Simple Editing: How to Blur Background in Photoshop
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Simple Editing: How to Blur Background in Photoshop

A busy background can ruin a photograph. Fortunately, with Photoshop, it is possible to turn down the noise on a background and add a blur instead. When you do this, you give the subject the background it needs. You can also remove faces of strangers, entire crowds, brand names, or other unwanted or distracting elements…

How to Blur a Layer in Photoshop
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How to Blur a Layer in Photoshop

When you want to add a soft focus to your crisp and clear image, you can use the blur layer option in Photoshop. For years, people have been using Photoshop to edit their photos to get their desired look. There are several blurring background effects that photogs can do to enhance the object in the…

Best Photoshop Plugins for Easier Editing
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Best Photoshop Plugins for Easier Editing

When it comes to graphic design and photo editing, Adobe Photoshop is an impressive tool. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, it’s indispensable for manipulating designs and images. But sometimes, users may find that it comes up a bit short in certain areas—which is where the right third-party Photoshop plugin can be your greatest…

Best Noise Reducing Software for Photographers
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Best Noise Reducing Software for Photographers

All photographs have noise that affects the quality of the picture. Whether you’re a beginner, amateur, or professional, knowing how to reduce noise in your photos is essential.  Even if you minimize noise when taking a shot, you may need to use the best noise reduction software to enhance your image. There are several noise…

Software for Photographers: Best Duplicate Photo Finder
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Software for Photographers: Best Duplicate Photo Finder

Looking back on old photos, it’s sometimes hard to believe you ever thought it was a good idea to take so many pictures of the same thing. Sure, having duplicate photos is helpful at the time; it gives you the chance to pick the best of the bunch of photos to print, send, or post. …

What Qualifies as a Headshot?
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What Qualifies as a Headshot?

A client calls saying she needs some new headshots.  You agree and book a session for her.  The only problem?  You’re not entirely sure what defines a headshot!  Is it just a head and shoulders shot?  Head with some torso?  Argh!   What Qualifies as a Headshot An image qualifies as a “headshot” if its primary…

Find Your Focus Podcast: Episode 10

Find Your Focus Podcast: Episode 10

Taking the Full-Time Leap: Becoming Your Own Boss and Calling the Shots in Your Life with Kate Guertin. Episode 10: Show Notes. Today, I’m going to be talking to Kate Guertin, a mentor at Cole’s Classroom and the owner of Sweetest Things Photography. She decided to quit her corporate job and jump full-time into professional…

Free Editing Options: Darktable vs RawTherapee
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Free Editing Options: Darktable vs RawTherapee

Two free Photoshop alternatives — DarkTable vs Rawtherapee come together to compete for your time and attention. They both offer photo-editing capabilities beyond your phone’s simple editor, and they both produce some fantastic results. So which one is for you? Let’s take a look at each of the features to see which one might be…

What is the Difference Between a Portrait and a Headshot?
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What is the Difference Between a Portrait and a Headshot?

Are all headshots portraits?  Why are portraits not headshots?  It’s sort of like one of those high school English quizzes!  If you’re not sure what makes a headshot and what makes a portrait, you aren’t alone!  We break it down for you in this article. What is the Difference Between a Portrait and a Headshot?…

Find Your Focus Podcast: Episode 9

Find Your Focus Podcast: Episode 9

Earn More and Increase Your Value Though In-person Selling with Jenni Maroney. Episode 09: Show Notes. Most of us get into photography for the love of the art and not for the love of selling. Many photographers feel uncomfortable when it comes to selling their services. In this episode, we talk with Jenni Maroney, a…

Are Ring Lights Good for Headshots?
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Are Ring Lights Good for Headshots?

After posing, one of the most critical elements of a good headshot is the lighting.  But what kind of artificial lighting works well for headshots?  In this post, we’ll discuss using ring lights for headshots. Are Ring Lights Good for Headshots? Ring lights can be a great lighting source for headshots.  When used correctly, in…

Can Headshots Be Horizontal?
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Can Headshots Be Horizontal?

There are lots of considerations when it comes to taking headshots.  There’s posing, lighting, skin tones, etc. One of the things you shouldn’t stress is how to hold the camera! Can Headshots Be Horizontal? Headshots can be shot in a horizontal orientation!  Traditionally, headshots were shot vertically, also known as portrait orientation.  But now either…

How Much Should I Charge for a Headshot?
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How Much Should I Charge for a Headshot?

Pricing headshots feels tricky for new photographers.  Most clients claim they only need one image and may balk at a full session fee.  But your expenses and talent doesn’t change, even if they only need one image.  And it takes an investment of time to create one really great headshot.  So headshots can feel harder…

Find Your Focus Podcast: Episode 8

Find Your Focus Podcast: Episode 8

Captivating Your Clients – Tips for Knocking Their Socks Off. Episode 08: Show Notes. There are as many photographers as there are coffee shops. But what makes one better than the next? Why do we prefer going back to the same ones over and over again? It’s all about creating an experience that your clients…

Find Your Focus Podcast: Episode 7

Find Your Focus Podcast: Episode 7

The Formula to Happiness: Finding Worth in Your Everyday Work with Wilson Lau. Episode 07: Show Notes.  Wedding and engagement photographs often follow a formulaic series of poses that can make them feel forced rather than capturing couples’ true happiness. Wilson Lau, a wedding photographer, looks to turn this convention on its head with his…

Best Lens for Headshots [Complete Guide for 2020]
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Best Lens for Headshots [Complete Guide for 2020]

Headshots are a staple of business owners, actors, actresses, models, and real estate agents.  If you’ve been asked to take headshots for a client but have never had a headshot session, you may have questions about the equipment you’ll need.  We’ve got some pointers on choosing a lens for headshots.   What is the best lens…