kayla_segerstrom_perez

<p>OK, so Im currently using Serif Photo Plus X3 - I own the super old version of Photoshop Elements 5! LOL Im looking for suggestions on software to touch up skin, brighten eyes, you know....all that stuff that moms now days LOVE.....Im personally not a big fan of the ultra bright eyes and unnaturally smooth skin, but Im getting requests for it. Can anyone suggest to me a software I can purchase to do just those things and do them quick and easy. Ive looked at Portrait Professional Studio 9 but dont really like it much....any other suggestions? Im pretty sure this is a "Fad" and dont want to spend a ton of money on it. Thank you in advance!</p>

<p>I just got a new D300s and would like to buy a new lens<br>

I shoot 99.9% of the time outdoors, children and families, I need a fast, sharp lens that focuses quickly.<br>

I LOVE my 50mm 1.8 but it seems to be a bit slow on the focus, and now that I have it on my D300s Im having a hard time making it focus where i want it too.<br>

I shoot in A mode most of the time.<br>

I like close ups, headshots, candids and full body shots.<br>

Ive looked at the 85mm 1.8 and considered a new 50mm 1.8 (i bought mine used and it may have been dropped, it looks like it) so maybe its just my lens is no good. I would like a good zoom, but I like the "bokeh" or blurred backgrounds in my photos. I actually use this blurring quit a bit for "creative purposes" so i dont want to lose that feature.<br>

I have less than 400.00 to work with. So Please, suggestions, sample shots, pros, cons ect are GREATLY appreciated!<br>

Thank you!<br>

<a href="http://www.puravidapix.com">www.puravidapix.com</a> to see sample of my work and my style may help in the critique.</p>

<p>Im looking for suggestions, comments, and information on who, what, where, how much, and how effectively you do proofs when photographing in a school / daycare / or multiple person situation<br>

I did a 2 day set for a Preschool, There were 130 kids total, and I had on average 3 to 6 different shots of each child. I printed out proofs on my laser jet (they looked like crap) and then stapled my paper order form, an envelope, and the 8.5 x11 printed proof sheet together and the school placed them in each childs folder to send home. I requested that the parents look at the proof sheet, fill out the order form, and return the order along with payment by a certain due date. I also uploaded all the photos to an online proofing website and gave the parents info on finding the site, I did not make online ordering avail.<br>

My question is, I prefer to send home a printed proof sheet. In my opinion its a quick look for the parents, alot of the time if they are not really interested in school portraits anyway, they wont take the time to go online, but if they see my proofs and are excited by the photos they are more likely to buy. I figure once they see the proofs, they will get excited go online and really like them and order. <br>

How do you do it? What have been your results? Where do you get your proof sheets? Whats the cost? What do you suggest for a group this large? I do like online proofing, but I prefer printed proofs, I like the idea of "immediate exposure" when it comes to the photos. Most people think "School photos, ehhhhh, not gonna waste my money on cookie cutter, usually non flattering pictures" I do school sessions totally different than most, no backgrounds, no studio lights and no posing. So Im able to capture the childs true personality. Yes, it takes ALOT longer that way, but the results are so much more personal. Thats why I want printed proofs, so they see that my photos ARE different and they want to buy them.<br>

Thank you in advance for all your advice!<br>

Kayla</p>

<p>Thank you all soooooo much for the information! I actually have an ExpoDisc and its been one of my best purchases so far! Thank you again!!!! Ill post some pics of my baby shots when I get them this weekend!</p>

<p>Hello All!<br>

Im pretty new to photography and I have a pretty basic question regarding lighting.<br>

We have a new baby in the family and Ive been asked to take some portrait pictures of her. I have a new D80 with a 18-135mm and a 50mm f 1.4 lens. But only the built in flash...no other lighting.<br>

Sooooo, my question...how do i make the best out of what I have and still get great results...and If I were to have ...say....$ 200.00 or so to spend on a flash or lights, what would you suggest?<br>

I also have the option of shooting outdoors or indoors.<br>

I dont do much portrait work right now, but I would like to learn and be able to eventually do more. Any suggestions on books or websites as well would be great!<br>

thank you<br>

kayla</p>

<p>Thank you!!!! I found the Magic Lantern DVD on Amazon that Im going to purchase. I will check out Flickr....Thank you again</p>

<p>I love photography, and for years I haven't had the luxury of an SLR...but for Christmas, my wonderful husband bought me a Nikon D80. So far I love it, but I have a million and one questions...so heres my question for you:<br>

I need suggestions on books, videos, or websites I can go to in order to learn what all the stuff like F/??? means and how to understand what all the markings on my lens means...pretty much...I know nothing...other than I love to take pictures and I finally have a wonderful camera that I dont understand.<br>

I have purchased the DVD instructional on the camera....but its really not much help...Im also going to take the Nikon class here in Houston in February. Im a working mother so I cant take any college classes although I would love to. So anything to help out a newbie is greatly appreciated!<br>

How come sometimes the camera wont let me take pics if I try to take them really close up? And when shooting in low light how can I get my pictures to come out (I love sunsets and take alot of indoor pics, but I hate using the built in flash, it makes all the pics washed out)<br>

The camera came with a: AF-S Nikkor 18-135mm 1:3.5-5.6G ED lens (I wish I knew what that means)<br>

So Thank you in advance for you help!<br>

Kayla</p>