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"Using a camera is easy; it's creating an image that's hard." This was something told to me when I started to learn photography. To be honest, it was not something I immediately understood. I mean, what is so hard about creating an image? Isn't that what cameras do? It took some time for me to learn that it is not the camera a person is holding but rather the person holding the camera that creates an image. Like many people, I wanted the images I made to look like those I had seen in magazines such as Life and National Geographic. To me those photographs were the pinnacle of great images. Then I thought, "How can I make images like that?" So, I started reading whatever I could find on photography, studied images that made it to publication, and took whatever courses I could find. Additionally, I sought the advice of experienced photographers about composition. To start I needed a good understanding of how exposure and depth of field can impact a photograph. Then I started experimenting with composition and began to see improvements in my images. Seeing Your Image As you look through the viewfinder, before pressing the shutter release, scan your image from top to bottom and side to side. Think to yourself "What is my subject?" Sure, it sounds simple, but it is a great way to train yourself to think about your image before pressing the shutter release. Now that you know what your subject is, how will others looking at your photograph know? First, start by filling the frame with your subject as much as possible. The hardest thing for many photographers, especially those who have wide-angle zoom lenses, is to move the zoom away from the widest setting. Many photographers think that the more there is in an image the better, but the reality is sometimes less is more and it can makes a photograph a great image. Distractions Once you have filled your frame with your subject, look around for distractions. This could be a tree limb sticking out from around your subject that might give the appearance of antlers. In cases like this you can try isolating your subject using a shallow depth of field. For example, a few years ago I had opportunity to shoot a baseball game between the Oakland A's and Baltimore Orioles. Take a look at the image of Greg Myers missing the ball. This was taken at F2.8 making the subject in focus but the crowd out of focus to draw the attention to the subject. While it may not be a great image, it serves to show how focus can isolate your subject. Rules Are Helpful Now comes the fun part where you select where you want to place your subject and what you want to include along with it. Again, "What is the subject?" Look at the before and after images of Shinkendo founder Toshishiro Obata. In the "before" image, the subject is not isolated enough and the background was a bit distracting. I wanted the students looking on in the background to be part of the image but at the same time wanted to fill the frame with more of my subject. Using the rule of thirds, I placed my subject on the right side of the image and cropped out part of the background. The result was a stronger image and a more obvious subject. The rule of thirds is like placing a tic-tac-toe board across your image to help with composition. The intersecting lines are considered the strongest points in an image. Bear in mind, this rule is really a guideline; after all, rules can be broken. Another example is the before and after image of aspen trees below. The trees are the subject and to ensure that I took away some of the sky to make the trees fill more of the frame. Using Perspective in Your Images Finally, there is perspective. For landscape images consider placing something in the background or foreground that provides perspective for your photograph. In the image of horses at Grand Teton shown below the horses in the foreground provide a perspective to show how large one of the peaks at Grand Teton is. Another example is the below photograph of Yosemite Falls. Trees to the left and right are in the foreground to serve as a frame for the falls and provide perspective for the viewer. Some might think the branches are in the way, but to me the image was done this way to show the viewer the same perspective. Conclusion With practice, anyone can improve his or her images. The key is to look at each image as an opportunity to improve your composition skills. Before you press the shutter release, spend a moment thinking, "What is my subject?" and "How can I make it look the best?" In time, you will see significant improvements in all your images.   Peter Kotsinadelis is a writer/photographer living in Pleasanton, CA. He has written articles for photographic publications such as Rangefinder, Professional Photographer, and Shutterbug. His photographic work can also be seen in professional offices in Northern California. He is currently in the process of developing a new website for his online portfolio.  show less

When Zenfolio asked me to review a Think Tank bag, I was pretty excited because I am already a big fan of its products. I use its Airport Security roller bag exclusively to cart my gear to local sessions, and as I travel for weddings, portrait sessions, and workshops. It’s one piece of equipment I really couldn’t work without. I also use Think Tank’s belt and pouch system when carrying a small amount of gear with me on shoots, which is rare. I have to admit to you I have GAS -- Gear Acquisition Syndrome. And I like to carry a lot of that gear with me when I’m on a shoot. I can often be found with two camera bodies with lenses hanging from my shoulders, with as many as three additional lenses in a lens bag. If you’re keeping count, that’s two cameras and five lenses. It’s a good thing I work out! So after some consideration and a quick visit to the massive and awesome B&H superstore in New York City to look at Think Tank’s offerings, I chose to review the Retrospective Lens Changer 3 bag. I had been using another lens bag for years and was ready to try something new. Here are the basics. The Retrospective Lens Changer 3 is a cross-body shoulder bag that holds up to three lenses. It also features a large pocket in the back that holds everything else (memory cards, phone, notes, etc.). The Retrospective Lens Changer 3 also has a small pocket in front of the middle lens compartment that is just the right size for Think Tank’s Pixel Pocket Rocket memory card holder. There’s a lot to love about this bag. The shoulder strap is soft and padded, which makes it a comfy bag to wear, even for eight plus hours on a wedding day. The lens compartments are roomy, so lenses go in and out easily. The bottom of the lens compartments is padded, so I can set it down without worrying about damaging my lenses. The Retrospective Lens Changer 3 is made of a very sturdy fabric and is easy to clean. I recently led a ranch retreat/workshop near Yosemite National Park. It was at the height of summer, after months of dry weather. We were photographing horses and cattle on the move, so the dust was intense (which made for some great photos). The bag itself got pretty dusty, but my lenses inside did not. Cleaning the bag when I got home was just a matter to brushing it off and using a little canned air to make it good as new and ready for my next wedding. The outer flap covers the lens compartments completely. I can even close the flap over my 70-200 2.8 lens with the lens hood on.  It has optional Velcro to keep it closed and to secure the lens compartments. The Retrospective Lens Changer 3 also gives you the option to enable “silencers” that cover up the Velcro, which is handy when I have to change lenses during a quiet church ceremony. A bonus is that the flap is a nice spot for business cards. I put a handful in there so I’m always ready to hand one out when asked. The roomy back pocket zips closed to secure the contents. There are several pockets inside this back pocket area, including one designated for a pen, which I am finding is handy more often than I thought. The bag also features a small handle at the top, making it easy to grab and go. The only drawbacks I have found with the Retrospective Lens Changer 3 is that it does take up more physical space in my suitcase than my old lens bag did, and it is a little bulkier to wear, but I’m willing to overlook these in exchange for having a bag that is more comfortable and easier to use. I would recommend the Retrospective Lens Changer 3 to any photographer who wants a comfortable, easy way to carry lenses and accessories when they are working.   Shelley's appreciation of horses goes way back. As a horse lover herself, it is no surprise that she focuses her lens on these beautiful creatures and their owners. One look at her images reveals a deep understanding of the bond between human and horse. Shelley's mastery of natural light and her soft approach result in breathtaking images you want to look at over and over again. Check out her online portfolio here: http://www.shelleypaulson.com/equine.htm show less

Beginning September 23 Mpix is offering free USPS shipping on all orders $15 and over. Free shipping is good for all orders placed until September 25th at 11:59 pm CDT. As with all sales and special offers there is no coupon code necessary to get the free shipping as long as the order is placed via your Zenfolio account.  Not a Zenfolian yet? Simply sign up for the free, no-obligation trial, upload your photos and place your order. The $15 minimum applies to your base prices and the free shipping option will appear during checkout. This special offer will automatically be applied to your clients if their orders exceed $15 of base lab cost. Only orders with a destination address in the United States are eligible for free USPS shipping. The is a limited time offer that expires September 25th at 11:59 pm CDT so be sure to place your orders soon. show less

  For two days only Mpix is having a 25% off sale on everything. You heard right. Every single Mpix product we offer is discounted 25% for two days only. This is the perfect chance to try out those photo books and greeting cards. As with all sales and special offers there is no coupon code necessary to get the discount as long as the order is made from your Zenfolio account. This sale ends September 18 at 11:59 pm CDT, so be sure to place your orders today. Not a Zenfolian yet? Simply sign up for the free, no-obligation trial, upload your photos and place your order. This sale is open to all customers with a destination address in the United States or Canada (extra shipping charges may apply). The sale price applies to your base price; items added to your cart will reflect the already discounted price. Visit the Mpix Partner page to see the standard base price and the discounted price. If you want to pass this sale along to your customers please refer to our Sales FAQ.   show less

  Whether you are a commercial photographer like myself, or if you shoot weddings, events, or stock images, or any type of portrait-based photography where working with human subjects is the norm, it is best to have a good model release policy in place. Before you get up in arms over this statement, let’s be clear. A model release is not needed to take or sell photographs. A model release is a way to protect yourself and your business from possible misunderstandings. In the event that images of a subject are used in a manner that the subject is not okay with, it’s important to have your bases covered with permissions and liability. The laws regarding usage and permissions are complicated, vary by location, and have a lot of gray areas. Due to this the use of releases has become a way for photographers to be proactive. At the very least, a model release gets a conversation started between photographer and subject about how images will be used. The article below outlines my personal opinions and experiences in today’s industry. A model release is a legal form between a photographer and the person they are photographing. This form gives permission from the subject to the photographer to use the images for specific applications and waives the right to privacy. Applications can mean anything from advertising and print media to commercial websites and blogs. The first consideration when determining if you want to use a model release is to think about how you plan to use the images. Will the images be sold to or used by a third party? Will you be offering the images for sale as stock or fine art? Are the images for the model themselves, as with portraits and event images? Or will you be using the images for your portfolio alone?   A model release is common practice any time a commercial application is the end goal. Commercial applications are generally defined as “use that is intended to promote, endorse or sell a product.” The most important consideration for me personally is whether I will be making a profit. If I am making money from a photo shoot I always make sure to have a model release in place. For any commercial application I am always very clear with the model or subject on exactly how the images may be used. I outline the same terms in my model release so that there is no mystery or surprises. This can go a long way if there are any disputes down the road. If you were to skip this step and sell images without a model release, then you may be open to liability if the model (or the agency that represents the model) has a problem with the use of the images. The laws on this vary by location and genre so it is important to educate yourself on what is expected in your corner of the industry, wherever you work and reside. If you are commissioned to shoot a job for a client, 9 times out of 10 they will handle the model release themselves, since they know what applications they need to cover. Or they may decide that they do not need this. It’s important to keep in mind that even though the photographer produces an image, the liability of its usage resides with the company “publishing” the image.   If you are shooting images on your own but the goal is to ultimately have them purchased for commercial use (like stock), you may want to get a model release signed from the outset. I always have a model release signed the day of the shoot so that I don’t have to worry about tracking the model down later. Keep in mind that many stock agencies require releases, but the actual release terms vary greatly.   As I mentioned before, I always make sure that a release is in place whenever I make any type of profit. If I am shooting for any commercial purposes then I always make sure that the model is also compensated at least in a small amount. Model releases are a legal form but they become more of a contract when money changes hands. For my own model releases I always list the fee that is being paid to the model. This way I have it for my reference and the model understands when signing the document that the fee is what they can expect as a total for compensation. As an event or portrait photographer you want to think beyond the immediate purpose of the photos. A wedding photographer’s clients likely will not need the images beyond personal usage. However, you may want to use the images in your portfolio, on your blog, or to promote yourself on social media sites. You may even want to enter your best images in photo contests or license to a third party at some point. Most wedding, engagement, and portrait photographers have all their clients sign a general-use model release. The release lists the possible usages and also excuses the photographer from having to gain permission or pay royalties or fees in relation to later usage.   A release is not always necessary when shooting solely for a photography portfolio or when working with a subject who is also building a portfolio. A good-faith agreement between the photographer and model that the images will only be used for portfolio and self-promotion is usually sufficient. I generally follow this guideline for images I shoot for my portfolio. Although recently a company asked if they could license an image from my portfolio to be used in a print ad. I had shot the image about three years before and did not have a model release in place. I tried to reach the model to get permission but was never able to get in touch with her. Even though this type of usage was never discussed with the model, I could have sold the image anyway. But I did not feel right about it without the model’s permission. In the end the company chose another image at my suggestion, and for that one I was covered. This could very easily have been an opportunity lost so I have since started using model releases more judiciously. Another consideration to keep in mind is the age of the subject. Whenever a model is under the age of 18, I get a model release signed by a parent or legal guardian. No exceptions. Legally an underage model cannot enter into an agreement of usage without parental consent. Even if I am not sure how I will end up using the images I cover my backside with parental permission and signature to be on the safe side. It is also important to consider that with photographic images being readily available via the Internet, it is not inconceivable that one of your images may get into the wrong hands and be used without your consent. As a photographer you are the copyright holder of your images, but having a model release in place as well can go a long way in releasing you from liability. Over the years I have heard a number of spine-tingling horror stories of lawsuits and situations that left photographers with their finances and reputations in ruins. I have also experienced my share of image theft, so I always err on the side of caution when it comes to legal liability. There are occasions when a model release is not needed. If you plan to use your images for editorial purposes only then a model release is usually not required. Editorial usage refers to images used in conjunction with a news article, story, or text. Most commonly this includes magazines, books, newspapers, and features. The location where a photograph is taken is also important. If you are photographing people in a public place like a park or open event, such as a concert, then there is no expectation of privacy. Again though, if commercial application comes into play, then a different set of rules apply, as we covered above. Many photojournalists and documentary photographers do not plan to use their images for commercial applications, and many times it is not possible for them to obtain releases for every subject in a photo. It is also not necessary to worry about releases for editorial use if the subjects in the images are not recognizable. If a subject’s face is obscured or not showing in an image then a release is not as important. For fine artists the use of releases is more complicated. As a general rule images that are used only for self-promotion and fine art do not require a release. I am not sure how this is done abroad, but in the United States the Constitutional First Amendment protects artistic exhibitions and publications as a form of free speech. For fine artists, releases are more commonly used as contracts for the purpose of releasing the artist from needing to pay future royalties to an artistic subject. Different states have different definitions of what constitutes self-promotion versus advertisements. When in doubt research what the laws are in your location and err on the side of caution. It is also worth noting that some fine art galleries do require releases when artwork is on display and ultimately for sale to customers. As with photographs of a human subject, a release may also be needed for photographs of locations that are clearly recognizable.  For example, if you plan to photograph portraits in front of a local business for use in your portfolio and offer the images for sale as stock, or sell them for use in a brochure or website image, then it’s important to get a property release signed by the owner of the business. As with a human subjects the release waives any right to privacy regarding a location, be it a personal residence or place of business. To make things even more complicated, some locations are trademarked, which definitely effects how you can use and distribute an image. The Empire State Building falls into this category. While you are well within your rights to sell an image of the Empire State Building as fine art, you would most likely need a property release to sell the same image as a stock photo.  Many photography organizations like PPA, ASMP and WPPI offer guidance regarding model releases and can be very helpful in determining the laws in your geographic region. I personally swear by the book Business and Legal Forms for Photographers by Tad Crawford and use the accompanying DVD with preloaded and customizable forms quite often. Additionally, there are many websites that offer sample model releases, and there is even an app for your smart phone or tablet to make the process easy. Keep in mind that the advice in this article is based on my own experiences over many years in the industry. I have been lucky to assist and learn from some great photographers, and ultimately I run my business the way I have seen other successful professionals run theirs. It’s a good idea to have as much communication between photographer and subject as possible. I have never heard of anyone being sued over getting a model release signed, but I sure have heard stories about lawsuits that occurred when there was no release. If you deal with the challenge of model releases in your business, I would love to hear about it. Whether your approach is the opposite from mine or just a slight variation, please leave a comment in the section below. Let’s keep the conversation going. Together we can prevent fellow photographers from becoming a cautionary tale.   Laura Tillinghast started making art at a young age, discovering photography as her true passion in college. From that point on she has never put her camera down. Shooting primarily advertising and editorial content, you never know what you will find in front of her lens. Also an educator, Laura holds a series of popular photo workshops that focus on the fundamentals of lighting. Check out her online portfolio here: http://lauratillinghast.com/ show less

As you open the door and enter the world of Zenfolio, I am the first face you see. I am the office manager, Rachel Brill, and you might say I’m a bit of a girl Friday. I divide my time between being a receptionist, travel coordinator, event planner, facilities manager, HR assistant, marketing assistant, finance assistant, and assistant to the CEO. I wear so many hats it’s a wonder that my hair doesn’t get flat. One of the enviable things about working for Zenfolio is the plethora of snacks and drinks we have available for consumption, and it’s my job to make sure the office is well stocked. None of these items is more important to our livelihood than caffeine. In fact, the success of Zenfolio is largely due to the copious amounts of caffeine running through our veins. Whether the drug of choice is coffee, tea, soda, Red Bull, or chocolate I help keep withdrawals at bay. Money makes the world go around, and the finance department relies on me to help it run smoothly. I assist the team by preparing checks, entering expense items, and filling out spreadsheets with expense information. I also log everyone’s time off on the calendar for payroll purposes. This means I’m the one people come to when they want to know who is in the office and who isn’t on a given day… kind of like the Zenfolio concierge but without the blazer. I spend the largest portion of my time contributing to the marketing team. Whether the task is writing or copy editing marketing material, booking flights and hotels, posting events on Facebook, mailing brochures and T-shirts to help sponsor workshops, or mailing brochures and goodie bags for trade shows, it feels great to contribute to the success of the team. An interesting thing that has transpired from mailing a lot of marketing material is that I am a regular at the local FedEx – so much so that when I walk in the door the employees all yell “Rachel!” in unison as if I was on Cheers. The Great Onion Divide At Zenfolio we work hard to put out a phenomenal product, so we enjoy shooting the breeze with one another at lunchtime. One of the most frequent topics of lunch conversation is onions. You see, to be a Zenmaster, you must have a strong opinion on onions and be willing to discuss it. Zennies are deeply divided when it comes to the pungent bulbs. Red, white, yellow, or green. Raw, grilled, caramelized, or sautéed. There are so many ways to love or loathe them. I, like my mother before me, appreciate a well-placed onion, but if a waiter offers to grind some black pepper on my pasta, I will say “No!” so fast it will make your head spin. Pepper monkeys are all around us. Popcorn-Catching Champion Zenmasters take their games seriously. During the baby shower for one pregnant Zenny, a coworker and I orchestrated a heated Baby Care Blitz relay contest where teams of four competed against each other, two at a time. One person had to put a diaper on a teddy bear, the next one had to swaddle it, and then the third person threw popcorn into the mouth of the fourth teammate. The first team that successfully caught the popcorn in their mouth was the winner and moved on to the next round. After an arduous competition, it came down to the final round… I caught the winning piece of popcorn that day, leading my team to victory. As I high-fived my teammates a single tear slid down my cheek. All those years of eating popcorn had finally paid off! It’s the People Who Make the Place I have had a variety of work experience before finding my Zen. What I’ve discovered is that it’s not just the work you do but the people you do it with that make your job enjoyable. I knew my fellow Zenmasters were first-rate when I discovered that almost all of them dress up for Halloween (my favorite holiday). We even have pumpkin carving contests! It is such a joy to be part of a company that not only values creativity, it encourages it. You might even say it’s a way of life. Welcome to Zen life.     show less

Today through September 11 at 11:59 CDT save 50% off Mpix 8 x 10 photo prints. Don’t miss this big sale, on the world’s most popular print size. As with all sales and special offers there is no coupon code necessary to get the discount as long as the order is made from your Zenfolio account. This sale ends September 11th so be sure to place your orders today. Not a Zenfolian yet? Simply sign up for the free, no-obligation trial, upload your photos and place your order. This sale is open to all customers with a destination address in the United States or Canada (extra shipping charges may apply). The sale price applies to your base price; items added to your cart will reflect the already discounted price. Visit the Mpix page to see the standard base price and the discounted price. If you want to pass this sale along to your customers please refer to our Sales FAQ. show less

The 2013 ZOOM Tour may be winding down, but there is still time to attend events in Las Vegas, Seattle, New York, and Chicago. We asked photographers who attended earlier events in the tour to share the insights they gained and to tell us more about why it was valuable to attend a ZOOM event. Lots to Learn “I was blown away by the plethora of information I gathered about Zenfolio and the many capabilities I was unaware it had. I filled an entire notebook and was able to take that information home and fix my own Zenfolio site and make it more streamlined for my convenience and the accessibility of my clients. My blog is also getting much more attention after following all the great advice.” - Jenny Horn, Lovely Lily Photography “The Zenfolio ZOOM event in LA was so interesting! I learned some things I did not know but also learned others things that expanded my existing knowledge. From the presentations I was able to learn how to customize my site in different ways to make it look cleaner and better, whether using a built-in or custom page.“ – John Routh, JD's Photography “The info sessions I attended as part of the ZOOM tour helped take the mystery out of customizing my site. I left feeling both excited and a little ill with the thought that I have so much to do but knowing that I will soon have an incredible website.” - Frances Reilly, Frances Marie Photography “The information I received at this training session proved to be invaluable for me. After the event any additional support I needed was readily available via an email to Zenfolio support. In every case, in less than 24 hours I received a detailed answer with links for what I needed to know to make the changes I wanted. It took me deeper inside the workings of Zenfolio than I have ever ventured before.” – George Ligon, George Ligon Photography Powerful Presenters “I attended the ZOOM event in Austin and the guest speaker, Geoff Duncan, was great. He gave a really casual, friendly presentation of his work and explained examples of his work ethic "work smarter, not harder.” It was very interesting to hear about his workflow, file management, website management, and social media management. It was also great that the group was small enough to ask Geoff questions afterward if we liked.” - Robert Cordova, Cordova Photo “I very much enjoyed the presentation by Dan Ballard in Denver, who spoke about Zenfolio from the photographer's point of view. All of the presenters very kindly answered questions for me during the break.” - Jenny Horn, Lovely Lily Photography “The Zenfolio team brought enthusiasm and professionalism to the event, along with a refreshing sense of humor. I felt a sincere desire from the team in wanting to help each Zenfolio user be successful, knowing that this could mean everything from simply having an internet presence to selling prints online.” - Chris Comstock, Comstock Photography “Frederick Van Johnson, of Media Bytes, opened my eyes with his “Solopreneur” presentation in which he gave a myriad of ways to drive traffic through email service providers, and then the who, what, when, where, why, and how of his experience in business, being a photographer himself. - Chris Davis, C. Davisions Photography People to Meet “All the Zenfolio people were so helpful and very nice. They helped answer all the questions we had, and we were able to talk and network with other photographers in attendance. I would recommend this to anyone that wants to learn how to create a Zenfolio site and for people who want to learn more about the Zenfolio site they already have.“ – John Routh, JD's Photography “I especially enjoyed hearing event presenters and other attendees talk about their experiences in the various businesses of photography; it was encouraging and enlightening! I only wish that the event was longer! I'll be sure to sign up next time ZOOM comes around again.” - Chris Comstock, Comstock Photography Unbelievable Value “All in all, there was no catch! It really felt like a customer appreciation workshop. It was worth WAY more than 10 bucks for sure, but I’m not going say anything!” - Robert Cordova, Cordova Photo “Thirty minutes into the session I was glad I took the day off work and spent the $10 (of which we all got back via Mpix credit) to come for the seminar. Throughout the day Zenfolio offered advice on how to make my site what it should be, as well as create ways for my clients to be excited about what they see.” - Chris Davis, C. Davisions Photography “At the event Zenfolio gave away a ton of door prizes and a great goodie bag! Some of the door prizes were really nice, including things like Think Tank bags, and support service giveaways like retouching services, and print services (hundreds of dollars worth easy!).” - Robert Cordova, Cordova Photo “The swag bag I received had a lot of nice discounts and information about other services. While I didn't win anything, the raffle gifts offered a wide variety of products and services any photographer would appreciate.” - Kim Wilson, KW Photography Whether you attend a ZOOM event for the goodie bag, the great presenters, or all the tips and tricks you will learn, we hope to see you at the next event! show less

Wedding photography is all about storytelling, and the single best way to do that is with an album of beautiful photographs. These days, there are many people getting into photography who have decided to opt out of doing wedding albums because it seems like a time consuming chore and more time sitting in front of a computer. We’re photographers! We should be behind a camera, not at a desk, right? I get it. I don’t want to be in front of the computer any more than you do, and I’m not going to try to convince you why you should include a wedding album in your packaging. But I do want to show you how easy it has become to design one.   I jumped at the chance to try Fundy’s Album Builder software, and I’m so glad I did. After I found my way around the program, watched Fundy’s online tutorials, and read over the helpful manuals, I took it out for a couple of test runs and eventually sat down and timed how long it took me to design an album. I’m only a novice at Album Builder, and it still only took me an hour to design a wedding album with 40 pages (19 spreads with a single front and back page) that contains 68 images. This doesn’t take into account the time I spent selecting the images I wanted to use, 40 of which I asked my client to pick out for me, or the time to perform any color balancing or retouching to the images. But one hour to design a layout is pretty fast and once I get the hang of things, that time could be cut in half.   The first step is to gather your images in a folder and start the pre-design process. I chose to build an album without a cover photo, a single first and last page with 40 pages total. Don’t worry if you don’t know how many pages you’re going to have; you can add or subtract pages later. Fundy will create page markers that you can use to divide your images up like so. (This took me about 5-10 minutes to organize.) Then it’s time to choose an album. You can either select an album from many popular companies such as MpixPro, or you can fill in custom dimensions if you use a company that isn’t listed. I decided to design a 10x10 MpixPro album. Guides are set up so you can see where the center and safe zones are located on each page.   After that, it’s time to get creative. One by one, select the page markers in Adobe Bridge, then use Fundy’s Auto Design tab to pick a layout for that spread. The first image in your spread is the main image, and you can choose various placements and formats for that image as well as the other images that follow. Once you do this, the file is labeled “Approved” and will have a green line under it. (This took me about 10-15 minutes once I got the hang of the features.) Once you’ve set up Auto Design on the all the page markers, click Auto Album and then take a 5-10 minute break. Get up, stretch your legs, pet your dog, kiss your lover… not necessarily in that order.   When you return, you’ll have a wedding album design that is almost complete, and so far, it’s only been about a half hour. Fundy will let you scroll through the pages, one at a time, and you can either make small adjustments with just a click or two in the Enhance control panel. For example, you can chose to Flip Imag Or, you can Swap Images that might not have been placed exactly where you wanted them to be. Or, if you don’t like the design at all, you can click Clear Spread and then either use the Auto Design, Quick Design, or Design Clusters control panels to completely redesign the page. Like the way I used Quick Design to rework the right-hand side of this spread. There are so many features, some of which I haven’t even played with yet, that I can’t go over them all. But the capabilities of Fundy’s Album Builder 5 seem endless. Also, since the software is integrated into Adobe Photoshop, you can go back to the basics and work on the album with the tools you are used to as you go along.   I wanted my image to fade out as it crossed the page, so I applied a layer mask and used the gradient tool to achieve the look I wanted. However, I’d bet you there’s a way I can do this within Fundy already. Maybe I’ll give tech support a call. Oh, and that’s another great thing about Fundy. I called them and the woman who picked up the phone was able to answer my question without putting me on hold and sending me to some tech support person who was just reading the instructions from a manual. After I did my final adjustments, the entire album was designed in one hour. Click here to take a look at the final design.   And if you’re not a photographer who wants to sell albums, please read my other post about my recent trip to WPPI on the Road, where I got to listen to Yervant talk about the future of wedding photography.   Blake has known that he wanted to be a photographer since 3rd grade. Growing up with a portrait and wedding shooter as a dad is a good place to start. Over his 9 years in the industry, Blake has created a large and diverse portfolio of stunning images. His ability to truly connect with his subjects comes through in his compelling and unique portraits. Check out his website and online portfolio here: http://www.blakegardner.net/ show less

Starting today all Mpix photo prints and cards are 30% off. The sale includes all photo and press printed sizes today through August 28 at 11:59 pm CDT. This is the perfect opportunity to try out our new template greeting cards [http://www.zenfolio.com/zf/pnp/mpix-designs.aspx#group-greeting-cards-flat]. As with all sales and special offers there is no coupon code necessary to get the discount as long as the order is made from your Zenfolio account. This sale ends August 28, so be sure to place your orders today. This sale is open to all customers with a destination address in the United States or Canada (extra shipping charges may apply). The sale price applies to your base price; items added to your cart will reflect the already discounted price. Visit the Mpix partner page to see the standard base price and the discounted price. If you want to pass this sale along to your customers please refer to our Sales FAQ. show less