Do-it-yourselfers can have all the independence and freedom to order that you want.  High res digital images are just that…  High resolution files that you, or I, would use to order small or large… canvases, mounted prints, paper prints, metals, acrylics, albums, books, birth announcements, Christmas cards, billboards (yes, that has actually happened!!!)

These digital files are for personal use only.   Using the images for commercial use requires permission from Robin Allen Photography.  Do not alter the images in any way.

Are they cropped?  Sometimes.

First let’s make sure you understand what cropping is.   Think of it like taking a pair of scissors to the original image, and cutting away the unwanted.

In this case I cropped this image because under no circumstances would anyone want my reflector in their image.

Are the images edited or retouched in some way?

YES. definitely yes. It’s unprofessional not to.  You may need to take a look at what retouching means… Read about retouching and editing here.

What is low res, what is high res?

Resolution is the amount of information that’s in the image.  You can think of it as detail.  Prints that you hold in your hand need more resolution than the same “size” image on a screen.  Screens need far fewer pixels per inch (ppi) or dots per inch (dpi) than prints.

800 pixels x 1000 pixels would look fine on a computer screen or phone screen, but if you try to print from it, you’ll notice quickly that the print looks pretty terrible.

YOUR CUSTOM COLLECTION now includes DIGITAL FILES!

How will I receive the image files?

I’ll upload your finished, retouched images to Dropbox.  It’s pretty simple.  I’ll email you a link and you’ll download them to your own device(s).  No need to make a trip out!

Now where to print from your high res digitals…

For regular printing, including small prints, large prints, canvases, and frankly a lot more,  I recommend mpix.com.

MPIX is a user-friendly lab, has GREAT quality, and is well priced for the consumer.

Honestly, I would strongly caution you against big box stores, or one-hour photo situations.  While I haven’t personally used them lately, I have had a few clients report back that they’re junk.  So heads up,  you do get what you pay for.

The post Digital Images from your Photography Session appeared first on Robin Allen Photography.

By the time you are reading this, I will have sent you a link on Dropbox where you can download and keep your digital files on your own devices.

If you need help downloading your digital images, look here for instructions.  You should definitely download all your images to a computer, ideally.  If you load them to your smart phone, the high res files may take up too much room in your phone.

Next you may like to know where to print your images!

I recommend  MPIX.COM 

MPIX is the fierce “little sister” of my pro lab, Millers.  It’s my understanding that Millers owns and operates MPIX.  They have common and unique products that are of professional quality and excellent customer service to boot!

I do not recommend quick and cheap.

So often when clients go to places with “Wal” in the name, as well as their counterparts, I hear reports time and time again that it’s a waste of money. Poor quality etc.

Confession time: I did use one of them once.  I can’t remember the exact circumstance, just that I needed a couple prints ASAP, and I didn’t even have time for next-day shipping.  I used one of those instant-print kiosk things inside the store. My user experience way terrible, but I overlooked it because I told myself its just not what I was used to.  Then came the prints.  UGH!  I was KICKING MYSELF for forgetting to order from my own lab!  The paper may as well have been tissue paper, and the image itself was oddly digital-looking and somehow not color-balanced anymore.  I concluded there could have been some preset the computer thought would “help” the images that I didn’t know how to turn off.  Well, lesson learned.  NEVER AGAIN.  The reports were fair. It was a waste of money.

I’m still happy to help.

Some clients still really like the experience and professional products that come when I still do the ordering.  Especially with large, wall prints, canvases, metals, and other specialty decor.  Clients are always welcome to still order those through me no matter if you have the digital copies or not. MPIX doesn’t offer every single product that my pro lab does, so feel free to shoot me an email or give me a call if you want to find the perfect thing for your home. I’m eager to help!

The post Your digital files are ready!  Now what?   appeared first on Robin Allen Photography.

You’re a professional.  Now let’s make sure you look like one.

For actors, musicians, and other performers, it is important that we take a bit of time to make our headshot images.  In many cases, we shoot for an hour or so.  2-4 different outfits are welcome; I’d encourage more than one.  Some things photograph amazingly, and others just fall flat.  When we work with a variety of wardrobe options, we are sure to find our stride and accomplish the look the client is after.  In these case clients can expect to see 20-40 different images.  This is a very nice update for your professional portfolio.

On the flip side, not all business professionals need this level of artistry.  Plenty of times headshot clients just need a current, clean, professional headshot for their employer.  These efficient sessions usually take about 20 minutes.  Bring your best outfit or two and we’re good to go.

With either option, 20 minute session or 60 minute session, you are not amateur in your field; so your headshots should be a bit more qualified than a quick iPhone snap.  Let’s set you apart from your competition and create images that reflect how impressive you already are.

60 minute weekday studio session – $135
20 minute weekday studio session – $45
60-90 minute weekday location session – $235
Location session for headshots typically means I visit the clients office to photograph.
Session fees do not include digital or physical product.

1 Full resolution, fully retouched digital image – $125  Single images are only available to professional headshot clients.
4 Full resolution, fully retouched digital images – $400  Four-image bundles are only available to professional headshot clients.

Turn time: quick.  😉

The business professional and I can usually choose the final image(s) immediately after shooting.  Furthermore, in some cases, finished digital headshots are provided same-day.  My existing clients may be familiar with ordering appointments that follow a typical session of mine.  However, in the cases of quick 20 minute headshot sessions, it is not a requirement to return to the studio at a later date to choose images.   Clients who chose the more artistic headshots session, thus taking more time to make different images are invited back to the studio to view finished images at a later date.

I welcome conversation about wardrobe for headshots, also, check look through this Pinterest Board for clothing ideas.

The post Professional Headshots appeared first on Robin Allen Photography.

Lots of moms struggle with this daunting question of what to wear for family pictures.  I hate that this is topic can feel burdensome.  I want to help.

Photography is largely about flattery, and showing our best.  That’s why we own hairbrushes, makeup, and irons.  It’s the way we take care of ourselves and put our best foot forward, visually speaking.  It’s also why I retouch all purchased images.  That pimple Clinique didn’t hide, Photoshop will.  So our CHOICES of what to wear is no different.

White tops and jeans, black shirts and khaki, and everyone wearing a different color, are/were popular because a) its easy to communicate. You can just tell your sister the simple instruction, and it takes little explanation.  And b) It’s not complicated to pull off. Who doesn’t have at least one black shirt.  Admittedly, both reasons are appealing, but we need to elevate the look just a bit.  Truly stunning photographs of families happen when we apply just a bit more effort.  Fortunately, with Pinterest you can browse color pallets and land on an idea that fits your style, and your home colors.

Have a look at This Pinterest Page and find Boards showing the neutral look, and the look using brighter colors.

SKIRTS AND HEALS HEADS UP

Standing in front of the mirror, you’ll probably look amazing.  Skirts are flattering, feminine, and slimming, and high heals elongate your legs.  Problem is, they are very limiting with posing.  (And that’s fine; I just want you to know ahead of time.)  If mom wears a skirt, obviously I pose her carefully and formally; not to casually. No criss cross apple sauce.  Other than keeping her standing, using a chair is nearly a must for a person in a pencil skirt.  It’s just a bit limiting.   There’s another funny thing with skirts and dresses.  Moms seem to have a tricky time relaxing and having fun. Its as if there’s a distracting self consciousness that keeps her from being in the moment.  That distration is more of a problem than any posing hurdle I have.   Bottom line.  Be comfortable in what you wear. You be you.

LOCATIONS MATTER

It matters VERY much WHERE we are shooting.  Some locations lend themselves to certain colors, and some have a very casual feel.  I never want to flippantly select a location without hearing from my client about her end game.  Is your perfect family shot going on display in your formal living room adjacent to the baby grand, or in the den above the cozy fire?  So let me in on your wardrobe plans if you’re on the fence.  I’m sure I’ll have an opinion.

BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND

So hypothetically, Say this is your home… which set of outfits below would you say would be most successful in this space?   That’s the idea behind choosing outfits to work with the space in which your beautiful wall portrait or canvas will be displayed.

check these images I snagged off Pinterest…

All of these sets of outfits are great, however, to me it is clear that one has the edge for this particular living room.  I encourage you to take your space and when you know a portrait will hang proudly on the wall, let that be a guide to your wardrobe selection.

The post what to wear appeared first on Robin Allen Photography.

I have tons and tons of props already, and moms love them, however, women today are uber particular.  Moms know what they like, and have a specific styles that fit her.  I can identify with that.  Perfectionism.  It can me marvelous because when we achieve our desire end result, the finished work is outstanding and totally satisfying. On the other hand, it is hard to relinquish that control. (Our poor families; they endure so much.)  At least this is how it is on some subjects.  Not all.

I have gobs of newborn hats and bows and wraps and fabrics and containers and and and… but I’m not so high on myself that I expect my clients to throw out their own opinions in exchange for mine just because I’m “the professional.”

SO HERE’S A GREAT SOLUTION WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK!!

I have partnered with a premier newborn prop boutique to bring within your reach some of the cutest newborn props available.

Step 1:  Go shopping at No. 2 Willow Lane.  Use promo code “RA18” and receive 10% off your purchase. (Thank you No. 2 Willow Lane for your generosity!)

Step 2:  Bring your props to your session and we create awesomeness.

Step 3:  You can keep these little gems as a keepsake for you… evidence that your baby really was this little once,

OR if you like, I will buy the props you no longer have a use for at half of what you paid.  I’ll buy up to $100 off you to lighten your load!  (Please bring your Willow Lane receipt!)    ….  No questions asked *as long as they are No. 2 Willow Lane props.*  I make this stipulation because I have seen Jen’s whole body of work and I trust her style and quality.  I cannot say that about just any prop shop out there.

Just a quick example of some of my favs…

Oodles more unique pieces are shown on the No 2 Willow Lane website.

Other relevant links for you if you are viewing this page:

When we SHOOT your newborn session

When you need to BOOK your newborn session

Family pictures with your newborn

The post Well Planned Props For Your Newborn Photo Shoot. appeared first on Robin Allen Photography.

Every *purchased* image undergoes  retouching to remove blemishes, mistakes and other unsightly things.  Many people refer to this as Photoshopping an image, or a decade ago I heard the term “airbrushing” a lot.  Some budding photographers say “editing”.  The point is, the images are cleaned up… Much like how you run the vacuum before your in-laws come for a visit.

So what blemishes would be addressed in retouching?…

If you would clean it up with makeup or a bath, that’s what needs retouching!  Snot, zits, acne, cradle cap, stork bites, flaky skin and bruises are obvious.  Crusties anywhere on the skin, red blotches, dark circles, eye boogers, and stray fly-away hairs are even more common.  Adults, even when they’re still young, have age spots and wrinkles.  …

The topic of wrinkles starts to get tricky.  Wrinkles begin to cross over from “blemish” to “character.”  I don’t ever remove character.  If I remove a person’s character, they quickly become “not them self,” and then I have over-retouched an image.  Over-retouching is always worse than under-retouching.  So many of these things are purely a judgement call.  This is a definite instance where I would ask, “would I want this “fixed” if it were me or my child or my husband?”

I am a plastic surgeon! HA!

There is also “plastic surgery” and “doing laundry”…  ‘Why YES, I’m happy to shrink your love handle,’ and ‘of course I’ll remove the spit-up from your shirt.’   ‘Dirt on you son’s khaki pants? no problem!!!’  If you ever have a question about what I might address, don’t hesitate to ask!

One thing retouching is NOT…  Professionally retouching an image dose NOT mean running an Action on a batch of images.  These are Photoshop presets that photographers can buy that do an auto-smoothing of skin.  Generally speaking it looks pretty fantastic on a screen.  But get these images in print, and you see the gross inadequacies. skin-smoothing quickly begins to look embarrassingly like you are now fake, plastic dolls. Yikes.

Editing is also not the same as retouching….  “Editing” is not an agreed upon term.  For me, editing means I cull the 200-400 shot images down to only the best, unique, 30-60 images. I then make sure all the images have the correct exposure and color balance (that’s light/dark and warm/cool), and I also crop. Cropping means cutting out the irrelevant areas of the image so the eventual print is well-composed.  From one photographer to another, “editing” can mean different things, so it’s a good idea to ask when they mean by the term.

Bottom line… As a professional, I make the continual judgement call to “help” what actually NEEDS to be helped.  Everything else, I leave it alone.  Less is more.

Portfolio Galleries

The post What is Retouching and Editing? appeared first on Robin Allen Photography.

You will come away from your ordering appointment having ZERO doubt that your wall prints will be perfectly sized.

If you need inspiration for beautiful displays in your home, check out my Pinterest Board for Photography Displays.

Step 1  –  Remove any old artwork you will be replacing and show the blank wall.  No need to remove wall hangers.

Step 2  –  At about the level you would hang a grouping or single piece, tape a piece of paper to the wall.  Printer paper or construction paper are great.  Grab a marker and write in large letters the size of the paper.  It actually does not matter what size paper you choose, as long as you tell me what size it is.  Avoid tiny pieces like post-its though.

Step 3  –  Make a snapshot of your wall, standing straight-on, NOT at an angle.  Stand as far back as the room will allow you to stand.   With your phone, zoom in to show just the wall.  Show some crown moulding and baseboard where possible it so we can see a point of reference to show the size of the wall.

Step 4  –  email me this image before your ordering appointment.  robin@robinallen-photography.com

Feel free to send me multiple walls. 

I’ll import your phone snapshots into the software and voilà!  At your ordering appointment we can now see what your image will look like in various sizes ranging from 8×10 to 40×50.  It’ll be very easy to find out that Goldilocks size.

And if you’re planning on framing your prints, as opposed to canvases, no problem.  I’ll show you a 2 inch frame, a 3 inch frame, 4, and so on, so there’s even less guessing you have to do!

It’s a great set up.  I hope you’ll take advantage!

The post Planning your space is EASY. appeared first on Robin Allen Photography.

Then we had you

Now we have everything.

When you bring a new baby home, the experience is overwhelming.  …the new demands on your time and energy, the adjustment your family makes, and the impossible amount of love you now have for this tiny human that you only recently met.  This time is unlike any other.

When my first daughter, Cori, was born things were rough.  I had these grand aspirations of a dreamy natural labor and seamless transition from a family of two, to a family of three.   (Yes, cue laughter from veteran moms.)

Nope. Things just did not happen that way.  Cori’s position in utero was just not going to let that happen.  In short, after a long battle, we hurried off to the operating room to welcome our baby girl.   She was gorgeous. And she was healthy.  Praise God for that!

If I’m being honest, my heart still broke a little.  I think I mourned not having “my way.”  Add to that, I had a pretty tough recovery from my c-section.

But what happened in the days and weeks after…  was wonderful.  My sweet husband took care of me like he never had before.  He never really had to take care of me before.  This time for David and me was one of the most amazing times in our marriage.  Out of stress, pain, sleep-deprivation, and a little heart-ache came a deeper love than I could have anticipated.  I believe that God knew my heart’s desire for a dreamy natural labor, but he had a gift for me that that would matter more to my heart than any perfect birth story ever could.

I say all this because this time you have with your newly expanded family is likely among the most impactful times of your life.  At least it was for me.  These images we make are not at all about posing or wardrobe or baby weight; it is about a deep love. It’s about a firm commitment you share as a family.  You guys stick together.  For better or worse, you are a family.  The photographs are beautiful because they are a reflection of your whole heart.

Relationship newborn sessions include Mom + Dad + baby (obviously).  Siblings are welcome.  Grandparents are welcome.  Whatever relationships you want to remember, I am honored to photograph for you.

Mom + Dad + baby is that staple photograph.  I’d do two or three different shots of the same people because it’s that important.  What tiny child grows up and says, “nah, I don’t want a photograph of just me and my mommy and daddy when I’m a fresh 5 days old.”  (no one says that!) What a gift that is to your baby.  And you’ll gladly enjoy it in the mean time, I’m sure.

Mom + Baby; Dad + Baby are very popular photographs for flanking your family photographs.

Baby + sibling(s) might just be more important than the first one.  Nine out of ten moms are completely beside themselves when it comes to the sibling shots.  “My babies!” she squeals.  I love hearing that sound.  It really reminds me why I do what I do.  You’ll be a puddle on the floor too when you have an amazing photograph of your little loves.

Baby – in – hands  is probably one of my favorite ‘arty’ newborn shots I get to make.  If you come to my studio with a giant hubby, and a tiny tiny child, look down.  You’ll see a puddle of drool in front of my feet.  I JUST LOVE  Dad’s giant burly man-hands holding tiny, immaculate, baby.  Seriously LOVE shooting these.

Diptychs are the popular before-and-after newborn photograph.  During the maternity session I photograph the ‘before’ image, then after baby is born, we carefully photograph the ‘after’ image, paying attention to keep every bit of positioning and lighting consistent between the two shots to achieve a stunning piece!  Because the finished piece is as meticulously put together as it is, and since I do not charge a creation fee for it, diptychs are reserved for wall portraits and canvases only.

Other important links for you…
When to BOOK your newborn session
When we will SHOOT your newborn session

The post Relationship Newborn Sessions appeared first on Robin Allen Photography.

The DIGITAL Collection $225

• three high resolution digital images
• high resolution digital copy of the LFM magazine cover layout
• permission to print
• permission to post to social media

The PRINT Collection $199

• 8×10 of the cover image
• 8×10 of the magazine design layout
• two 5x7s of the cover image
• two 5x7s of the inside image

Of course clients are welcome to any other prints or products.  We recommend a Coffee Table Book, which includes 20 images from the model session, or an 11×14 wall portrait of the cover image!  It’s up to mom and dad what fun extras to take home!

LFM Cover Model DIGITAL Collection $225

LFM Cover Model PRINT Collection $199

Coffee Table Book  $400
11×14 $135
8×10  $50
5×7 $40
4×6 $35
*5x7s and 4×6 have much narrower aspect ratios and I do not recommend these for cover design layout prints.

Much more options are listed on the Investment Page.

Read up on what are HIGH RES, and what are LOW RES digital files:  Digital Files

Contact me!

Please call me 859-685-8516  or  shoot me an email robin@lexphotographer.com  to place an order!

The post Collection for LFM Cover Models appeared first on Robin Allen Photography.

Here is the RIGHT WAY to download your digital images…

1. Follow the link to Dropbox
2. Check the box beside the images you want to save to your computer or cloud storage.  If this is your first time grabbing your images off Dropbox, then download all of them.   You might be looking for the checkbox and not see it… Hover your mouse over the word ‘Name..’ and the checkbox to select ALL of them will appear.
3. After the images are checked, hit Download at the right.  (You’ll only see a Download button if at least one image’s box is checked. If your blue button reads ‘Share folder’ then you don’t have any images checked yet.
4. Choose where your images will go on your own device and there ya go!

Not this way…

Now I’ve had a couple people reach out to me (prior to me writing this post) saying the images they downloaded are not high res.  Here’s what I think is going on… DON’T download your images this way:

As with everything, if you ever need any extra help, pick up the phone or shoot me an email!

Robin

(859)685-8516

robin@robinallen-photography.com

The post Downloading your digital images from Dropbox appeared first on Robin Allen Photography.