I am constantly impressed by the ability of people just like me who have had no formal training to produce professional quality photos. Even starting their own photography businesses on what began as a hobby. With today's photo imaging technology it's easier than ever to take quality shots.
Which is why I'm so excited to share a great resource with you other budding photographers out there. A couple weeks ago I saw this e-book on Made. I emailed the author, photographer Katie Perkes, for a chance to review it and give a few away. And happily, she agreed to offer three copies to three Grosgrain readers.
What caught my attention with this ebook was the info on getting good natural lighting. So often I see these great shots of kids whose faces seem lit up but you can tell the photo is not taken in full sun. Katie goes into detail about how to get those great shots and more.
Did you ever see that saying "You are not a photographer. You just have an overpriced camera." I feel like that is true for a lot of people. So often I see parents at school events with their obviously very expensive Canon DSLRs that are using the flash pointed directly at their subjects while indoors with decent lighting. Or paying no attention to any of the manual settings and using only the options on the 'auto' side of the wheel. (Here's a tip, if you know your manual settings it is very rare that you have to use that ugly flash).
Katie helps people with great cameras, take those great photos that they bought their great camera for in the first place! In her second chapter she discusses all the basics of SLRs. That being shutter, aperture, ISO. If you know the very basics of these three settings your photos will improve 100% percent. I promise. And it's not rocket science. Katie explains everything in very everyday terms. No professional words here. If you know zero about the manual settings of your DSLR by Chapter three you won't ever need to switch that dial to 'Auto' again.
Those are the most important parts of photography but they are certainly not the only great pieces of advice Katie offers. She also goes into detail about how to create a great shoots and how to compose the subjects in your photos for a great look.
And finally Katie goes into a chapter about something that I think should be a must for any photographer and that is a great photo editing software. Using a powerful photo editing software can sometimes take a really dull looking photo and turn it into the best of your shoot.
For those of you who've never even opened a photo editing program, Katie explains some very basic tools like contrast, vibrance and blacks and tells you how to use them to make your photos POP! But she also mentions some more in depth tips like converting to black and white the proper way, actions/presets, using brushes to highlight specific areas, fixing overexposure, using a really amazing tool called 'clarity' and many other highly useful tools.
So don't be one of those people with a great camera who takes mediocre photos. You really don't have to be scared of your manual settings! It's not like you're wasting film, right?! Katie's great ebook is a fabulous start to becoming a photographer and not just someone with an expensive camera.
And for those of you who would like some one on one experience with Katie she is currently offering a great workshop for beginners! In it, learn:
- the in's and outs of your camera so you can finally get it off auto.
- all about aperture, ISO, and shutter speed and how they relate.
- easy tips and tricks to get sharp crisp pictures.
- what kind of light to look for, how to position your subject in regards to the light and how to take a good picture in any lighting situation.
- how to compose a striking picture and what to look for in regards to composition through your lens.
- her entire editing process from start to finish.
Here's some of Katie's work from her website:
If you'd like to purchase her ebook right now, Katie is offering Grosgrain readers a $2.00 of discount of her ebook! Use coupon code: grosgrain at checkout.
For your chance to win ONE OF THREE COPIES of Katie's ebook, Grosgrain giveaways can be entered by any ONE of four ways:
1) By linking about this giveaway (to your blog, facebook, or any other site) button is below.
2) By leaving a comment
3) By FOLLOWING Grosgrain using this link. If the link is not working please use THE LINK IN MY RIGHT SIDEBAR.
4) By following me on Twitter
Just remember to please leave me a comment telling me what you did so that I can go back and look for your entry. Either give me the link that you posted for the giveaway to or tell me that you began to follow me.
2) By leaving a comment
3) By FOLLOWING Grosgrain using this link. If the link is not working please use THE LINK IN MY RIGHT SIDEBAR.
4) By following me on Twitter
Just remember to please leave me a comment telling me what you did so that I can go back and look for your entry. Either give me the link that you posted for the giveaway to or tell me that you began to follow me.
672 {comments}:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 400 of 672 Newer› Newest»I follow your blog... already :)
The pics in this book are amazing. I would love to learn some of the tricks of the trade!
I'm following you on your blog! I'd love to win this.
Wow, this book looks Ah-mazing! I would LOVE to win!
http://itssewforyou.blogspot.com
Great giveaway I follow you on twitter!!!
Kathleen, you know I've been in love with grosgrain for FOREVER ... just had to give you a little love. I would just LOVE to win this little beauty! It would help me out SO MUCH!
I follow your blog too!
Please enter me in the giveaway. Love the photos!
Just posted on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/#!/home.php?sk=group_106504946060985
I would love to win a copy! Thanks for the giveaway!
lovely! I'd love to have a chance to win, this is just what I need to take my photos to the next level!
amoberly (at) gmail (dot) com
I really like to win this book.
So I can take beautifull pictures of my kids
Oh, oh, oh, I would LOVE to win:)
I am a follower, and I was JUST thinking this morning about where I can find some tips on photography! I think you've answered my question!
this would be such a help! would love to be the lucky winner! kimberlyblee(at)gmail(dot)com
i would love to be the lucky winner!!! kimberlyblee123(at)gmail(dot)com
I have been wanting lately to get more into photography and this would be a great way to do it! I love give-aways even if I don't win!
Great giveaway!!
I follow your blog already! =) Love it!
I have been wanting to get a great book on photography since I just got a new dslr camera and I would LOVE to win this great book!!
I would like to take pretty photos. I wish I win.
petitemess@gmail.com
Yay! I've had my camera (and mediocre photos) for a while, and this book looks amazing. I'd love to win it!
This book would be a great help!
rrwrites at hotmail dot com
Fabulous giveaway! I purchased a dSLR a few months ago, and I would love to use it to its fullest potential. I follow you here and on Twitter. Thanks for the chance!
I follow you on Twitter {and could certainly use photography help!}.
I put out a link, and posting now to tell you so. :D This is what I need for my camera and me to get better pictures of Bit and her baby sister, Tiny Bit. (Okay, Evie and Penny. >D )
I just got a fancy new camera and would love to learn all of the settings with this ebook!
I'd like to enter this beautiful giveaway! I'm a follower. :-D
I'd love to win and read through that book =)
I follow you on my Google reader.
I would so love to win this! :)
I'm a follower!
The timing of this is great. I was playing around with adjusting the sharpness and contrast in iPhoto yesterday and would really love to know what I was doing!
I am just starting to play around with my manual settings. I hate the look the flash gives a picture. Blah. This book would be an amazing help.
oh, wow, so many entries! but i'd love a chance to win this fabulous ebook!! :)
I would love to win! Thanks for the fun giveaway!
I am a follower!!
I love that book!
I am a follower as well. FibreJoy.
Thanks!
I would love to learn how to take better photos!
I follow your blog!
Oh yes!!! Count me in ! Looks like an amazing resource!
This would be mega helpful! I would love a copy!!
I am a new owner of a DSLR camera and am soaking up all the learning I can. This book looks like an awesome resource. Thanks for the chance to win!
PS - I am a follower
Yes please! I want to take good pictures not just bad or kinda okay pictures.
This is such a great giveaway ! This e-book really seems interesting and complete !
I'd love to win this. I've been so frustrated about not being able to get good shots of my son!
I would LOVE to win this ebook! I'm working on using my "expensive" camera off of auto, but I could use some guidance!
I am a follower of Grosgrain too!
This looks like a great book!
sschasteen12(at)cox(dot)net
I'm a follower!!
sschasteen12(at)cox(dot)net
*sigh* Doing "Create a link" didn't work, but here is the post on my blog.
I could definitely use some tips -- thanks for the giveaway!
This would be awesome. I would love to hone my photography skills--it really makes or breaks a blog. Thanks!
What a great giveaway!! Would love to learn more on how to use my nice camera the way it was meant to be!
I would L to the OVE to win this!!! I need some help as I want to take great pictures but will not be trained formally ...
:-) thanks for the great giveaway!!!
lyzaloo(at)yahoo(dot)com
just became a follower and would love this book!
I follow via Google reader. :-)
lyzaloo(at)yahoo(dot)com
I'd love to win that book! (I *need* that book!)
I follow Grosgrain via RSS on my Yahoo page.
Thanks for entering me!
I definitely could use this book! Thanks for the giveaway!
I'm always looking for a great way to learn more about photography!
NEat!
What a spectacular looking book!
Awesome, would love to win this e-book... need to learn more about my camera :) Also already following you, thanks
what a wonderful giveaway! i'd love to learn how to recreate these beautiful effects!. and i love your blog!
oh pick me pick me- I would love this ebook
i've been wanting this book for a while now...
i happily follow your blog...
i would love to have this! i'm so scared to use my new dslr!
Great book! I'd love to win!
lovealice22 at gmail dot com
I would love to win this beautiful book! I want to learn to take beautiful pictures!
today is my birthday this giveaway would be FAB-O!! :)
i'm a follower already!
I am a relatively new follower to your blog and love it!!! Thanks for all the great ideas. I would love to win a copy of the photography book :)
I really need to win this one :)
Oh, how I need something like this. I have a nice DSLR but am notoriously lazy about using it properly...
so awesome!
just bought my first decent camera so would love the e book to help me on my way !!!
Couldn't come at a better time for me - ordering my first DSLR tomorrow!!! yipee, can't wait. Thanks for the chance to win this.
Oh my, this is so cool! Count me in! Fingers crossed :)
bronnie_p(at)hotmail(dot)com
This sounds like a fabulous book; I'd love one!
I am a follower. I could really use this book. I have no idea how to take pictures and wouldn't invest in a decent camera to take bad shots!
I've tried to win this on a few different sites, and haven't been lucky enough yet!
....and I happily follow Grosgrain!
I follow your blog. I love all the inspiration!
Sounds like an awesome book, great give-away! :)
I would love to win this. What an awesome book!
Wow This is such a great giveaway!!
I posted the link on my facebook.
I also posted about this giveaway on my blog. www.dandycodesigns.blogspot.com
I wanted to win this on MADE, but sadly, did not. I am so thankful you are offering me a second chance at this e-book!!! Thank you!
This would be an awesome way to improve my photo skills. Great giveaway!
Oh, I'm an aspiring amateur photographer... I've shot a couple of weddings for friends with film with my husband, but we're shooting a wedding this summer for one of my BEST friends and this time it'll be digital... so, long story short, this would be awesome!! :) -Rebecca
I have been dying to win this book!
Taylor.taylormade@gmail.com
I have been dying to win this book!
Taylor.taylormade@gmail.com
I am a follower of yours
Taylor.taylormade@gmail.com
this would be fantastic to win!
Mama needs photo help. This would be fantastic! Thanks Kathleen
What an amazing book! I have a Nikon DSLR but I have no idea how to use it beyond the automatic setting! This would be a great help! Hope to win! Thanks! Nicole
i would love to win one of her books! btw I love this site!!!
This looks fantastic! Thanks for the chance to win.
I followed you!
I would love to win this - such a push to learn more about the equipment I take for granted!
This looks like a great book. There is so much beautiful photography on the net today- so inspiring, and so hard when you're just beginning!
I dont have a dlsr yet but I so want one! This would give me a great start to learning photography - and maybe even more incentive to save my pennies :)
This would be a great refresher on the photography classes I took in college!
oh this would be nice - there are a lot of amazing tutorials on the web, but something packaged is way better
i follow your blog
Thanks for the chance! I am now following you on twitter (jlreed127).
Great offer! Posted a link.
http://gsfool.blogspot.com/
I've been following for a while now. Love your stuff!!!!!
have had my eye on this ebook for quite some time! with a newborn in the house and those precious days slipping away so quickly, i could use a few tips on how to capture them beautifully!
I tried to follow, but neither link worked for me! This comment will have to do ;)
I would love to learn ways to improve the photos I take!
oooh la la a giveaway!
I have just started a blog, I soooooo need something like this. It looks great
I'm already a follower!
this would be an awesome gift for my hubby for father's day & birthday gift. he started to get into photography and this would make the best wife ever! =)
I would love to win. I took some photography classes in school, but it's been a long time and I've sort of forgotten my way, lol.
I would love to win her book!
jillmh85 at hotmail dot com
Sounds like a wonderful book . . . and I could always use help with my photography.
mama3davis at gmail dot com
Thank you for the chance!
I would love a copy. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Heidi
heidi dot english at gmail dot com
I would LOVE to win this book! I'm a horrible photographer and need all the help I can get :]
This book keeps calling my name. Now if only I could answer it with a "yes, please come let me read you." :)
wow! myself, my brother, and both of my sisters need to read this!
linked on facebook, already follow, and now i'm commenting too. PLEASE pick me!
I'd love to win. This looks awesome.
photography is amazing in general, now there is so much that can be done, a bit overwhelming. It looks like this book could deminish some of this
I've been so annoyed with my lack of photography skills in the past and missed out on some great shots, so would love to upskill!
loloan78(at)gmail(dot)com
PS: I'm a follower :-)
loloan78(at)gmail(dot)com
I would love to win and start learning how to use my dslr.
Oh my gosh I could totally use this! My friend who's a graphic designer and does some photography has been teaching me, but to have a record I could look over I would love!
LOVE the ebook! I would love to win it! :)
I follow Grosgrain!
Would love this ebook!
I follow your blog already and on twitter (Sewsable). Saving up for a good camera.
I follow grosgrain. What a wonderful giveaway! Ellen ellzabelle@hotmail.com
I love this book. My photography skills could use some help! Ellen ellzabelle@hotmail.com
Wow! I was just thinking about finding a resource like this. I've been fortunate enough to be given a hand-me-down dslr camera but haven't figured out how to get the most out of it. This ebook would be PERFECT !!
Here's hoping!
This would be a tremendous help! Thanks!
I follow Grosgrain!!! Thanks!
this book looks absolutely beautiful! and user friendly!
this book looks absolutely beautiful! and user friendly!
I'm a follower on twitter @becky_shanks
I'm a follower of your blog!
If I win, I am going to give this to a friend.
I have a DSLR and the thing that makes me disappointed is how when most books talk DSLR, they only discusses Canon vs. Nikon when there are far more DSLR of rival quality on the market to consider. I have a Pentax and there are HUGE advantages to owning one over a Canon or Nikon. Not to knock them down, just wish people would look into all the options out there.
I would love to win! :)
Serena84 at yahoo dot com
I have an expensive camera and NEED guidance...I adore great photography and would eat up this book :)
Thanks for this offer!!
I just got a DSLR, and I'm trying to figure out how to REALLY use it. I would love to win a copy!
wow...what a beautiful book! Love the photos.
I'm a follower!
I am also a follower!
Would be a great help to my growing interest!
schneidersuzie(at)gmail(dot)com
I'd love to win this, I've been looking at it for a while, but can't afford it right now, I need to figure out how to use my camera better!
Linked you
I follow Grosgrain
Oooh1 What a lovely book, I'd quite like to see more! Thanks for sharing!
I follow on Twitter too!
this is my comment: i would love to win this to learn how to take better pictures
fingers crossed,
Melissa B.
mbabecka@gmail.com
www.minimomentsoflife.blogspot.com
I have started taken more interest in how I take my pictures. I try to remember at least one new thing when I am taking pictures until I have it down. Then learn another. With digital cameras it is much easier in learning because you can delete.
i posted your link on my facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/mbabecka
fingers crossed,
Melissa B.
mbabecka@gmail.com
www.minimomentsoflife.blogspot.com
This is for chance number 3 to win: I am now a follower of your blog (mbabecka)
fingers crossed,
Melissa B.
mbabecka@gmail.com
www.minimomentsoflife.blogspot.com
Thanks for following me on twitter too. I really like your site. I keep hearing about this book. I'd really love to read it!
thanks for the chance to win this!
I am a follower on GFC
love your blog, and your photos:)
Very cool, looks like a great ebook... I will have to check it out whether I win or not...Thanks.
I am now an "actual" follower... This book and your blog make me smile!
Love your blog and would love to win the eBook!
What a great giveaway! I would love to win.
i would LOVE to win this!! i really love taking pictures...but i still have lots to learn
i am a follower :)
I need to learn more a lot about photography. I use auto mode way too much. I could use this book!
Angela
Great giveaway - my camera would thank me if I ever learned to use the manual settings! I am a blog follower:)
What a great book! I'm definitely a follower!
I am a twitter follower, thank-you!
I would love to win and am already a follower for long time now!
Photographer Manchester UK is the best photographer in UK...
Photographer Manchester UK is the best photographer in UK...
What a great giveaway. Thank you!
nd (dot) farrell (at) yahoo (dot) com
I posted this awesome giveaway on facebook and also have been a follower for a while now. I unfortunately don't have twitter. Thanks for the chance to win!
Hej,
I join everybody else and wish I won this book 'cause funny enough I have been thinking about photography quite a lot lately,wishing I could do something about that one day.
I'm afraid I'm one of those overpriced-camera-parents... I linked on Facebook!
Hi!
I'm a follower of your blog. I would love to win this book, cause I've been thinking about buying a more professional camera, but I don't have much experience with those things. I have a half manual pocket camera and sometimes it's really frustrating when you just can't get the result you're aiming for, because it's lacking some of the features of a fully manual systems camera. And those camera manuals - what a bore! :D
I would love to win this great e-book. Thank you!
I am following you on Twitter under MaddyMaze Studio. Thanks!
My sister is following photography classes but never finds the time to take pictures of my son. So perhaps I just should learn it myself?
(I'm a follower on Blogger)
It will help..
Oh man would I love this book! I have hardly any photos of my 8 mth old as I just can't capture him well. I need this book. It looks like she might explain things clearly.
I'd love to win this book! Looks great.
I wish I could make such beautiful photographs of my kids.... I think photography is much more than a good use of a camera and ligth, it is more about sensibility. Congratulations Katie, your work is very special. Best wishes, Nikë.
Fingers crossed!
I follow you on twitter (@Paunnet)
I shared the link on Twitter.
Yay! i want to win!
I'd love to win this~! I'm in serious need of some photography tips! :)
I've been off auto for a while now, but have so much to learn, so this would be great!
new to your blog and really enjoying it!
Your blog is awesome. I've been reading past posts and finding much inspiration! I'd love to learn how to take better photos, too.
I'd love to have a chance to win this. I've recently become interested in photography and am looking to buy a DSLR camera. This would be perfect!
I would LOVE to win this book!!
i'd love to win a copy! :)
i own an slr and take ok shots, but actually knowing
what i'm doing would probably help and save me a lot of
time and disappointment!
I have followed you for a while and love the photos that you take. I am just learning about the feature on my camera so any help would be great!
WOW! This book is wonderful! I'd really like to win it... Also follow you!
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