Nuovo Amore - Newborn Poser, Props & Education for Photographers
 
Nuovo Amore backdrops are on sale at 25% OFF until August 31.  Our backdrops are perfect for newborns and infants and so is the price. They are make with fabric and are 4 1/2 wide and 6 ft. long. They are lined with a special black-out lining so you can use them with natural light and with studio lights. They have a rod pocket sewn in so you can utilize them with a background stand. The black & white damask is the most popular pattern and our best seller.  We also sell a newborn set which includes a backdrop, basket and a ball with the words "Love" inscribed o them. With the "Circle of Love" newborn set you can elevate your status from a photographer to a visual You can view samples and place your order on the website: http://www.nuovo-amore.com
 
 
Mary Buck and Kyle Hitchcock will be teaching a class on Newborn Photography on September 13 in Atlanta.  Called the "ABC's of Newborn Photography" they will cover the art, business and charm of the profession.  Learn why this niche is a great way to build relationships at an early stage.  They will also discuss the importance of specializing, and the marketing strategies that are most effective in the niche. It will be a full day of learning including a live newborn model in the afternoon.  For more information and to register visit the website. http://www.newbornphotographyclass.weebly.com

The class is PPA sponsored and attendees receive 1 service merit for paid attendance.
 
 
The ABC's of Newborn Photography will be held
September 13, 2010 in Atlanta.
In this class you will learn how to develop a niche in infant photography and why it is so important to develop relationships during the early stages of a family's life. We will cover traditional marketing as well as inbound marketing including blogs, websites, and facebook. We will also discuss the selling process, how to price your work for profit and branding your look. Find out some of the worst mistakes you can make when you first start out and how to avoid them. After the business basics we will jump right into Photoshop and share our post-production tips with you. After lunch we will have a newborn model and will go over how to calm a newborn, the equipment and items you will need to have in the camera room or on location. Finally we will demonstrate the best newborn poses and everyone will have a chance to photograph the newborn for their own portfolio. We will wrap-up with questions, comments and door prizes.
If you are a new photographer or if you are thinking of entering this market, come and learn from two professionals. who specialize in newborn photography.
 Click here to register.
 
 
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I captured this sweet moment at a recent newborn session at Emory Johns Creek Hospital.  The baby was only a few days old and was resting comfortably on the pillow.  The parents were looking down gently at their baby, when I asked them to hold her hand.  This is the first time I have captured a pose like this.  I just love the curvature of the parent's hands.  The image is perfect for a black and white rendition.
 
 
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How to apply selective color in a photograph.  Here are the photoshop steps:
Duplicate layer.   Desaturate new layer.  Adjustment - apply brightness and contrast until it looks good.  Use magnetic lasso tool and select the object you want to add color to.  While it is selected, use eraser tool to add the color back to the area.
 
 
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With digital cameras it is very easy to convert any image to black and white.  Just which images look the best in black and white depends on the artistic imagery of the photography.  Newborn skin tones are so colorful the first 10 days of life, that I rarely convert newborn images to black and white, with the exception of the photograph you see in this post.  I asked the parents to gently lift the baby's head using their cupped hands.   If the baby is sleeping this can be a very artful image which lends itself to black and white photography.
 
 
Unless you are a wedding photographer, June can be a frightfully slow month when families start to vacation. Try offering a First Year Infant Package which covers all the sittings, portraits, gift items, and specialty products. Add value to your package by offering incentives and freebies. The first year I offered this promotion I sold six at $3000 each.

I offer a First Year Infant Program Tutorial for only $295 until June 30.
Visit the website at http://www.nuovo-amore.com/

Have a happy June!
 
 
I was watching American Idol last night and the judges remarked how well the finalists are doing because of their artistic expression; their unique sound and what makes them their own.
It reminded me of how important it is for photographers to develop their own artistic expression.   It is more important now than ever to become at artist.  There are new photographers popping up everywhere and many people are taking their own photographs. How can you still capture a piece of the market?  What is your sound?   Spend some time this week to brainstorm products that define your  brand
 
 
Photography Schoolhouse and Phototalk Forum Photographers
SPECIAL:  Order a Newborn Poser and receive a FREE Newborn hat.  Offer expires May 31, 2010
Email me with your hat choice after you place your order.
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Mary Buck, CPP, has been photographing infants since 1997. She recently opened a studio in a local hospital where she photographs newborns.  In this program she will share her expertise on capturing the most endearing portraits at the tender newborn stage. Learn why this is such a lucrative and specialized market- and why building relationships at this stage can result in years of repeat business.  The class is being held on May 17 from 9-5PM. for more information and to register go to the PPA website.