’s position, giving your images diversity while keeping infants cozy and contented.
Therefore, for your next newborn photography session, don’t forget to include a bean bag in your props list as it can help you capture beautiful shots.
Wooden Crates as Handmade Props
A beautifully aged wooden crate, whether it’s weathered by time or artfully distressed, can serve as an excellent prop for great newborn photography. The rustic aesthetic creates a warm and cozy backdrop that highlights the baby’s delicate features.
You might think all crates are created equal but no two handmade wooden crates are exactly alike. Each one has its own distinct characteristics and nuances – much like our precious little ones.
Knitted Bonnets
Bonnets have been adorning the heads of babies for centuries and there’s something incredibly charming about these tiny knitted accessories. They don’t just provide warmth to the baby’s head during their milestone sessions; they also lend an adorable vintage appeal to any photo shoot.
A well-knitted bonnet is not merely another cute photo prop; it is indeed an art form crafted with love, patience, and skill – qualities you want reflected in your photos too. Just make sure they’re appropriately sized so they fit babies perfectly without covering those beautiful twinkling eyes we all love capturing on camera.
Stuffed Animals as Props for Newborn Photography
When it comes to newborn photography, nothing quite captures the innocence and cuteness of a baby like stuffed animals. These fuzzy companions not only make your baby happy but also add an extra layer of adorability to the photos.
A fluffy teddy bear or a soft bunny can bring out genuine smiles from even the sleepiest babies. Plus, they’re great at making little ones feel comfortable during their photo sessions. Beautiful Photo Props offers some gorgeous options for those looking for cute props.
If you want something truly unique and personal, consider using parents’ cherished items in your shoot. Parents’ personal items can be incorporated as props to add sentiment and tell their story. It could be mom’s favorite childhood doll or dad’s beloved teddy bear – such elements will create more than just beautiful pictures; they’ll capture precious memories that last forever.
Selecting The Right Stuffed Animal Prop
The key is finding appropriately sized stuffed animals that don’t overpower the tiny newborn but rather complement them perfectly in scale. You should always ensure that any prop used doesn’t cause discomfort or pose any risk to the child’s safety—after all, we want these shoots to be fun.
Incorporating Color And Texture With Stuffed Animals
Besides adding charm, another advantage of using stuffed animals is introducing texture into your photographs. For example: A plush bear can give a rich, fuzzy texture while adding a pop of color.
So next time you plan for newborn photos, remember to bring along some cute stuffed animals. They are more than just toys; they’re tools that help create colorful, magical moments captured through the lens.
Wraps and Fabrics for Newborn Photography
Newborn wraps and fabrics are an essential part of any newborn photographer’s toolkit. These materials, like woven wool blankets, offer texture that brings a visual depth to the photos while providing comfort to the baby.
The beauty lies in their versatility. You can use these wraps as traditional blankets or lay them between your little one and posing elements. It adds color, softness, and more importantly creates a safe space for the baby during photo sessions.
You might wonder why this detail is crucial in newborn photography work? Let me give you some insights from my personal experience. As photographers aiming to create colorful yet intimate images of life’s earliest days, we need props inspired by nature – something simple but impactful.
This art form requires perfect coordination between cute photo props like wraps & fabrics with technical aspects such as lighting & angles – all focusing on our star: The Newborn Baby.
Finding Your Perfect Wrap or Fabric
Selecting appropriate fabric involves considering several factors including its look & feel along with how it will complement other studio props being used. Some prefer delicate lace textures whereas others may choose fluffy faux furs depending upon what fits their style best.
A point worth mentioning here is about safety too. We must make sure that chosen materials do not irritate sensitive skin of babies hence always opt for hypoallergenic fabrics which provide utmost care while achieving great newborn photos.
Making Use Of Wraps And Fabrics In Different Ways
To spice up your milestone sessions further (or should I say ‘more’ in a casual tone?), experiment with the wraps. For example, try using them as layers on posing bean bags or swaddling the baby to highlight their tiny size and adorable newborn pose.
Remember, photography is an art form. Don’t be scared to experiment with these items until you achieve the ideal photograph.
In essence, wraps and fabrics are more than just props for great newborn photography – they help us create memories while ensuring comfort & safety of our precious little subjects.
Bowls and Baskets
The beauty of bowls and baskets lies in their versatility. They can frame a cute photo of the baby or add depth to an image without compromising on safety. These types of props create perfect nests for tiny ones while adding an artistic touch to your shots.
Choose appropriately sized containers lined with soft fabric to ensure the comfort of the newborn babies. Clamps, which are essential tools in our work, help secure wraps and backgrounds ensuring added safety.
Beds or Benches
Incorporating beds or benches into your studio props list allows you more creative freedom during sessions by offering structure, dimension, and height variations without sacrificing security.
Specially designed miniature furniture pieces fit babies perfectly while keeping them snugly nestled throughout their milestone sessions. The sturdy build ensures that these adorable art forms do double duty: they’re visually appealing yet extremely functional.
No matter what type of prop you choose—be it wooden crates filled with plush blankets or bean bags adjusted for optimal posing—it should be designed around two key elements: safety and baby’s comfort. After all, we want nothing more than happy clients – both big…and especially small.
Finding Props for Newborn Photography
They not only add charm and personality to the photos but also help in positioning the baby comfortably. So, where can you find unique and affordable props?
First off, craft stores are an excellent starting point. These treasure troves often have a wide variety of items that could serve as newborn studio props. From fabric swatches and wooden letters to cute trinkets – they’ve got it all.
Apart from craft stores, thrift stores or flea markets might be your next stop on this prop hunt journey. You’d be surprised at how many vintage pieces you can repurpose into perfect photo session accessories.
Baskets or crates with rustic appeal? Check. Soft blankets or wraps in various textures? Double-check. Remember though; each piece should fit babies perfectly while ensuring their safety throughout the shoot.
And if DIY isn’t your thing, online platforms like Amazon offer myriad options too. The key here is being creative while staying true to your vision for each newborn session.
Safety First
The most crucial factor when selecting any prop is safety. Make sure everything used during a shoot is appropriately sized and free of sharp edges that could potentially harm delicate skin. Your clients’ trust hinges heavily on this aspect of your work—so don’t compromise here.
Incorporating Personal Touches
Additionally, including personal elements can make photos more meaningful for parents. A cherished stuffed animal or heirloom blanket will not only create colorful memories but also tell beautiful stories about their family’s heritage.
Flexibility is Key
Last but not least, versatility goes a long way in newborn photography. Props like wooden crates are fantastic because they’re easily customizable for different themes or feelings. With some creativity and resourcefulness, you can create magical moments that parents will treasure forever.
Lifestyle Newborn Photography Props
Capturing the early days of a newborn’s life in pictures is an art form. The right props can add more depth and character to these photos.
A lifestyle newborn photo session often takes place at the baby’s home, using natural light and everyday objects as props. It provides a more personal touch compared to studio sessions with standardized setups.
Use What You Have
In a lifestyle session, you don’t need to buy fancy props or have elaborate set-ups. Instead, use what’s already there – from colorful blankets to comfy pillows on the couch or bed. Blankets, for instance, can be used as layers between the baby and posing elements adding texture and visual interest.
The nursery itself could serve as a great backdrop; just make sure it’s well-lit for those perfect shots. Toys also make cute photo props that are familiar and comforting to babies during milestone sessions.
Finding Inspiration Everywhere
Inspiration for your prop selection might come from various places around the house – even ordinary items like mugs or books can create interesting effects when used creatively. An appropriately sized wooden crate or basket makes an excellent choice too.
You’d be surprised how well some older babies fit into larger bowls – they’re not only safe but also incredibly adorable in photos.
FAQs
What are the must have props for newborns?
Newborn photoshoot essentials include wraps, posing pillows, hats, headbands, and textured blankets. You can also use containers like bowls or baskets to frame the baby.
Do newborn photographers provide props?
Most professional newborn photographers do offer a selection of props. However, it’s always best to check with them beforehand just to be sure.
What should I put my newborn in for pictures?
Simplicity is key here. Choose plain onesies or swaddle your baby in soft fabric. Hats or headbands add an adorable touch too.
How do you prop a baby for a photoshoot?
You’ll need something comfy like a beanbag or pile of blankets as a base. Posing pillows help position babies safely while smaller items add visual interest.
Conclusion
From wraps and headwear to containers, beds, benches, duvets, and pillows – you’ve now discovered the secret behind those great photographer props newborns use in capturing their first precious moments. It’s about combining comfort with creativity.
You’ve learned how blankets and rugs add color while providing a cozy layer for babies. You now understand that hats or bonnets are more than just cute photo props; they create themes that bring images to life.
The knowledge of using containers like bowls or baskets can give your photos depth is yours too. The art form of adding structure through beds or benches has been revealed.
Now it’s time to get out there! Start shopping at thrift stores, craft stores, even flea markets for these essentials. And remember: keep baby comfortable, ensure safety in every pose—and let your love shine through each shot! Click the following link to learn tips for photographing newborns.
