The Key to Taking Pictures Like a Professional Photographer ebook Giveaway

June 14, 2011

Ever since I started this blog I have really begun taking an interest in photography. I was into photography before but never invested the money in a good DSLR. In fact it wasn't until a couple years ago that DSLRs became affordable to me. But since that purchase I haven't looked back. I remember writing about the first few fast shutter shots I took and how impressed I was with the results.

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.
Create a Link
 


672 {comments}:

«Oldest   ‹Older   601 – 672 of 672   Newer›   Newest»
I Snapped Photography said... Best Blogger Tips

I'm now following you! and would love a free book! I just started a photography business (I Snapped Photography) and am always looking at books for ways to improve!

Unknown said... Best Blogger Tips

What an awesome book!!! Thanks for featuring it!

http://olivialenz.wordpress.com/

Elle and Lou said... Best Blogger Tips

This looks very helpful especially as i have just been given a new camera for my birthday.

Elle and Lou said... Best Blogger Tips

I am a happy follower!

Holly S. said... Best Blogger Tips

Looks wonderful. Thanks for another fantastic giveaway!

Audrey B said... Best Blogger Tips

I am totally one of those with a nice camera who doesn't know how to use it. This would really help!

Audrey B said... Best Blogger Tips

I shared on fb and am following you now. Thanks!

Bella Grace Boutique said... Best Blogger Tips

I just found your blog and love it! I sew and am adoring the patterns! I have been trying to take pictures of my sewing projects, but I can never get the pictures to look good. I would love to learn how to make them look more professional!

I am following you on Twitter and on Facebook :)

CC said... Best Blogger Tips

This looks like exactly what I need!

Valerie said... Best Blogger Tips

I would love to win this! I am studying costume design and need to improve my photography skills so I can archive my work better.

Alice Barton said... Best Blogger Tips

wow! wonderful!
THANKS!!
holasoylulu(a)yahoo(dot)es

Mary said... Best Blogger Tips

I would LOVE LOVE LOVE this. I'm just getting back into photography and this ebook would be a big help. ;)

The Reillys said... Best Blogger Tips

sounds like just what I need!

Mimi said... Best Blogger Tips

My partner and I had our house broken into 1 week before Christmas, and with the devistating January floods in Brisbane, Australia (where we live) insurance claims were delayed by almost 6 months. This would be a great help to get to know my new Nikon D3100, which was my replacement for my old camera :-)

Love reading your blog - and stoked I can now get it on my iphone using the 'bloglovin' app!

Mimi

Natalie Francel-Stone said... Best Blogger Tips

I just discovered your blog, and I love everything about it! Your photo tips are exactly what I was looking for, and your projects are great. I'd love to be entered in for the drawing if it isn't too late!

Trina said... Best Blogger Tips

Not sure it this is still open, but I would love to win!

Krista & Tyler said... Best Blogger Tips

I would love to win this! I feel as though I'm slowly getting better with my photography, but don't know where to turn for a good e-book. Even if I don't win, I think I'll still end up purchasing one! Thanks for the tips!

Krista
lilbebedoll19@gmailcom

Niqueknacks said... Best Blogger Tips

This stuff looks amazing

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

I could really use this book!

Anjomo said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh, I would so love to win this! Just bought a DSLR and don't know what I am doing yet. This would be soo helpful!

Brooke R. Harper said... Best Blogger Tips

Hi!! I really want to win!

bobbyejo said... Best Blogger Tips

@smarties
I have to have this! I purchased a good camera and havent had a moment to take any classes. I have a fabric shop that keeps me so busy with classes and such. This book would really help me.

Christy said... Best Blogger Tips

I totally want one of these!

Christy said... Best Blogger Tips

I follow Grosgrain!

Terri said... Best Blogger Tips

What wonderful giveaway!!! Just what I needed.
Thanks

Angela Osborn said... Best Blogger Tips

I have recently been trying to learn to take lovelier photos and to use my camera better. This ebook would be such a wonderful help! I already subscribe, but I am now also following you on twitter.

Unknown said... Best Blogger Tips

Looks like a stunning book - would love to have some tips on the art of photography

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

I just liked you with the Facebook button, I hope the contest isn't over and I win :)

Thanks

NeringaM said... Best Blogger Tips

I follow your blog for inspiration. Love it!

Kellie said... Best Blogger Tips

How wonderful! I'd love to learn from this great resource=)

Unknown said... Best Blogger Tips

Beautiful book!

Sophia said... Best Blogger Tips

love it

Nana Tipsy said... Best Blogger Tips

I would love to win this book! I am always looking for ways to make my photos better.
And I LOVE the blog too

Maria said... Best Blogger Tips

I receive your feed but only found this giveaway by going to your web site...?
Anyway, love the e-book. I'm one of many who would appreciate it and find it extremely useful. Thank you!

tburchell97 said... Best Blogger Tips

I "found" your blog a few days ago while looking for patterns for doll dresses. My twin girls are attending thier first "official" tea party at a little tea shop downtown next week and needed thier dolls to have new dresses for the party! <3 I was an instant fan!! I also love photography yet, unlike you, I am a newbie to sewing. So far, I've only made a nursing apron and a ton of stuffed animals only my own children would love! I have been reading and enjoying your blog every free moment for days! I love it and I love how your passion for design and your children are all over it! I am a follower now - I would have been without the contest but better still! :) Thanks!

ihartkhart said... Best Blogger Tips

Is it still an option to win?? Because I'd love to as a developing photographer myself! :)

Sarah said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh I would love to win this! I have no idea how to use anything except the auto settings on my DSLR. love your blog :)

Sarah said... Best Blogger Tips

and I follow you on twitter now too!!!

Louise said... Best Blogger Tips

I have seen this ebook reviewed a couple of times now - still being stuck on the auto settings on my dslr I think I should buy it :)

Unknown said... Best Blogger Tips

I would so love to win a copy of this book , it would be a godsend , and help me trememndously I have a great camera and really need this book so i can utilize the camera , i would be so very greatful, i am following you on twatter , and your blog , and trying to find your face book , iwill reblog as soon as i figure out how to do that , have a pink rainbow day
georgia from ohio

LMcW said... Best Blogger Tips

This book looks like a great resource for us beginners! I'd love to be able to improve my photo-taking skills!

Brooke said... Best Blogger Tips

This looks like a great book!
brooke a richardchurch dot com

LadyEvolette said... Best Blogger Tips

I am now following you on twitter as LadyEvolette

Melissa said... Best Blogger Tips

This is wonderful!

Keri-Anne said... Best Blogger Tips

oh i would love to win x

jodes07 said... Best Blogger Tips

This e book looks fantastic! Would love to win!

aunt kissen said... Best Blogger Tips

I would looooovvvvve to read what is in that book! Please, please, please!
Now a follower, and love your site!

Unknown said... Best Blogger Tips

I'm a follower. Would love this e-book.

Brooke Cassell said... Best Blogger Tips

Great giveaway. I do all my own amateur photography for my blog and my partner's business's blog. Great tips gleaned even from your synopsis, thanks! I'm a follower and I linked to this giveaway on my blog.

KeriCan said... Best Blogger Tips

Would love to know more about my camera.

AlexisTexas said... Best Blogger Tips

yes, please?!? looks incredibly helpful. also, now following.

The Paulsons said... Best Blogger Tips

It would be so nice to win!

Meg said... Best Blogger Tips

I enjoy photography as a hobby and I think this would definitely help me inprove! Thanks for all the awesome giveaways! :)

Meg said... Best Blogger Tips

I've been a follower for quite some time! I love creative people! :) This blog is a daily read for me. :)

Meg said... Best Blogger Tips

I'm a Twitter Follower, too! {Superfab912}

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

asd

Alicia said... Best Blogger Tips

I would LOVE to win this! An learn to take better photos.

Kara said... Best Blogger Tips

Hey there...just became a follower, love the looks of this ebook, and I think I might copy your bangs :)

Haleysmom said... Best Blogger Tips

What a cool give away! I would love this!

Microbio said... Best Blogger Tips

i am follwing you on twitter @microbionoar and leaving this comment now :)

Gene said... Best Blogger Tips

Joining the giveaway.

Google Friend connect user: Gene

Gene said... Best Blogger Tips

Followed you in twitter as @GeneCorbito

Sew It Sherry said... Best Blogger Tips

I love good photos and I'd love to win

Kate Z. said... Best Blogger Tips

I am a sewing novice that likes to take pictures of my projects, even if I don't have a blog for them:) This book looks very informative!

Sarah Dawneé said... Best Blogger Tips

I'm a new follower of your blog! =)

Sarah Dawneé said... Best Blogger Tips

This e-book looks amazing! I'm so glad you are doing this giveaway!

Melissa Alexandar said... Best Blogger Tips

WoW!! This would be so amazing to win especially since my camera is so old and outdated! I've always wanted to invest in a DSLR and with this e-book i could really explore the possibilities of that "amazing Shot"!
I totally follow you and love all your entries!

the Hawks said... Best Blogger Tips

I'm not sure if this is still available as a giveaway, but I would really appreciate the win! I recently became more involved with my camera and with a 9 month old and another due in 5 months, I need to learn so much more.

Leslie said... Best Blogger Tips

Thank you for the giveaway - would love to win this book!

Paige said... Best Blogger Tips

I would love to win this e-book!

pbackholm(at)gmail(dot)com

AmyyElizabeth said... Best Blogger Tips

I would love this!

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

Looks like a fantastic resource. Thanks for the opportunity.

«Oldest ‹Older   601 – 672 of 672   Newer› Newest»
 
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...