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This contest and incredible free vintage frame and tutorial is brought to you by lch design.

Today Leah of lch design is making everyone a winner by giving away this incredible vintage digital frame. Click on the framed photo directly below to download this amazing zipped .png file. Then learn to use it by following along with her lesson.

To enter her contest — scroll past the tutorial for details… You do not want to miss this!

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So now for the contest… To win your choice of one of these three amazing digital vintage frame sets shown below {a $35 value}, you need to do 2 things. One, sign up for Leah’s mailing list on her site. And the second, leave a comment here. The lucky winner will be drawn at random on Sunday night, the 6th of July.

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MCP Actions Quick Purchase

I get a lot of questions from customers about what to do when Photoshop starts acting like it is in control. I am going to be posting some frequent asked questions from MCP Actions customers and blog visitors.  If you have a quick question about Photoshop you want answered, please email me and I may use it in a future blog entry.  If you have lots of questions on lengthier topics, please contact me for details on my MCP one on one training.

Question: ”Why are there rulers around my photo?  I do not want them.”

Answer: To get rid of rulers, go under “view” and click on rulers to uncheck.  If you want rulers and they are not showing, then check it off instead.

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MCP Actions Quick Purchase

MCP is on the [b] again!  Check out my latest tutorial for Becker and the [b] school.  This tutorial will show you how to get your white clothing whiter and without a color cast.  The focus is on wedding dresses, but you can apply this to white portrait dresses and other items in your portrait photography too. 

Once you watch, I would love you to leave a comment for [b]ecker there and let him know if you enjoyed it.

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MCP Actions Quick Purchase

I get a lot of questions from customers about how to do things in Photoshop. I am going to be posting some frequent asked questions from MCP Actions customers and blog visitors. If you have a quick question about Photoshop you want answered, please email me and I may use it in a future blog entry. If you have lots of questions on lengthier topics, please contact me for details on my MCP one on one training.

Question: “Sometimes I make changes in Photoshop that I do not like and I want to do backwards?”

Answer: Many photographers use the “Undo” or “Step Backwards” commands in Photoshop. If you are going back one step, this is fine, though I still prefer the methods I will show you in a moment. If you want to quickly undo your last step, instead of going under EDIT - and UNDO or STEP BACKWARDS, try using the keyboard shortcuts, “Ctrl+Z” and “ALT+CTRL+Z” (or on a Mac - “Command+Z” or “Command+Option+Z”

Now for the more effective way of going backward - “The HISTORY PALETTE.”

To pull up your HISTORY PALETTE, go under WINDOW - and CHECK OFF HISTORY.

Once you do this, you will have a history palette as shown here.

You literally click on the step you want to go back to. By default, you get 20 history states. You can add more by changing your preferences before editing but the more states, the more memory. I keep mine at the default. You can see your original at the top - and you can click on that to start your editing from scratch. But what if 20 is not enough, or what if you want to try a few different things with your photo, such as a color pop action and a black and white version? That is where Snapshots come in handy.

Making a Snapshot is easy. You just click on the camera icon at the bottom of the palette. This takes a “snapshot” of your photo exactly where you are in your editing process.

You can rename each snapshot or just use the default “snapshot1″ then “2″ and so on.

Here is an example of a typical time I would use a snapshot.

I am using my Quickie Collection Actions to edit a photo. I run “Crackle” then “Under Exposure Fixer.” I like this base editing, but now I want to try a few color actions: “Color Sensation” and “Night Color” to see which I like best. So I make a snapshot after using “Crackle” and “Under Exposure Fixer.” I usually rename it so I know what I did to that point. Then I can run one of those other actions. Make a new snapshot and name it with the action name. Then go back to the first snapshot. Run the second color action and make a snapshot. Then I can click the different snapshots to compare and see which I prefer. This works great anytime you have multiple directions you want to take a photo, after doing some base work that you would want to retain no matter what you do for the rest of the conversion.

Have fun “Snapping.” I hope you find this tip as useful as I do.

 MCP Actions Website | MCP Flickr Group | MCP Reviews

MCP Actions Quick Purchase

I get a lot of questions from customers about what to do when Photoshop starts acting like it is in control. I am going to be posting some frequent asked questions from MCP Actions customers and blog visitors.  If you have a quick question about Photoshop you want answered, please email me and I may use it in a future blog entry.  If you have lots of questions on lengthier topics, please contact me for details on my MCP one on one training.

Question: “I opened a bunch of photos to work on but I only see one as shown here.  What do I do so I can see all of them.?”

Answer: You need to go under WINDOW- ARRANGE - CASCADE and this will lay your photos out one on top of another so you can get to them all.  You can also click on “Tile Horizontally” or Tile Vertically” of if you want to see them all next to one another tiled.

MCP Actions Website | MCP Flickr Group | MCP Reviews

MCP Actions Quick Purchase

 A few weeks ago I had a guest photographer on my blog sharing some textures.  I promised to let you know how to apply them and get the most from them.  Here is a video showing you how to use textures on your photos.  Know that every photo will not look good with a texture applied.  So like everything in post processing, use them sparingly and appropriately.

Also, before I show the video, I need to let you know something GREAT!  Another amazing photographer, Angelo (ground*floor) on flickr has generously let me use his textures in my tutorial. And even better has given me permission for MCP Blog readers to go and download them.

Click on each collection below to go to his site and download the textures. They are incredible.  Click here or on the tutorial box to view the video.  It may take a minute to load so be patient.

MCP Actions Quick Purchase

After posting a few sample photos I shot from the Secret Workshop, I had a number of comments and emails asking if I could show my post processing on a video.  So I figured, why not.  Keep in mind that I use my actions when I edit, as they are my workflow.  These effects can be produced on your own without actions too, but this video will not be covering that today.  You can literally “watch me work.”

 Here are the two photos I am using and the before and after views.  In the video you may see banding or the colors may not be as rich since it is a screen capture.  So these are more true to how they will print.  To watch the video, click the logo that says “watch me work.”  It make take a minute to load so be patient.  Thanks!

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This tutorial will teach you how to get the most out of my “Burnt Edges” action set - it is a free action on my website at http://www.mcpactions.com.

I will teach you how to do more with it than just clicking play and adjusting the opacity.  Have fun watching!

Click on the logo below to load and enjoy the video.

 MCP Actions Website | MCP Flickr Group | MCP Reviews

MCP Actions Quick Purchase 

I am so excited to be a guest on Photoshop Friday at the [b] school.  If you are a [b]ecker fan, keep watching.  I interviewed [b]ecker today for over an hour and will be putting this interview on paper in a few parts next week.  So check pack early next week for these exciting interview highlights. 

You can learn more about [b]ecker, his take on how you can become a more successful photographer, and learn some insider news about the [b] school.

Back to the video:

This MCP Actions video will teach you a super amazing trick that you can use on skin.  It really is the perfect companion to my MCP “Magic Skin” Action Set.

Click here to go to the [b] school and see my tutorial.  Definitely post a comment on his blog if you liked it.

 MCP Actions Website | MCP Flickr Group | MCP Reviews

MCP Actions Quick Purchase 

This article is written by Cindy Bracken, owner of Shuttermom.  She is a well respected business person who teaches others how to start up their own businesses.

So you take great images. Everyone tells you that you should quit your day job and start your own photography business. You agree. You dream every night about quitting your “day job.” You want to fire your boss. You want to make your dream a reality…but where to start? Obviously, to make a living out of your passion you are going to need more than technical skill. You are going to have to learn a little something (okay, maybe a lot) about business!

The first thing to consider is the type of photography business you are going to pursue. Maybe you see yourself as a portrait photography artist. Perhaps you enjoy doing event photography such as weddings. It could be that you are only interested in shooting stock photography and selling it to publications. I would recommend focusing on one main area to start. Strive to become the best you can be in one area and then branch out if you so desire.

Once you are certain of the area of photography you will focus on, you will need to sit down and write a photography business plan. If the task seems too daunting, there are numerous software programs that can help you, or you may even want to hire someone to write it for you. Your photography business plan will serve as blueprint for your business, help you set goals, test the waters, create marketing plans, assess financial requirements and even get funding.

Your next step is to legally establish your photography business. Your state and county will have specific laws, rules, and regulations regarding your particular business. The best thing to do is to contact your county clerk’s office and ask them what steps you need to take for establishing a home-based photography business. You should also check into the zoning laws and restrictions in your region.

Next on the list? Open a photography business account at your bank. For tax purposes you should definitely keep your personal and business finances separate. Same goes for credit cards. Remember to keep a record of all your expenses!

Now for the fun part! Time to shop! My advice would be to just start with the basics. What you need depends on the type of photography business you will be doing. Be sure to purchase some back up equipment as well, because if something breaks you don’t want to be without any options. As you make more money with your photography business, you can upgrade and add to your equipment, so don’t feel like you need to “have it all” to start out. Don’t forget about office supplies, a good computer, printer, business cards and other marketing materials, etc.

Now for the not-so-fun-but-necessary part. Insurance. Get some. You’ll be glad you did! You’ll need liability (in case somebody gets hurt) as well as protection on all that fabulous equipment you just bought! Oh yes – and if you DID quit that old day-job, you should look into health insurance, too (unless you are lucky and are covered by your spouse who still has to drag him/herself to work every day!).

Next you will want to research and start relationships with the vendors you will need. Labs, album suppliers, frame supplies, etc. If you aren’t sure where to start, pick up a photography magazine from the local newsstand. You will find MANY advertisements for vendors. Try them out – many will even send you free samples.

Finally, get a good portfolio and samples together. Oh – and don’t forget about your photography business website! People just expect it these days.

Whatever you do, don’t become discouraged. This sounds like a lot of work – and it is, but won’t it be worth it when you turn in that letter of resignation at your day job?

MCP Actions Website | MCP Flickr Group | MCP Reviews

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Today’s blog post is submitted by Hayley Austin. She will be teaching you how to find textures that you can photograph and then use in your photography. She will also be giving every reader over 100 free textures via her flickr site. So keep reading…

Finding Textures to Photograph by Hayley Austin

It is so easy to find cool textures to photograph and use on your images. They are all around you no matter where you are! Just take a look, the grainy tabletop under your lunch plate, the rough stone of a wall you are walking past, the cracked surface of a pavement, the frosted glass on your bathroom window.

You can make a texture image from any of these everyday things. Look around your house, kitchens are great areas, pan bottoms, drainers, baking trays, the more used the better. You can fill in a rainy afternoon doing this. Have a garden? Then you might have paths, tree trunks, sheds, the seat of a child’s swing. Look at everything.

If you are looking for a certain texture and have an idea in your mind of exactly what you want most times you can find something suitable quite quickly just by looking at what is there around you, see the texture of the object rather than what it actually is. Think of the texture you want and where you might find it. Grunge ones, for example, are easy as they are everywhere, especially outside. For linen try your bedsheets or curtains.

Don’t use anything with a copyrighted pattern or image on of course, (which is just about everything unless it is really, really old.)

I take photos of textures all the time, even if I am not sure I will ever use it. It is just a little space on a memory card and computer after all.

I have uploaded over 100 to my Flickr account to share. If I take a photo of my daughter next to an old wall I photograph the wall too. Why not?

How to photograph the textures: Where possible I do not shoot wide open as I want details. If you prefer part of the object to fall out of focus, then you can open up your aperture more. Using a high shutter speed helps to capture all the detail and keep it crisp. I use flash if I need to (usually off camera) but watch for shadows! I have found that sometimes softer or even blurred images work well too, so before you delete that weird looking blurry shot you got when you accidently pressed the shutter button, give it a try as a texture layer. You might be surprised.

The only downsides to taking these kinds of photos is that it can be addictive and you may have to deal with people giving you rather odd looks as you stand there photographing those interesting looking scratches on the back door of a delivery van!

To see Hayley’s Textures and download them for use in your own work, click here to see her amazing and free textures.

*** Not sure what to do with the textures? Keep an eye on my blog for an upcoming tutorial. ***

This photo below is my daughter Ellie. I used the texture shown at the top of this post and converted to an olive black and white.

MCP Actions Quick Purchase

Color Inc Pro Lab is who I use for my printing. I love the way my prints look true to life. And I have received amazing customer service. I contacted them to see if they would be a guest on my blog. They have agreed to do periodic articles teaching you more about printing.

Today’s article will educate you on some basics of Color Management and Color Profiles.

Also read at the bottom for an exclusive code for new customers.

Color Management Basics by Color Inc Pro Lab

Color Management is one of these headache-inducing struggles that early photographers face. How do you ensure that color in a print, will match color on a monitor? Luckily, with the proper tools and a little bit of effort, you can get pretty accurate colors between your images and prints.

The most important part of color management deals with your computer monitor. Invest in a monitor calibration kit, such as an eye-one display 2 (X-Rite) or Spyder 2 (ColorVision). For instance, Color Incorporated sells the eye-one display 2 for just $240.00 These devices hang from your monitor and measure its output, in order to suggest proper monitor settings and color values. They usually create monitor color profiles you can use as well.

Additionally, you can use tools such as Adobe Photoshop to enforce color management. Simply select “Edit-> Color Settings” (see attached screenshot). This will instruct photoshop to display images in sRGB (Working Space), and alert you if you open a non-RGB profiled image.

Getting color managed takes some time and effort. If your busy, or just want someone else to handle the color for you, you can opt for additional service, such as ColorInc’s color correction and artwork services. ColorInc’s Color Corrected Proofs are only 39 cents each.

These tools are important, because color space (such as sRGB) offer different colors. For instance, most cameras take photos in color spaces larger than sRGB (such as Adobe RGB). However, because printers do not print all of the colors that Adobe RGB contains, you can run into color management issues where a photo you have, contains a color that can’t be printed.

Sticking to calibrated equipment and profiles helps alleviate this issue, by only allowing specific colors that are within print range. This should keep your colors matched, and photos looking great!

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Now for the code. If you are new to Color Inc Pro Labs, you can get 50% off your 1st order.

The Promo Code is 058first.

Our website is http://www.colorincprolab.com/

and new customers can sign up at https://secure.colorincprolab.com/account.cfm?newaccount=defined