What do ya think? Like my new look?
I have been really struggling with how to approach my blog and website. I struggled with whether I should keep it separate or start a blogsite. I wanted a better blog but really didn't want to abandon the location I have been since I have started. I wanted you to still find me since I took such a hiatus from everything. So, this is what I did:
I stayed with blogger. I purchased a domain name www.staceybishopphotographyblog.com (I know it is long but it is easy to remember). It was so EASY! I did it right through my blogger account! (Settings, Publishing) It was $10 and it automatically redirects anyone who types in my old www.staceybishopphotography.blogspot.com. I KNOW there are other options out there but this is what I chose to do. It was simply time to pull the trigger.
I also purchased a blogger template for photographers. There are actually really good ones out there so I just Googled for one with a slideshow header option and I chose to go with:
Cinnamon Girl StudioThe one I purchased was $25 but they had ones that were even cheaper! There are lots of blog templates that are free out there too. I just liked the look and ease of this one so I committed.
Also, I didn't realize that Blogger has separate pages now so I was able to link at the top to individual pages and not just old posts.
So, for $35, I have a more professional url, and a great blog that is totally customizable! The cool part is that I can change my slideshow via a flickr set!
Keep in mind:
That my ranking on Google searches may be affected until my new URL has been around for a while. I'll have to keep an eye on that.
moving on.....
HISTOGRAMS!! and my Beautiful Averi in her Baptism dress;)...
That mountainous box that you see all the time in Photoshop, Bridge, ACR and your camera is a very helpful little tool in both correct exposure when shooting AND for proper editing.
Here is a rediculously simple way to put it:
If the hills are mostly on the left, it is underexposed. If the hills are mostly to the right, it is over exposed. If it is touching the top, something is either blown out (too bright) or clipped (too dark).
There is a setting on your camera that will make the areas that are blown out blink on your LCD. This can be very helpful when you are shooting. Especially if it is bright daylight and it is difficult to see the LCD.
Here is an example of a well exposed photo. In ACR (Adobe Camera Raw), if you click the arrows at the top of the histogram, it will show the blown out areas in Red and the Clipped areas in Blue. This is very helpful. I don't usually care about the dark shaddows (as long as it isnt important to the photo) but the blown out areas can be detrimental. On this photo, I used the Recovery slider a little to bring back a little detail in the areas the sun was hitting. I NEVER pull the Recover slider too far. It will cause skin tones to look "muddy" but it is one of my favorite little tools.
Now, here is the same photo and Histogram after edits. Notice that the Histogram has changed. It is very easy to actually blow out or clip a photo through processing alone. Keep an eye on that histogram while you edit. You can change the little drop down menu to "colors" to see specifically what color family your are blowing out.
ETA: not sure why these next ones loaded so large. Click on the photo to see the full histogram.
Final edit;)
Remember:
YOU ultimately decide what looks best. In this photo, according to the histogram, there are some areas on her dress that are blown out. Since I still have the detail I want, I am okay with a few blown areas. There are shadows that are clipped. Since I like the contrast and it is in areas that are not important, I don't mind.
