Get ready for the Getting Ready Photos!

Planning a wedding is NO easy task, in fact after the wedding is over, many brides admit, if they hadn't hired a planner, they wish they had!  Unless you have done it yourself, it is hard to fathom exactly what all is involved.  There are so many emotions during what is supposed to be an amazing and beautiful memory, it still can be, consider "getting ready" photos for your wedding day!

You may be asking yourself, what on earth do I want with a bunch of photos of me looking   not so great, hair in curlers, no makeup, what am I going to do with these photos?  Think for one moment, during this time usually mom, dad and the rest of your loved ones are nearby.  You would be amazed on  how important these moments leading up to the very minute you see your fiance for the first time and walking down the aisle.  Plus it is a beautiful capture of you in your space, all giddy, and ready to go, at this point in the wedding planning, there is "nothing" more you can do.  The venue is set, as is your photographer, your cake, dress, everything is ready and all you have to do is "show up!"

As a wedding photographer myself, I know all too well the "value" of the getting ready photos, the emotions are priceless, but so is the opportunity to get to know my clients as well as their mothers, fathers, and family.  It allows for that extra special time we need to bond, laugh, cry and prepare for one of the most important days of their lives!  I could not dream of anything better......an engagement shoot is also highly recommended as many of you know, I always include these sessions for my couple because again, it is about them!

Remember folks, your parents are here once in a  lifetime, when they are gone, only the memories remain.  Make them count, see the beauty everywhere and consider "Getting Ready" photos on your wedding day!

Seen here: Hair Style and Makeup Artist :  Teresa Reynolds  and the bride Giselle with  her lovely mother "Fortune" of Newark, CA.  Congrats to the happy couple!

Wedding Venue:  Mountain Terrace, Woodside, CA
Getting Ready Photos here:  YStudio Photography
Official Wedding Photographer:  I-Motion, Los Gatos, CA (Simon)

Going Bridal Gone Green!

On June 26th and 27th, 2010, San Jose's Convention Center hosted a fabulous GREEN event.  With vendors ranging from natural candy makers, to natural fiber designers, this event came completely geared to introduce wonderful and eco-friendly products and services to the community!


In the house was no other than Ed Begley Jr. Activist/Actor, Zero- Net Energy Homes Bay Area’s future in green, Green Jobs/Careers, Straw-bale houses, Solar Power your life, Kids Activities & Music, Adult/kid fashion show!

Part of the Fashion show was my friend and talented designer Carole Wang.  Carole's line is amazing and made of 100% all natural and bamboo fibers.  Her segment was quite a show stopper and the crowds loved the presentation!  Here are a few fun photos from the event.  The end of Carole Wang designs came to a halt when the entire stage was graced with her entire wedding collection!  The collection included a bridal gown, bridesmaids and flower girl dresses....... truly it was quite emotional and beautiful to say the least!  See for yourselves!  We wish Carole and her team many congratulations!





For more information on the Generation Green organization, please visit www.generationgreen.org


Fashions by:  Carole Wang
Hair & Makeup:  Teresa Reynolds

Removing a background on Photoshop CS4

Good morning folks!  I can't believe I am blogging at 4:30 a.m., but, I cannot sleep and I am a day late on my blogging....I hope you enjoy this tutorial, in my opinion, and although it may take a bit getting use to, it's the easiest way to remove a background on CS4.  Yes, I know CS5 is now available, but til I get it CS4 is wonderful too.

A few weeks ago we were called by a wonderful local fashion designer to shoot her line.  I had no idea what I was getting into and want to send a much heartfelt thanks to Teresa Reynolds  for her help and guidance, we had so much fun and it was much easier than I thought.

There was a challenge in the space we were using (the fashion designers apartment), but I focused on the lighting and that the TRUE colors of the garments were showcased.  We photographed everything with a less than white background and two strobes.  Again, if you can get the proper white exposure background this is ideal, but if you are in a hurry and cannot control the space you are working in, here is how you can save yourself through PS ... again!

Here is the original image.  As you can see there was fabric instead of a paper background available.

Here's how I removed the background.

1. Open image in PS
2. Create a new layer from background
3. Create a new layer via copy
4. Select the Magic Eraser tool and begin to erase the large parts of the background you wish to remove
(Make sure you are on the correct layer so you can see as you go and remember that as you get to the edges, you will most likely need to decrease the size of your brush)

5. Choose the Eraser Tool to clean up along the edges on what you wish to keep
6. Once done, you will need to duplicate the layer and make sure you open the layer underneath the layer you are working on

7. Select brush and make it large, choose your background color and paint the entire layer (with extracted image on it), I chose white [see photo].

Once you have the image on the white background, zoom in and see if there is any cleaning up you have to do with the Eraser Tool.  When you are done zoom out and look at the image, make sure you clean around the hair, shoes, etc.

Here is the finished image and another cool thing is that you do not have to use only color for a replaced background, you can add an image if you like.  See here the image I borrowed from Jungle Photos ...Have fun, the possibilities are endless in PS!

I LOVE to share and help and if you have any questions, please feel free to ask away OR post a comment, we love those!