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light on leaves and rock, Siem Reap Cambodia copyright Aloha Lavina

6 Ways to Start Your Photography Hobby

Ever look at Flickr Explore or 500px and go, how do I get to that level? Well, you know that everyone’s got to start somewhere. Here are six places to start.

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Easy way to dodge and burn without destroying pixels

Dodging and burning are techniques that create dramatic contrast in a photo. But these tools damage image files’ pixels. Here is a way to use the dodging and burning techniques without damaging your photo.

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D is for depth of field copyright Aloha Lavina.

The ABCs of Portraits

Get started with portraits and learn a few new Scrabble words! Learn about a FREE surprise after the jump.

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fire concept portrait copyright Aloha Lavina.

5 Myths about Creativity a Photographer Should Bust

You don’t have to be a child prodigy to be creative. In fact, it can happen at any time in your life. Let’s bust some myths about what it means to be creative.

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indian couture copyright Aloha Lavina

Steve Jobs Said

Stars are past light. But if we didn’t see those lights, we would never know the depths of the universe. RIP Steve Jobs.

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Edge of shadows copyright Aloha Lavina.

Does Gear Really Make You a Better Photographer?

Gear doesn’t make you a better photographer. It’s when the gears in your mind start working well, that you create awesome shots. The photographer’s mind is where good shots come from.

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Monk framed by doorway in Bhutan copyright Aloha Lavina.

10 Small Things that Make a Big Difference in Your Photos

It’s not what’s in the photo, it’s how you took it. And sometimes, it’s little things that you do, which make a big difference in your shots.

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Krystal Vee portrait by Aloha Lavina. All rights reserved.

8 Things that will Inspire Your Next Portrait Shoot

Where do you get inspiration for portraits? You might be surprised how you can get inspired from the actual photo shoot itself. Here’s eight ways how.

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How to Convert a Color Photo into BW Using Channels

Here’s how to convert a color photo into a black and white one in 12 easy steps. This illustrated tutorial also has tips on using the Clone, Burn and setting Levels manually. Enjoy!

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copyright Aloha Lavina

Hey Photographer! Who are You and What do You Believe?

You’re a person who makes pictures and people pay you. But who are you? And what do you believe?

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tall dry grass copyright Aloha Lavina.

Using the Background Effectively in Your Portraits

The background can enhance a portrait. Whether for texture, depth or contrast, choosing the background can help you make a better portrait.

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House of Jarvis jewelry Copyright Aloha Lavina. All rights reserved.

When You Have to Wing It

What if you have to make it up as you go along? There is a way to prepare for that assignment, even when you have little or no creative information at the start.

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June Fifth featuring Natalie Glebova copyright Aloha Lavina 2011. All rights reserved.

From Idea to Image Part 2: Lighting Clothing

Plan the light and make colors pop or make a white dress glow. Know your lighting solutions beforehand, and minimize problems during a photoshoot.

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zebra girl copyright Aloha Lavina.

From Idea to Image Part I: Planning

Start by thinking backwards. Then move through a tried and true process to get you from idea to image and give yourself the best chances for success.

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Mono Lake another photographer moved into my shot. She knew I was there. I was there 2 hours before she got there. Copyright Aloha Lavina.

If Miss Manners were a Photographer…

Please be mindful of other photographers in whose frames another person with camera walks. Or, Get the hell out of my viewfinder. But Miss Manners would say it more politely.

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