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Start a Successful Photography Business in 34 Days Book - Now Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Book Cover

Book Cover

This book was created to help you get your portrait or wedding photography business started or totally revitalized and allow you to start earning a real income with photography. It is written for the photographer who is new to the photography business or the photographer who has recently started a business and is struggling with booking clients or running their business successfully. 

In addition to all of the content available in the book there is a companion website that is only accessible after you purchase the book, where you can download complimentary templates, such as portrait contracts, marketing plan templates, income/expense spreadsheets, and more. 

The book guides you through 34 manageable tasks to help you plan your portrait or wedding photography business, develop a strong brand, create a stunning websites, write a 12 month marketing plan, and create business processes. Most importantly it will help you turn your photography business dream into a reality.

It includes valuable business insight from some of the most epic photographers of our time, including: Ian Ruhter, Jamie Delanie, Melissa Kilner, Andrea Tate, Gabe Mcclintock, Lexi Vornberg and DeAnna McCasland.

Available on:

Amazon - Available Exclusivly on Amazon for the next 90 Days.
Barnes and Noble
Photographer Tools

DIY Photography Prop - Vintage Lace Bonnet

Warning: You might just fall in love with this tutorial. I’m showing you how to make a vintage lace bonnet in just 4 minutes. Also you don’t even have to sew. In the video I show you two variations. You can even use other material and embellishments. Sky is the limit.

(Side note: the giveaway mentioned happened on my old website and is closed)

Estimated Cost:

$10 per bonnet, more or less depending on the size, type of lace or trim used, the ribbon and the embellishments. Lace trim can vary in price depending on the detail involved and width/height.

Materials:

  • Lace Trim or a Yard of Lace Fabric with a nice looking edge
  • Flowers or Other Embellishments
  • Skinny Ribbon
  • A few types of thicker, decorative ribbon
  • Hot Glue Gun & Glue Stick

Instructions:

  • Turn on glue gun.
  • Cut lace to appropriate size (see sizing chart below).
  • Cut skinny ribbon to desired length for the back of the bonnet.
  • Place skinny ribbon along edge of lace and fold end of lace over the ribbon. Use hot glue to glue to tack down the lace over the ribbon. Allow the ribbon to slide in and out so that the back of the bonnet can be adjustable. Make sure you cover your workspace and lift the lace up right away so it doesn’t stick to table.
  • Glue chin ribbons to the flower or embellishment of your choice and then attach to corner of lace
  • Cut squares of ribbon and glue to back of flower to cover glue
  • Allow to glue dry and you’re done!

If you know how to sew, you could forgo the hot glue and sew the edges instead. This is the way I used to make them. However, it does take much longer.

Sources for Supplies:

  • Lace Trim and Fabric is from Joanns Fabric store, other variations can be found at Joanns or your local/craft fabric store. Lace Trim is 7″ and usually found near the trims/ribbon section.
  • Flowers are from Bitsy Bands. There are also great options on Amazon: Silk, Stemless Flowers

Sizing Chart:

The bonnets in this video, if laid flat are 7″ deep by 13″ wide. This will fit a newborn to two year old. When using on a sleeping newborn you can tuck it behind the head and tighten the back string. For tiny newborns you can make it smaller and for older children, bigger.

The following are the average head circumference for age newborn to adult:

[Image Source]

Other Ideas & Variations:

  • Try different types of lace or decorative trim.
  • Add feathers, Russian veiling, or other textured materials.
  • Use different types or colors or flower to create other styles. Or use different embellishments such as jewels, pearls, rhinestones, buttons, etc.

Inspiration

This image is from Bucki Kiddies Photography, who purchased this bonnet from me when I was sewing them for my prop shop. She does amazing work, so be sure to check out her Facebook page and “like” it.

DIY Photography Prop - How to Create an Embellished Crown for just $2.40

Estimated Cost:

$2.40 per crown, a few cents more or less depending on the size, type of lace or trim used, and embellishments. Lace trim can vary in price depending on the detail involved and width/height.

Materials:

  • Lace Trim
  • Flowers or Other Embellishments
  • Hot Glue Gun & Glue Stick
  • Clear Matte Paint or Mod Podge or Fabric Stiffener (Clear Matte Paint is used in video)

Instructions:

  • Turn on glue gun.
  • Cut lace trim to appropriate size (see sizing chart below).
  • Use hot glue to glue ends of lace together and make the crown shape.
  • Take outside and spray the entire crown with clear matte spray paint or apply mod podge or fabric stiffener. Be sure to use these products in a well ventilated outdoor area.
  • Allow to dry thoroughly.
  • Once dry, use hot glue to glue on embellishments.
  • Allow to glue dry and you’re done!

Sources for Supplies:

  • Lace Trim is from Joanns Fabric store, other variations can be found at Joanns or your local/craft fabric store.
  • Paper flowers are from a small shop in the Los Angeles Fashion District. These or a variation of them may be available at your local craft store. There are also great options on Amazon.com

Sizing Chart:

Two types of crowns can be created – one to go around the forehead area or one to sit on top of the head. If you would like the crown to sit on top of the head then subtract a few inches from the head circumference. For example if making a baby crown I typically use a 10 inch measurement since the average newborn’s head is 14 inches.The following are the average head circumference for age newborn to adult:

[Image Source]

Other Ideas & Variations:

  • Try different types of lace or decorative trim.
  • Add feathers, Russian veiling, or other textured materials.
  • Use different types or colors or flower to create other styles. Or use different embellishments such as jewels, pearls, rhinestones, buttons, etc.

Inspiration

This image is from Penguin Pictures, who purchased this crown from me when I was making them on Etsy. She does amazing work, so be sure to check out her Facebook page and “like” it.

How to Brighten Eyes in Photoshop

Here is a quick and easy tutorial on how to brighten eyes in Photoshop. In portraits, especially  portraits that have a focus on big beautiful eyes, it is important to make sure the white of the eye is bright and white. Often times, shadows and other things can cause the white of the eyes to look a blue or grey color. Making a quick change to the eyes in Photoshop can really make the eyes standout and look a lot better. The trick is to keep it very subtle and natural.