One of my goals for this year is to jump back behind the camera in a fashion capacity. I’m thinking my style has changed just a bit…but we’ll see!!

(I added a Canada shot just because I found it too…even though it was just from a few months ago).

SOME PEOPLE JUST SUCK WITH ACTIONS!!

Normally I would be all:

“We are arteests!!! There is no wrong way to hold your paintbrush!”

But not today. There has been an attack of Wacom-wielding, Action-throwing hooligans…and something MUST be done. These shenanigans must cease to happen.

What am I raving about? Actions, my pretty compatriots in arms. Actions are wonderful, wonderful tools of the photoshop loving tradesman. It makes editing an image quick (and in a world of the “I want it now!” mentality…heaven sent…). The only problem is, most photographers new to the world of digital editing know very little about how these puppies work.

“Pshaw!”, you say. “I don’t need to read this!” Well, maybe you don’t…but you should continue reading for the soul fact that my prose are pretty and I DO have a certain flair for alliteration.

Let’s start with the basics.

What is a Photoshop Action?

A photoshop action is a series of steps “recorded” in photoshop so that they can be easily replayed on a different image with similar results. For instance, there are actions that allow you to brighten images, convert an image to black and white, or create a vintage feel to your image. Of course, you can do any one of these things by hand in five minutes to your photograph…but an action allows you to accomplish this in, roughly, ten seconds.

Now, pick your jaw up off the floor and hop on the Hogwarts train to Photoshop Castle. (That was totally lame…I am aware.)

“If they are so easy, how can I be using them wrong??”

Actions are SO easy to use, that they are one of the MOST misused tools by photographers today.

Here’s where most photographers go wrong. A photographer selects an image to convert to black and white. The photographer chooses which black and white action to apply. The photographer merges the layers, saves the image and plasters it on Facebook.

Face/palm.

Ok…ok. Let me explain where the photographer went wrong.

Every action works on an image differently. You can apply a black and white action to two images and have them come out looking completely different from one another. These two images have the Totally Rad Action “Boring Black and White” applied, without any adjustments.

See the difference?  The bottom image seems a bit harsher than the top image.  This is due to the lighting that the images were shot in.

So what am I getting at? Actions are NOT magic beauty buttons no matter what Professor Lockhart says. (OK…I’m done with the HP references). BOTH of these images still need work.

If you are just hitting “play” in the actions pallet, and publishing the end result you MIGHT get a piece of crapola, you MIGHT get a decent photo, or you MIGHT get lucky. I can count on my hands the number of times I’ve been able to run an action and have come out satisfied with the result.  Running an action can be a lot like poker in Vegas. Only in this game, you can rig the dice. 

What is a layer mask? 

Your next step in learning how to use an action properly, is learning what a “layer mask” is. Most actions use them, and you should too. Layer masks allow you to easily edit a layer without destroying that layer.

For example. Let’s say, in the image above that you want to erase that little baby tree second from the left. Then, let’s say you spend 20 minutes diligently erasing that little baby tree. Then…YOU FIND OUT THAT ERASING THAT LITTLE BABY TREE WAS THE BIGGEST MISTAKE OF YOUR CAREER!!!!!

How do you get the tree back?????

Your history pallet has already covered it up. Do you go back to the original image and just start over? Well…since you didn’t use a layer mask…yes. That is exactly what you do.

IF you had used the layer mask, it would be as simple as coloring the little baby tree back in. A layer mask is simply a white layer over the original image. Where you color in black, is where you are telling the Action NOT to be.

See that little black dot on the “B&W Standard” layer? See the correlating spot of color on the image? We’ve, essentially, painted a hole in the white screen of the black and white action. YOU ARE A PEEPING TOM!!!

Is the light starting to turn on?? Are you beginning to see the amazing-osity and potentialistic advantages of layers??? Let’s break it down a little more.

Let’s say you have an image of a teen. Oh wait…I have one!!

You’re looking to pop out the color…make it a little edgy. Really give her a modern portrait.

My next step here would be to determine what I want to fix about the image. The image is too dark. There is no sun. I want the colors to really pop. And I want there to be a slight vignette to bring focus to her face.

I use approximately four actions to do this. The layers are adjusted, the opacities lowered and the colors popped. Check out this video to watch me work!!

The names of the actions are provided in the text on screen and below.

WITH GREAT ACTIONS COME GREAT POWER!

If you are serious about your work, your product and your business, you will take the time to learn your craft behind the computer. Although the learning process was lengthy, each image only takes me about 3 minutes to finish in total now.

Although I own around 200 actions, I only regularly use about 5 of them.

Download actions.

Play with actions.

Adjust the opacities and color in the masks.

Make HORRENDOUS creations…because you’ll learn from the them.

Experiment with your “artist’s eye”.

The worst you can do, is apply the “magic beauty button” and never look back.

Terra Dawn

P.S. I’m passionate about what I teach, so feel free to leave questions or comments in the fields below!!  I use CommentLuv, so be sure to link to your most recent post as well!

Totally Rad Actions

       + “Oh, Snap!”

       + “Warm It Up, Kris!”

Parker Pfister Actions

       + “Tilt Shift 2″

       + “Fill Flash”

Kalif Banane Actions  <—— These are FREE!!!! 

terra@terradawn.com

WATCH ME EDIT THIS IN UNDER THREE MINUTES!

This is a silent video (unless you count the amazing song “Quiet” by This Will Destroy You (one of my favorite bands). This series is meant to be more of an observation series. I will provide basics at the show notes on actions and software used.

Software Used:
Photoshop CS4

Actions Used:
Parker J Pfister -

“Tilt Lens 2″

“Fill Flash”

“Vignette”

Kalife Banane -

“Cross Coloring Refine” (This is a free action.)

Totally Rad Actions -

“Warm It Up, Kris!”

“Oh, Snap!”

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask below!

And subscribe to our YouTube Channel here!!

Take a look at these six videos that inspired me, or changed the way I thought in 2011. These videos either inspired a new idea, or put me into high gear to create a new scene in front of my lens.

What will they do for you? If you have videos that inspired you last year, post links to them in the comments section!!!

Pen Twirler
This video caught me SO off guard it’s ridiculous. Not only is it an amazing video, but the purpose of the video was so far out in left field. I love that the viewer is totally surprised.

The Goldfish
I totes thought these were real fish in resin!!!! I was inspired by the serenity of this man’s art. He doesn’t seem to be creating it for any reason other than he loves what he does.

“Goldfish Salvation” Riusuke Fukahori from ICN gallery on Vimeo.

Meet Impossible
I am at a loss for words as to how inspiring (and tear jerking) this man’s love for life is. If you haven’t seen this video, bust out the tissues and the new years resolutions!

Seth Godin’s Video On “Free”
Seth Godin is a personal hero of mine. Check out the variety of business books that can inspire you at your local book store! This video inspired me to start focusing on giving FREE a shot in my business.

Schweppes Commercial
Seriously a beautiful and fun commercial. How fun would it be to do a slow motion water balloon TTD!!!???

The Guardian
I love it when commercials think outside of the box.

KEEP READING FOR THE FREE DOWNLOADABLE WORKSHEET “MORE THAN JUST A PHOTOGRAPHER”

This was a hard blog post to write, primarily because I am still not sure if what I have to say will make sense, but also because this has proven to be a serious topic and I am rarely a serious writer.

To clarify a bit, let’s break down my statement. What do I mean by “I am not a photographer”?

I have been a “photographer” for nearly 12 years (if my calculations add up…), and I have NEVER flinched at the term. In fact, when someone asks me “What are you?” I reply with “A Photographer”.

The first time someone asked and I answered “A Photographer”, I think I blushed crimson and wanted to hide in the off hand men’s room. I didn’t deserve the title. I was still learning. I hadn’t landed a paying gig and probably didn’t even have what was considered a professional camera. In my mind, I was no photographer.

It got easier to say over time.

A few years down the road, I would still get the same question. “What are you?“. I gave the same reply…”A Photographer.” This wasn’t accompanied with a blush now, but with a business card directing them to my very own online portfolio.

Fast forward to a few years later, and I own my own business. I get the question “What are you?”.

“A Photographer.”

Now, however, it’s accompanied with a business card and the thought of “Oh, please hire me. If I could JUST get my foot in the door.” If they had been wearing magic x-ray brain glasses, they would have seen me on my knees…arms outstretched begging for their good graces and credit cards.

Fast forward to four months ago. I saw a friend of mine in an airport who I hadn’t seen since high school. We aren’t even friends on Facebook…
“What are you doing with yourself these days?”
“I’m a photographer,” was what came out of my mouth. But what flashed through my brain went something along the lines of “But PLEASE don’t try to hire me.  Don’t look me up! Don’t ask what my prices are for a 6 hour bar mitzvah!!!”

This…should not be my reaction.

Here’s what I’m trying to get at. Labeling myself as “A Photographer” took the fun out of photography for me. I enjoy weddings and love my clients. I get excited when I pull up to the hotel, ready to photograph a beautiful bride getting married. But at heart…I’m a hobbyist. And I WANT to be a hobbyist!  I want to be a hobbyist at EVERYTHING I do in life! I WANT to be a photographer out of love, not out of necessity.

On initial inspection, I have two options:
A) Suck it up and go on until retirement. That’s what most people do.
or
B) Find another job and start at the bottom of the heap again.

I…chose option C. Please understand, that it’s NOT the photography or the people that I hate…it’s having to do something because I have to a pay a bill that I despise.

I want to shoot a wedding because it’s my passion, and let me tell you, holding a camera in my hands is the equivalent of warm fudge icing on a red velvet cake. I could never leave this wonderful community behind.

So what makes Option C ideal?

The question that played on repeat through my brain was “If I’m not a photographer…who am I?”

And then it hit me. I had placed “Photographer” on a pedestal. I had placed it above writer, animal lover, music addict and bookworm. I had elevated it above singer, History Buff and Bug enthusiast. I’ve enjoyed “books” my entire life, but if I became a professional “reader” I would probably want to paper cut myself to death by the end of the year. If I had become a musician…well, everyone ELSE would want to papercut themselves to death by the end of the year.

In my arsenal of proficiencies…photography, writing and entrepreneurship are my most valuable weapons.

So to answer the above question,  Option C presents itself as a mindset change.

Instead of taking a photography job for survival…I’m taking a photography job because it genuinely interests me. I’ve booked 7 weddings for next year…and am not interested in booking anymore. I’ve wanted (keyword) to start writing for the photography industry for a long while now…hence the books, articles and crazy writing whatnot pouring from my fingertips almost everyday now. And my idea of creating a community for photographers has long been put on the back burner.

THESE ARE ALL GREAT INTERESTS!! Yes…they are a form of income, but I am doing them because I WANT to. Not because I HAVE to. The content I will create out of desire will FAR surpass the content I will create to get a paycheck, or gain attention.

I am not a photographer any more than I am a writer.

And this brings us to the “And You Shouldn’t Be Either” part of my statement.

I think JUST being represented by ONE of your passions is a mistake. You are NOT a photographer. You are a lover of light. You are a passionate baker. And a shopaholic. And JUST thinking that your clients will hire you because you’ve stated that you “like puppy dogs” in your author bio is a mistake! Don’t tell them who you are…SHOW them who you are.  But more importantly?  Be who you are for no other reason than it is who you are.  

Whoa…I am totally going all Mr.Miyagi on you now.

All I mean is, don’t make the mistake of putting yourself out there for ulterior motives.  The only thing you will EVER succeed at doing perfectly in life, is being yourself. And if the saying “You are your brand,” aint a lie…then I don’t see a more successful business plan than that.

I challenge you to come up with three passions that help to define you. Three obsessions that, when you dig deep, you KNOW are just as important to you as your camera.  I challenge you to mix these passions up in your mixing bowl of a business, and take the pressure off of your camera by baking a proverbial “3 layer-cake” (or 20 layer!!!  How many passions can you throw in??). This cake is more about WHO you are, not WHAT you are.

So next time someone asks you “What are you doing with your life?” you can respond with “I spend a lot of time behind the camera…but I also recently insert recent accomplishment here. “ 

How do I  respond to this question now?

“I have a photography business, but I recently published a book (I’m working on book number two), and am building an online community for photographers that want to be chillin’ like villains.” (And this statement is, once again, accompanied by a crimson blush and a dash into the wrong lavatory.)

Hells to the yeah.

Download the FREE worksheet, “MORE THAN JUST A PHOTOGRAPHER” to help  you determine which passions should drive your business, life and passions.

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JOIN THE CONVERSATION IN THE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW…

So, with SEO, trying to pull in new readers and increase traffic, and STILL make your posts sound professional and well thought out and edited…I had to create myself a checklist.

This list covers everything I do AFTER I write the initial post. It also includes links (a few of them ARE affiliate links, FYI…but I only participate in affiliate programs I stand behind 100%).

Also…watch out for uur new book “Building a Bad Ass Blog” (it’s coming soon!!…sign up with your email to get notified of our new baby’s arrival!!). It covers the basics of blogging for newbs, but it ALSO covers of the basics of SEO. Google is constantly changing their “algorithms” and this book will provide you with up to date information on just the basics and easy to implement steps of a great Google approved blog post.

Download this FREE BLOG CHECKLIST HERE!!

6 STEPS TO BUILDING BETTER BLOG TRAFFIC:

KEEP READING FOR A FREE DOWNLOAD OF MY BLOGGING CHECKLIST BELOW!!!

Let me guess…up until now, you’ve been writing a blog post, adding a few links, trying to tag the post with keywords you think Google might fall in love with and PRAY ON YOUR KNEES THAT YOUR BLOG GOES VIRAL!!!!!!!!

Oh silly photographer.  In the photography world, this is referred to as a “Spray and Pray”.  Put out content and hope to God something sticks.

How ’bout we stop with the Rambo technique and try a little bit of point and shoot instead. Let’s talk about some basics to get you on the road to more traffic and a more engaged readership.

IDEA 1: Start a journal.

“But I’m already freakin’ blogging!!”  
Shut up winy baby!!!!  Go get a half used notepad from your desk drawer (or do like me and find this as a great opportunity to wander through the amazing wonderland known as Staples for a brand spankin’ new notebook), a niiiiiice pen and make them small enough to carry it with you at all times.

If you are into this whole “digital revolution” thing, you can also use your iPad, iPod or iPhone (hell…any iDevice) for these purposes.

Now, just keep track of blog topics as you think of them!

If you are wedding photographer, don’t think that you ONLY have to write blogs titled “Donny and Marie’s Wedding Day” (ewwwwwww…..). Write a blog post FOR your brides!  Try writing a post about “Why I hate Mason Jars” and propose various NEW ideas for your couples. (I’ve been wanting to write that post for a while…). Write a post on “Embracing Your Wedding Day Stress While NOT Chucking a Shoe At My Face”. (A bit long…but also a great topic.)

IDEA 2: Add a Facebook/Twitter/StumbleUpon Button to your blog.
You’d be AMAZED that this simple idea doesn’t seem to permeate to the inner subconscious of the blogosphere.  If you are on a wordpress blog, it’s just as easy as downloading a widget.

Quick sidenote on StumbleUpon.  It’s probably one of the quickest ways to pull in new readers. After you publish your content, hit that “StumbleUpon” button BELOW YOUR POST (it’s where all of these social media widgets should go), and watch as a party breaks out on your page!!! (To see how many people are on your page at any given time, check out the “Wibya” app.)

See that orange box? You should click it now.

IDEA 3: Create Newsworthy Headlines

The trick is not to GET the people on your blog. It’s to get them to want to STAY there. Most readers will stay on a blog’s page for 6 seconds max. THAT MEANS YOU HAVE SIX SECONDS TO WOW THEM WITH CONTENT!! (New movie: “Gone In 6 Seconds”…it’s the sequel.)

There are CRAZY amounts of resources out there to help you create great titles. All you have to do is look! Or…click the links below.  Lazies…you make me sick.

“How To Write Magnetic Headlines”  from CopyBlogger

“10 Kinds of Shareable Headlines To Try On Your Blog” – Shareaholic.com

“The Lazy Blogger’s Guide to Writing Great Headlines…” – StellaAnokam

There are a ton others, but I’m tired and done doing your research.  It’s called Google, people.

IDEA 4: Identify your reason for blogging.

Like I stated above, you have approximately 6 seconds to grab your reader’s attention.  And unless you’re Jose Villa, you probably aren’t going to gain too many subscribers just through pretty pictures.  Readers are selfish beings.  When they go to a blog, they are constantly asking “What’s in it for me?”.

If I am instantly inspired, I’ll subscribe to the feed.

If I think I can learn something, I’ll subscribe to the feed.

If they are giving away free stuff, I’ll subscribe to the feed.

If they have a ton of really great products, I’ll subscribe to the feed.

See where I’m going with this?  What are you offering your readers that they can’t get somewhere else?

As soon as you’ve identified this, post it everywhere your readers will find it!! Put it in your about page, on your main page, in your emails, at the bottom of your posts. Put it places so that within 6 seconds, your readers know why they should stick around.

Are you gearing your posts towards booking more brides? How about a banner at the top of your page that says “Bust out the rings and we’ll shoot you!!” Well…ok….maybe not.  But it made me giggle. The point is, show your clients what they are going to get before they get it.  (And don’t just put some stupid phrase like “We’ll do your wedding right.” That’s just…stupid.)

IDEA 5: Learn SEO basics!! 

I know. I know. This is like the equivalent of “Just learn Calculous!!  C’mon!!  It’s fun!”. Search Engine Optimization can be an intimidating monster…

but I’m telling you right now, if you can just learn the basics of a good SEO enabled blog post you’ll be set.

Some Resources:

Our new book “Building a Bad Ass Blog” (it’s coming soon!!…sign up with your email to get notified of our new baby’s arrival!!), is a great start to this.  It covers the basics of blogging for newbs, but it ALSO covers of the basics of SEO.  Google is constantly changing their “algorithms” and this book will provide you with up to date information on just the basics and easy to implement steps of a great Google approved blog post.

The Photographer’s SEO Handbook – I’ve read it.  I love it. It’s SUPER easy to understand and implement.  No really. Buy it. It will change your life. And they have a new community!!  I haven’t joined yet, so I can’t say much about it…but if it’s anything like the awesomeness which pours forth from their tomb of knowledge…it’s going to be OFF. THE. CHAIN….ahem….YO. (Couldn’t help myself.)

SEOmoz – These guys offer NOT ONLY an amazing online program and community for marketing and SEO research, but they also offer a FREE simple ebook for getting started and understanding Search Engine Optimization!!

“Rock Solid SEO is Simple. Really.” – A podcast from the guys at CopyBlogger. (If you can’t tell…I’m a die hard fan.)

See??? Not so bad!!!  No tricks or treatsies!!  Just funsies!!

STEP 6: Try a new content format. 

Yeah…paragraphs are fun. But what about lists??  What about interviews? What about podcasts or vlogging??  Mix it up and have some fun!!  If there is an amazing local florist or local wedding planner, see if you can meet them for an interview for a video tour! Take a look at their studio and ask questions that brides might ask. Chances are, that will book you AND them a job!  And don’t forget to give a copy of the video to the florist as well.  I betcha a million you end up on her blog…you know…in front of all of those brides???

If you can’t get the interview by scheduling time with the florist (or you are sadly anti-social like myself), shoot her an email with the questions you’d like answered. Or set up an interview via skype!!  A podcast can be just as effective…and local brides can subscribe to it in iTunes!! Just make sure the information you are providing is seriously hard core epic.

Amazing ideas, yeah?  Getting you excited to jump on over to your login and get to bloggin’?? (*snort* That…was an awesome rhyme.)

Before you do, click this link for a FREE DOWNLOAD of my check list for each blog I post. I go through this list right before I hit my “Publish” button on a weekly basis. It will improve your content and feedback by 5000000000000.47.

Not. Even. Joking.

The End

Terra’s Personal Digs:

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P.S. Have something to add?? Leave a comment in the comments section below!! I reply to every one I get….

Hey guys!! These pages are full of the downloads that go with some of the ebooks we have available in the store. But even if you haven’t read the ebooks, feel free to download these babies and give ‘em a whirl!

Teaser Templates and Layer Mask Tutorial:
Feel free to use these simple .PSD templates for facebook teasers, flickr teasers, blog teasers and inspiration boards! They even include basic instructions on how to use the Layer Mask tool.

Template Teaser Download

Template Teaser Download

These teaser templates are mentioned in the book “Publish Your Photography”, coming soon to the store!

In the midst of family, food and “A Christmas Story” 24 hour marathons….I thought I would pop in and wish all you a VERY VERY VERY happy holiday, wherever you in the world today.

And thank you SO much to all of my beautiful couples and photography friends who have allowed me to see some absolutely AMAZING places and AMAZING wedding days (both in the states and abroad…). I don’t deserve any of you. (And thanks to Brianne and Justin featured above!! This is the most epic Christmas Shot EVER!!! w00t, Aruba!!!)

Terra Dawn
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