Archive for the 'portraits' Category

Our Newly Redesigned Site

Hope you like the new digs! After many years, we decided it was time for a major overhaul. So we’re still in the Beta testing process, you might encounter some bugs (like the crazy graphic on the wedding packages page, we’re working on it.) So be patient, and if you see anything that links the wrong way or doesn’t go where it needs to go, shoot us an e-mail.

Also, we will be adding several dozen new photos this weekend. So check back as we make updates during the month of March.

RAINN continues to help victims.

We were happy to have RAINN utilize our photography talents for their recent on-line campaigns, especially for their myspace account. The photograph of a woman holding an umbrella, sheltering herself from harsh words, has made a huge impact on some people.

View the RAINN Myspace Page by clicking here. Be sure to send them a donation.

Some of the comments posted about our photograph…

“wonderful. this has the power to open up people’s eyes and let them become aware to what’s going on”

“These words should be made into an umbrella for your gift store… and in the CIRCLE in the center of it, should be the words “HOPE, STRENGTH, COURAGE= SURVIVOR… BECAUSE OF RAINN.ORG” ………….. just a thought…. as I NEED a new umbrella, but wanted one that made an IMPACT and had HOPED you all had one listed in your RAINN store!!! =)”

“I just read this in its entirety..and..wow. Thank you for all that you do.”

“I had seen this picture on all the RAINN sites (website, Myspace, Facebook), but I just now actually read all the words on it. I like this a lot.”

-we are very honored to be a small part of such a wonderful organization.

Question for Michael #1

Q: I’m just starting out in photography. How do you create all of that texture work on your pictures?

A: Lots of layers and experimentation in Adobe Photoshop. Sometimes I’ll have 16 separate layers by the time I’m ready to flatten the image.

I’d suggest grabbing a photo disk of patterns or textures, you can also purchase some on istockphoto.com for cheap. from there you just add each texture or pattern, one at a time, experiment with the opacity and such (dissolve, darken, lighten). Knowing what to remove using different erasers helps, too. The layers will begin to mesh and create interesting patters within themselves.

Eventually you’ll get the hang of it. Sometimes it helps to look at other collage pieces, just to get an idea of how shapes, colors and textures will play together. There really is no science to the process, which is what makes it so unique.

Hope that helps!

– Michael Foster

Question for Michael #1

Q: I’m just starting out in photography. How do you create all of that texture work on your pictures?

A: Lots of layers and experimentation in Adobe Photoshop. Sometimes I’ll have 16 separate layers by the time I’m ready to flatten the image.

I’d suggest grabbing a photo disk of patterns or textures, you can also purchase some on istockphoto.com for cheap. from there you just add each texture or pattern, one at a time, experiment with the opacity and such (dissolve, darken, lighten). Knowing what to remove using different erasers helps, too. The layers will begin to mesh and create interesting patters within themselves.

Eventually you’ll get the hang of it. Sometimes it helps to look at other collage pieces, just to get an idea of how shapes, colors and textures will play together. There really is no science to the process, which is what makes it so unique.

Hope that helps!

– Michael Foster

Wedding Tips: Part 1

A lot of brides as us our opinions on simple things that can make your day go smoothly.

– Be sure to eat something before the ceremony. There are plenty of brides who don’t, and then get headaches or stomach aches later in the day.

– Bring a spray bottle filled with water to keep the flowers looking fresh for pictures throughout the day.

– It’s always a good idea to pack an emergency kit with aspirin, band-aids, safety pins, stain remover, an extra pair of nylons, a sewing kit and an umbrella.

– Assign a close family member, preferably a parent to look after the $ bag.

– Cut the cake after you eat the meal. During dinner is your only chance to sit down and relax, and believe us… you’ll want the down time.

– This is a major one! When planning wedding day events, be sure to give extra time for getting ready, altar shots, pictures in between the ceremony and reception and the bridal party announcement. Most of the time, things run behind schedule.

– Try to have at least 45 minutes after the ceremony ( and family pictures) to take pictures with your photographer.

All for now! We’ll post more ideas in the coming months.

– Jaime

Wedding Tips: Part 1

A lot of brides as us our opinions on simple things that can make your day go smoothly.

– Be sure to eat something before the ceremony. There are plenty of brides who don’t, and then get headaches or stomach aches later in the day.

– Bring a spray bottle filled with water to keep the flowers looking fresh for pictures throughout the day.

– It’s always a good idea to pack an emergency kit with aspirin, band-aids, safety pins, stain remover, an extra pair of nylons, a sewing kit and an umbrella.

– Assign a close family member, preferably a parent to look after the $ bag.

– Cut the cake after you eat the meal. During dinner is your only chance to sit down and relax, and believe us… you’ll want the down time.

– This is a major one! When planning wedding day events, be sure to give extra time for getting ready, altar shots, pictures in between the ceremony and reception and the bridal party announcement. Most of the time, things run behind schedule.

– Try to have at least 45 minutes after the ceremony ( and family pictures) to take pictures with your photographer.

All for now! We’ll post more ideas in the coming months.

– Jaime


May 2024
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Flickr Photos

Michael & Jaime Foster