Adobe released the latest version of Photoshop today.

Photoshop CC (also known as Photoshop Creative Cloud) has several new features that photographers will love. More about the new features below.

IMPORTANT NOTE: To learn about Photoshop CC, you can visit this link.  But to get the discount as a past Photoshop purchaser, you need to << GO HERE >>. This page is hard to locate on Adobe’s site.

Unlike past versions of Photoshop, where you own boxed software or the download, Adobe’s Photoshop CC is only available by online subscription.  You pay a monthly fee and gain access to the software.  It lives on your computer, but you authorize it monthly to keep it working. The controversial decision upset many Adobe Photoshop customers.

Some of the frustration happened because people misunderstood how Photoshop CC works.  It does NOT run in a browser.  Files are not stored in the cloud, unless you want, and you do not need online access to use it. You only need to go online to download and activate your software. Customers with an annual membership, who provide a credit card, will be able to use products for 3 months (99 days) when offline. Month-to-month customers will still need to validate every 30 days. The validation process is very lightweight and can be done over dial-up, tethered/connected to a mobile device, or at a wireless access point (public library, coffee shop, etc).

We surveyed MCP Facebook Fans and photographers. Read these pros and cons before you decide if the Creative Cloud makes sense for you.

What Photoshop CC means for you:

The Pros:

1. Immediate updates to the product.  You do not need to wait 18 months (or more) to get new features.  You get them once they are tested and ready.
2. Photoshop Extended. Everyone gets the full extended version.  You may not need it, but you’ll have it just in case.
3. Access to Creative Cloud Learn. Access hundreds of instructional videos from Adobe and their training partners.
4. 20GB of cloud-based storage. This storage is included with any single “app” purchase including Photoshop CC.
5. Multi-device access. Gain the ability to easily access and share your work on virtually any device.
6. Mac vs PC – no longer a problem.  If you use multiple operating systems and computer platforms, you can use Photoshop CC on both.  You will NOT need separate licenses/versions for each.
7. Multi-Language license. Install applications in any supported language.
   
8. Helps reduce piracy. Piracy is very similar to copyright violation and is stealing.  If it cuts down on that, Adobe “might” spend more on new technology or pass savings on to consumers.  For those who immediately say, “they won’t” think back to Lightroom 3.  It cost $300, but Lightroom 4 and now Lightroom 5 retail for $150.
9. Yearly tax deductions. Professional photographers likely will write off the ongoing expense. Many businesses find it easier and more economical to write off operating costs instead of depreciating capital investments.
10. No serial numbers. Just login with your Adobe user name and password.

The Cons:

1. Need internet access once every month to 99 days to confirm you subscription (depending on your subscription plan). This is a problem for photographers traveling to remote areas on assignment for long lengths of time.
2. Future price increases. What if Adobe raises the price and makes it more expensive in the future. You are at their mercy. Many photographers expressed a distrust and assumes Adobe will increase prices often.
3. Don’t like renting software. Many photographers prefer the control of owning their software and using it as long as they desire.
4. One-Year Contract. While you do not have to pay all at once, you do commit to a one-year contract. If you cancel, you owe a %.
5. Vanishing software/nothing to show for it. If you do not renew or or cannot afford to re-subscribe, you have no software to show for it. Unlike having a box or download, you are left with NO Photoshop.
6. Too expensive for hobbyists. If you feel this way, there are options – One powerful combination: Lightroom 5 + Elements 11.
7. No choice. Some photographers feel that Adobe now dictates how they work.  These photographers wished they had the choice subscribe or own the software. This caused the greatest source of tension for people.

Pro or Con – Depends on your viewpoint:

1. Accessibility.  This was listed as a pro and con. Some photographers felt the cloud subscription model makes it easier for people to get the full version of Photoshop since they do not have to spend $700 up front.  Others expressed that the monthly bill would exclude new photographers and hobbyists. More beginning photographers could buy Photoshop CC, making the barrier for entry into photography less expensive.  On the flip side, fewer photographers might charge low prices since they’ll incur one more monthly bill.  I think we will need to wait and see.
2. Cost. The price to own Photoshop CC is $19.99 per month.  If you have Photoshop CS3-CS6 you can get the first year at $9.99 per month. A single-app membership is available at a special introductory price of $9.99 per month (with an annual commitment) for Adobe customers who currently own Photoshop CS3, CS4, CS5 or CS6. Offer available until July 31st, 2013. So rounding to $20 or $10, the yearly price rings in at $240 a year ($120 for the first year if you started with the eligible software). Photoshop CS6 cost $699 retail, $999 for Photoshop CS6 Extended. If you upgraded from PS CS5 to PS CS6, it cost a one time charge of $199, $399 upgrading from one extended version to the next. You will pay more to own Photoshop CC at the $20 rate, but you spread the payments out. Some prefer this.  Others do not. If you upgraded software every release, this isn’t a huge expense.  But if you are content waiting 3-4 releases, than yes, you will pay more.

The Rumors:

I’ve read many rumors online about how Adobe may offer more options for photographers who want Lightroom and Photoshop as a package.  There’s also talk of long-term contracts with possible ownership. But these are all just rumors. Time will show the path Adobe chooses to address the needs of photographers.

Solutions if you are not happy with the cloud options:

1. Buy Photoshop CS6 now. Or stick with an older version of Photoshop until you adopt the cloud.
2. Buy Elements 11 and/or Lightroom 5.
3. Find alternative editing software.

All of our Photoshop actions for CS6 are compatible with Photoshop CC (Creative Cloud). If you used Photoshop CS5 and below, you will need to re-download the Facebook Fix actions and Rounded Blog It Boards and Print It Boards, as these sets had changes between versions CS5 and CS6.

Best New Features in Photoshop CC

As mentioned above, Photoshop CC will continue to evolve.  Adobe engineers will test and disperse new features as they are ready.   Photographers will love the expanded smart object support, including the Liquify filter. The new Upsampling will help you print larger and the enhanced Smart Sharpening will make your photos more clear with less noise. Cloud Syncing benefits people who use Photoshop on multiple computers, since you can sync certain settings such as preferences, actions, brushes, swatches, styles, gradients, shapes, patterns, contours, and tool presets. And the fun new toy, Camera Shake Reduction, reduces or eliminates camera shake.  I’m actually not sure I will need the camera shake tool often, but I am still excited to play with it. Also, Camera Raw now has the Radial Filter to apply local adjustments and the Upright tool to correct perspective distortion.

Here’s a screen shot showing more new features – courtesy of Adobe.

Express yourself:

Now that you’ve read some of the perks and downsides expressed by our readership, it’s your turn.  Will you be “subscribing” to the cloud version of Photoshop?  Explain your thoughts below in the comments.  We have some Adobe employees who read the MCP Blog so let them know if you love it or hate it – or if you need time to decide.  We look forward to hearing from you.

The post The NEW Photoshop CC: Is It The Best Choice For Photographers? appeared first on MCP Photography Blog.

Happy Father’s Day to all those hard working dads.  Photographer dads, put down your camera and remember to get in a few pictures with your kids.  And have a fun day.  Photo courtesy of Christine Sines, one of our Facebook Group Admins.

The post Happy Father’s Day from MCP Actions appeared first on MCP Photography Blog.

This week’s photography challenge offers you the chance to slow down and feel the sun on your face. The challenge is to take a photo using backlighting.

A real challenge, several of our members shared stunning backlight photos. Here are a few we wanted to highlight.

Submitted by Ali Ellen

Submitted by Amber Bullock Owens

Submitted by Amy MagnetGirl 

Submitted by Yvonne Germond

Join us for the photo challenge. It is the perfect way to grow as a photographer.  You can be creative with your subject matter, vantage point, and editing while shooting these images for yourself.   Once submitted, you will have the support of a large group of photographers who can offer constructive criticism and give you feedback as you work on specific themes and skills.

The team would like to thank everyone who submitted a photo for the challenge. You have one more week on this theme, so come join our Facebook Group and participate now.

Our photo challenges give you a chance to edit other photographer’s images, share them for critique, and see how others edit the same photographs.  Participating allows you to practice editing, learn how to give constructive criticism, and watch what steps or Photoshop actions and Lightroom presets are used in various edits.  Join us to edit the bi-weekly photos.

If you have an idea on how you’d edit the image below, or want to see and learn what others did, JOIN US HERE.

Thank you to Amber Bullock Owens  for allowing us to use this photo.  The current challenges are linked at the top of the group. Remember, you can also ask for critique on your edit.

Several of members of the group have shared great edits. Here are a few of the many favorites:

Edited by Meredith Hogarth

Submitted by Susan Elisabeth 

Submitted by Tabitha Presnell 

We will have a new edit challenge starting Monday, so come back to see what image you can edit then.

The post MCP Editing and Photography Challenge: Highlights from this Week appeared first on MCP Photography Blog.

How to Edit Newborn Photos in Photoshop

One of the things I love about editing with MCP’s Photoshop actions are the adjustable layers.   Most MCP Newborn Necessities actions don’t require flattening, so you can edit and retouch, and have the flexibility to re-work things as needed.

The baby in the photo below was reddish yellow and had purple/red hands and feet. Also, the photo was underexposed. The photo was taken late in the afternoon as the family was moving out of state the next day. The sun was setting and I used a diffused, bounced flash.

Here’s how I edit newborn photos in Photoshop (including the image above):

* After some minor adjustments in Adobe Camera Raw I brought it into PS. While this sounds like a lot of steps below, it actually is extremely fast, as compared to making each of these adjustments from scratch.  You can adjust any of these steps to fit your image and edit as much or as little as you choose.

Step 1. Increase Exposure action - I brought my opacity up to 15%.

Step 2. Pick Me Up action - with a 53% opacity. I like that it gives the photo a little bit of pop but not going overboard. You can adjust this later to give yourself more or less pop but for now I am leaving it at 53%.

Step 3. Baby Bottle action This action will give you a nice white haze on your photo.

Step 4. Since his skin was a bit too yellow I used the It’s A Boy action to neutralize the yellow. You might not need to do this step but I use it if babies looks jaundice.

Step 5. Paint On Formula action - I love that sometimes you can run an action and it will just nail it for you. Paint on Formula is an action that I use in all of my newborns. I LOVE this action because it helps quickly fix spots of color, rather than on the entire image.

1. The first area I worked on was that purple hand. Using a white brush with a 30-40% opacity you paint on the proper fix. In this case – Magenta/+ Green. I went over it a few times. Tip: If it starts to look green, you can switch your brush to black and fix your mistakes.
2. While still in Paint on Formula layers, I selected the – Red/ + Cyan. This will start to pull out all the red and add a little bit of cyan.
3. To adjust the tones on his little foot, I used the items in #1 and also went into the + Yellow/ – Blue.  I added a little bit of yellow back. We used It’s a Boy to neutralize so only use this on areas with the weird color casts from using the other steps. I also used this on his hand because it was a little more red than I would have like it to be.

Step 6. In My Dreams action  When the action runs look for a good colored area of skin that want to try to use through out the rest of the skin. I had to choose one area for his hand to keep it a little darker and another for the rest of the skin. Once you run it your skin should all be pretty even now. Run it a few more times on different parts of the skin if you feel it is necessary.

Step 7.  Baby Lotion action -  I normally don’t smooth newborn skin too much. You can go overboard really easy. When you run this action it will take it to the very bottom of the layers right above your background layer. Lower your brush to 30% and pain on areas that you’d like to smooth out a little bit.

Step 8. I felt he might have looked a little too pale or gray so I ran the Paint on Gray Skin Fix and popped him up a bit. My brush was at 40% opacity and I left the action opacity as it was.

Step 9. Blushing Paint On Cheeks Bring a little pink back into your skin by using this action and your brush at 45% opacity. If it’s too pink then lower the opacity of your brush. You want a little bit of color but not over pink.

Step 10. Cool Vignette at 25% opacity

Laura Short, the guest writer and photographer for this image, is the owner of September Smile Photography. She’s a Navy veteran and currently lives in Austin, Texas with her four children and husband. Laura is a lifestyle photographer specializing in maternity, newborns and children.

The post How to Edit Newborn Photos in Photoshop appeared first on MCP Photography Blog.

How to Change the Color of an Object in Photoshop

As with most things in Photoshop, there are many ways to change the color of an object, clothing and backgrounds to a completely different hue. Depending on your starting image, the item you want to change, and the difference between the object and the surrounding area, you may wish to isolate your subject first using a quick mask, layer mask, or color range tool. You can also opt for “Replace Color” in Photoshop.

For this edit of an English Setter named Sparrow, I wanted to alter the color of the velvet teal settee for some alternate looks.  You can also watch the Photoshop video tutorial below to see exactly how I edited this image.

1. Edited the original image, shown in video but not here, using the MCP Fusion Photoshop Action Set (One Click Color and Creamsicle).
2. Next I created a Hue/Saturation adjustment layer.  Chose cyan from the drop down.  You would chose the color closest to the one you wish to change.  It will impact everything that is the color you pick.  But you can mask areas back later if needed. If you do not find a suitable color, you will want to make a selection of the area you wish to change first (using any number of selection tools) and just use the master channel instead of a specific one. On this adjustment layer, slide the Hue slider until you get a color you like.  Next, increase or decrease the Saturation slider and/or Lightness slider if desired.
3. Clean up the image. You may need to mask out the other areas that were impacted – for example if you wanted the collar to remain the original color. Just hide the color change by painting carefully with a black brush set to normal.  Likewise, you may get some haloing in areas that were not selected perfectly.  To adjust these, make a new blank layer.  Set the layer to the Color blend mode.  Then choose the brush tool and set it to Color blend mode.  Next use the dropper tool to select a sample color (that you want to turn the areas that still need to change). And carefully paint on this blank layer.  If you have overspill, add a mask and clean up your brush strokes.

If you take the photo with this in mind, by selecting colors that do not blend with others in the image, it is easy to change the color of the object, background, clothing and more.

Here is the step-by-step video:

Thank you to Danika of www.pouka.com for the use of her beautiful image for the video.

The post How to Change the Color of an Object in Photoshop appeared first on MCP Photography Blog.

Adobe has just released the latest version of Lightroom.  Lightroom 5 has several new features that photographers will love. More about the new features below. Here are the links for the instant download: LIGHTROOM 5.

We tested all MCP Lightroom presets in Lightroom 5 and they work flawlessly:

• Enlighten Lightroom Presets: Our newest set – with develop presets and adjustment brush presets for the speed and control you need.

• Quick Clicks Presets: 300 presets for nearly every artistic style.

• Display It: Prepare your images for the web – from one image to many – these presets make showcasing your work on social media, websites and to customers a breeze.

• Present It: Ready to print?  Why not drop your images into these super-fast collage and storyboard templates – make more money by selling bigger prints.

Everyone likes a free sample! Our free Lightroom presets work in LR5 too!

• Social Media Templates
• Mini Enlighten
• Mini Quick Clicks

Easy presets upgrade from Lightroom 4 to 5

Since all our presets work in Lightroom 5, you won’t need to do a thing if you are using Lightroom 4.  You presets will automatically appear in Lightroom 5 when you upgrade.

If you have Lightroom 3 or prior, and bought presets for that version, you will need to re-download your presets from our website.  To do this, log on to your account at MCP Actions. Look for “My Downloadable Products on the left side of your account area. Re-download the Lightroom 2 and 3 presets. Please note that the download will still be named “for Lightroom 2 and 3,” however, the most recent version of the presets will be in the same file.  The upgrade is in that folder even though the name doesn’t reflect it. Make sure to read the installation instructions.  If you need assistance, check the FAQs here.

Best New Features in Lightroom 5

Lightroom 5 has several new additions that are going to make efficient editing much easier for photographers – we now have even fewer reasons to take photos into Photoshop.

1. The Spot Removal tool now works more like a brush.  In the past, we have only been able to remove isolated spots using this brush.  Now, we can click and drag to remove larger and irregularly shaped objects, much like the content aware spot healing in Photoshop.

2. The Radial Filter to apply local adjustments.  It’s a cross between the local adjustment and the gradient tool.  Adjustments are applied in a circular shape and are strongest at the center, fading out towards the edges to blend in with the rest of the photo.  This tool is great for off-center vignettes, sun flare effects, and subtle dodging and burning.

3. The Upright is a new tool that corrects perspective distortion. In the before and after before, Upright made it appear as if I took the image more centered to the window and columns. 

4. Smart Previews allow you to work on photos even if you don’t have the photos with you.  For instance, if you store your photos on an external hard drive that you don’t like to travel with, Lightroom’s catalog on your laptop stores editable previews of all the photos in its catalog.  You can perform many edits on the road.  However, you won’t be able to access the high resolution versions of those photos  until you reconnect the external hard drive to your laptop.  That reconnection is seamless – your edits are automatically synchronized with the high resolution files.

While the upgrade from 4 to 5 isn’t as major as the prior upgrade from 3 to 4, there are still features that photographers will appreciate.  Now, it’s your turn.  Do you plan on upgrading to Lightroom 5?

The post Lightroom 5 Now Available: MCP Lightroom Presets Work Flawlessly appeared first on MCP Photography Blog.

This week’s photo editing challenge features a mermaid cutie shot by Amber Bullock Owens.

The photo challenges give you a chance to experiment with creative editing of other photographer’s images, receive  critique of your work, and see how others edit the same photograph.  Join us! Participating allows you to practice editing, learn how to give (and receive) constructive criticism, and watch what steps or Photoshop actions and Lightroom presets are used to achieve various effects.  Join us to edit the bi-weekly photos.  There’s one more week left for this one.

If you have an idea on how you’d edit the image below, or want to see and learn what others did, JOIN US HERE.

Several of members of the group have shared great edits. Here are a few of the many favorites:

Edited by Christine Sines using Summer Solstice

Edited by John J Pacetti

Edited by Laci Patten using Fusion 

Thank you to Amber Bullock Owens for allowing us to use this photo.  The current challenges are linked at the top of the group. Remember, you can also ask for critique on your edit.

Thank you to everyone who participated; we enjoyed seeing your take on the challenge. Didn’t get a chance to edit this week? You still have an additional week to participate.

This week the Photography Challenge continued with more moving and shaking.  The photo challenge is a great way to reach outside the box and work hard.  You have the support of a large group of photographers who can assist you and give you feedback as you work on specific themes and skills.  We loved seeing so many great photos. Here are a few we wanted to feature, but make sure to check the album on the group page for more.

Submitted by Ashley Crerend

Submitted by Deborah Francabandiero Brewer

Submitted by Eden Halbert

Submitted by Lara Eastvold

The team would like to thank everyone who submitted a photo for the challenge. Visit the the Facebook Group on Monday for a new Photography Challenge.

The post MCP Photography and Editing Challenge: Highlights from this Week appeared first on MCP Photography Blog.

Retouching in Photoshop does not need to leave you ripping your hair out.  If you want your subjects to have sharper eyes, smoother skin, and better color, we are here to help.

In today’s video we will teach you how to accomplish basic facial retouching and show you how to rid white and black colors of blueish cyan color cast.

Here are the basic steps we used:

1. Using the Shiny Skin Vanisher Photoshop Action in Bag of Tricks to reduce shine on the face – this is available for Photoshop and Elements
2. Using the patch tool to reduce under eye creases (this is a Photoshop tool)
3. Using Magic Skin’s Powder Your Nose Photoshop Action to smooth skin
4. Using the Eye Doctor Photoshop Action to enhance the eyes
5. Used Bleach Pen Photoshop Action to eliminate the blue/cyan color cast on the backdrop, on her dress, etc.

* Note that we did not use any artistic actions or even actions to enhance the contrast or color.

* I did remove a few specks of glitter from her hair using the patch tool, which I forgot to show in the video (sorry).

Watch the photoshop retouching video tutorial below or click here if you cannot see it:

The post Retouching in Photoshop: Sharper Eyes, Smoother Skin, Better Color appeared first on MCP Photography Blog.

Who doesn’t love the beach?  It is one of my favorite places to have a session, especially since I live near so many of them.

Here are a few tips for capturing great beach photos:

1. Go at off times or find a beach that doesn’t get too much traffic.

You don’t want to travel to a heavily crowded beach to do a session.  I have found that the little town beaches usually are a great place to have a photo session. They tend to be a little quieter and less crowded.  One thing to watch out for is that they usually only allow parking if you live in the town, but if you go after six o’clock most beaches allow you to park without a sticker.  On the North Shore of Long Island there are a lot of small town beaches that are less crowded than the busy and large beaches on the South Shore. I like to take advantage of these and usually take clients after six o’clock, which allows us to skip the crowd and we get good lighting too.

2. I love doing beach photography sessions around the golden hour, the hour before sunset.

This allows me to take advantage of private locations that are less crowded and the lighting is gorgeous!  Even doing sessions after four o’clock allows me to shoot without harsh sun.  I typically shoot with clients having their back to the sun which gives me a beautiful hazy look to my beach photos.

3. Don’t forget to pay attention to which direction the wind is blowing.

You don’t want hair to be being blown into faces.  Also, you might want to make sure you bring some hair ties in case the wind is really blowing and your client doesn’t have one on them.

4. Get wet and have fun.

Sessions at the beach can be so fun because you can play.  Play with the sand, the waves and tell clients to enjoy themselves.  You can get some really great shots of Daddy swinging the kids in the waves, skipping rocks together or just jumping in the water.

5. Edit your images to enhance the beach tones.

Use products like with Summer Solstice Photoshop Actions, Fusion Actions or Enlighten Lightroom Presets – to enhance photos with a summery feel.

Erica Burns is the owner of Erica Burns Photography from Long Island, NY.  She specializes in children and family photography. For more information, visit her website or Facebook page.

The post Five Easy Tips For Capturing Great Beach Photos appeared first on MCP Photography Blog.

How to Photograph Military Homecomings

As a military wife myself, I’ve experienced deployments and so I love photographing the homecomings for other military members. It’s the culmination of a long, often difficult process and the emotion is so raw at them.  I often have new photographers (or new to photographing this type of event) ask for tips on capturing homecomings and below are a few that I have learned through photographing them.

1. Be educated.

Our military members travel in a variety of ways now-some travel in huge groups, some travel individually, some come back in small groups. I am usually working one on one with a client and get this information well ahead of time. I find out how they are traveling, how many will arrive, and where they will arrive. I’ve photographed lots of scenarios–hundreds coming off a plane at once and into a hangar, a dozen arriving on the flight line of the base in the fighter jets, and individuals flying back on a commercial jet and arriving at a civilian airport. Know where they will arrive and secure any necessary paperwork well before the arrival time. Your client will know who you need to contact in the military member’s line of command to make sure you have the paperwork required. You may need access to enter a base, access to take photographs on the flight line, or a pass to enter part of the airport with the military spouse. If you are photographing members arriving on a military base, they will have people directing you as to where you can or cannot stand or what lines you need to stay behind as you photograph.

2. Be safe. 

There is an acronym called OPSEC that you may hear often. It stands for “Operations Security” and reminds us that we need to keep our military members safe. This means that you shouldn’t tweet things like “I’m headed to the Boise airport to photograph a military homecoming” until OPSEC has been lifted. Mentioning who is arriving, where they are arriving, etc is a security manner and can put the military members at danger. Your client will be notified when OPSEC is lifted and can pass that information on to you, usually occurring just before the military members land. I remember that when my husband was arriving home after his 7 months in Afghanistan, I wanted to scream to the world that he was on his way! I instead had to remember security and wait until he was safe at home to post the news on Facebook.

3. Be prepared.

Depending on your situation and where you are shooting, be prepared with the proper gear. If I photograph a homecoming in an airport, I make sure I have a lens with a lower f-stop to let in lots of light. In outdoor homecomings, I love to use my 24-70L or 70-200L so I can get both wide and close up shots. In large homecomings, there can be quite a crowd of people, well into the hundreds. It’s easy to get pushed out of the way but using a nice zoom lens ensures that I get some beautiful closeups of my clients reuniting. You’ll be amazed at how many shots you want to take! Make sure you have plenty of memory cards and extra batteries on hand.

4. Be a storyteller. 

Homecomings are beautiful and I never get bored with them. Every family has a different story and it’s an opportunity for you to tell that story. Before that day, I’ve already gotten acquainted with my client and know a little of their story and their family. I’ve photographed several homecomings where dad is meeting his baby for the first time so I know that is a key moment to photograph. I keep a little of a distance so I am not intruding on their experience and follow my client around while we wait. They are often asked to get there an hour or two early so everyone is in place before the military members arrive. I capture photos of their faces as they await their spouse, photos of the homemade signs, wide shots of the hangar or location, and nervous laughter as they wait with friends. The most important shot most of them want is that moment when they reunite and are in one another’s arms! It’s an emotional thing to watch and makes it all worthwhile. You’ll be amazed at how you wait and anticipate the actual homecoming and then it flies by in seconds! Be ready and focused on your client so you don’t miss those little moments! I often set my camera to take quick bursts of photos because it happens SO quickly! Don’t forget to capture shots of them finding their bags, a nice posed shot together, walking away, and other final shots of the day.

5. Be flexible.

This is a major part of photographing homecomings, especially when the military member is part of a large group arriving back home. When my own husband was deployed, the return date was changed 4 or 5 different times. Be flexible and know that your client will keep you notified of the most recent arrival date and time but that it may change several times after that!

Homecomings are an amazing event to photograph and are one of my favorites. After you photograph military homecomings, you’ll leave feeling so proud, patriotic, and blessed to have the talent to give back to others through the gift of photography.

Melissa Gephardt is a military wife and mom of 3 who specializes in children’s portraiture. Currently residing in Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, she looks forward to their next adventure in life as they move to another military base this summer! Her work can be found at www.melissagphotography.com or on Facebook at Melissa Gephardt Photography .

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