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I am constantly receiving emails from fellow photographers (old and new) who want to know how I handle the post processing of my images. So I'm dedicating this entire post to just that!
I love how they were able to bring out he details in the blacks and still keep the contrast up.
Even the slightest adjustment in white-balance can make a huge difference.
Here is the color recipe I used for these next two images using the Totally Rad Actions within RadLab (the best part about Radlab is that it is very visual and you don't have to be a rocket scientist to use it):
First, I want to express an opinion: A photo shouldn't just be shot, burned to a disc, then handed over to the client...if you're a digital photographer (and an artist at that), one must work on the images. Even if it's proofs being handed back to the client, never, I repeat, NEVER, give a client an untouched image! Would a painter hand over a paying client an almost blank canvas with just the pencil sketches? No. Especially when the paying client is expecting "art"! They hire you to do what they cannot do for themselves. We are artists, lets be respectful to our paying clients and deliver to them the amazing photos they are expecting out of us!
Okay, now that I'm done ranting I want to give credit to the amazing companies that make my life 100 times easier when it comes to the post processing of my images. These two companies are Fotofafa and TOTALLY RAD ACTIONS! I use both of these companies separately for two totally different purposes and I'll explain that below. I'm proud to be an affiliate for both of these companies, because as I rave about them constantly (they deserve it more than they know) they are "scratching my back" with beautiful images I can give to my clients and in return I get to share what they do, along with how awesome I truly believe they are for a small percentage return in my pocket.
Plus, I thought this would be the perfect time to share about these two companies because both Fotofafa and TOTALLY RAD ACTIONS! are running HUGE Black Friday sales, see below to take advantage of that as long as it lasts:
To redeem the discount for 15% off at TOTALLY RAD ACTIONS! type in the coupon code 1016BLACKFRIDAY (you don't want to miss out on the RadLab if you don't already have it). Their sale is only running for 24 hours only on 11/25/11!
To redeem the discounts and HUGE savings from Fotofafa during their Black Friday sale, be sure to type in the coupon code LYON11. Their sale is currently running through Monday 11/28/11!
Working on images takes time, we all know that, and if not time-managed properly, post processing of images can take over your life, which will in turn make you abhor the job you once loved. I am a complete believer in outsourcing so that I can have more time to do the things that I love, like spending time with my family, going out on a date with my husband, or even at this time of year taking time off for the holidays.
After shooting a wedding with 3,000 plus images, I get to send all of my photos over to Fotofafa to cull down and process into beautifully proofed jpegs. They take each image and color correct to my preference, adjust the white balance, perfect my exposure, and even add contrast if I need them to.
Here are a few recent images I received back from Fotofafa along with my raw (in camera) image so you can see the before & after:
This image seemed a bit dull and I like how Fotofafa brought it to life.
I love how they were able to bring out he details in the blacks and still keep the contrast up.
Even the slightest adjustment in white-balance can make a huge difference.
Before I send all of my images over to Fotofafa, I like to go through and choose my favorites that will be featured on my blog, used for the slideshow, and ultimately used for my clients' wedding albums. Totally Rad Actions help me to "artistically edit" my favorite images and retouch them into a complete work of art.
Here are a few of my favorite recipes played on the following photos using Totally Rad Actions through their new RadLab...(which is seriously RAD and beyond easy to use!).
Recipe for black & white conversion using TRA within RadLab (note: all of my black and white images are always desaturated prior to the following steps):
1. Detroit reduced down to 50% and tone compression increased up to 130%
2. Grainstorm at 100%
3. Get Faded Neutral reduced down to 30%
4. Boutwell Magic Glasses reduced down to 50%
Here is the color recipe I used for these next two images using the Totally Rad Actions within RadLab (the best part about Radlab is that it is very visual and you don't have to be a rocket scientist to use it):1. Cool As A Cucumber reduced down to 50%
2. Get Faded Spring reduced down to 60%
3. The 600 reduced down to 50% with grain down to 15% and the defocus down to 0%
4. Boutwell Magic Glasses reduced down to 50%
Again, a HUGE shout-out to Fotofafa & Totally Rad Actions for making my life easier, especially during the holidays when I really want to get things done fast in order to have more time to myself and all the while still being able to deliver the quality images my clients deserve!
Paco & Betty said:
We agree, we use and love both!
(11.23.11 01:49 PM)
Jonathan Connolly said:
Nice. Thank you for sharing the recipes! I recently got a order back from Fotofafa and they did such a great job!
(11.23.11 02:57 PM)
Mindy said:
I love when you post things like this!! Thank you for sharing!! :) Also, do you have an average number that you will "artistically edit" for clients, before sending them to Fotofafa? You artistically edit those and then when Fotofafa delivers the rest you are done? Sounds amazing! :) Thanks again! Your work is such an inspiration!
(11.23.11 08:38 PM)
Louis Blythe said:
Thanks for these. Great Comparisons!
(11.29.11 08:04 PM)
Emily said:
Hi Amelia, thank you for sharing! I was wondering if the client then receives all the fotofafa images on a disc and then the only ones you add your own artisitic touches to are the ones the client chooses to purchase in print and in their albums? Obviously, you additionally edit what comes back from fotofafa for your blog. I have been struggling with whether I edit them all with my own presets or if I color re-touch then only personally add my own touch to their chosen prints and album choices? Thanks so much for your help! You are a gem to help other photogs out!
(12.02.11 12:44 PM)
oddessyjain said:
Those images are really great.
(01.22.12 07:37 PM)
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How Fotofafa + the Radlab better my life!
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11.22.11
It's always fun working with and getting to photograph a friend's wedding! As was the case with Nate + Katie Rose. Justin has been busy co-producing a radical upcoming kids television show with Nate over this past year & has worked with Nate on Yo Gabba Gabba, so Justin & he have become pretty close. We're so glad that Nate met Katie Rose and fell in love with her...we're even happier that we got to photograph their wedding day!
The wedding party...
My favorite detail of the day: the "Mr & Mrs Rogers" sign hanging over their ceremony site...loved it! Shauna Lewis of The Little Shop of Shavs did fantastic job coordinating the ceremony and reception. She also does these amazing paintings...it's a MUST check out!
My favorite shot of the day!
The wedding party...
My favorite detail of the day: the "Mr & Mrs Rogers" sign hanging over their ceremony site...loved it! Shauna Lewis of The Little Shop of Shavs did fantastic job coordinating the ceremony and reception. She also does these amazing paintings...it's a MUST check out!
My favorite shot of the day!
Click here to see the rest of their wedding day!
Sara Lucero said:
Love it, Amelia. I don't even understand that ring picture... it's amazing! Blown away.
(11.22.11 09:09 PM)
Lauren @ Every Last Detail said:
So very gorgeous! I love the use of chevron, and even more so, the bride and groom's incredible JOY! :)
(11.22.11 09:13 PM)
Leigh-Ellen said:
I love seeing weddings with an aesthetic I'd never ever choose for myself but that works so perfectly all the same. Love what people have started doing with streamers lately as well!! Gorgeous set of photos.
(11.23.11 06:30 AM)
RoseAllen@ Hawaii Wedding said:
The wedding is very gorgeous. I love the little cakes made it is so lovely. Very very good photos.
(11.23.11 07:41 AM)
Heather Hamer said:
Love the tie! Love the car! Everything is fun and festive. The one kissing under the streamers is my fav!
(11.23.11 09:05 AM)
Kayla Thompson said:
These pictures are so beautiful! So much color and amazing lighting techniques! Love!
(11.23.11 01:54 PM)
richard cao said:
amelia! love love love this set! you are so talented! and happy thanksgiving!
(11.23.11 09:28 PM)
Anda said:
WOW I love there details so much. Super bright, colorful, and FUN. Amazing amazing work as usual, guys :)
(11.24.11 06:36 AM)
Aundrea Shafer said:
Your work is so beautiful and artistic! I've been wondering, what tones/actions are you using to get the coloring in these photos? They're a mix between creamy and warm yet still cool.
(11.26.11 11:00 AM)
David said:
Love your work Amelia. I have to say, the look of your images conveys a feeling that is hard to describe. They have warmth and emotion. I admire a few other photographers with different styles, but yours is unique unlike any other. You and a local photographer Ashley Warren are two of my favorite photographers, and yet so completely different. It seems you use similar tools, but applied in your own artistic ways. Like a paintbrush used by two fine artists to render different works of art. I want to create my own style, but what it is, I'm still trying to figure out. thanks for sharing your ideas with us.
David in Huntsville, AL
(11.29.11 08:43 PM)
Katie Rose said:
I couldn't be happier with these, and agree with the other comments - you are such an artist with the camera - you and Justin both. Thanks for documenting our crazy day for us.
(12.01.11 03:53 AM)
wedding midlands said:
Happy wedding ! Seeing the image of your wedding ,i am speechless. Really it seems as a live cast . In this blog,it is explained the wedding of the Nate and Katie Rose . Really it is a nice couple.
Great image ,lots of love thanks.
(12.20.11 10:26 PM)
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Nate + Katie Rose Married!
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11.08.11
I LOVE posting photos of my kids, especially when they turn a new leaf like growing older! Sloan is the delight and humor to our family, and I can't believe that this kid is already FOUR years old! My oh my, he's turned out to be the witty-sweet-sassy kid I didn't know I could have! I love you my Sloanie-bologna!
Some fun facts about Sloan right now:
A week after his birthday, we threw him a Halloween/Costume party, what a fun afternoon!
After wanting to be a beyblade character, then a rhinoceros, then a ninja guy, he finally settled on being a dragon for halloween! 
It's not a Lyon party without a pinata!
Justin manned the rope, all the while holding Monroe in a wrap!
Loved Hudson's mummy costume, he was in character the entire afternoon, so funny!
Max was the one that finally broke the pinata!
Magga & Crampa!
Some fun facts about Sloan right now:1. he JUST became a new big brother to his little sister Monroe!
2. loves Beyblades just like his older brother Hudson..."loves" is an understatement, he's a bit obsessed with them!
3. still likes to watch Yo Gabba Gabba episodes and I catch him singing the songs to himself all the time
4. has a small case of stage fright, but when you get him in the comfort of his own element he's a riot and witty...it's pretty funny the things he comes up with!
5. is attending pre-school right now in the seniors program. He says, "guess what mom, I go to seniors now because I'm a BIG-year-old!"
6. still loves the color pink, I think it'll always be his favorite!
7. is really sweet to his little sister Monroe and is constantly wanting to "see her face and kiss her cheek"
8. really good at coming up with games to play with older brother Hudson
9. his favorite thing to do with mom & dad is to "snuggle", he could do this all day long...we're embracing this as long as we possibly can!
10. he's learning how to write his name and its' so cute to watch him try to write while he sticks his tongue out (as if that helps lol!)
11. is pretty sneaky at getting things done the way that he wants them done, he's a clever kid
12. knows how to sweet-talk daddy into snuggling with him just to have daddy fall asleep in Sloan's bed all night long
13. we know if he's telling the truth with his embellished stories when he ends it with, "no, FOR REAL!"
14. asks mom everyday if he can "go to Target to get another hot-wheel" and if mom says no he says, "it's okay, we can go to Target to get another Beyblade!"
15. was able to do a voice-over for a "story-time" segment on one of the new Yo Gabba Gabba episodes. His raspy voice is adorable, we hope he never looses it!
16. is really sweet to Hudson & Monroe, what an amazing brother he is!
A week after his birthday, we threw him a Halloween/Costume party, what a fun afternoon!
After wanting to be a beyblade character, then a rhinoceros, then a ninja guy, he finally settled on being a dragon for halloween! 
It's not a Lyon party without a pinata!
Justin manned the rope, all the while holding Monroe in a wrap!
Loved Hudson's mummy costume, he was in character the entire afternoon, so funny!
Max was the one that finally broke the pinata!
Magga & Crampa!
We LOVE you Sloanie-Bologna!
sandie said:
I can't believe he is 4!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love you and miss you and love seeing your personal posts! They are my very fave!
(11.08.11 07:30 PM)
Adrienne said:
How adorable! I love how much you love your children. It makes me feel like there is some hope for the human race. Keep on, keepin' on.
Cheers!
(11.09.11 12:21 AM)
Grandma & Grandpa Lyon said:
We loved the photos very much too. Sad we couldn't be there, but there will be other B-days we can celebrate with him. We love his adorable personality, his big brown eyes and his raspy voice. Love you Guys...
(11.09.11 12:41 AM)
Shari Hanson said:
SOOOOO cute! how fun that our kiddos are all about the same age... (well except for my oldest- he's almost nine) Joshy is 6, Drew just turned 4 OCt. 30th and Aleks was born Sept. 22 - just after Monroe! I love the fun b-day pics...looks like it was a blast!
(11.09.11 06:53 AM)
Malinda Warder said:
My husband & I absolutely LOVE following your sweet family! So much fun & life in the Lyons. Thanks for sharing!
(11.09.11 11:38 AM)
amber fischer said:
That looks like the most fun birthday party in the history of the world. And those costumes! I can't get over that little candy corn - adorable. Happy Birthday Sloan - you've got the raddest hair, kid.
(11.10.11 10:18 AM)
Gordo said:
Damn i have the coolest looking nephew. haha He is such a STUD!
(11.22.11 09:19 PM)
Angi Davis said:
Fun shots! And what a great party!! I love that they call their grandmother "Magga" - our kids call Bill's mother "Mugga."
(11.23.11 08:51 AM)
Wedding Photographer Rayleigh said:
This girls photo is very very nice... I liked it...
(12.10.11 10:22 AM)
Magga said:
I love you too for being such an awesome MOM - You are an amazing and talented photographer - I love you sooooo much - Love your MOM and "Magga to your cute kids!
(12.18.11 04:59 PM)
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Sloan Turned 4!
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11.03.11
Allie + Britton were married back in August and I am JUST getting around to blogging their sweet wedding day! I first met Allie when she was just a little bridesmaid at her older sister's wedding a few years back, it's always fun to work with a family I've already had the pleasure of photographing the past. Also, I love photographing weddings of high school sweethearts, as is the case with Allie + Britton! Congrats to them!
My favorite shot of the day!
My favorite detail of the day: the "Britton Heart Allie" sign!
Lyndzee Ellsworth said:
My fav shot is the one in front of the house with the car. love.
(11.05.11 02:07 PM)
Jessica said:
omg, love the hoopty!! and why does it seem that you have perfect light all day, for every shot?
(11.11.11 10:03 AM)
Art said:
love your style!
(11.19.11 05:28 PM)
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Allie + Britton Married!
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10.18.11
After spending this last Saturday at Tammy + Pat's wedding I thought this would probably be a good time to finally blog their engagement session...right?! This was a great location to work with in Downtown Orange!
My favorite shot of the day!:)
My favorite shot of the day!:)
Tammy said:
Had such a great time at this shoot! I loved the location and the pictures came out perfect!! Thank you Amelia!
(10.19.11 11:22 AM)
Leigh-Ellen said:
The light in these photos is mesmerizing... as is the lovely couple. Amazing set of photos.
(10.20.11 06:42 AM)
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Tammy + Pat Engaged!
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