Monthly Archives: April 2008

These were created for the [link]http://www.finaoonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=64&Itemid=42=Finao Elements (self stick) albums[/link] after I posted an image of my own proof albums on my [link]http://www.lenahyde.com/blog=personal blog[/link] and received 50+ emails from other photographers! Just run an action and let Photoshop do all the work for you…popping in your rectangular images into these stunning square art proofs. My studio offers the 5×5 with our deluxe portrait session and has an upgrade option to 8×8 and 10×10 sizes. We sell these with virtually every session!

[link]http://www.designaglow.com/the_shop/store_pages/product_details/templates/proof_borders/proof_album_borders_1/main.php=Purchase this gorgeous new set here![/link] (Thank you to Susan Stripling for the wonderful images above!

Rebecca recently sent us these images to show how she customized the Inspire Guide I with her own colors, size and binding!

““I wanted to create a display guide that was affordable enough to print for each client and matched my branding. I changed the colors of the perfectly stylish Design Aglow Inspiration Guide: Wall Displays and then resized the pages to fit 2 displays on one side of a flat 5×7 press-printed card. I also created a cover for the guide with my logo and a note to my clients and then “bound” everything together using a small 1/8 inch hole punch and a 1/2 inch loose leaf book ring. To finish things off I typically add a price list and ordering guide and then tie everything together with a matching green ribbon.”"

Wow, inspiring! Thank you for sharing, Rebecca.

We are thrilled to present our newest creation…and another first of it’s kind…the Inspire Guide: Silhouettes, a complete e-seminar PDF book detailing the art of the digital silhouette.

Some info from the press release:

Taking as its cue the resurgence of the silhouette, the seminar instructs photographers how to create this classic art form with digital media, adding interest to their studio offerings and increasing revenue simultaneously by adding a buzz-worthy specialty item to their studio’s offerings.

Offered as a comprehensive e-seminar in PDF digital book format, the Inspire Guide: Silhouettes enables photographers to learn at home at their own pace. Its 83 beautifully-designed pages detail the process of creating heirloom silhouettes for clients in-depth and step-by-step, including lighting how-to, camera settings, and Photoshop. Detailing each aspect of the creative process, the guide proceeds through set-up, planning, shooting, digital manipulation, designing, marketing, and selling.

After providing a brief history of silhouettes and touching upon the finer points of why a studio might add them to its repertoire, the guide moves into the “how-to” of creating the silhouette with natural or studio light. Replete with ample photos to illustrate set-up and execution, the studio section covers equipment requirements and precise subject placement and posing, metering and camera settings, possible challenges, and a step-by-step guide to the shoot itself.

Once the shoot concludes, the post work begins and the guide details the process in Photoshop meticulously, explaining everything from masking to stylish background papers and flourishes that complete the artistic design. Marketing and sales ideas to create interest among the photographer’s client base conclude the instruction. By the end of the guide, the photographer will have not only the knowledge to execute the classic silhouette but also copious design possibilities as well as marketing and promotion inspiration at his or her disposal. Bundled with over 80 digital design resources including Photoshop backgrounds, silhouette frames, accessories, design elements, and special event marketing postcards, the Inspire Guide: Silhouettes will lead the professional photographer from creation to sale efficiently and, as one would expect from Design Aglow, stylishly.

I loved this image from Ann Beck and asked her to share it here. Ann says:

I’ve long been a supporter of our local Montessori private school, where all three of my girls attended (or still attend!) preschool, both because I really believe in the school and because I have a lot of clients there! The biggest fundraiser is the annual art auction, where each class creates a different work of art to sell to the all too willing parents. After ten years at the school, I was almost out of ideas for our class project, but a painting at an airport inspired this piece, which might just be my favorite ever! I had the kids come in groups of five and put one hand each in a circle, with fingers in a “peace” sign to form a star all together. Our school is very diverse, so I tried to emphasize that by getting as much of a mix in skin tones in each picture, so together they would contrast each other and stand out. We had an uneven number of kids, so the remaining kids were used to literally spell out our message, holding letters from a classroom work to create the “peace” label and a dove for a final symbolic effect. Once everything was shot individually on a white background, I digitally edited the parts together, overlapping arms and such to create a single, intertwined piece, which I had printed as a 10×30 canvas.

I really love that it really represents the school’s core values; diversity, community, and respect for each other and the world. Each child is there as an individual, but together they are a powerful, strong statement of love and peace. Now I just hope it raises a lot of money to help the school carry on those messages!

Great job Ann…keep us posted!

This program was aptly named, built as a true learnfest for portrait photographers who are ready to take their business to the next creative and strategic level. Join Lena Hyde, Tamara Lackey, Laura Novak, and Audrey Woulard for an all-inclusive 3-day/2-night learnfest that runs from September 23rd to September 25th at picturesque, unspoiled Bald Head Island, located off the coast of North Carolina.

Experience in-depth instruction on shooting, post-production, marketing, business strategy, revenue generation, and studio and daily workflow. Redefine what success can mean in the portrait photography business. Interact in small groups of 15, meeting with each instructor throughout the course of 3 days as part of an overall program that is tailored to deliver a comprehensive learning experience for the portrait photographer. Network with other photographers from around the world, in addition to the hosts, in an environment built to encourage sharing and connection. And offer yourself the opportunity to completely focus on improving your skills, your business, and your future in photography in an environment that fully encourages you to step away from the pace of every day work/life.

Your $2600 participant fee for this all-inclusive learnfest includes meals, accommodations, ferry transport and full classes, plus a fabulous bag of swag and some very cool giveaways. [link]http://www.designaglow.com/thelearnfest.php=Click here for all the info![/link]