Amanda - Class of 2014

It's Amanda's turn on the blog.  We did a couple shoots this summer for her senior portraits including a fun beach shoot and another in an historic district.  She was a great model.  So excited for her to be graduating this June and heading to college. 

Colton | Children's Photography

This handsome little guy turned one!  He was so much fun to photograph.  Kept me on my toes.

Beach Shoot

I'm so proud of this girl.  Not only is she beautiful, but a hard worker.  We had a great time while in Nags Head.  Got up one morning and did this!!  So much fun!

Eliminating Under Eye Shadows

I've been using this method for reducing shadows under the eye and love the results. 

Open your photo in Photoshop.

Create a new layer in your layers palette.

Select your Clone Stamp Tool and set the size to fit the shadow.  On your background photo layer, using the Clone Stamp Tool, Alt-click on an area near and under the under eye shadow.  When you hit Alt, you will see a little target symbol appear.  Place the target on the area beneath the eye shadow and far enough away that you won't be painting the shadow back on.  This duplicates the skin tone.

On your new blank layer, still using the Clone Stamp Tool, brush over the shadow area, painting in the new skin tone.  You will need to adjust the opacity of this layer.  I bring it down to usually between 50-75% depending on the photo keeping a small of amount of shadow showing through to keep the portrait real.  On a male portrait, I usually use a lower percentage.  You don't want to loose all the shadows on men.  You want them to keep their masculinity.  When you get it just where you want it, merge those layers.  This photo was set at 65%.

Before

 

 

After

 

Zebra Beanie

Introducing a new Newborn Beanie with zebra stripe details.  What a fun look for baby girl! Available @ www.aimeesphotography.etsy.com for $14.99 each.

Zion in the Spring

My husband and I were blessed to be able to visit Zion National Park during the Spring season.  I was expecting warmer weather, but we were met with a little bit of snow and ice.  It was an amazing trip.  The snow and fog and clouds made for interesting photography.  Several of these photos are new, never been published.  Yes, I'm still playing catch up! 

 

 

Senior Shoot

This young man makes photography easy with his great looks and easy-going personality!  It was a pleasure working with him and his dad.  Wish you the best at your new school, Jared!

Etsy Shop Now Open

The Shop is finally ready to go online!!  Visit Dear to my Heart Photography and Props to find photography prints and canvas wall art as well as cute baby items and props for photographers.  I don't have nearly everything listed yet.  But, new items will be continuously added, so check back often.

If you like what you see, consider sharing the shop with friends and family.  Feel free to share via Pinterest, Facebook, Blogs, email or any other media.  Thanks so much for your interest and support.  I will be sharing soon what children's agency I want to sponsor.  So, know, a percentage of your dollars will be going to support children! 

 

 

 

Dear to my Heart Photography and Props

Free Textures

It was a snow day today.  Actually ice and snow making it impossible to leave our neighborhood.  So hubby came home early and we enjoyed the day together.  I worked on some bokeh textures.  I love using these on tree and flower photos as they add a touch of magical whimsy.  Hope you can find a use for these.  Download here.