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For today’s contest for “contest week” our prize is a beautiful distressed wood frame shown below. This is crafted by the company Ole Tyme Frames. They have some amazing wood frames, so check them out.

This frame is 8×10 and is valued at $55 retail.

The winner of this frame will again be drawn at random. This drawing will be Friday.

For this contest, you need to leave a comment that describes a photo never taken from your childhood that you wish was. Is there a memory you have with no photo to picture it. Tell MCP readers what that is. I am hoping this will get us thinking of more moments we should photograph. Or to appreciate what we do photograph.

I will go 1st. I wish I had a generational photo from when I was a kid, with my mom and dad, my grandparents, and my great grandparents. What do you wish you had?

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Here is the 1st of 3 contests coming up this week.  This one is sponsored by Color Inc Pro Lab.

MCP Actions and ColorInc are teaming up to offer you the chance to win big!  The prize is a free 16×20 print on their specialty Fujifilm Crystal Archive paper.

One lucky winner will be drawn randomly this Thursday.  All you have to do is leave a comment below with the following information.  In your comment you need to let me know which 3 vacation photos you think I should “print big” from my trip last week in Northern Michigan.  I know some of these are more portrait like, some action shots, and some snapshots - as all the photos are uploaded to this album.  Just tell me your favorite 3 in the comment section for a chance to win.  Winner will be drawn at random, but must list 3 photos in the comment to qualify.

Click here to see the gallery of photos to select from - sorry there are so many - I literally uploaded all - no time to sort yet…  At the top of the smugmug gallery, it will say, 1of 282, 2 of 282, and so on.  You can just put the number, as I will leave these unsorted, at least until the contest ends.

If you are not already a customer, sign up online at https://secure.colorincprolab.com.

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I have 3 fun contests coming up next week - so lots of chances to win. If your company wants some great exposure contact me to learn how you can be involved in a give away or contest on my blog at a future date.

What will this coming up week’s contests prizes be? Well I will give you a hint - they all have to do with frames and prints…

I am still on vacation through Sunday and will have limited access till Sunday night, so you may or may not hear back from me until then.

Thanks! Jodi

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Natalie will be contacting the lucky winner - so please confirm when you hear from here.  And the winner is…

42. Susan wrote: Oh how I would love to win her Senior Guide book!! If I don’t - I’ll still end up purchasing it - but I know this will help me with my next step up in my photography business if I was to win it! Love Love Love - your recent interviews - they have been all great! (06/19/08, 8:50 am)

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Tomorrow we head to Northern Michigan (Charlevoix). We go every year and just love it. I will be blogging almost daily so check back for tips/tutorials, contests, and maybe even some shots from my vacation. If you are buying actions from me, I will be sending them out at least 2x a day, morning and evening, and I will check email at least 2x a day as well.

I hope everyone is having a great summer. And if any of you are Up North this week and in the Charlevoix, Petoskey, Harbor Springs area, send me an email or comment. Maybe we can meet up.

Thanks,

Jodi

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How fun!  Leah at LCH Photography Design interviewed me for her blog.  Go check it out.  If you leave a comment on her blog, you will be entered to win a free action set from me - see her site for details.

You are welcome to come back here and comment too, and tell me what you think.

Click here to see me interviewed about how I got started with my business, my tip to photographers, and more…

Coming tomorrow: Another special announcement.  I have some amazing guests coming up next week too.  Keep watching for super exciting news, visitors and tutorials on the MCP Actions Blog.

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When: Wednesday June 4th at 6-7pm eastern - 3-4pm pacific

Who is presenting?: OnOne Software is having an e-seminar for MCP Blog readers. Brian Kraft, Vice President of Sales for OnOne Software will bedoing demos of all their products.  So sit back call in and log your computer on. And you will see this software work it’s magic with their entire product line.

Who can attend?: Any of you.  If you signed up on my blog or if you just realized that you can make it.  Anyone is welcome to join in. They will discuss all of their products in depth and allow you to get a first hand look on how the products are used. You will see which products can best help your photography and see how to use them.

The best part is any attendees of the online demo will receive 20% off of their products for a short period of time. ONLY FOR ATTENDEES as this will be announced on the call.

If you cannot make it, the ongoing code is - MCPACTN for a 10% discount.

HOW?: To join this ONLINE e-seminar, go to http://onone.acrobat.com/webinars at 6pm eastern tomorrow (Wednesday June 4th). This will allow you to see their screen step by step.  To hear the audio portion, call 1-877-566-1320.  Enter 8088 when asked for the participant code.

 *** PLEASE PASS THIS INFO ALONG TO OTHER PHOTOGRAPHERS WHO MAY WANT TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS SPECIAL PRESENTATION AND DISCOUNT ***

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OnOne Software has offered to do a unique e-seminar for MCP Blog readers.

Brian Kraft, Vice President of Sales for OnOne Software, has offered to do an e-seminar for us. As long as I get enough commitments for attendees, this will take place on:

*** Wednesday June 4th at 6-7pm eastern - 3-4pm pacific ***

OnOne will host the webinar using remote desktop software and cover their entire product line. They will discuss all of their products in depth and allow you to get a first hand look on how the products are used. You will see which products can best help your photography and see how to use them.

The best part is any attendees of the online demo will receive 20% off of their products for a short period of time. I negotiated an ongoing 10% code - MCPACTN.

20% is even better - but you will need to attend to get this phenomenal discount.

I need to get them a list of people who will attend so that they can get you a confirmation number - and information on how to attend. So if you can attend, please write in the comment section that you will attend and your email address where you wish to be contacted.

More exciting news and ways to win! I have been asked to donate a prize for The Simply Splash monthly contest. It is my Eye Doctor and Dentist (eye pop and teeth whitening) Action Set. Her other prizes are a Tracy Joy Joey Bag and a gift certificate to J.Lee Albums. So be sure to enter. Details are on the Simply Splash site. Good luck everyone!

Details:

This month is all about babies and kids! Do you like to show off what your baby or child can do that no other baby or child can do? Well show it off here!!

Simply Splash is now accepting entries showing off your baby! A funny face? Silly walk? Hand stands?

This contest will run until May 31st at midnight EST. Make sure to go to her blog HERE to enter.

1st Place will receive the JOEY BAG by TRACY JOY!!

2nd Place will receive a $40 Gift Certificate to JLEE Albums!!!

3rd Place will receive the Eye Doctor & Dentist Action Set by MCP ACTIONS!!!

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 I used Random.org’s number genorator to pick the 3 winners of the Camera Strap contest.

 I will be emailing Tracy the winner’s email addresses so that she can communicate with you about your fabric choices.

Congratulations to the Winners.  And keep reading my blog for more exciting contests to come.

 Winners are:

38 - Tori

65 - Kayla

95 - Gail

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Today I have the privilege of interviewing Tracy of Tracy Joy Inc. She is a very generous person. Read on to learn about her 5% donation program through the end of May and about 3 prizes she is giving away on my blog (see the bottom of this post for details).

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Tracy Joy | The Interview

How long have you been designing and sewing?

Since the 7th grade when I ‘discovered’ sewing class in junior high. I was prob such a dork, getting all excited on how to make a “grocery tote bag” and sweat pants, lol. I haven’t stopped sewing since (or being a dork)! I’ve always found more enjoyment in creating & sewing my own things, vs buying “store” products. From curtains, to bags, to my babies nursery decor/bedding… I try to add my own creative twist on it all. I also don’t use “store” patterns, never have, never will (such a rebel, ha? lol). All of my items are my own design, which I find to be very important, and very satisfying. I never want to be a copy cat, and think it’s important to be known for your own creativity, not someone else’s. Plus… I don’t follow instructions or rules very well, haha!

How did you decide this was a passion for you?

When I graduated high school, I went to college for Fashion Merchandising. I dreamed of creating my own fashion line (didn’t know what of yet; clothes, bags, etc). Sadly, due to financial reasons, I had to drop out in my first year. It always “haunted” me, as designing was my passion and I knew I could create something wonderful that people would enjoy. It’s so amazing (but not surprising) to have found myself back in the design world again, coming full circle. Being creative is in my blood, and flows throughout my whole being.

Before Tracy Joy Inc, I was working for a corporate office, helping to run all of the daily necessities as an assistant manager (of sorts). Being in that business for 7+ years has given me the knowledge and strength to run Tracy Joy Inc. Not only can I be creative and design & sew my own line, but I also know how to run a business inside and out. It makes things run so much more smoothly, than just being creative alone.

What gave the idea for Tracy Joy Camera bags for photographers?

Actually… A couple of women PHOTOGRAPHERS piqued my interest in designing a bag for their needs. And WHALA, it took off from there. My original bag, the KIMBERLY (which is now on hold), blossomed into the KRISTINE & JOEY bags. The REESE bag came after a few clients expressed “wishes & dreams” of a TJ bag w/a zipper on it.

What is your favorite bag you sell?

The KRISTINE. I love the option of flap changes. It’s so convenient to be able to change your flap when you want to change the look of your bag, instead of your entire bag itself. And it doesn’t get much easier than a Velcro flap, coming off to exchange w/another one.

Which ones do you personally use?

Honestly… I have 2-3 of each, lol. I use the REESE as my daily bag, since I have 2 kids under 2. It leaves room for all my necessities and still space for my DSLR camera w/28-75mm lens attached. When I go on a photography shoot, I use my JOEY bag (Velcro flap and extra padding). I can comfortably fit my DSLR in it, with 3 lenses and my wallet & keys. My hubby uses the KRISTINE bag, he likes to have his own “man flaps” for the bag, lol.

What do you typically keep in your photo bag (what camera, lenses, and other stuff) .

Oh all the goodies! lol I have a Canon Rebel XTi, and ALWAYS my Tamron

28-75mm lens attached. I also carry my 50mm 1.8, and my 75-300 for outdoor shots. I LOVE nature photography, so my 75-300 comes in handy when we are outside. I’m adding a 430ex Speedlite to my gear in a few months… but since I use natural lighting 90% of the time, I don’t really need it for the spring/summer months.

What is your favorite print?

Oh gosh, this is NOT an easy question! I have way too many prints, and so many more than I am itching to buy. I can tell you my top 3 favorites though, lol. The Acanthus, Boho Orchid & Disco Dots. Choosing fabrics is the hardest part of my job… seriously! When it comes time to add a new print to my collection, I could go w/o sleep looking over all the choices. Honestly, I wish I was creative enough to design my own prints. This is a far off dream of mine, but you never know… nothing is too far out of reach!

What is the strangest thing you have ever used your camera bag for? (if nothing we will skip this one)

Does a beach bag count? lol We went to Florida last summer and it was the only bag I had large enough to stuff our towels and flip flops in when we went to play in the ocean.

What type of photography do you do?

I adore newborn and maternity photography, esp when it includes a touch of whimsy. I recently did my first “real” maternity shoot, and oh was it fun! Seeing the glow on a pregnant woman is sometimes so surreal, and knowing that new life is just under her skin… simply amazing. I have 3 more maternity shoots now lined up…. and I’m “biting at the bit” to get shooting! I dont currently have a photography website, but I do have my flickr account, where I post my favorite shots. Http://flickr.com/photos/tracyjoy

In addition to maternity and newborn photography, I hope to learn the unique and creative style of Trash The Dress photography. I just love TTD, and always find them exciting and fun to view. I have 2 of those sessions lined up as well (for when the temps warm up a bit).

What are your favorite 3 photographers (with links)?

Well I have to give “props” to the wonderful and VERY talented 2 photographers who helped me launch my camera bags. The are the 2 girls who I mentioned above, regarding “the idea for Tracy Joy Camera bags for photographers“. Both of whom are AMAZING and talented photographers, friends and mentors!

Lisa Hodnet http://www.lisahodnetphotography.com/

& Jessica Leigh http://jessicaleighphotography.com/

And I absolutely LOVE Lisa Julia Photography. She captures so much whimsy and innocence in her child photography… they always make me smile and give me the “warm fuzzies”. http://lisajuliaphotography.com/ . She truly is talented, and such a wonderful person too. A great mentor!

What is the one thing you cannot live without (besides your photo equipment and family):

My Gingher scissors! Ha! They are so uber duber sharp, and cut through fabrics like butta’ I cant go a day w/o my Ginghers

Tell me about the current donation you are doing for the American Cancer Society…

Tracy Joy Inc is currently running a donation to the American Cancer Society through the month of May. 5% of ALL my sales will go to ACS, in honor of my late sister in laws, Kristine and Amy Beth. They both would have celebrated birthdays in the month of May, so I am honoring their memory w/a donation.

Tracy Joy Inc also runs donations in the months of November, giving to a few different charities at Christmastime. Last year we donated to The American Cancer Society and Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

Giving back is a very important aspect of Tracy Joy Inc, and something we truly believe in.

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Now for the contest and prizes:

Tracy is going to be giving away one Tracy Joy® SUSIE camera strap covers for each of three lucky winners.  The winners to pick the fabric from her amazing selection, and trust me, that will be the hardest part.

3 winners will be picked using random.org - from the comments below. With 3 prizes, you have a greater chance to win!!! Winners will be picked on May 21st and notified in a blog post, so check back to see if you are one of the lucky ones!

MCP Actions Quick Purchase

Have you ever wanted to just lighten the face in your photo? Have you ever wanted to just lighten a part of a photo you did not expose properly?

Have you ever wanted to add emphasis to part of the photo by darkening the surround area but leaving the subject lighter?

If so, I have a special treat for you. It is an action called “Touch of Light | Touch of Darkness.” It will help you achieve this look! I have been getting requests to make and sell an action like this for months. But I have decided as a gift to my loyal MCP Actions Blog Readers to make this a FREE action.

In exchange for the free action, I would love for you to spread the word about my blog -tell your photographer friends to come get the action here too. This is a Blog EXCLUSIVE. This one will NOT be going on my regular website.

Click here to download this action - compatible in Photoshop 7, CS, CS2 and CS3

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Here are step by step details on using this action:

1. Start out by unzipping and installing the action - details available in my video tutorial on how to install and use actions.

2. You can use this action any time in your editing process. Just make sure no solid pixel layers are above this. Adjustment layers can be on top of this however. I usually do all of my editing before using this action, unless I need major lightening help. Then I may run it earlier on. This action works exceptionally in conjunction with my Complete Workflow Actions Set and with the Quickie Collection Actions. When you are ready to use them click PLAY button.

3. The action will run and leave you with 2 layers. One called “Touch if Light” and one called “Touch of Darkness.” Make sure to select the layer you want to work on and that the mask is selected to, as shown.

4. Now select your brush tool - make sure to click back to your default colors (black and white). White reveals the effect, black conceals the effect.

5. Make sure to vary your opacity of your BRUSH as shown below. You do NOT want to use it at 100%. You will want it way lower. You will want an airbrush soft round brush and will want to vary the hardness. Do not use this at 100%. You will want to use the brush at 0-50% hardness. In areas where you want it feathering out, you can keep it at “0.” In areas where you do NOT want a halo effect, for example if you are darkening close to a person to make them stand out, you will want it between 30-50%. I will still feather but there will be less of one, so less chance of a halo around your subject(s).

6. Last step is to actually paint on the Light or Darkness. Often you will want a little of both. This usually is my last step in editing a photo but it can be used anytime. You can see the masks and how I revealed and concealed light to emphasize my twins riding their bikes. This photo was shot in full sun in the middle of the afternoon. Yet with this set and proper exposure it does not have that noon sunlight look at all.

7. Enjoy this action. Please use the SHARE ME button below to share this blog page so your photographer friends can download the action. Also, if you find this tutorial useful and are happy with the action, please leave a comment. Thanks and enjoy the fun freebie.