B Smith Photography

HIATUS?!?

2011-05-24T11:48:00.000-07:00

Photo by Verofoto

Yes, I know...I said I was on hiatus to develop digital designs kits for you, and I really was...but I ended up falling in love and getting married, and now I'm packing and moving. As I'm often reminded, we make plans and God laughs. Anyway, I promise I WILL be back soon, in earnest, and with the promised kits, but in the meantime I just wanted to share some of the handmade highlights of my wedding.

Garth and I got married in a hardware store. Not just any hardware store...this is Liz's Antique Hardware in L.A., a one-of-a-kind astonishing and fabulous emporium of vintage hardware from all over the world, and upstairs is an art gallery (The Loft at Liz's) with an enormous vintage Murano glass chandelier hanging in a stairwell. In keeping with the hardware theme, we chose a metallic color scheme...gold, silver, bronze, and copper...which I integrated into my handmade items. Naturally, I made the save-the-date cards and invitations (actually, I collaborated with my very talented and creative husband). The invitation featured a metallic momi (Japanese paper) mobius strip a la M.C. Escher, signifying the endless nature of our love.

I decided to make whimsical trinkets to give to our guests as mementoes and used the Auratone process to make little charms with our initials and the date; another of the charms is an actual piece of hardware...a gold lamp ring. My personal trinket now hangs on the wall from a vintage hook...they can hang just about anywhere, or just sit on a table top, or dangle from a necklace, or adorn a picture frame. (Customized trinkets are now available in my shop...some events in life just demand a meaningful memento!)

I also made a guest book and covered it with one of my favorite decorative papers from Paper Source. Since this was a small, intimate wedding, each guest had a page on which to sign their name and write a note (if they so desired). Ultimately, wedding cards, photos, copies of our vows, and other memorabilia will be added to make this a mixed media album.

Lastly, I made a sleeve that housed a CD with a slide show and photo gallery and also served as a thank-you note. A CD-sleeve with a coordinating CD label is one of my favorite items to customize. If you'd like a set of templates so you can do the same, just let me know and I'll send it to you gratis, my wedding gift to you.

FONT FLAG FRIDAY #11

2010-05-21T07:13:00.000-07:00

Do these two fonts work together? I'm not sure as a combo they fall within any graphic design guideline...each has such a strong personality they could fight with each other. My brain says "No, no, no!" but for some reason my eyes say "Yes!"

The idea of making font flags is to play with type combinations as you create your own reference library so that when the time comes to design a layout—an invitation, poster, business card, holiday greeting, whatever—you have them at your fingertips.

Let's imagine my imaginary museum group asks me to design a poster for an upcoming event and they need it yesterday. In almost no time at all, it's done. While this mock poster incorporates the font name of Bauhaus, I think the combination would work just as well for an invitation to a party or even a wedding. What do you think?

(Font Links: P22 Bauhaus, P22 DaVinci)

WEDDING WORLD WEDNESDAY: CANDLE FAVORS

2010-05-19T06:14:00.000-07:00

Simplicity itself, and romantic and evocative when illuminated, candle favors are perfect for individual place settings but can also be grouped together to form an unusual centerpiece. Personalizing each candle with a beautiful photograph of the couple makes it a true keepsake.

Materials:
   - Matte photo paper
   - Scissors or paper cutter
   - Double-sided tape
   - Candle and glass cylinder
   - Ribbon, cord, or fiber (optional)

1. Create a page layout equal to the height and circumference of the glass cylinder, plus 1/4 inch for overlap. Incorporate a photo of the couple with their names and wedding date. (Font: Shelley Allegro)

2. Print, trim if necessary, and wrap the paper around the cylinder. Secure with double-sided tape.

3. Tie a length of ribbon, cord, or fiber around the cylinder if desired.

4. Insert candle.

Thanks to Gia and Pete Hettish!

Find this project and others in my book, The Art & Craft of Keepsake Photography: Engagements and Weddings, available in my website shop and through amazon.com and other online booksellers.

MONDAY MORNING MUSINGS - COMING SOON!

2010-05-17T12:04:00.000-07:00

To quote Garth, the very special man in my life, "I'm in a constant state of photography." A weekend getaway yielded this image that I shot, transformed into a thank-you note printed on watercolor paper, and sent to the hotel manager, a personal friend who pulled out all the stops in treating us to a dreamy idyll.

The grounds were lush with exquisite gardens, and Garth spied an AMAZING ivy-type vine that I hadn't noticed; once he pointed it out, I knew it would make a wonderful border. Now I'm hoping I might be able to sell the cards in the hotel gift shop.

This is a preview of the types of kits I'll be offering for sale in the weeks ahead. Each kit will contain various Photoshop elements such as (shown here) a template for a folded thank-you note, a swirly vine brush, a vignette, and a mock embossed border...just add your own photo, print, and share. Of course detailed step-by-step instructions will also be included.

Stay tuned!

WEDDING WORLD WEDNESDAY: STOCK PHOTOS

2010-05-12T06:30:00.000-07:00

Advertising agencies, Web designers, graphic designers, and lots of other entities frequently take advantage of stock photography – images that aren't taken for a specific client or purpose but are used and reused for multiple assignments.

For weddings, take some stock images of flowers, champagne glasses, couples' hands, rings, wedding cake brides and grooms, etc., that you can then use to create themed stationery ensembles: invitations, response cards, reception cards, and guest books.

Taking stock shots is fun; you have complete control and can get really creative, and you can also transform them into image transfers or manipulate them in Photoshop. I'm constantly repurposing my images. (Just between you and me, the old suitcase you see in the latest of the "Flight" series posted yesterday is something I shot about ten years ago; I knocked out the background and added it as a layer with a drop shadow.)

For baby-themed stationery – shower invitations, thank you notes, and photo albums – I took some stock shots of baby shoes ("painting" boy and girl versions in pink and blue in Photoshop), a teddy bear (again, "painting" a boy version with a blue ribbon around its neck, a girl version with pink), and a rubber ducky (unisex!).

These projects and more are detailed in my books, "The Art and Craft of Keepsake Photography: Engagements & Weddings" and "Baby Face: Celebrating Your Pregnancy & Baby with Beautiful Photo Crafts," available in My Shop and at amazon.com and other online booksellers.

FONT FLAG FRIDAY #10

2010-05-07T09:06:00.000-07:00

Contrast is the #1 consideration when combining font faces in a layout. Start with two VERY different fonts and/or type sizes. Here I combined P22 Typewriter and P22 Dearest.

P22 is hands down my favorite font house. Meticulously designed professional typefaces, often imitated but never equaled. Sign up for their newsletter and/or become a Facebook fan to be among the first to hear about specials on existing fonts and introductions to new ones. And check out their shop…font-based apparel, glassware, publications, and other stuff…even a doormat!

Because I love you, here's a mini Photoshop tutorial for turning a photo into a sketch (as I did in this layout). This works better with some photos than others, so play:

1. Open an image file and duplicate the background layer (Layer>Duplicate Layer>OK).

2. With the duplicate layer highlighted in the Layers palette, go to Image>Adjust>Desaturate, then go to Filter>Stylize>Find Edges.

3. In the Layers palette, change the blending mode for the duplicate layer from Normal to Overlay.

Voilá!

WEDDING WORLD WEDNESDAY: SELF PROMOTION

2010-05-05T06:36:00.000-07:00

An "envelopment" wrapped in ribbon turns a simple flat card printed on a nice heavyweight stock into a gift.

I think word-of mouth is by far the most effective means of promotion, especially for a wedding photographer. Most people ask their friends for referrals before choosing an unknown entity from a directory or magazine.

So, after you've shot a wedding, here's a simple way to maintain the special connection you've cultivated with your clients so that they'll be sure to refer you, and it will even keep them coming back for more: As each anniversary approaches, send them a special card featuring a photo from their wedding and include a freebie or gift certificate for a discount on an anniversary photo session.

Next week I'll share another great tip for "guerilla marketing"... an inexpensive and very effective idea I bet you'll want to incorporate into your existing work flow.

Find step-by-step instructions for this project and others in my book, The Art & Craft of Keepsake Photography: Engagements and Weddings, available in my website shop and through amazon.com and other online booksellers.

PENCIL OR OBJET D'ART?

2010-05-04T09:12:00.000-07:00

Think about the sensory considerations of the humble pencil...so basic, familiar, even comforting; the appearance, as form meets function, minimalist, perfect; the woodsy sound of graphite against pulp; even the organic smell of a freshly sharpened pencil.

But why stop there? Now available in my shop...matte black pencils wrapped with handmade papers and embellished beyond reason. Each pencil or set of pencils comes in a complementary origami-folded quiver and is accompanied by a precision magnesium sharpener.

Gear Head (shown) - features silver Joss paper, soldering wire, and "found" metal objects (think Father's Day!)

Origami - set of 5 pencils made with origami papers; one pencil features an origami crane dangle

Waxing Rhapsodic - set of 3 pencils with an encaustic (beeswax) theme; one pencil features a jeweled dangle

Boho - set of 4 pencils, each with a different gem-toned paper and coordinating bead dangle

Zen (shown) - 1 pencil featuring an Auratone Buddha "portrait" and bead dangle

Now available in my online shop!

(Note: A portion of the proceeds from this item will be donated to the charity of my choice.)

WEDDING WORLD WEDNESDAY: AN ELEGANT INVITATION

2010-04-21T10:19:00.000-07:00

(Click to enlarge.)

This deluxe invitation is easier to lay out than it looks. In Photoshop, the opacity on the image layer is lowered, then layers of text are added. By putting text blocks and elements on separate layers, they can be edited and moved independently as you finesse the design.

Varying the size of the text within a layout creates visual interest. Enlarging the initials of the bride and groom adds contrast, an important element in graphic design. Invitations look best with lots of "white space" within and surrounding the text. Airiness adds elegance and prevents the piece from looking too busy.

The final image is printed on 8 1/2 x 11-inch photo paper, trimmed to a 6 1/4-inch square, then mounted on 90-pound hot-pressed watercolor paper (available at art supply stores). A sheer ribbon edged in gold holds additional components of the stationery ensemble in place behind the invitation, and a black linen envelope pulls the look together.

(Fonts: Shelley Allegro and Bank Gothic Light)

Find step-by-step instructions for this project and others in my book, The Art & Craft of Keepsake Photography: Engagements and Weddings, available in my website shop and through amazon.com and other online booksellers.

COMING SOON!

2010-04-19T07:48:00.000-07:00

(Click to enlarge.)

Coming soon...digital graphic design kits! Transform your favorite photos into faux mixed media masterpieces to use as wall art, greeting cards, promotional materials, scrapbook pages, gifts, you name it.

Kits include textured backgrounds, frames and borders, Photoshop brushes, alphabets, and much much more.

(Any Photoshop CS version required.)

WEDDING WORLD WEDNESDAY: THANK-YOU NOTES

2010-04-14T00:21:00.000-07:00

(Click to enlarge.)

A thank-you note is the perfect place for a favorite photograph from the wedding. The inside is usually blank or printed with a brief thank-you, affording sufficient space to accommodate a hand-written message.

Matching the three-pixel “stroke” of color around the image and the font color to the decorative paper lining the envelope creates a sense of unity.

If you're a professional photographer, don't forget to add your contact information to the back of the card...free advertising to a targeted audience!

Here's a fool-proof way to line an envelope:

MATERIALS:

- premade envelope

- decorative paper for the lining

- glue stick

- paper cutter and/or craft knife or scissors

- bone folder (for burnishing)

1. Cut the lining paper to 1/8 inch smaller than the envelope's outside width and equal to its height with the flap up.

2. Insert the lining into the envelope and trim around the flap.

3. Remove the lining and trim the bottom edge to the width of the glue strip on the flap of the envelope.

4. Insert the lining into the envelope, making sure to push it all the way in. Apply glue to the inside of the flap portion of the lining, then apply pressure to the glued area to adhere it to the envelope.

5. Fold the flap down and burnish the crease so that it lays flat.

Find this project and others in my book, The Art & Craft of Keepsake Photography: Engagements and Weddings, available in my website shop and through amazon.com and other online booksellers.

DON'T FORGET...MOTHER'S DAY IS MAY 9TH!

2010-04-12T07:35:00.000-07:00

Nothing could be any more perfect for a Mother's Day gift than an Auratone keepsake necklace, earrings, or charm bracelet featuring one or more images of a loved one.

Check them out here in my shop. Whether you buy a kit (from $25-$40) and do it yourself or send me the picture and have me make it for you (from $75-$175), order now, before it's too late. For custom orders, the deadline is April 23rd.

FONT FLAG FRIDAY #9

2010-04-09T07:18:00.000-07:00

(Click to enlarge.)

A 100% digital scrapbook page layout featuring photos of my darlin' granddaughters, Leila and Hana, along with some of my very favorite fonts.

I love how you can choose fonts that so vividly reflect the “mood” of the message you wish to convey. Here Texas Hero, One Fell Swoop*, and VT Portable Remington* unite to create a mood of casual elegance befitting a very special spring day.

*Free font alert!

(Thanks to Jessica Sprague, Jen Wilson, and Mary Ann Wise for all things scrapbooking.)

BABY FEAT

2010-04-07T06:17:00.000-07:00

(Click to enlarge)

The design for this birth announcement came about quietly, simply, organically...just playing really.

Shoot...tear...fold...collect...combine.

FLIGHT

2010-04-04T20:57:00.000-07:00

Just sharing a couple new photos...I think this back staircase is the main reason I moved into my apartment, I even dream about it. I'm working on a series entitled "Flight."

FONT FLAG FRIDAY #8

2010-04-02T06:22:00.000-07:00

(Click to enlarge.)

One of my favorite spots on Kauai...even on stormy days. In this case, shooting digital infrared (or NIF–"near infrared") enhanced the dramatic look, darkening the clouds and water and lightening the foliage.

Choosing two very different fonts, in this case Liana and Caslon Book BE, is one of the simplest and most effective design principles to remember when combining type faces in a single layout. Doing so supplies an element of contrast, and, simply put, our eyes like contrast. Strengthen that effect even more by contrasting type size and/or weight as well.

Here the use of Caslon was repeated in the quotation (by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow) for continuity and—importantly—readability in a smaller size.

(Thanks to Jessica Sprague, Trish Jones, Sweet Shoppe, and Jason Gaylor for additional Photoshop elements.)

INTRODUCING...AMADEA

2010-03-29T07:20:00.000-07:00

Yet another example of Photo Fusion...this time combining painting, photography, the Auratone process, and jewelry making.

My friend Amadea Bailey (NOT pictured here!) and I have been talking about doing this for a few months now and so here it is...we've launched our line of jewelry! A perfect collaboration...Amadea is an amazing (and world renowned) expressionist painter, and it turns out her work looks incredible when transformed into Auratone pendants. Check it out here!

We've decided to take our beautiful but shabby (and bald) mannequin around town to shoot some photos of her wearing the jewelry in various local settings...the beach, shopping, who knows. I think we might even make a silly video...stay tuned! Oh...and she definitely needs a name...any ideas?

Also be sure to visit Amadea's website ...she's an inspiration, the real deal, and I know you'll be impressed!

FONT FLAG FRIDAY #7 - CARTE POSTALE

2010-03-26T02:55:00.000-07:00

(Click to enlarge.)

For a baby shower held in a charming French restaurant, a mock “French postcard” was the perfect thank-you note. Taking individual table shots meant that each guest seated at a particular table could be featured on a customized postcard.

Once you've created a postcard template, you can use it again and again for a multitude of purposes, adapting it to suit your needs. I created an African version to complement photos I took in Kenya, changing “Merci” to “Jambo,” which means “Hello” in Swahili. I also have a Hawaiian version that says “Aloha” and one that says “Mahalo,” which means “Thank you.” Instead of the typical line you see separating the mailing address from the message, here I substituted a vertical line of type with the date of the event and my copyright information.

It's usually not a good idea to combine two such highly stylized fonts as Bodoni Classic Deco and P22 Cezanne, but in the postcard layout it somehow works, mostly because there's plenty of space between the two fonts. This goes back to my earlier advice to just play with combinations until you hit one that makes you go “Yes!” regardless of the rules. Bodoni Classic Deco is a rule breaker in itself, the true Bodoni being a pure and unembellished typeface (as used for “Postage Stamp Here”).

I'll be including “How to Make a Postcard Template” in my upcoming Creating Photoshop Templates video workshop.

WEDDING WORLD WEDNESDAY: SAVE-THE-DATE CARDS

2010-03-24T06:58:00.000-07:00

Save-the-date cards are the perfect excuse for sharing one of those great photos from the engagement photo session!

The save-the-date card is a thoughtful way of notifying guests of the wedding date and location well ahead of time–three to twelve months–so they're able to plan accordingly. Although they've recently become pretty much de rigueur for just about any wedding (except an elopement ;-)), they're especially appropriate for destination weddings and those for which guests will be coming in from out of town. Often a simple flat card, save-the-date cards can also take the shape of an elaborate program of events, travel routes, and suggested accommodations, although they are definitely not a substitute for the invitation itself.

Here's a simple yet elegant folded card using a printed vellum overlay and vellum envelope. If you're making the cards yourself, be sure to purchase vellum that's suitable for your printer (i.e., inkjet compatible). Action Envelope is my favorite resource for vellum envelopes in just about any size, shape, and color.

Since most printers don't allow you to print to the edge of the sheet, we'll use a larger sheet, then trim to give the effect of what is known as a "full bleed."

1) For a 5" x 7" folded card: In Photoshop, align the top of a 5" x 7" photo along the horizontal center line of a letter-size file (8 1/2 x 11"), then print on a letter-size sheet of heavyweight paper.

2) Remove the sheet from the printer, then flip, rotate, and reinsert into the paper feed.

3) Type the save-the-date information in the same area but on its own layer, then turn off the photo layer and print the inside text.

4) Fold* the sheet in half and trim the sides and bottom.

5) Print the vellum overlay in the same manner, with the text on its own layer and positioned so that it falls within the photo area.

6) Fold* and trim the vellum overlay.

7) Apply a bit of glue along the top edge of the card and adhere the overlay.

*Note: For clean folds, use a bone folder to score and burnish.

Oh, and if you're a professional photographer, be sure to add your contact information (tastefully, of course) to the back of each card...free and effective promotion!

This and many other projects are detailed in my book, "The Art & Craft of Keepsake Photography: Engagements & Weddings," available in my website shop and through online booksellers like amazon.com.

MONDAY MORNING MUSINGS

2010-03-22T07:26:00.000-07:00

Introducing Monday Morning Musings...wherein the blogger blogs about whatever strikes her fancy.

This morning it's to INSPIRE and ENTHUSE, and to that end, my Photo Fusion Facebook Fan Page is now open for business!

In addition to my blog feed with tons of FREE information, I've added lots of photos, some videos, and a few discussion topics awaiting your participation. Much more to come, including links to my new video workshops. My hope is for the page to become a living, breathing thing as we share our passion for all things photographic. It's eclectic, exciting, and effervescent (shrug...I can NEVER resist the opportunity for a little alliteration)! So join the fun, become a fan, and please do tell your friends!

Coming up...Wedding World Wednesday (groan, there I go again!): Tons of tips on wedding and engagement photography—whether you're a bride, groom, guest, or pro shooter—and even Photoshop tutorials on what to do with those great images.

FONT FLAG FRIDAY #6...and some free advice!

2010-03-19T08:05:00.000-07:00

Killing three birds with one stone here...a new font flag with four (!) different typefaces, using my iPod hair experiment, and getting something off my chest.

Okay, first things first: The fonts are Lithos Pro (an all-caps typeface); Apple Chancery (script); Mrs. Eaves (for very readable yet elegant text, and probably my favorite and most-used font family); and Prints Charming (which I chose because the “O” echoes the shape of my smilin' face, laugh lines and all!). Four very different personalities, yet they comfortably cohabit this layout without chaos.

Now, as far as getting something off my chest...I cannot tell you how many fabulous, wonderful, sophisticated, upscale, and stylish ads, websites, articles, and captions I have seen where an apostrophe is arbitrarily plunked down to form the contraction “it's” when it's just plain wrong. There is nothing wrong with the word “its” as long as it's used properly (as in “Punctuation rears its ugly head.) I know, I know...picky, picky, picky. But it's just one of those things that makes my heart sink as my (and I'm quite sure other people's) estimation of the professionalism of the entity involved sinks in direct proportion.

There, I feel MUCH better!

FONT FLAG FRIDAY #5

2010-03-12T06:07:00.000-08:00

I swear this isn't really my desk...it's a bunch of Photoshop layers. I scanned some distressed papers, a blank Post-It note, an old file folder, a broken grease pencil, and a contact sheet I recently came across (from the old days...film!), threw in some Photoshop brush stains and splats, then chose a couple fonts I thought would work well together in this grungy layout: FG Nina, to replicate a note printed by hand, and VT Portable Remington...my favorite old typewriter font (and it's FREE!).

A fun example of "photo fusion"...in this case film and digital virtually collide!

NEW OLD FRIENDS

2010-03-09T07:52:00.000-08:00

I am not a photojournalist...I'm personally uncomfortable getting in a stranger's face, so to speak, but thankfully there are others who are not...and my newest old friend, Barbara Hayden, is one of them. Her love of humanity drives her art, and she has an unerring eye for catching those authentic moments. She's been shooting since the 70s, from the east coast to the west, and I think her photos are a national treasure.

Check them out here...make sure your sound is on, choose to view in high quality, and enjoy!

NEGATIVE SPACE

2010-03-08T06:21:00.000-08:00

Inspired by last night's 82nd Academy Awards...or more precisely the logo for the 82nd Academy Awards. My attention was drawn to the space surrounding the font characters...it was filled with a blurry moving image. Exquisitely designed fonts like this one (I'm not sure what they used...I chose Big Caslon, above) feature lines and curves that make the "negative space" as elegant and eye-catching as the typeface itself.

Of course, I was watching mostly for the dresses...my favorite: Demi Moore's peachy Versace!

GRUNGE NAILS

2010-03-07T11:49:00.000-08:00

Off point (again), I digress...well, it is Sunday, after all. So I gave myself a manicure the other day with my usual coat of dark polish. Once it had dried, thought I'd lighten it up a bit with a coat of bronzy shimmer. Hated it the next day so got out the polish remover and after a couple swipes noticed the cool distressed look...kind of like acid etching on paint. Showed it to my daughter who said, "Wow, Mom, it looks just like your art!" Now I can't wait to try other colors.

The perfect foil to the oh-so-proper French manicure...grunge nails. Wouldn't it be funny if it caught on?!? Well, don't forget you heard it here first!

FONT FLAG FRIDAY #4

2010-03-04T08:20:00.000-08:00

I know, I know...it's Thursday, but I couldn't wait to share this with you.

Some font packages include "extras"...related decorative elements and even sketches that can be used to complement your layouts in myriad ways. Here I chose the P22 FFLW Exhibition font...I used one of the 72 (!) extras to create the background which I then grunged up a bit. This geometrically-designed extra provides the perfect border for a photo...others form continuous linking borders. Very, very cool!

And now, for your listening (and viewing) pleasure...pump up the volume and click here.

FOLLOW THE DOTS

2010-03-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

Don't you love thinking about how one thing led you to another thing which led you to another thing and on and on until here you are? Like following the dots of our creative experience that make up the picture that is us? Nothing is wasted!

Shortly after I began shooting in earnest, I discovered alternative Polaroid processes and dove right in. Though the technique became a bit over-used, I still love the fresco-like texture and painterly effect. A few years later, after I had learned to use Photoshop, I scanned my favorites, so even though Polaroid is no longer making instant film, I can use my transfers forever.

Now my passion has turned to photo encaustic, and my eyes are constantly on the prowl for likely candidates. I had made this little booklet of Polaroid transfers as a promotion piece. The pages are interspersed with vellum containing text. Recently I took the book apart, edited and reprinted the title page, then dipped the imaged pages in encaustic and rebound the book. It's a great little table-top piece...I love the tactile quality and the way the light shines softly on the wax. Imagine your photos complemented by some of your favorite quotations, poems, or lyrics.

Very simple, very satisfying. Order my photo encaustic kit and see for yourself.

FONT FLAG FRIDAY #3

2010-02-26T07:34:00.000-08:00

Short post today as I'm a little under the weather this morning (sniff). Combining Brush Script with Lemonade (this one's free!) is perfect for a kid's birthday party invitation or any casual layout. Two very different fonts that go together like peanut butter and jelly.

Oh, and yep, that's another clipping mask you see...I'm tellin' you, once you start using them it's hard to stop!

WAXING NOSTALGIC

2010-02-25T07:37:00.000-08:00

(Click for a closeup view.)

Lately I've been scanning old album covers as the basis for new encaustic pieces. Because the covers are wider than my scanner, it takes two passes, then I paste them together in Photoshop. You might want to use this technique using your own favorite albums...of course you could scan CD covers, but I like the worn quality of old albums.

"Performance" is one of my all-time favorite films. Directed by Donald Cammell and Nicholas Roeg and starring Mick Jagger and James Fox, it has a kick-ass sound track featuring not only Mick but Ry Cooder, Randy Newman, Buffy Sainte-Marie, and Merry Clayton. The film explores themes espoused by poet Jorge Luis Borges about the nature of identity, duality, and time, and references to Borges are strewn throughout the movie.

This album jacket has great photos of Mick, front and back, in the two personas he displays in the film. I used pages from a Borges anthology as collage materials to reinforce the connection.

The term "wax" also applies to record albums. This is because early phonograph cylinders were made of wax, eventually replaced by vinyl. You still hear records referred to as wax, although less and less frequently.

Altered covers make great wall art for you and yours, but I don't suggest selling them...the original images are undoubtedly copyrighted. This is just about making art for art's sake. Waxing on wax, so to speak.

You can order my Photo Encaustic Kit here...it's an easy way to get started.

WAKING UP AND SMELLING THE ROSES

2010-02-23T07:32:00.000-08:00

It's almost always the simplest things that make me feel the deepest pleasure...like a vase of flowers beaming softly in the early morning light.

Shot a little video of my good friend, flower photographer extraordinaire Pip Bloomfield (check out her amazing work here), and she gave me these gorgeous roses as thanks. Thank YOU, Pip! XOXO

FONT FLAG FRIDAY #2

2010-02-19T08:56:00.000-08:00

Choosing fonts for a layout falls within the realm of graphic design, and although in the strictest sense there are lots of "rules," the choice of a font, or fonts, is actually somewhat personal and therefore hard to define. When you choose the right typeface, it just seems to "go" with the image and the emotion you wish to communicate. So just play with different faces until you hit one that makes you go "Yes!" Common sense prevails...if it's for the body of an invitation, you want a very readable font, but if it's for a banner or heading, you can go with something that conveys a strong feeling...romantic, grungy, scary, feminine, masculine, etc.

When combining two fonts in a single layout, it's most effective to choose two very different styles...often a script, calligraphic, or handwritten-type font along with a more classical font; a strong, bold font with a contrasting lightweight font; or one with serifs (those little curly-cues or lines you see at the ends of letter forms) alongside one without (ergo, sans serifs), in opposing weights.

Here I've chosen Letterpress Text and P22 Cezanne. I like Letterpress because it has an organic quality but is still highly readable. With its subtle level of decay and opacity, it emulates the look of the letterpress printing process in which a raised surface is inked and pressed into a sheet of paper. It's especially effective when printed on a heavyweight textured digital paper, and you can even take it further by adding an embossed layer style in Photoshop. (For detailed instructions, see my January 13th post entitled "Personal Fave.") Order Letterpress here at myfonts.com.

I have to admit that although I use P22 Cezanne in my own marketing materials, I'm a little tired of seeing it everywhere, but you can order it here at my very favorite foundry, P22. And while you're there, check out their shop and sign up for whatever you can...they are a great resource for not only fonts but gifts, ideas, and inspiration. Other fonts with a similar flair to P22 Cezanne (available elsewhere) include AL Verdigris, Jane Austen, Emily Austin, Dear Sarah, Baker Script, Lamar Pen, Houston Pen, and Jefferson.

IT'S FONT FLAG FRIDAY!

2010-02-12T07:01:00.000-08:00

Finding the right font to go with a photo layout can be challenging, and finding two very different but complementary fonts even more so. That's why I like to make "font flags"...digital visual journal pages where I experiment with different combinations and then save what I like for future reference. Besides that, they're fun to make...you can even print and frame them. Thought I'd share mine with you each Friday, along with links so that you can purchase the fonts you like...but mostly I just want to inspire you to experiment on your own.

Caslon is a classic and very readable font "family," meaning it's available with similar characteristics in several sizes and weights...e.g., regular, bold, italic, and bold italic. Some families also include condensed, small caps, and other professional styles. Purchase Caslon at Linotype, myfonts.com, and elsewhere.

Liana is a script font that's easy to read, elegant, feminine, and has a handwritten character that's perfect for letters and informal invitations (and Valentines!). Available from myfonts.com.

AND SPEAKING OF CLIPPING MASKS...

2010-02-03T09:07:00.000-08:00

In this morning's mail, here's a promo from Anthropologie...a perfect example of using Photoshop clipping masks as described in yesterday's post. (Click to enlarge.)

PHOTOSHOP CLIPPING MASKS

2010-02-01T07:48:00.000-08:00

Here are two examples of clipping masks. You see them used on billboards and in magazines...they're effective, simple, and a really fun way to use your photos in your layouts...be it greeting card, blog banner, promo piece, calendar, scrapbook page, mixed media, whatever.

Basically, in Photoshop, you want a photo on one layer and text or a shape on the layer beneath it in the Layers palette. Then hold down the Alt/Option key, hover over the line separating the two layers, and when you see the double circle icon, click and, voilá!

For fonts, it's best to choose a "fat" one (I love Bauhaus Heavy) or the image won't show, and make sure the piece itself is big enough to "read" the effect...otherwise it's a wasted effort. In other words, a business card may be too small, but a greeting card is just right...and anything bigger is even better. Use the Move tool and the Transform feature to tweak things to your liking.

PHOTO L.A. PART 2

2010-01-28T08:30:00.000-08:00

Another artist who caught my attention at Photo LA is Alchemy Studio...actually, a collaboration of artists Carol Panaro-Smith and James Hajicek. In their extraordinary work, photogenic drawings, where plants are exposed in contact with hand-coated light sensitive paper, are combined with mixed media to produce art that is both organic and mysterious. Carol and James are dedicated advocates and instructors of antiquarian photographic printing processes, and Carol teaches both photo-based mixed media and artists' book workshops at the community college and in their studio in Phoenix, Arizona.

Although no workshops are currently scheduled, you can keep up with Carol via her blog.

(Artwork by Alchemy Studio can be purchased through Kevin Longino, a private dealer specializing in contemporary photography.)

CAMBRIA DREAM

2010-01-25T05:24:00.000-08:00

(Click to enlarge)

Took this shot a few months ago in Cambria, one of my favorite little towns along the Central Coast. It was a romantic getaway...and while the romance got away, this image endures. Adding a meaningful quote and some subtle journaling enabled me to encapsulate the memory in an evocative way. Translating life's experiences into art is organic, authentic, and cathartic.

This type of photo fusion using digital layers, including textures and masks, will be the subject of one of my upcoming video workshops.

PHOTO L.A.

2010-01-22T01:20:00.000-08:00

Went to Photo LA last Sunday and had a chance to catch up with some of my favorite photographers' newest work. Foremost among them is Brigitte Carnachon, whose sensuous handpainted images of flowers and nudes have long held me sway. Her latest body of work, "Floating World," is equally mesmerizing with a romantic, mysterious quality of time gone by. Inspired by poems written by Japanese women throughout the ages (and whose names are calligraphed in red), each image is a testament to the beauty of the natural world.

This is my idea of photo fusion at its most subtle yet most powerful.

(Ms. Carnachon's photographs are available through Kevin Longino, a private dealer specializing in contemporary photography.)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PART 2

2010-01-20T11:02:00.000-08:00

And here she is today...my darlin' daughter (and my favorite model)!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ERIN!

2010-01-20T10:30:00.000-08:00

In honor of my daughter's birthday today, I thought I'd share a photo taken of me and my husband back in the day by our good friend Reed Fenton. Yep, we had lots of hair...as did Erin when she was born! I won't tell you the date, but let's just say it was long before Cindy Crawford and Demi Moore graced the covers of Vanity Fair!

GOOD FOR A LAUGH - ENJOY!

2010-01-20T10:12:00.000-08:00

In one of my former lives I was a court reporter...mostly personal injury deposition work. When someone is involved in an accident, they're asked to describe what happened in as few words as possible on the insurance accident form. The following quotes were taken from these forms and were eventually published in the Toronto Sun newspaper:

"The pedestrian hit me and went under my car."

"In my attempt to kill a fly, I drove into a telephone pole."

"I had been driving in my car for forty years when I fell asleep at the wheel and had an accident."

"I was sure the old fellow would never make it to the other side of the roadway when I struck him."

"The pedestrian had no idea which direction to go, so I ran over him."

"I saw the slow-moving, sad-faced old gentleman as he bounced off the hood of my car."

"The telephone pole was approaching fast and I was attempting to swerve out of its path when it struck my front end."

"The other car collided with mine without giving warning of its intentions."

"I was thrown from my car as it left the road. I was later found in a ditch by some stray cows."

"The guy was all over the road; I had to swerve a number of times before I hit him."

"Coming home, I drove into the wrong house and collided with a tree I don't have."

"I pulled away from the side of the road, glanced at my mother-in-law, and headed over the embankment."

And my favorite: "An invisible car came out of nowhere, struck my vehicle, and vanished."

I hate it when that happens!

PHOTO FOLIOS

2010-01-18T08:22:00.000-08:00

Indulge your love for photography, alternative processes, and handmade or decorative papers...create mini folios and fill them with a collection of some of your favorite images transferred onto watercolor paper. Give them as gifts, sell them at craft fairs, or set up an online shop at Etsy.com.

Mine are Polaroid image transfers, but you can use Bonny Lhotka's alcohol gel transfer process, or just print your images on a nice toothy fine art digital paper like Somerset Velvet or Museo II...maybe tearing them against the edge of a ruler instead of cutting them to add the look of a deckled edge.

If you'd like detailed instructions for making the folio, say the word and I'll send them to you!

DESERT SYMMETRY

2010-01-15T09:52:00.000-08:00

Just got back from the desert...went to Joshua Tree with good friends and fellow photogs Jeanne and Steve Gadol. Although I love the soft neutral tones of the desert palette and the stark landscape, I just couldn't seem to find "my shot." Then I remembered a lesson from my photographer teacher Bob Ware at Santa Monica College way back when...he had us choose a 10-foot square area, anywhere, and shoot an entire roll of film there, making each shot count. It forced us to really see, not just look, and to use concepts of composition and depth-of-field to each shot's best advantage.

PERSONAL FAVE

2010-01-13T07:38:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd share my very favorite technique for making invitations and announcements. This is the only technique that appears in both of my books, in Keepsake Photography as a wedding invitation and in Baby Face as a birth announcement (featuring a photo, shown here, taken by Jimmi Johnson).

Letterpress printing, a technique in which a raised surface is inked and pressed into a sheet of paper, is labor intensive and requires not only a letterpress but a high degree of skill and craftsmanship. But by combining the right fonts with a heavyweight textured digital paper, you can create a faux letterpress effect with similar appeal. In both examples I used Arches Infinity Textured paper (355 gsm) and Letterpress and P22 Cezanne fonts. Although the Arches Infinity line has been discontinued, it can still be found; a comparable substitute is Museo II (365 gsm).

To add the letterpress texture, type the text as a Photoshop layer. Go to Layer>Layer Style> Bevel and Emboss. Select Emboss, choose 'down' as the direction (which creates "debossing"), and adjust the depth and other settings until it looks good to you. I like to keep it fairly subtle. Colors other than black look best because the shadows show up better...for instance, a nice dark brown. Aside from the Letterpress font, try Bank Gothic, Adobe Caslon Pro, Copperplate, Lithos Pro, Mrs. Eaves and Papyrus.

THOSE PESKY NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

2010-01-11T00:07:00.000-08:00

There it is in black and white, right there on my list of New Year's Resolutions:
- take a photo every day
- print it on something, anything
- apply mixed media (journaling, paint, encaustic, collage, etc.)

Okay...I could pretend I didn't see it, or forgot about it, I could even cross it out. But why not JUST DO IT, starting today. Maybe I'll be like Julie in "Julie & Julia"where she challenges herself to cook all the recipes in Julia Child's cookbook and documents it in her blog.

Instead of actually taking a photo, I decided to "take one" from my archives (hey, that's fair!), and this one caught my attention. I remember being inspired by the beauty of some vegetables I had just picked up from the farmer's market so I had placed them in my grandmother's old Bauer bowl, set them on a bench outside the back door, and snapped a few shots.

Here's the original...bor-ing, and not at all what I had in my mind's eye...no wonder it's been in hiding:

A few tweaks via Photoshop layer masks, then printed on wood...ah, now this is how I remember it, a dreamy summer's day, and a still life outside of time, outside of place:

This and more coming up in my video workshops...stay tuned!

MEET NICOL

2010-01-08T21:36:00.000-08:00

Isn't it great how you just never know when someone special is going to come into your life? I took a booth at the WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers Int'l) Expo in Las Vegas a couple years ago to introduce the Auratone process to that industry. It was a great experience and I met a LOT of wonderful people, but one person stood out. Her name is Alyssa "Nicol" Ragland, and I'd like to introduce you to her.

Nicol has an aura of warmth, curiosity, and sensitivity, and she's an amazing photographer who brings those same qualities to her work, whether travel and documentary related (www.nicolragland.com) or nuptial (www.alyssanicol.com).

During a recent trip to Tanzania, she had the opportunity to spend an extended period of time with the Hadzabe tribe, numbering fewer than 1,500 and the last functioning hunter-gatherers in Africa. Her photos are a testament to the trust she obviously instills in those she photographs, and these are a people who have plenty of reason to be distrustful. Learn more about them, and her documentary project, on her website.

On a much different note but also one close to her heart, last month Nicol joined 19 other women in a group exhibition entitled CORE: Art & Design of the Torso showcasing mixed media dressform mannequins. Here's a photo of the piece she contributed...many of the photographs she included were Auratones she had made...yet another very imaginative use of the process. I love it when "my students" surpass their teacher in pushing the boundaries of the medium!

If you've made any Auratones you'd like me to feature in an upcoming post, let me know!

IT'S ONLY NATURAL

2010-01-07T12:14:00.000-08:00

As I left home one morning not too long ago, my attention was drawn to the ground. There, a fallen leaf lay filled with dew drops sparkling in the gray light of the morning like jewels. I just had to run back in and get my camera. On closer inspection, the subtle colors, the intricate detail, the masterful composition -- everything was just so perfect, and now I have this image to remind me to slow down, observe, and enjoy those little things in life that can really make the day come alive.

I ♥ PHOTOSHOP!

2010-01-04T12:45:00.000-08:00

My granddaughters provide near constant inspiration, but getting a photo of the two of them without it looking too "posey" can be tough, especially since one of them (usually Hana, the youngest) insists on making faces whenever I grab my camera. Ya gotta love 'em!

Anyway, looking thru last year's archives, I found this example where I used the magic of Photoshop to bring my mental picture into focus and thought I'd share it here...this is just one of the techniques I'll be teaching in my upcoming Photoshop video workshop. Well, actually it's several techniques involving Layers and Masks and Filters...oh, my!

NEW CONNECTIONS

2010-01-02T10:21:00.000-08:00

Ever notice how artistic people are often multi-talented? I think it's because basic concepts like composition, balance, contrast, and unity are intrinsic to all creative endeavors be it photography, painting, cooking, sewing, music...well, the list goes on and on. So once you become comfortable with those concepts in one field, you can often switch gears and apply them to another.

I've recently discovered Suzi Blu, signed up for her "Petite Dolls" video workshop, and have fallen in love with drawing! I got sidetracked before I got around to finishing the background here, but that's something I have to look forward to. Although this has nothing to do with photography, all roads seem to lead back there for me as that is where my heart lies, so it will be interesting to see where this goes. Or maybe it's purely for the joy of it... now there's a novel idea! At any rate, if you want to have fun learning to draw whimsical figures and how to use all manner of art media in the process, Suzi's new semester starts now...sign up and become part of an eclectic and supportive online art community.

I also discovered Jenny Doh's latest in a long and impressive line of creative endeavors, "Crescendoh "... very cool, art for the greater good, and I'm eager to get involved. Inspired by one of her projects, I just sent Jenny an email about what for now I'll just call "the pencil project"...will share more soon so be sure to stay tuned! This is one of my decorated pencils featuring an Auratone photo of my favorite Buddha figurine and an origami-folded pouch.

OH ONE OH ONE ONE OH!

2010-01-01T10:20:00.000-08:00

In this new year, I'm going to be myself. Well, who else could I possibly be, you may ask? To be perfectly honest, I was trying to be someone I'm not. I guess I wanted to be the Martha Stewart of photography arts and crafts. But you know what? I'm just not that polished. And I'm not all that comfortable speaking in front of groups, let alone on television. I have sooo much to share, but I much prefer being behind the scenes, behind the camera, behind the work table, behind (or would it be in front of?) the keyboard, continuing to come up with innovative ways to use your photos and expand your creativity, to be more YOU!

They say there's an artist in each of us who desperately wants to come out and play. I'm in the process of rediscovering the playful child in me who has not been tainted by the criticism of a parent or an art teacher, or by the constraints of broad commercial appeal. I'm getting more and more enjoyment out of combining photos with mixed media than ever before. The real joy comes from the freedom of expression, and I really want you to experience this same joy.

To that end, I've decided to change gears in terms of my workshops. Soon you'll be able to download videos of my workshops and work in the comfort and convenience of your own home or studio, and at your own pace. And once you access the password protected workshop, it will be yours to view again and again...it will never expire. Stay tuned!

If you're new to me and what I do, please be sure to check out my website and my shop where you can order how-to kits, books, and more.

I'm continuing to navigate the waters of social networking in order to reach more of you...it's seriously daunting for me but I'm determined. For instance, I just added the "Follow" widget to my blog (ta-da!), so please follow me! And I'm committed to posting more frequently, and okay, maybe with fewer words (as a close friend suggested). Or not. Feel free to offer tips and suggestions. I also added a Photo Fusion page to my Facebook account (although it's not ready for public viewing), but I have a question...why should I have a website, a blog, be on Facebook, and also Twitter? Isn't that overkill???

Happy New Year!

WHAT IS PHOTO FUSION?

2009-12-29T09:38:00.000-08:00

Photo Fusion is the term I use for combining photographs with mixed media. For those of us who love art but can't draw to save our soul (c'mon, raise your hand with me!), it's the perfect way to satisfy those creative yearnings. Don't you just love going to the art store? To me it's like going into a candy store...but healthier! I may not spend a lot on clothes, and I eat pretty simply, but I absolutely CANNOT resist indulging my appetite for art supplies. I love looking at the different materials and thinking about ways to work them into my photography. So that's what I do, and then I figure out how to share my ideas with you through books, articles, kits and workshops ...and soon, video workshops. That's next for 2010!

Here's an example of a mixed media work in progress I've been working on with my gifted artist friend Amadea Bailey . It started with a photo I took of her in her studio and evolved into a multi-paneled piece that now stands five feet tall. We used Bonny Lhotka 's process of transferring via Purell hand sanitizer. Bonny is a wizard...well, an alchemist really...mixing a little of this and a little of that to enable us to print our images on uncommon surfaces like very heavy watercolor paper, wood, metal, and even glass. She co-authored one of my favorite how-to books, "Digital Art Studio: Techniques for Combining Inkjet Printing with Traditional Art Materials," and I'm just putting the finishing touches on an article I wrote about her, soon to be published in "AfterCapture Magazine." Will let you know when it comes out.

PHOTO ENCAUSTIC DEMYSTIFIED!

2009-12-11T11:51:00.000-08:00

I'm very excited to announce that I've launched my Photo Encaustic Kit! What exactly IS photo encaustic, you may ask? Well, encaustic is a beeswax-based medium; wax layers are fused with heat to bond them together. Photo encaustic describes a photographic image fused with hot wax. There are lots of effects possible depending on how you apply the wax, but no matter which method you choose, the wax imparts an alluring luminosity which enriches the photograph.

You may have noticed that there's a Renaissance under foot in the world of photography insofar as mixed media explorations, and photo encaustic is part of that Renaissance. While you may not be able to draw or paint, with photo in hand you can enter the exciting world of mixed media...incorporating wax, pigment, and a wide variety of collage elements and a new lexicon of techniques such as incising, distressing, and transfering.

If you've been curious about photo encaustic but not curious enough to invest in all the materials and supplies that seem to be required, this is the kit for you! It provides an introduction to three simple and pretty much foolproof photo encaustic processes -- dipping, pouring, and brushing -- and includes detailed instructions, materials, and supplies for doing so. Secondary processes of incising, transferring, and layering are also covered.

Just a heads up: The kit does NOT include heating elements...but you may even have them already...an electric skillet, Crock-Pot, or warming tray, and a heat gun (something almost every crafter has on hand).

Click here for more information, examples, and/or to order. (The instruction guide is also available separately...just click on "Kits" in the menu and you'll see it.)

My New Best Friend!

2009-10-20T13:08:00.000-07:00

It’s called guerilla marketing: When you don’t have a big marketing budget, you use your time, energy and imagination to promote your products and services. So when I heard that Martha Stewart was going to be in L.A. to sign her latest book at Sur La Table, I immediately placed my order for the book (and accompanying complimentary ticket) and showed up in line yesterday armed with a custom Auratone necklace and thank-you note that I’d made especially for her. Both featured a great image of her beautiful cat, “Uncle Vanya,” that I’d downloaded from her website.

There was, of course, a method to my madness: The note card not only thanked her but had my contact information on the back.

Martha looked beautiful…radiant even. And she was extremely gracious…signs were prominent saying, “No posed photos,” but there she was posing sweetly at every request with one devotee after another, even reaching for a baby to hold on her lap for one mom’s very special photo op. I can’t believe I didn’t bring a camera!

As I got closer to the front of the line, my inner alarm went off when I noticed that the table she sat behind was pristine save for a glass of water…doubtful she’d appreciate cluttering it up with this and that, even a gift (er, shameless albeit beautiful piece of self-promotion). Once I stood before her, though, I decided to just go for it. After she had signed my book, I told her it was so nice to meet her, and that I had made a thank-you gift for her, placing the notecard and necklace in front of her. Her face lit up (I swear it did!) and she exclaimed, “Oh, look…it’s Uncle Vanya, he was one of my favorite cats!” and turned to show her assistants. (Thankfully she didn’t burst into tears at the memory of him…I didn’t know he was no longer with us!!)

Then she asked if I had also made the necklaces I was wearing (hanging strategically at her seated eye level), and of course I had, and then I blurted out that I would love to be on her show to demonstrate the Auratone process, and the friendly woman who had stood in line behind me said she’d tune in, and then we were all smiling and talking at once. Finally Martha gave me a very sincere thank-you, nodded (I like to think meaningfully, as in, “This is something I definitely want to look into!”) at her assistant and asked her to keep everything together in the envelope. Then her assistant asked me if that was my business card also in the envelope, which indeed it was, and the next thing I knew Martha was telling the people behind me about what I had made as I floated out of there on a cloud of optimism.

All this took place in less than a minute, but it was everything I had hoped for. Who knows where it will lead…I followed my instincts and am glad I did what I did, and now it’s in the hands of the gods!

Keep you posted!

I'M ON FACEBOOK...

2009-08-03T13:54:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm slowly working my way through this social networking maze...I'm on Facebook tho I'm not sure what I'm doing there. But if you're on Facebook, I'll be your friend...just say the word. Always interested in comments and suggestions.

Auratone Jewelry

2009-03-25T16:15:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you're just tootling along and suddenly the road curves and there you go, off in a completely unexpected direction. I discovered that Auratones make beautiful jewelry...very reminiscent of vintage keepsakes...another one of those things that just seems so natural it's hard to believe it didn't exist before. So now I've entered the incredibly tantalizing world of craft jewelry...OMG, the possibilities seem endless, and there's just not enough time in the day. Anyway, here are a few designs I came up with...many more on the way. And of course being the queen of DIY kits, I've added Auratone Jewelry Kits to My Shop.

Just Wanted to Share...

2008-07-24T07:55:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share a few of the comments I have received about the Auratone Print Kit:

"I have a degree in mixed media art & printmaking and have always admired the old Orotones....you can only imagine my delight when I ran across your site and found that you have SIMPLIFIED a grueling, yet amazing technique for the modern day artists! You are a hero in my book!

I have been looking for something unique to offer my clients, as well as add to my line of jewelry. I make jewelry for approx 300+ photographers across the US and am always on the lookout for new processes to compliment my jewelry line....I think I just found a new one - THANK YOU for sharing your knowledge and talents....I can see how absolutely addicting it will be ;0)" (from Holly Perona, Otis Orchards, Washington)

"This process is fantastic! You're a genius. I'm tearing up your five dollar check. It's worth the full price." (from Mark Oristano, Dallas, Texas)

"I received the Auratone kit yesterday in the mail (thanks for speedy service) and, of course, I had to try it immediately. Instant gratification! I let it dry overnight and was very happy with the results. I admit, my first attempt was good but not perfect (few too many visible brush strokes and sepia photos looked better than the B&W) but I learned from doing and know that I can correct and improve on my next go round.

My question: There was a little gold solution left in the cup. Can or should this be washed out or just left in it to dry and refil next time over the dried gold?

Same with the brush. Can it be reused? Washed?

Thanks for your help. Love the look and now can't wait to search out new subjects that lend them self to this technique." (from
Sandy Dimke, Beaufort, South Carolina)

Introducing the Auratone - Guaranteed to make YOU shine!

2008-04-20T09:20:00.000-07:00

The Auratone is a process I developed several years ago...I showed it to a few people and watched as their eyes lit up, but then decided to just keep it close to my heart for a while. Then suddenly it felt like the time had come to set it free and share it with others...so here it is: The Auratone Print Kit!

If you’re familiar with early photographic processes like daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, sepiatones, and tintypes, you’ll get this right away. If not, you’re in for an exciting surprise!

Years ago I had seen an original Edward S. Curtis Orotone (circa 1920) at a friend’s house and was completely blown away. Curtis’ Orotones were made in the darkroom where he applied a mixture of gold dust and banana oil to the back of a glass plate print. The results were stunning…when turned over, the gleam of the gold shone through the black-and-white photo for a subtle yet very powerful effect. I started thinking of ways I could accomplish something similar without access to gold dust and banana oil. Early permutations involved the darkroom, glass, and gold leaf...all that, and yet it just didn't really work. Then I had one of those "A-ha!" moments (while in the shower, no less!) and its current incarnation is perfect...simple, classic, and DIGITAL. No darkroom! There is some hand work involved, of course...that's my thing...what to do with our favorite photos "after capture."

No matter what your specialty is, I just know you’ll love making Auratones!

Fine art photographers: Auratones are perfect for unique still lifes, scenics, nudes, and nature studies worthy of a gallery show!

Portrait photographers: Set yourself apart from the competition. Auratones look gorgeous matted and framed!

Wedding photographers: Nothing could be more elegant than an Auratone of the bridal couple…AND you can offer them custom Auratone thank-you notes to send to their guests!

Artists and crafters: There’s no end to the creative applications of an Auratone – on collage, assemblage, photomontage, and altered art.

Everyone: Miniature Auratones adhered to fine card stock make elegant notecards…create your own line of handcrafted cards!

Making an Auratone is easier than you might imagine. Aside from your computer, basic Photoshop (or Photoshop Elements) skills, and a desktop printer, everything you need is in the kit. If you’re curious but just not quite ready to buy the kit, for a limited time I’m offering an introductory special - to see the effect, purchase an Auratone notecard and receive a coupon entitling you to $5 off the regular price of the kit. Visit My Shop at www.bsmithphotography.com.

The kits will be available for shipping beginning June 1st.

Note: Auratone kits are for adults only…not intended for kids!

Oprah!

2008-04-19T10:55:00.000-07:00

Here’s my idea for a show: “Pregnant celebrities grace the covers of national magazines. Celebrate YOUR pregnancy and baby in style, like a star, with a photo session, custom birth announcements, and much more. Barbara Smith will show you how!” What do you think? Any other ideas?? Know anyone associated with the show? !?

Martha Stewart

2008-04-19T10:34:00.000-07:00

I sent a copy of "Baby Face," samples, and a show idea (faux letterpress wedding invitations and/or birth announcements) to Martha Stewart and actually received a positive response! Well, no, not from the lady herself but someone involved with producing her show. Very exciting! But now, even though I’ve been assured they’re “just waiting for an opening,” I haven’t been able to get any more details. If and when I do, I will definitely let you know. In the meantime, please send positive thoughts!

In the spirit of visualization (if you've seen/read "The Secret," you'll know what I'm talking about) here's a MOCK still from the "taping." Don't try to play it...it's just pretend! The magic of Photoshop...that's even my first book in her hands!!

By Way of Introduction...

2007-12-14T14:57:00.000-08:00

Watch my video to see how easy it is to design dynamic stationery layouts in Photoshop or Photoshop Elements!

2007-12-14T08:31:00.000-08:00

Whether you plan a career in wedding photography or simply plan to bring a camera to your best friend's wedding, my first book, "The Art & Craft of Keepsake Photography," is filled with enough information to make sure you get those must-have shots. But that's not all -- not by a long shot! In it you'll also find step-by-step tutorials for creating all kinds of gorgeous invitations, announcements, thank-you notes, guest books, and much, much more.

And please, once you've had a chance to immerse yourself in its pages, take a moment to write an online review at amazon.com!

2007-12-14T08:28:00.000-08:00

Here's a tutorial I know you're going to love! The steps presented here form the basis of just about everything you need to know to design impressive stationery in Photoshop.

2007-12-14T08:21:00.001-08:00

Why send postcards featuring someone else's photos? Click on my Travel Postcard tutoria l on the Tamron website to learn how to make your own...on the road!

2007-12-14T08:14:00.001-08:00

Here's an "advertorial" in Photo District News associated with my use of Tamron lenses. I LOVE Tamron...yes, they're one of my sponsors, but their lenses are fabulous: high quality, lightweight, and affordable!

2007-12-14T08:04:00.000-08:00

Here's a tutorial I wrote that appeared in the October issue of After Capture magazine.

First Blog

2007-12-06T12:10:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my blog...Vol. 1 No. 1.

I don't know about you, but I'm on information overload. There's definitely not enough time to read everything that deserves to be read. I'm almost to the point of welcoming a long wait at the doctor's office because it gives me a chance to catch up a bit...ditto airports and long flights. But just in case you're really interested, I'm going to start off with a little personal history. After that, I'll keep the personal stuff fairly brief. This isn't intended to be a diary...more a visual journal where I'll mainly share tips and techniques.

As a young girl, I used to walk (barefoot!) to the shops on Larchmont Blvd. in the Hancock Park district of Los Angeles, long before it became as trendy as it is today. I remember a toy store, a music store, an ice cream shop, and a gourmet grocer, but the place that really stirred my senses was the stationery store. For some reason, even then, I was drawn to the fine papers, elegant writing instruments, leather albums, and upscale accessories. I would wander through the quiet aisles, rarely buying anything save yearly school supplies...mostly just browsing. Thinking back on it, I'm quite sure there was a yearning for something not yet discovered.

For the first forty years of my life, I was convinced that I didn't have a creative bone in my body. I had been a secretary (that's what we were called in those days...today we're administrative assistants), a court reporter (yes, with one of those nifty little machines you see in crime dramas), and a restauranteur (I had a deli on the island of Kauai). All pretty much left brain endeavors. But in 1992, my friend Joani and I went on an African photo safari that would change my life forever (in more ways than one, but that's another post). Armed with a couple borrowed cameras, I shot 35 rolls of film, came home and made notecards featuring my best shots as holiday gifts for friends and family, and everyone loved them. It was as if my inner pilot had been ignited. I became obsessed with photography-based greeting cards, looking for them wherever I traveled, and eventually decided I just had to design my own line.

Being an avid poker player at the time, I came up with the unlikely idea of a retail line of cards for the gaming industry...a niche market to say the least. In one (sleepless) night, I came up with concepts for 24 designs. Some of them were admittedly pretty tacky...a shot of a slot machine with the inside greeting "Wishing you slots of love on your birthday!" -- one of my biggest sellers, by the way! -- but hey, you gotta start somewhere. In my defense, some of them were actually quite cute -- "As friends go, you're aces!" So I successfully launched and eventually sold that business...look for Lucky Lady cards in the casino gift shop next time you're in Vegas! But before I leave this particular subject, I'd like to share a holiday poem that came to me almost verbatim in the middle of the night and became a best selling card...although for this one I hired a talented free-lance illustrator:

'Twas the night before Christmas
And all through the casino
Santa's elves were playing roulette
Blackjack and Keno.

There were several at the slot machines
You could spot them by their caps
One or two played stud
And another one shot craps.

'Cuz even Santa knows
That all work and no play
Will make anyone grumpy
Come Christmas day!

Okay, Shakespeare I'm not, but there's a wonderful lesson here: Inspiration often comes unbidden, whole, and perfectly timed!

As time went on, inspired by the sometimes clever sometimes gorgeous mixed media handmade cards I was seeing in more and more gift shops, I found myself moving in that direction but eventually realized it was a bit too labor intensive and not really profitable for me. Besides, others were doing it so well...who was I to think I could compete? But I did learn a lot about what I liked (playing with beautiful papers, ribbons, and embellishments) and what I didn't like (sales and marketing). Most importantly, I began to experiment with Photoshop...and quickly became addicted.

(To be continued...)