Photos by Kim Hill

MOVING TO WORDPRESS

Just an FYI that I've canceled my pro account with Typepad and have moved to Wordpress.  You can follow me at http://www.photosbykimhill.com/blog

You'll notice that the appearance of the blog is not quite the same, but I assure you that all the content from this blog has been moved there.  Feel free to utilize the "search" function if you are unable to find a specific post you are looking for.  :)

The "fake" smile versus the "real" smile

David turned 8 today!! This morning we went to Toys R Us and he picked out a new bike. He and Daddy are assembling it now (in our very dark family room - booooo on the pics!). Then we went out to dinner at his favorite restaurant - it's a local place that is a sports bar with arcade too. Fab food.

So when we got home, I managed to convince him to let me take his birthday pics. Most were like this:

But then, the 17th shot was this. Yeah, it's a bit soft on focus. He was laughing and moving all around cuz his Dad was making him laugh. But soft or not, I love it. THIS is the smile I love!!!

So the next time you take your own kids out for pics, whether you do them yourself or have a professional do them for you, remember to engage your child in conversation that will produce the natural smile.  Telling the child to "look at the camera" or "say cheese" will just get you the fake smile.

New Templates for Photographers - Cards & Albums

With the holiday season well underway, photographers are looking to speed up production of all the fun gifts their clients are ordering.  Luckily, the designers at Pink Ink Studios got your back! 

Today, I've uploaded two new template packs.  The first is a set of ten 5x5 cards.  Each has a 1/4 inch border making it compatible with most of the pro labs.  And since these are set up as flats, you have the option to mix and match them to create your single fold or trifold cards.  Each card is layered, allowing you the flexibility to move the photo openings and greeting.  Of course, there is a simple PDF tutorial included to help you out, too!

Next up is a set of ten mix & match 12x12 album templates.  Each template is layered, allowing you the flexibility to move the photo openings and accent papers.  The neat part is that you can rotate these around to create more looks than the initial ten simply by flipping vertically or horizontally.  And since I know you want even more choices, I've included a resizing action so that you can size the finished pages down to 10x10, 8x8, 5x5 or 3x3.  How cool is that?!  Of course, there is a simple PDF tutorial included to help you out, too!

Now go have a fun and creative day.  :)

Resources 4 Photographers at Pink Ink Studios

It's official!!  I've just opened my section of the shop at Pink Ink Studios.  Currently I have layered holiday cards on sale 25% off this weekend only.  Other new items available now are 5x7 vertical card templates, 5x7 horizontal card templates, Mix & Match 12x12 book templates, and a slew of label elements. 

Soon, all of my artistic grunge overlays and photoshop actions will also be available here.  And I'm curently working on some business forms and starter sets which I'm hoping to have done by next week.

Stop by and take a look around.  I think you'll find lots of great products to help you with your own photography business.  :)