Organize Your Workflow: Artistic Creativity, Technical Tasks, & Automated Processes

The biggest thing you can do to vastly improve your photo editing in virtually every way is, first and foremost, to organize it. Ask yourself: which parts of your workflow do you want to have the most control over, and spend the most time doing? Oppositely, which parts of your workflow would you prefer to automate and/or not have to worry about at all? Answer these questions for yourself, and you may just unlock a whole new level of creativity in your photo editing!

Artistic Creativity

Above all else, you’re an artist. This means that you should never let the editing process be a drain on your creativity, but also, you have to beware the potential pitfalls of getting too technical. Or, unfortunately, even things like presets and LUTs can result in a creative slump. In other words, don’t just use a “cookie cutter” approach to your editing. Routinely remind yourself to think outside the box, try something new, and stay inspired!

Technical Tasks

Compared to the creative side of things, technical tasks are the things you DON’T want to spend time on, period. In fact, if possible, almost all technical tasks should be automated. If you want all of your images to have a particular sharpening or noise reduction setting, that’s a great example of something you should never have to worry about. Save these settings as a preset, or even make it your raw default! Even if you still want to go through the edits and make subtle adjustments, having a starting point is always better than doing things from scratch every single time.

Automated Processes

Lastly, one of the greatest ways to speed up any photo editing workflow is to have as many automated processes as possible. We could spend days giving tips and advice, but here are just a few suggestions, in rapid-fire:

• Import and export your photos in batches. Also, make sure that you have something else to do while the process is running. Most photo editing applications, including ZPS X, allow you to do almost anything else while a folder of new or edited photos is being imported or exported.
• If your computer gets “bogged down” when exporting hundreds or thousands of high-megapixel images all at once, then just take that opportunity to get up from your computer and go for a walk!
• Use a cloud-based storage system to ensure that you can seamlessly transition from editing photos on a desktop or laptop computer, and posting low-res versions of those edited images to social media from any of your mobile devices.
• For high-resolution photo sharing directly with clients or other viewers, one of the ultimate solutions is to seamlessly integrate your editing workflow and an online gallery for full-resolution images. This is one reason why we’ve recommended ZPS X in the past–the Zonerama online gallery feature is fantastic, and an excellent solution for automating the final step in your photography workflow.

What Is a LUT? | LUTs Versus Presets

  You have probably heard about LUTs before, especially if you do both photo and video editing. A LUT is a “LookUp Table”, which was basically a fancy videography word for what most photographers have known as Presets. (That’s an oversimplification, but we’ll explain further!) Basically, a preset is a group of saved settings that affect your editing adjustment sliders. You can create presets for not just basic adjustments to exposure, contrast, saturation, and white balance, but also for advanced things like highlights & shadows, tone curves, Hue/Color, sharpening, or vignetting. As you can see below, hitting the “Highlight Details” preset in ZPS X gives a certain look, which you can dial up and down from 0% to 100%. Notice how the sliders move along with the presets “Intensity” slider…

On the other hand, a LUT is a very specific type of preset; and technically we shouldn’t even call them presets because of how separate they are. LUTs only affect the color and tone of an image, in a relatively subtle way. Also, (and this is important to note!) a LUT works independently of your editing sliders! In other words, if you apply a preset that adjusts your RGB curves, you’ll see the points of the curve change. If you apply a LUT, however, you won’t see any of your adjustments changing, because the LUT operates “under the hood”.

In Zoner Photo Studio X, LUTs are now accessible toward the top of the Editing panel, as part of the “Color Style” panel. You have a main Color / Black and White option, a drop-down menu for selecting your 3D LUT, and then an Intensity slider to increase or decrease the effect of the LUT you select. The LUTs included with Zoner Photo Studio X are quite diverse and powerful. Plus, you can easily import additional LUTs that you might have downloaded, to emulate almost any look!

Why You Should Use LUTs in Photo Editing

The question is, if a LUT is so similar to a preset, why should you bother using them? LUTs require special tools to create, while presets are easy to save/create, and are built into most photo editing programs. Answering that question is very simple: LUTs are useful because they don’t change or undo any of your existing edits; they are an additional “layer” so to speak. This means that, unlike a preset, a LUT can have a nearly identical effect on every image you apply it to, whether that image was captured in soft light, harsh light, or even an HDR type scenario. How can this be a benefit to you? One example is this: You can edit a portrait session or other job however you normally would, as the default, “color-corrected” look. Then, on top of that, you can apply a LUT to further enhance the image by adding a subtle, stylized look to the colors and tones. This effect will appear universal across all your different images. (Doing the same thing with a preset is usually impossible, or extremely difficult at best!)

Alternatively, you can use LUTs in basically the opposite way: Set one as your default, so that all your images start off representing your preferred style without even applying any edits. Then, (as you can see above) apply a preset that suits your image’s actual subject/scene. This method is particularly useful if you have a consistent style that you want to always see your images with.(We are getting ahead of ourselves, but you can also consider adjusting your raw defaults for this same reason!)

How To Add A LUT in Zoner Photo Studio X

  In Zoner Photo Studio X, creating a new LUT is a very easy process. In the “Color Style” panel of the “Develop” tab, look for the little plus sign next to the 3D LUT drop-down box. This will allow you to locate a LUT file that you have downloaded, and import it to join the seven built-in LUTs. Unfortunately, creating your own LUTs isn’t easy to do. However, thankfully, various LUTs are very common and easy to find online, including ones that emulate the trademark cinematic color schemes of different popular films!

How To Customize Raw Defaults in Zoner Photo Studio X

Opposite from what a LUT does, sometimes what you want is for all of your images to start off with the same set of adjustments already applied. But, at the same time, (unlike a LUT) …you want the option to go back and re-adjust one or two of those settings such as Contrast or Saturation. Maybe you like the way your images look without any editing at all, but you’d prefer just a faint additional “pop”, or a subtle tweak to the dynamic range. In this case, simply create a new raw default! Starting with a completely unedited image, make the minimal changes that you’d like to see appear as the defaults whenever you import new images. Then, save the new raw default.

Of course, if you ever decide that these new defaults aren’t right, you can always revert to the original, “actual” raw default again, or just save a slightly different new default. (Note the grayed-out “Reset Default Adjustments” option below the highlighted option, above.) One of the best suggestions that we can make when you are changing your raw defaults and when you are saving a preset in general is this: Think of it sort of like you would a LUT! That is, use the editing tools you are less likely to need to adjust later. So that your defaults stay as universal as possible. For example, if you want to slightly increase contrast in your image, try using the curves instead of the contrast slider itself, if you rarely ever use the curves slider. Similarly, if you want to save a new raw default that has slightly increased dynamic range, try using the curves for that instead, so that your basic sliders are still free to adjust highlights and shadows for each image individually.

Conclusion

  All in all, there are many ways to improve your workflow from both a creative and technical perspective. With the right workflow tools, this can be a seamless process from start to finish! Remember to organize your workflow tasks so that you don’t lose sight of those things that give you artistic inspiration in the first place. If you can eliminate anything repetitive or tedious, and give yourself an inspiring starting point each time you fire up your computer to edit photos, then this challenge becomes significantly easier! We have consistently recognized ZPS X to be one of the most complete workflow solutions in this regard, and these newest tools in the fall of 2023 are making things even easier.

What Is a “Fine Art Print?”

A “Fine Art Print,” often referred to as giclee prints, is a high-quality reproduction of an image using premium materials. These materials include archival-quality paper and pigment-based, acid-free inks, ensuring that the print remains vibrant and fade-resistant over time. The paper for regular photographic prints often contains acid, leading to potential degradation over time. This can result in fading, brittleness, or even cracking as years pass. Zno’s prints serve as a great example of a fine art print. They come in a wide range of sizes, are crafted using top-tier archival inks and printed on acid-free art-grade papers with advanced large format printers. In short, these prints stand out for their longevity and quality.

What Images Make Good Fine Art Prints?

While the term ‘fine art’ can be subjective, it often refers to high quality, high-resolution images that resonate with people due to their subject, composition, emotion, and technique. These are stories captured in a frame, whether of beautiful landscapes, artistic portraits, unique street photography, or even still life.

How to Post-Process for a Fine Art Print

Printing introduces challenges that digital displays can forgive.  Here are some tips on editing and submitting your image for a fine art print:

• The image resolution should be high, ideally at least 300 dpi for fine art prints.
• Ensure that you’re editing on a calibrated monitor and that color corrections are made, considering the color profile that the printer uses.
• Use software tools like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom to refine and perfect your image, zooming in on each detail prior to printing.
• Sharpen your photo to taste if needed.
• Upsample the image if needed. If you’re creating a large print, consider upsampling, otherwise known as upscaling, your image.  Some printers will do this for you, but the advantage of doing it yourself is that you have full control, and you can do it easily in Photoshop.

Choosing Print Materials

Your choice of material can enhance or diminish the impact of your work. For a classic look, archival-quality paper with a weight of at least 230 gsm is recommended. While glossy paper can make colors pop, matte finishes reduce glare.

For something different, consider canvas or even metal prints that offer durability and a modern look. The type of ink used, usually pigment-based, also matters as it ensures longevity and fade-resistance.

How to Choose a Fine Art Printer

While home printing has come a long way, there’s a marked difference when partnering with a professional printer. Pro labs like Zno, for example, bring expertise, quality control, and often access to better materials. Research printers that cater to artists and photographers. Reviews and portfolios can also guide your choice.

Making Money From Fine Art Prints

Making money from fine art prints is challenging in today’s world where artistic photos are reproduced and sold by big box stores like Target and Ikea, and beautiful work is uploaded for free to download on sites like Pexels and Unsplash. However, even if you don’t have the name recognition and artwork of more established photographers, fine art prints can still have a place in your photography business.

Beginner and Amateur Photographers – For beginner and amateur photographers, fine art photography can serve as a rewarding, physical embodiment of your passion.  You can create fine art prints for your home and your family and friends.

Wedding and Portrait Photographers – For wedding and portrait photographers, adding fine art prints to your product lineup can create a unique product and experience for your clients.  With the right presentation, a limited edition physical print carries more perceived value than a digital image.

Consider adding fine art prints as an order option in your Estore. This can be found by Zno customers in their online photo gallery, Zno Gallery. Or as an alternative you can always create a Fine Art Album, which is the equivalent of multiple Fine Art Prints put together. A great way to design a Fine Art Album is through album design software like Zno Designer, which can be used to design fine art albums for Zno or any other printing Lab.

Marketing and Selling Your Fine Art Prints

Defining and understanding your target audience is foundational. Are they art collectors, enthusiasts, or individuals seeking décor?  Are they your wedding or portrait clients seeking a unique presentation of your images for their homes?

Harness the power of the internet. A personal website acts as a portfolio and store, while other platforms like Etsy can broaden your reach. Collaborate with local galleries for exhibitions, or look for space at art fairs.

Finally, social media is your friend, especially platforms that prioritize visuals like Instagram. Showcase not just the final print, but also the process, behind-the-scenes moments, and testimonials.

Limited Editions and Certifications

Limiting the number of prints can create exclusivity and demand. Consider numbering each print and even signing them. Offering certificates of authenticity adds value and assures buyers of their purchase’s uniqueness and legitimacy. When pricing, consider the exclusivity, cost of production, and comparable market prices.

Packaging and Presentation

The experience of receiving a fine art print should be special. Use acid-free tissue paper, sturdy packaging, and consider adding a personalized note or care instructions. Such touches elevate the unboxing experience, enhancing the perceived value of your work.

Conclusion

The realm of fine art prints is a challenging yet rewarding avenue for photographers. It offers a means to not only monetize one’s passion but also to connect deeply with audiences, to present work in a format that transcends the fleeting nature of digital consumption.

The journey into fine art printing is as much about self-discovery as it is about mastering technique and marketing. It’s about understanding the value of your work and presenting it in a way that resonates with others. So, as you embark on this adventure, remember to stay true to your vision, continually hone your craft, and embrace the opportunities that arise.

Video: 5 Off-Camera Flash Photography Tips for Beginners

Gear List

Here’s a list of the gear used in this video/article. You can switch the gear out below with whatever you have available to use:

• Camera (Canon EOS R5)
• Lens (Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8)
• Profoto A1 (find the A10 here)
• Profoto B10 (find the B10X here)
• MagSphere 2
• MagBox Pro 24” Octa
• MagGel CTO

Let’s jump in.

Tip #1: Shoot with Manual Flash Power

Shooting in auto mode (aka ETTL or TTL) with flash seems like it should be easier on the surface, but things get complicated when it comes to editing the photos. The reason for this is that auto mode can change the flash power for each image you capture, and consistency quickly goes out the window. The quality of your results will vary as well. Some images might look great while others don’t look good at all.

Taking manual control of your flash power, on the other hand, will help you dial in the look you need and give you consistent results. The time you save in post alone makes it worth learning to manually adjust your flash power.

Here are a couple general “rules” to keep in mind when setting your flash power.

When in the Sun, One over One

When shooting in direct sunlight, start by setting your flash to full power, aka one over one. If you’re using any modifiers to diffuse the light, you might need even more power than a single flash can produce (depending on the flash).

Try Using the Inverse of ISO

Another option for determining the best power setting for your flash relies on using the inverse of our ISO setting. Here are a few examples for reference:

• ISO 200 | Start at ½ power
• ISO 400 | Start at ¼ power
• ISO 1600 | Start at 1/16 power

Tip #2: Get to Know the Inverse Square Law

Not to be confused with Inverse of ISO, another way that we can determine how much flash power we need involves the inverse square law. This “law” helps us understand how much light will reach our subjects, whether we’re photographing individual subjects or large groups of people.

Simply put, the inverse square law notes that the intensity of light falls off rapidly as it moves it farther away from the subject.

To give an example, let’s say that we’ve placed our off-camera flash 3 feet away from our subject. If we then move the flash back an additional 3 feet without adjusting the flash power setting, only 25% of the light that reached the subject at 3 feet will still get to them.

If we only doubled our distance, why did we lose 75% of our flash power? Good questions.

The math works like this:

• We doubled the distance by two times (2x), moving it from 3 to 6 feet away from our subject.
• The inverse of 2 is ½.
• When we square the inverse number of 1/2 (multiply the number on the bottom of the fraction by itself – 2 x 2), we get ¼, or 25%.

We can make up for this loss of light in various ways, such as increasing our flash power or directing our light through a grid or snoot (like the MagGrid 2 or MagSnoot 2). We can also utilize the flash unit’s built-in zoom feature.

Tip #3: Understand Soft Light vs Hard Light

When shooting flash photography, we have the option of modifying the light to make it soft light or hard light, or somewhere in between. One type is not better than the other, but you should know how to modify the light to get the look you want.

Soft Light

For soft light, you’ll probably want to use something like a softbox in order to create a bigger light source relative to your subject. In terms of where to place the light, moving it closer to your subject will make the light source bigger and the light quality softer.

A helpful tip for placing the light is to keep the flash one to two times the distance from your subject as the size of the box. In other words, if you’re using a MagBox Pro 42” Octa, place it somewhere between 42” – 84” (3-7 feet) from your subject. For a smaller box (MagBox Pro 24” Octa), try to place the flash between 24”-48” from your subject. Again, these are recommended distances for getting softer light.

Hard Light

For hard light, on the other hand, place your lights farther back or use other smaller modifiers (MagSphere, MagBounce, or MagGrid).

Whichever route you choose, make sure to modify your off-camera flash accordingly to properly control your light.

Tip #4: Add Color to Your Flashes

Adding color to your flash provides a quick and easy way to greatly expand your creative possibilities. All you need to do is place a MagMod Pro Gel (or whatever color gels you have) on your flash. When you adjust your white balance in post for skin tones, the color present in the scene will shift, sometimes dramatically. We’ve written about this process in more detail in our intuitive guide to gels and creative color effects. In the article/video, we discuss how to use creative color effects with MagGels to change the color and mood in your photos. We also cover different gels you can use to get the exact color you want.

Tip #5: Use Multi-Light Setups

When you like you’re ready, we recommend graduating from one off-camera flash to two or more. Shooting with multi-light setups is both fun and creatively rewarding.

For a two-light setup example, place your main or key light where you normally would. We went with a soft box off to the side in front of our subject. Then, place the second light slightly behind and off to the side of the subject to add a “kicker” light, which should help carve your subject out of the background with a nice rim light.

Final Images

Here’s a collection of images that we created using the tips outlined above.

Conclusion

We hope that you found these 5 off-camera flash photography tips for beginners helpful. The goal, of course, would be to start using them as soon as possible. Once you grasp the basics of using flash and get your hands on gear that removes many of the challenges of modifying and controlling the light, you can flex your creativity and capture beautiful photos any time, night or day.

For additional tips on getting into real estate photography, here is a step-by-step guide to getting into real estate photography! Also, here is a guide to real estate photography pricing.

1. Don’t Show Up Without The Right Lens For The Job.

One mistake that a real estate photographer can make when shooting their first few jobs is, simply having the wrong lens. For example, if you’re going to be shooting in very tight quarters you’ll probably want a wide-angle zoom lens. Oppositely, if you’re doing a lot of outdoor work, a normal or telephoto lens can be very useful, especially the more space around the property you have, or if there are any beautiful backdrops such as mountains, beaches, etc.

This does NOT mean that you must go buy expensive, exotic lenses right away before you shoot any real estate work. The key is simply to know what you’re getting yourself into with each job. There are plenty of jobs that you can accomplish quite well with just a 24-70mm or 24-105mm lens, if the interiors are spacious and the desired images are simple compositions.

However, if you’re photographing a lot of tight quarters, or small rooms, then having something like a 16-35mm or 14-24mm ultra-wide lens could really save the day. If you don’t have one of these lenses yet, try renting one!

Again, don’t mistake this for needing the most truly exotic, expensive lens. In almost all real estate photos, your goal is to get everything in focus, so you’ll be stopping your lens down in most cases. Even a modest, affordable lens like the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 (for Sony mirrorless) or 17-35mm f/2.8-4 (for DSLRs) can work wonders. Or, if you need to go even wider on a budget, Rokinon’s 14mm f/2.8 lens is extremely affordable, and now offers a distortion correction profile.

(To read more about lens distortion and how to fix it, stay tuned for a future article coming soon!)

The most important thing you can do is, ask your client some questions about the size of the property, the rooms, and ask them what types of photos they’re expecting. This simple, easy communication can go a long way towards helping you deliver above and beyond the clients’ expectations!

If you’re stuck with whatever lens you have on hand, for one job here or there, the good news is that if you have a really good eye for strong compositions, and/or if you can do a quick panoramic stitch, then the client may not know that you didn’t bring the “optimal” lens for a job.

Unfortunately, from here on out, the rest of our tips will definitely be things that a client will notice, so if you weren’t already, it’s time to start taking serious notes!

2. Don’t Promise A Turnaround Time You Can’t Deliver On.

One of the biggest cardinal sins that your clients will definitely notice, is if you simply don’t deliver on time. Never promise that you can have images to them in just a day or two, and then take a week or two instead. You’ll probably never hear from that client again!

In real estate photography, each job’s required turnaround time can vary, but it is not uncommon for the client to expect, indeed require, the images as immediately as possible. If they’re having you photograph a property, they probably want to list it as soon as possible.

Some other types of professional photographers may be shocked by the idea of having to deliver a completed set of images in just 24 hours, or even just a couple of days, but sometimes it’s part of the job! Simply schedule yourself enough time after each job, either the same day or the following morning, to get your images processed.

Thankfully, post-production for real estate doesn’t have to be too complicated. If your images are simple single exposures, basic color correction that is batch applied to every image of a room with similar lighting may be sufficient, with only minor image-to-image tweaks.

If you have any reason to create composite images, oftentimes things like panoramas and HDRs can be done effortlessly within Lightroom, or for greater control with a highly streamlined process, dedicated HDR software such as Photomatix by HDRsoft can seamlessly integrate into your workflow, even for batches of bracketed images.

No matter what you do, the best thing you can do is deliver ahead of schedule. When it comes to making clients remember you as a professional that they’d love to work with again, nothing creates an awesome impression like surprising them by delivering good-looking images early.

3. Don’t Forget To Ask The Client To Prepare The Space For You!

This is a big one, and if you’re a softspoken artist who likes to be self-sufficient and never ask for anything, it can be difficult to break that ice and request that the client prepare the space to be photographed.

The truth is, thankfully, this is a very common practice, so you’re not asking too much if you require, even in your contract, that the property be “ready to photograph” when you arrive. Aside from a few minutes of putting things away if someone is actively living in a property, you should be able to arrive and start shooting as soon as you’ve had a walk-through and set up your gear.

Standing around waiting for someone to clean up a messy room, let alone having to do it yourself, is simply NOT in your job description. Or, if you want to offer such a service, you’d better charge extra for it!)

4. Be Careful Offering Deceptive Retouching or Photoshop.

This depends on where you’re doing business, of course, but in some areas/states, there are laws against real estate property being significantly misrepresented in photos.

It may be the real estate agent or company that gets in trouble, but you could still find yourself dragged into a huge time-wasting fiasco as the photographer. Also, if that client is in deep trouble, you could lose business.

How you respond to such requests is totally up to you as a professional, but, first and foremost you should educate yourself about the laws of your area. And, although it might be none of your business, if you sense that a client is simply not scrupulous, you might want to broach the subject with them.

5. Don’t Over-Process Your Images.

Even if your Photoshop retouching work is minimal, another cardinal sin of real estate photography is processing your images so over-the-top that the tones and colors themselves are not just unnatural, but unattractive.

Remember, photography is art, but it is also used as an accurate representation of reality. And any time you are picturing something that is for sale, whether a property or any other object, realistic representation should be balanced with “artistic liberty” a little bit differently than other forms of artistic photography.

Simply put, your goal is to render tones and colors relatively naturally. Leaning in the direction of “bright” and “warm” instead of dark, shadowy, and “cold” can help to make a room look more attractive, of course. Just try to keep your overall color-correction realistic and natural-looking.

If you do need to capture a bracketed sequence of a scene, be careful to not go too over-the-top with wild HDR processing. Lightroom’s built-in HDR merging feature gives the benefit of having a DNG file that you can “play with” without leaving your raw converter, however, for the maximum amount of smooth tonal control possible, we’ll usually use Photomatix with one of our more natural, neutral looking presets that allows us to process a scene brightly, and smooth-toned with just the right amount of contrast and clarity from dark shadows to bright highlights. That’s one of the major drawbacks of most raw conversion software, especially with extremely dynamic scenes: it can be difficult to manage contrast differently between highlights and shadows, whereas Photomatix is specifically designed for complete tonal control throughout the entire range of light.

6. Don’t Forget To Raise Your Prices!

Sure, everybody has to start somewhere. Your first job or two might have to be for a friend, for free, or for someone who just got their realtors’ license yesterday.

But, here’s the thing. Every photographer who enters this debate of, “how much should you charge for your first gig?” …often overlooks the most important step of the process: Getting your first few gigs under your belt is not the issue. However, AFTER you’ve shot your first few gigs, THEN your business pricing strategy becomes extremely important!

Many photographers get stuck in the rut of continuing to work for free, or charging way too little because they’re afraid of parting ways with those first few people who gave them a chance.

The absolute best thing you can do for your aspirations as a real estate photographer is, to charge a fair price as soon as you’re qualified. Yes, you’ll have to tell a few clients that you’re going to be charging more, but if your images are remotely good enough, the serious, respectful clients will see your value.

Then, the minute you have more work than you can handle in a week or a month, you know what that means? It means you have “too many” clients saying “yes” to your existing prices. It sounds like that couldn’t be a bad thing, but it is. Why? Because you could raise your prices a little bit, have a few clients say “no” but still have most of them say yes, and make equal or even more money by doing, well, less work!

Or, of course, if you’re already raising your prices and still having more clients trying to book you than you can handle, it might be time to consider bringing on a teammate who can help you accomplish some of the simpler jobs all by themselves, and help you on some of the bigger ones.

[Related Reading: Real Estate Photography Lighting Guide]

Conclusion

Thanks again to the folks at HDRsoft for sponsoring this content! We’re really enjoying being able to bring you these great, real-world tips and guides on real estate photography. Stay tuned for more coming soon.

For more tips on wedding jewelry and details, check out Photographing the Bride in SLR Lounge Premium – your one stop shop for getting consistently incredible imagery of the bride on her wedding day.

Basic Wedding Ring Photography Tips

Let’s get started with a few basic wedding ring photography tips before jumping into the more detailed creative wedding ring photography tips.

• Use a Macro Lens – Macro Lenses aren’t the cheapest lenses, especially when you take into consideration that fact that you might only be using them for one or two shots throughout the entire day, but it’s very important to pick one up if you’re considering adding good wedding ring pictures to your wedding photography portfolio. If you’re on a Canon, you’re probably looking at the EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro or the EF 100mm f/2.8L IS if you can afford it.  All other camera makers should have equivalents.
• Use Manual Focus and Take Multiple Shots – It’s going to be tough to rely on auto focus in this situation, as it’s just not accurate enough. Get used to focusing manually, take multiple shots, and make sure you zoom in as you’re checking the images on the LCD to make sure you come away with a sharp, perfect focus. There’s nothing worse than having a great shot set up and not coming away with a usable image.
• Use Additional Sharpening in Lightroom – Don’t forget to cheat a little bit and touch up/sharpen your rings in Photoshop to give them that extra pop.

Creative Wedding Ring Photography Ideas

Gone are the days of boring wedding ring pictures! The classic shot of the rings on top of the wedding day itineraryis overdone. And getting the candid moment of the ring exchange isn’t quite enough. It’s time to think creatively. It’s time to think of the wedding rings like you think of your bride and groom in that you want to deliver shots of your subjects with creative light, creative compositions and interesting backgrounds.

Find Reflections for Your Wedding Ring Photos

Find and utilize reflections to create vertical symmetry and add interest to a scene. This can be a glass table, a granite counter top, a piano or any other reflective surface. Wipe down the surface to ensure there are no marks or specs prior to placing the rings and use your phone to make sure they are in the same focal plane. If you don’t find a reflective surface, use your cell phone!

All of the photos used in this article are taken with a Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS in order to get a precise picture of the details of the rings and to achieve a greater compression than you would with a 35mm or 50mm. If you don’t have a backdrop available, Google an image of ‘bokeh’ or ‘Christmas lights’ on your phone and place it behind the rings so that it reflects onto the glass. Trust us, it works.

Try Creating A Wedding Ring Silhouette

Often times, wedding rings have intricate details carved into them or create unique silhouettes. While most of the time we focus on lighting them up to showcase the jewels or design, a silhouette brings the viewers attention to the shape of the ring which brings a unique perspective to the traditional ring shot.

Image by Jason Vinson – Website

Use Putty When You Need The Ring to Stand

In these shots, the groom’s ring is lying flat on the surface and the bride’s ring is standing up and pointing up to the heavens, showing off its glorious detail. So how do we keep the ring from falling over? The answer is simple. The secret behind our wedding detail shot is actually Elmer’s Putty. It is simple, effective, readily available in craft stores, and best of all, really inexpensive.

To use it, all you need to do is take a small piece of putty and make a little ball with it. You place the groom’s ring horizontally on a flat surface and the putty ball in the middle of that ring. Then, you place the bride’s ring standing up on the putty. The putty will hold up the ring and as long as you have a small enough piece, you won’t see it in your shots. You can buy the putty on Amazon for $5.

See Our Wedding Ring Putty Video Tutorial

Incorporate Personal Elements in Your Wedding Ring Photography

Find objects that are pertinent to your couples’ love story or relationship that can be incorporated into your wedding ring photos. This can even be something that you discuss with your clients beforehand to ensure that they bring something with them that is meaningful. Here are some examples of wedding ring photos incorporating props:

“The couple loves Swedish Fish and they had it out as the treat on the table settings so I tried thinking of something that would be meaningful to them and arranged the fish in a school and made the rings the air bubbles.”

Photographers Lissette & Orlando “definitely try to personalize wedding ring pictures for each client according to their interests”. After they get the traditional macro closeup ring shot, they “get a second ring shot catered just to the couple’s favorite things or to match the theme of their wedding.” In this case, the couple was a big fan of DC Comics.

Use the Bouquet as a backdrop for wedding ring photo

Bride’s love incorporating other elements of their wedding day in their photographs whether it be portraits or detail shots. Use the bouquet as a backdrop for wedding ring photos or place the ring inside one of the flowers.

Incorporate the Other Jewelry and Shoes

The more separation there is from the background the more compression you will have. You can see three different examples of how we used other jewelry as a background to create great compression & beautiful bokeh-balls.

Similarly to how we used the jewelry above, we chose to show off the bride’s shoes by placing the wedding rings on the heels. Double check before placing rings onto the bottoms of shoes because in some cultures this is frowned-upon.

Incorporate the Invitation in Your Wedding Ring Photography

For a more personalized wedding ring picture try utilizing your couple’s wedding invite. This is when Glue Dots come in handy to keep the rings in place without you having to try and spend 30 minutes trying to make them balance.

Use LED String Lights and/or LED Pen Lights

We’ve discussed using LED string lights in portraiture to emulate sun flare or golden hour, but just as we discussed earlier, the more compression when photographing wedding rings, the better. Place the spread apart lights behind close to a foot behind the rings to get the best bokeh.

For just a bit of rim light or even a little drama, we use LED pen lights to highlight our rings. By placing them on either side of the wedding rings you can change your in-camera color temperature to balance out your scene, or try a temperature throw by making the rings cooler and your background warmer.

Find or Create Interesting Wedding Ring Photography Backgrounds

Don’t have any cool lights or pens handy? Find a wallpaper or texture background to use as the backdrop of your wedding ring picture in order to create interest. Here, we added an off-camera flash to illuminate our background rather than use the ambient light in the room.

Use Water/Liquid to Add Interest

This setup requires a bit more time and patience but yields in some pretty spectacular results. In the image below, Nik used a bottle of water to create this splashing effect and paired it with an off-camera flash to freeze the motion of the water. The key to getting the right type of action is to take multiple shots to get a variety of options and then choose the best version in post.

Find Creative Compositions with Objects Around You

While you are on the hunt to find that perfect stream of light, take a look at what objects you have around you that give context to the wedding. Sometimes this means grabbing a magazine or coffee table book and browsing to see what you can use that can aide in your composition.

“We try to integrate something important or relevant to the client in detail shots. In this case, they were total fitness nuts.”

Find Balanced Backgrounds

Symmetry and balance are the key to certain types of wedding ring pictures. Since you’re dealing with such intricate detail, the slightest shift can throw your whole image off. For example, if the image has a focus directly down the center, make sure everything is aligned. If your image has prefect symmetry, adjust it so that it’s as close to perfect as your lighting and time will allow.

Create Light Patterns with Natural Light or OCF

Photography is simply the study and understanding of light. We are constantly in search of perfect light to help shape, define, and highlight our subjects, and it’s no different when it comes to the objects we shoot. Get creative by finding a small sliver of light that creates a leading line or create a complex light pattern with off-camera flashes.

“In between two walls, I saw the angle of the light and the thought just came to me,” says Michael Ramos.  It’s images like this that make you want to pause and study the light around you to see if you can making something ordinary into extraordinary!

Find Colorful or Interesting Backgrounds & Textures

Interesting colors and textures are things we as photographers are trained to always be on the lookout for. But on a normal, non-macrophotography basis, we’re usually thinking of walls, sunsets, or other large backdrops. Keep in mind that, with your wedding ring pictures, you now have the luxury of taking almost anything and making it a background, from a piece of cloth to a purse to a party favor to a bouquet.

More Information

Which wedding ring photo technique was your favorite? Let us know in the comments down below! We hope this article helped to inspire you to create outstanding wedding ring photos and maybe push you outside the box to start thinking of creative ways to compose and photograph a very important detail at your next wedding! Start streaming Photographing the Bride in SLR Lounge Premium

For more helpful tips to boost your wedding ring photography, check out this list of 10 tips and creative ideas for better wedding ring photos that we put together for our friends at Adorama.  You can check out more of our work on our wedding photography blog and our wedding photography portfolio.

In a statement that emphasizes the company’s commitment to staying in front of tech advancements and giving their user base access to the latest cutting edge tools, Frank Lin, the COO & CTO of ACD Systems International, stated, “By taking advantage of the latest AI features and improvements, as well as the ever-expanding library of tools such as the new Masking group in Develop mode, creators and photographers will find they can see and accomplish more, all while spending less time hunting for what they need. Photo Studio Ultimate 2024 is your key to a new horizon of possibilities.”

Highlights from ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate 2024

The ACD Systems team has clearly designed the 2024 edition of the software for the widest possible audience while keeping in mind the constantly evolving technological landscape. When you read through the highlights below, you’ll notice that the updates aim to enhance the creative possibilities for all photographers, irrespective of their expertise levels.

Here’s a quick overview of the key highlights from the 2024 edition. This list is not exhaustive, but it will give you a better idea of what’s new and what you can expect from ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate 2024.

1. AI Enhancements

While all of the new developments rank worthy of attention, these AI enhancements are some of the most exciting and noteworthy. Let’s take a closer look at a few standouts.

AI Keywords

As the name of this feature suggests, AI Keywords will allow users to quickly locate images based on tags automatically assigned by AI upon import. This saves time up front since you won’t have to enter the keywords manually, as well as any time the need arises to locate specific images from a session. Wedding and event photographers, who often capture thousands of images within a single session, will find this feature extra helpful.

AI Sky Replacement

Other software companies offer sky replacement tools, but ACDSee’s AI Sky Replacement is super easy to use and it renders incredible results. This tool includes some nifty features like foreground and reflection options when replacing the skies over a body of water. In addition, users can choose from one of several pre-installed skies, including Sunset, Storm, and Night Sky, among others.

AI Object Selection Tool for Edit Mode

This feature can save a ton of time when it comes to cutting objects out of a scene. With just a quick outline around the objects you want to remove, ACDSee’s AI Object Selection Tool will put AI to the task of refining your selections for a clean cutout.

Non-destructive AI Select Subject/Background/Sky in Develop Mode

It’s hard to overstate the importance of being able to edit our photos non-destructively, especially when making dramatic changes like swapping out a sky, or even the background! The Non-Destructive AI Masking tools in Photo Studio Ultimate 2024’s newly redesigned Masking panel give editors the awesome power of automatically masking subjects, backgrounds, or skies in photos, all while preserving the original file. These masks make it possible to effectively mask specific elements within a photograph using tools like the classic brush, linear gradient, and radial gradient, among others. All of these new additions to ACDSee’s Develop Mode lineup equate to more precise edits and less time invested in editing.

2. Develop and Edit Mode Innovations in ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate 2024

Here’s a look at some key highlights from ACDSee’s new Develop Mode innovations.

Develop Mode Masking Panel

ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate 2024 makes it easier and more convenient than ever to manage your selection masks with the new Develop Mode Masking Panel. This powerful new feature allows users to keep all of their selection masks in a single panel. This will definitely come in handy when editing photos with multiple masks (which many edits require), eliminating the need to hunt through several panels in search of a particular mask. In addition, ACDSee has also included other time-saving options like making it possible to duplicate masks, convert selections, and copy & paste masks, among others.

Flow, Opacity, and Jitter Control for Brushes in Edit Mode

Using the Brush tool in Edit Mode used to feel somewhat limited in terms of controlling the brush’s attributes. Not anymore. ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate 2024 has introduced new options for Flow, Opacity, and Jitter that will change how you use the Brush tool. According to the ACDSee team, “Flow controls will allow you to adjust the speed at which the brush builds up, allowing you to increase or decrease how powerful each stroke is. Opacity controls allow you to set a hard limit on the brushing intensity, while Shape and Color Jitter settings add randomization into every stroke.” Considering how powerful a tool the Brush is, these changes can have a significant impact in one’s editing workflow.

Enhanced Select Subject and Select Sky in Edit Mode

Because we’re starting to rely on AI to select our subjects and skies so often, it’s important that these selections are precise. To that end, the Select Subject and Select Sky tools in Edit Mode now provide more precise edges when making selections. This latest version of ACDSee’s software features a completely new AI model for selecting skies, which “results in masks with significantly finer details and the ability to isolate reflections.”

3. Fan-favorite Features Continued in ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate 2024

Lastly, plenty of ACDSee’s fan-favorite features will still be included in the new Photo Studio Ultimate 2024 software, including the following:

• AI Face Edit
• Layered Editing
• Face Detection & Facial Recognition
• Powerful Batch Tools
• RAW Development
• Light EQ
• Photomerge Techniques
• Pixel Targeting
• Color & Tone Wheels
• Liquify Tool
• RAW support for 700+ camera

If you’re not already familiar with the above features, you can learn more about each on ACDSee’s website.

[Related Reading: How to Remove People and Objects from Your Photos Using ACDSee]

How to Get Started with ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate 2024

For those interested in experiencing the latest tools in ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate 2024, you’ll be happy to know it is available with a few different payment options. You can purchase the software outright or try the subscription models. Lifetime licenses can be had for $149.99, and subscriptions start at $8.90 per month or $89 annually. It’s worth noting that free trials are available as well.

Conclusion

ACD Systems International continues to bridge the gap between photographers and next-gen editing tools, offering a top-level user experience. With the introduction of the ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate 2024, photographers from all walks will have access to powerful, non-destructive, AI-driven editing tools that will allow them to realize ACD Systems’ goal of doing more in less time. We only covered a handful of features here. Be sure to head over to ACD Systems’ site to learn more, and take the software on a trial run to see if it’s a good fit for your own photo editing workflow.

What Is a Folio Box?

A Folio Box is a high-end, beautifully crafted box containing matted or board-mounted photographs. They are designed to protect and elegantly present a curated selection of images. Unlike albums, which bind images together, each photograph within a Folio Box is separate, allowing clients to choose and interchange the display of their favorite shots with ease. Some people even refer to a “Folio Box” as a “Deconstructed Album.”

Benefits of a Folio Box (vs Albums and Wall Art)

If you already offer albums and wall art, is there a place in your product lineup for Folio boxes? Let’s explore some of the primary benefits of folio boxes to help you make that decision.

Folio Boxes are Flexible and Versatile

Folio boxes can be displayed and enjoyed in multiple ways. With separate photos, clients can change the displayed image on their desk or mantlepiece whenever they like, offering versatility over fixed albums and wall art.

Clients can keep the images in the box and browse through the images from time to time, the same way they would enjoy a photo album. They can also place one or multiple images on their shelves or desks on small easels. They can also take some of the images out and frame them on a wall by themselves or as a collage.

Folio Boxes Provide Protection

The sturdy nature of the box ensures that the photos are well-protected from dust, damaging sunlight, and potential drops and dents over time. Unlike albums, clients can easily change the Folio boxes if the box gets damaged or if they just want a new style, giving the old images a new home inside of the new box.

Folio Boxes Offer a Luxury Presentation

Holding individual matted photos provides a tactile, personal experience, which can be more engaging than flipping through an album. Viewing one image at a time can help the photographer increase the perceived importance of each image and allow the viewer to spend more time on each photo. This can place a higher implicit value on each photograph.

In addition, the luxurious feel of the box, combined with high-quality prints, makes for an impressive presentation, ideal for gifting or as an heirloom.

What Genres of Photography Should Offer Folio Boxes

Folio boxes are versatile presentation tools that can elevate the experience of viewing photographs, making them suitable for a wide range of photography genres. Though they are versatile, folio boxes have traditionally been linked with genres that exude a touch of luxury and personalization. These are the most common genres of photography for Folio Boxes.

High-End, Fine Art Portrait Photography

The inherent elegance and sophistication of folio boxes make them an ideal match for high-end portrait photography. When a client invests in such a session, they often expect a product that complements the quality and essence of the shoot, and a folio box seamlessly aligns with that expectation.

Boudoir Photography

Boudoir sessions are deeply personal and intimate. A folio box not only ensures privacy but also offers a tactile, luxurious experience for clients, making each photograph feel like a cherished piece of art.

Family, Newborn & Maternity Portraits

Families often look for timeless keepsakes to pass down through generations. The sturdy nature of folio boxes ensures longevity, and their design allows for an ever-evolving display of cherished moments, making them ideal for family portrait collections, maternity portraits and newborn photography.

Wedding Photography

While not as common as a wedding album, folio boxes are also a great way for couples to enjoy and view their most cherished wedding day moments. They can be a great anniversary gift option, allowing couples to relive their special day. Folio boxes pair especially well with film wedding photography, as both are inherently perceived as luxury and high end.

[Related Reading: Professional Photo Albums That Make Margins]

How to Price Folio Boxes

When pricing your Folio Boxes, here are the primary factors to consider.

Your Other Product Pricing

When pricing your folio boxes, stick to a similar pricing structure and model as your album prices. The folio box option should not be perceived as a “cheaper” or “more expensive” alternative to your albums. They should be perceived as a different way to present and enjoy the images.

Costs of Materials and Labor

Account for the cost of the box, prints, and any additional customizations. Don’t forget to factor in the time you spend selecting, editing, and printing the photos.

Competitor Pricing (Market Research)

Research what competitors are charging. Adjust your prices based on your expertise and brand positioning.

How to Create and Order a Folio Box

1. Selection: Begin by selecting the photos that will go into the box. This could be a collaborative effort with your client or a curated set by you.

2. Editing: Ensure all selected photos are professionally edited and consistent in style.

3. Sizing and Matting: Decide on the size of prints and whether they will be matted. Matting can enhance the perceived value and protect prints.

4. Box Design: Some suppliers offer customization options for the box, such as materials, colors, and embossing. For example with the company Zno, you can use their album design software, called Zno Designer, to design your folio boxes, as well as the prints that will go inside the box. With Zno you can also upload photos to album designer directly from their seamlessly integrated online photo gallery, called Zno Gallery.

5. Ordering: Once everything is in place, place your order with your chosen supplier, ensuring you’ve double-checked all details. There are several quality suppliers that specialize in producing Folio Boxes. Conduct thorough research, ask for recommendations in photographer communities, and request samples to ensure you’re sourcing a product that aligns with your brand’s standards.

In conclusion, Folio Boxes are a premium product that can significantly enhance the presentation of your work and the perceived value of your services. Embrace them, and you may find a fresh, lucrative avenue for your photography business.

Do Your Research and Get There Early

When you’ve decided which mountains you want to photograph, it’s time to do a bit of research. Which trail or route are you going to take? How long will it take you? What should you wear? How much equipment do you want to carry? Then, once you think you’ve answered all these questions, remember to give yourself extra time, in case you see something else you want to photograph too!

If you’re already a seasoned hiker, you’ll find it much easier and faster to get out into the mountain wilderness compared to someone who is new to it, and you’ll be able to plan a more advanced trip that may involve wilderness camping.

Are you more accustomed to a stroll in the park or on a path, than a tough mountain hike? Then you’re hopefully going to start with mountains that are not hard to reach. There are many beautiful destinations you can reach by the side of the road, but, don’t let that stop you from dreaming of seeing jagged peaks up close.

With a telephoto lens, you can even shoot some mountains from the side of the road and make it look like you’re a lot closer than you are! You’ll want to get to your chosen location early so that you can find the best compositions before you start. This will save you time when you start taking your mountain photos.

Find Good Mountain Landscape Photography Ranges

“Do your research” is great advice, but where should you even start looking? Don’t worry, we’re here to get you started and inspired.

Right in the middle of the US, any good list of ranges to start your mountain landscape photography will include the Rocky Mountains, with over 300 miles of hiking trails. Spring and summer offer fantastic wildflower blooms which can be used as a foreground for your mountain photos.

Going back East, the Great Smoky Mountains offer a different look, with the fog that hovers around the tree-shrouded peaks giving these mountains their name.

Out West, the California Coast ranges include the iconic Big Sur region, and you can drive the Pacific Coast Highway if you don’t want to hike. Of course, there is the most famous mountain range in California, with the highest peak in the contiguous USA: The Sierra Nevada.

Those looking for a more remote and lesser-traveled mountain landscape should check out the Alaska Range, which includes Denali, the highest mountain peak in North America.

If you want to travel further afield, and are ready to travel internationally, the Italian Dolomites as well as the Patagonia area of Chile offer the most jagged mountains in the world and always make for some amazing images.

The Scottish Highlands provides the Cairngorms, and also Black Cuillin on the isle of Skye, while Norway has the beautiful Lofoten mountains. In Australia, there are the stunning Snowy Mountains, which include Mount Kosciuszko.

Use Different Focal Lengths

There are two main ways to photograph mountain landscapes: creating wide-angle images using the mountains as a backdrop to a foreground scene, and/or using a telephoto lens to zoom in on the mountain peaks themselves, or other alpine detail photos.  The most common is the wide-angle approach, but for a different flavor try using a tripod with a  telephoto zoom lens from around 100mm to 500mm to get much closer into the mountain itself.

Getting closer to the peaks means you can capture the winds blowing snow off the edges, or the light playing over the textures of the rocks. Sunrise and sunset are great times to capture mountain photos with a longer focal length. Zooming in can also help when the weather and light isn’t working well for your mountain images as a whole. (Just be sure you have a heavy-duty tripod for shooting at telephoto focal lengths in windy conditions! Otherwise, your sharp, exotic tele zoom lens will give you nothing but soft images.)

Find Light That Creates Shape and Texture to the Mountain

In portrait photography, flat and soft light is often the most desired light to use.  In mountain landscape photography, however, flat and soft light can actually lack interest and character.  Unlike a person’s face, we generally want to see all of the detail, the bumps, and the shadows of a mountain.  Sometimes, this means that the most interesting light can come from the left or right sides of the frame.  Also, the light doesn’t always have to be soft or diffused to look interesting.

Use the Foreground for Strong Composition

It doesn’t matter what time of year you choose to do your mountain landscape photography, there will always be opportunities to include plenty of foreground interest.   We mentioned using foregrounds in our general landscape photography tips article, and we’re mentioning it here again because foregrounds are especially important in mountain landscape photography.  Foreground elements help provide scale for the mountains in the middle ground and background of the image.

Use the foreground to lead the viewer’s eye into the mountains. You can use grass and wildflowers in the spring and summer, ice and snow in the autumn and winter.  Foregrounds should ideally be there to help your main subject – the mountain – stand out. With this in mind, try to avoid too much distraction in the foreground, and look for leading lines and color contrasts to give your image depth and interest.

Try Bracketing Your Exposures

The bane of the landscape photographer is surely the massive range of landscape shadows and much brighter skies that can throw off your exposure. Add in stormy weather, or even just a good sunrise or sunset, and the level of contrast present in a scene can easily be more than even the latest digital camera sensors can handle.

Graduated filters are often used in landscape photography to solve this problem by darkening down the sky, however, because mountains tend to be jagged the GND filter solution doesn’t work well with them. The transition zone of a graduated filter is in a straight horizontal line, and any bits of mountain sticking up into the darker area will become darker compared to the rest of the mountain.

Therefore, bracketed exposures are a way around this problem for your mountain photos. Bracket between three to five images at different exposures that capture good detail from shadows to highlights, and merge them into an HDR image in your image editing software. You can also use luminosity masking in Photoshop to create your image so that you get a balanced exposure for both sky and shadows.

Watch Your Crops

Just like you wouldn’t crop off a body in a random place in a portrait, ensure that you don’t crop the mountain range haphazardly as well.  Leave ample room above the mountain range to give the top of the mountain some breathing room.  And ideally, find and good place to crop on the sides as well.  For example, try having part of the mountain range lead in from the top corner of the frame, like in the image below.

Use Juxtaposition for Scale

Capturing the immense scale of mountains can be challenging. To effectively portray their grandeur, consider including a human figure, a structure, or a plant or tree in your shot.  This provides context and a relatable sense of scale via juxtaposition. However, it’s crucial to introduce these elements with purpose, not merely as afterthoughts. Here’s how to do it:

Position with Clarity and Purpose – Ensure the subject is positioned where they are easily discernible. A hidden figure amidst dense foliage won’t aid in conveying scale.  It could just look like a mistake

Ensure Contrast –  Make sure the subject stands out.  If it’s a person, dress him or her in colors that stand out against the mountainous backdrop. Vibrant colors enhance the visual appeal and emphasize the scale effectively.  You can also make the subject pop off the mountain background with light, using flash or natural light in the scene to bring them out.

Final Thoughts

Mountain landscape photography can be one of the most challenging, yet rewarding, types of photography. You need to be adaptable to the constantly changing weather and light conditions, so it pays to be patient. There are many great spots where you can take awesome mountain photos just a few feet from the comfort of your car, but for those who want to get more adventurous, hiking the mountains is the way to go. Or, to reach even more remote mountain destinations, try backpacking overnight!

If you’re planning on doing some trail hiking, you need to be safe and aware of your surroundings. Use a GPS device to help you keep to the right trail. Ensure you have a way to contact help in an emergency (a satellite phone, for instance), and always keep an eye on the weather.  As the great climber Ed Viesturs said: “Getting to the top is optional. Getting down is mandatory.”