PhotoTraining4U

PT4U @ Focus On Imaging 2012 - Talk Times & Topics

2012-03-02T00:01:00.000-08:00

PhotoTraining4U Talk Times & Topics - Stand Q20

Focus On Imaging 2012 - BIRMINGHAM NEC 4 - 7 MARCH 2012
10am - 6pm Sunday, Monday, Tuesday. 10am - 5pm Wednesday

Please note on Sunday 4th March most of the demonstrations on the PhotoTraining4U stand will be accompanied by a sign language interpreter (BSL)

Sunday 4^th March 2012

10.30 - 10.45 – Mark Cleghorn - Simple Masking with Photoshop

11.00 - 11.15 – Sean McCormack - Lightroom 4 Intro (Beta)

11.30 - 11.45 – Kenny Martin - Window light Practical

12.00 – 12.15 – Gary & Sue Williams - Pimp The Wedding Sales

12.30 – 12.45 – Andy Kruczek – Keynote Speaker

13.00 – 13.15 – Andy Kruczek – Keynote Speaker

13.30 – 13.45 – Sean McCormack - Lunar Landscapes

14.00 – 14.15 – Kenny Martin - The 100K Club

14.30 – 14.45 – Gary& Sue Williams - Video Light The Bride Practical

15.00 – 15.15 – X-Rite Calibration with Colour

15.30 – 15.45 – Mark Cleghorn - Beyond The Boudoir Practical

16.00 – 16.15 – Sean McCormack - Composites in Photoshop

16.30 – 16.45 – Kenny Martin - 1 Light and Beyond Practical

17.00 – 17.15 – Gary& Sue Williams - As The Sun Sets with Wedding

17.30 – 17.45 – Mark Cleghorn - Fashionista Practical

Monday 5^th March 2012

10.30 - 10.45 – Mark Cleghorn - Simple Masking with Photoshop

11.00 - 11.15 – Sean McCormack - Lightroom 4 Intro (Beta)

11.30 - 11.45 – Kenny Martin - Window light Practical

12.00 – 12.15 – Gary & Sue Williams - Pimp The Wedding Sales

12.30 – 12.45 –Sean McCormack - Lightroom Making Books in LR4 (Beta)

13.00 – 13.15 – Mark Cleghorn - Sexy Speedlite Practical

13.30 – 13.45 – Sean McCormack - Lunar Landscapes

14.00 – 14.15 – Kenny Martin - The 100K Club

14.30 – 14.45 – Gary& Sue Williams - Video Light The Bride Practical

15.00 – 15.15 – X-Rite Calibration with Colour

15.30 – 15.45 – Mark Cleghorn - Beyond The Boudoir with Sexy Speedlite Practical

16.00 – 16.15 – Sean McCormack - Composites in Photoshop

16.30 – 16.45 – Kenny Martin - 1 Light and Beyond Practical

17.00 – 17.15 – Gary& Sue Williams - As The Sun Sets with Wedding

17.30 – 17.45 – Mark Cleghorn - Fashionista Practical

Tuesday 6^th March 2012

10.30 - 10.45 – Mark Cleghorn - Simple Masking with Photoshop

11.00 - 11.15 – Sean McCormack - Lightroom 4 Intro (Beta)

11.30 - 11.45 – Kenny Martin - Window light Practical

12.00 – 12.15 – Gary & Sue Williams - Pimp The Wedding Sales

12.30 – 12.45 –Sean McCormack - Lightroom Making Books in LR4 (Beta)

13.00 – 13.15 – Mark Cleghorn - Sexy Speedlite Practical

13.30 – 13.45 – Sean McCormack - Lunar Landscapes

14.00 – 14.15 – Kenny Martin - The 100K Club

14.30 – 14.45 – Gary& Sue Williams - Video Light The Bride Practical

15.00 – 15.15 – X-Rite Calibration with Colour

15.30 – 15.45 – Mark Cleghorn - Beyond The Boudoir Practical

16.00 – 16.15 – Sean McCormack - Composites in Photoshop

16.30 – 16.45 – Kenny Martin - 1 Light and Beyond Practical

17.00 – 17.15 – Gary& Sue Williams - As The Sun Sets with Wedding

17.30 – 17.45 – Mark Cleghorn - Fashionista Practical

Wednesday 7^th March 2012

10.30 - 10.45 – Sean McCormack - Lightroom Making Books in LR4 (Beta)

11.00 - 11.15 – Kenny Martin - The Studio Doctor

11.30 - 11.45 – Mark Cleghorn - Sexy Speedlite Practical

12.00 – 12.15 – Mark Cleghorn - Simple Masking with Photoshop

12.30 – 12.45 – Beyond The Boudoir Practical

13.00 – 13.15 –- The Academy Basics - Submission

13.30 – 13.45 – Mark Cleghorn - Fashionista Practical

14.00 – 14.15 – The Academy – The 7 Elements

14.30 – 14.45 – – The Academy - Style

15.00 – 15.15 – Mark Cleghorn - Sexy Speedlite Practical

15.30 – 15.45 – – The Academy - Submission

To register for Focus on Imaging 2012 click HERE

PT4U Masters @ Focus - Andy Kruczek

2012-03-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

PhotoTraining4U Training The Next Generations at Focus on Imaging 2012

PT4U Master Andy Kruczek will be talking about the present and future of the photographic industry and the importance of training.

For the 4th year running PT4U are planning an explosive 4 days of tutorials as well as tips and tricks in photography and business. Every day on the half hour a master will take to the stage and present ideas and concepts to blow you away. If you wonder if it will be worth stopping by PT4U have been voted again the "Best Professional Training Provider" so don't miss out on all this free training and to see what all the buzz is about. PT4U make a first this year by providing sign language to accompany the Sunday practicals and that's just for starters.

We will post a full timetable of whats on and when at Focus next week.

To register for Focus on Imaging 2012 click HERE

All images are copyright of the photographer and do not have permission to be copied or printed.

PT4U Masters @ Focus - Gary and Sue Williams

2012-02-29T00:01:00.001-08:00

PhotoTraining4U Training The Next Generations at Focus on Imaging 2012

PT4U Masters Gary and Sue Williams will be giving some of their secrets away.

For the 4th year running PT4U are planning an explosive 4 days of tutorials as well as tips and tricks in photography and business. Every day on the half hour a master will take to the stage and present ideas and concepts to blow you away. If you wonder if it will be worth stopping by PT4U have been voted again the "Best Professional Training Provider" so don't miss out on all this free training and to see what all the buzz is about. PT4U make a first this year by providing sign language to accompany the Sunday practicals and that's just for starters.

Gary and Sue will be doing practical and business demos.

Their talks and practical demos will include pimp the wedding sale, bridal portraits with video light and Wedding - as the sun sets.

We will post a full timetable of whats on and when at Focus next week.

To register for Focus on Imaging 2012 click HERE

All images are copyright of the photographer and do not have permission to be copied or printed.

Top Five Images From Photo Critique 27th February 2012

2012-02-28T03:03:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to Wayne Leone, Dominic Byrne, Jay, George Monaghan and Sian for getting into the Top Five Images from PhotoTraining4U Photo Critique on the 27th February 2012.

The next Photo Critique is on March 16t at 7pm (UK time) to register click HERE

PT4U Masters @ Focus - Sean McCormack

2012-02-28T00:01:00.000-08:00

PhotoTraining4U Training The Next Generations at Focus on Imaging 2012

PT4U Master and Lightroom Guru Sean McCormack will be giving some of his secrets away.

For the 4th year running PT4U are planning an explosive 4 days of tutorials as well as tips and tricks in photography and business. Every day on the half hour a master will take to the stage and present ideas and concepts to blow you away. If you wonder if it will be worth stopping by PT4U have been voted again the "Best Professional Training Provider" so don't miss out on all this free training and to see what all the buzz is about. PT4U make a first this year by providing sign language to accompany the Sunday practicals and that's just for starters.

Sean will be doing software demos on Lightroom 4 (Beta) , photoshop and also giving an insight into his incredible landscape work.

Sean's software demos will include an intro to Lightroom 4 (Beta), making books within Lightroom 4 (Beta) and composites in photoshop.

We will post a full timetable of whats on and when at Focus next week.

To register for Focus on Imaging 2012 click HERE

All images are copyright of the photographer and do not have permission to be copied or printed.

Still time to register for tonights Photo Critique!

2012-02-27T00:01:00.001-08:00

The Next PT4U Photo Critique is tonight 27th February 2012 at 7pm (GMT)
We have another of our live photo critiques, where Mark helps you see ways to improve your images using his simple 7 judging components.

We are now recording this session so even if you cannot join us live on line why not submit an image for possible inclusion. images to critique.

Critiques usually last for approximately 60- 90 minutes and often include tips and tricks in Photoshop as well as the critique itself.

Use this link to register for the Photo Critique -Click Here
7pm (London GMT) 1pm (New York EST) 11am (Los Angeles PST) 4am + 1 day (Canberra )

So why not stop by and watch, even if it's not for the whole session.

PT4U Masters @ Focus - Kenny Martin

2012-02-26T00:01:00.001-08:00

PhotoTraining4U Training The Next Generations at Focus on Imaging 2012

PT4U Master Kenny Martin will be giving some of his secrets away.

For the 4th year running PT4U are planning an explosive 4 days of tutorials as well as tips and tricks in photography and business. Every day on the half hour a master will take to the stage and present ideas and concepts to blow you away. If you wonder if it will be worth stopping by PT4U have been voted again the "Best Professional Training Provider" so don't miss out on all this free training and to see what all the buzz is about. PT4U make a first this year by providing sign language to accompany the Sunday practicals and that's just for starters.

Kenny will be doing practical and business demos.

Kenny's practical demonstrations will be on window light and shooting beautiful portraits with one light. His business talks will be on the 100K Club ans the Studio Doctor.

We will post a full timetable of whats on and when at Focus next week.

To register for Focus on Imaging 2012 click HERE

All images are copyright of the photographer and do not have permission to be copied or printed.

PT4U Masters @ Focus - Mark Cleghorn

2012-02-24T00:01:00.002-08:00

PhotoTraining4U Training The Next Generations at Focus on Imaging 2012

Once again Mark Cleghorn and some of his PT4U Masters will be giving their secrets away.

For the 4th year running PT4U are planning an explosive 4 days of tutorials as well as tips and tricks in photography and business. Every day on the half hour a master will take to the stage and present ideas and concepts to blow you away. If you wonder if it will be worth stopping by PT4U have been voted again the "Best Professional Training Provider" so don't miss out on all this free training and to see what all the buzz is about. PT4U make a first this year by providing sign language to accompany the Sunday practicals and that's just for starters.

Mark will be doing practical and software demos and also giving an insight into the PT4U academy.

Mark will be doing practical demonstrations on boudoir photography, shooting fashion and getting creative with speedlites. Mark will also be demonstrating simple masking in photoshop as well giving you an insight into the PT4U Academy.

We will post a full timetable of whats on and when at Focus next week.

To register for Focus on Imaging 2012 click HERE

All images are copyright of the photographer and do not have permission to be copied or printed.

Animoto announce all Pro styles now in HD!

2012-02-23T02:27:00.000-08:00

As you all know that here at PT4U we are huge fans of Animoto and once again they keep making it better.

Now all PRO styles are in HD. PT4U members can get 15 months for the price of 12 when signing up for an Animoto Pro account.

To find out more click HERE

The Next Photo Critique 27th February 7pm

2012-02-22T00:01:00.000-08:00

The Next PT4U Photo Critique is on the 27th February 2012 at 7pm (GMT)
We have another of our live photo critiques, where Mark helps you see ways to improve your images using his simple 7 judging components.

We are now recording this session so even if you cannot join us live on line why not submit an image for possible inclusion. images to critique.

Critiques usually last for approximately 60- 90 minutes and often include tips and tricks in Photoshop as well as the critique itself.

Use this link to register for the Photo Critique -Click Here
7pm (London GMT) 1pm (New York EST) 11am (Los Angeles PST) 4am + 1 day (Canberra )

Submit Image for critique- Here
(Remember 2000 pixels longest length)

If you would like to submit an image, simply login to your account and go to the Photo Critique page, select an image that is no bigger than 1500 pixels on the longest length and then upload.
Images should be uploaded by Thursday night to enable submission to the critique.

So why not stop by and watch, even if it's not for the whole session.

2012 Workshops

2012-02-20T03:05:00.000-08:00

JOIN MARK CLEGHORN ON FULL DAY Practical WORKSHOPS.So many photographers fall short of fulfilling their own creativity, these seminars are designed to teach you effective techniques to maximise your time as well as refine and adapt pose and light for the situation and location.

Each day is limited in numbers to enhance the learning and participation and bookings are made on a first come basis.

Who should come – These courses are perfect for Photographers at all levels whether amateur or pro, as Mark takes time out to develop each individual whilst shooting to maximise the experience

What should I bring– Delegates should bring their own cameras as well as any specific equipment to your camera manufacturer, plus bring your own speedlites etc for off camera flash use.

What will we supply– Usually a light lunch (unless stated) and refreshments plus any special equipment including flash, reflectors, radio triggers

When should I book – Now, as places are usually limited to 15 photographers

For all information and how to book click HERE

It's almost that time again!

2012-02-16T11:20:00.000-08:00

FOCUS ON IMAGING 2012 NEC BIRMINGHAM UK 4 – 7 MARCH 2012
10am – 6pm Sunday, Monday, Tuesday. 10am – 5pm Wednesday

Once again Mark Cleghorn and some of his PT4U Masters will be giving all their secrets away.

For the 4th year running PT4U are planning an explosive 4 days of tutorials as well as tips and tricks in photography and business. Every day on the half hour a master will take to the stage and present ideas and concepts to blow you away. If you wonder if it will be worth stopping by PT4U have been voted again the “Best Professional Training Provider” so don’t miss out on all this free training and to see what all the buzz is about. PT4U make a first this year by providing sign language to accompany the Sunday practical’s and that’s just for starters.

What’s happening at Focus 2012?

“Masters” – The practical sections of the day, will be presented by 6 of the PhotoTraining4U Masters, Kenny Martin- a portrait and business specialist, Gary & Sue Williams – Home business specials in Wedding photography, Andy Kruczek – Fashion photographer and Guru, Sean McCormack – Lightroom wizard and lunar landscape specialist and last but not least Mark Cleghorn – GP Photographer and Author.

“Topics” -From Fashion to Flash, Landscape to Lightroom, Boudoir to Brides and with a sprinkle of business the talks will keep you riveted to your seats or will make you come back for another day of excitement, concepts and training.

“Offers” -In addition to the training PhotoTraining4U will have a great show offer saving you £100 on the usual yearly membership plus a great Free Bonus disk worth £100 for free, full of actions and posing guides as well as some downloads when joining.
It does not stop there as PT4U will also be giving away over 5000 free film downloads, worth over £50,000 in total, just stop by and fill out a request
So come and visit us on stand Q20, you will not regret a second of your visit.

To find out more about Focus and to register for entry click HERE

Loxley Colour announce Zero VAT Rating!

2012-02-14T07:02:00.000-08:00

Due to a recent court ruling involving HM Revenue and Customs Loxley Colour are delighted to announce that, with immediate effect, their Albums and Books are now zero VAT rated.

Click HERE to find out more!

Webinar Tonight and Photoshop School this Sunday!

2012-02-10T03:06:00.000-08:00

It's not to late to register for tonight's free webinar! To reserve your place click HERE

Still time to book your places on this Sunday's Photoshop School Classes. The morning class is on Wedding Workflow and the afternoon class is on Wedding Album Design.

For more information on the classes and to book your places click HERE

Spread the Love with Animoto

2012-02-09T00:01:00.000-08:00

With Valentine's Day just around the corner Animoto have Valentine styles for you to help increase sales with your Valentine promotions. Three of which are now also available in HD.

To check out the Valentine styles click HERE

Find a Cool Song - Faster!

Animoto have updated their music library to make it easier to find the perfect track. Now, tag your favourite songs or search songs by recently used, most popular, and newest.

Now, not only can you search songs by occasion, but you can also check out lists of our most popular and newest tunes:

Got Animoto Pro? Enjoy the luxury of marking songs as favourites, or check out the ones you’ve recently used:

And just like before, you can still sort the songs by title, artist, and length by clicking on the headers at the top of each category:

PT4U members can get 15months of Animoto Pro for the price of 12 to find out more click HERE

Top Five Images From Photo Critique 7th February 2012

2012-02-08T00:01:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Dimitris Diakopiannis, Christine Balshaw, Astrid Pardew, Gill Carr and Amanda Simpson for getting into the Top Five Images from PhotoTraining4U Photo Critique on the 7th February 2012.

We have started recording the Photo Critique's and will get them on PT4U within a week of the critique.

All images are copyright of the photographer and do not have permission to be copied or printed.

Mark Cleghorn's Photoshop School Webinar Workshops Next Classes 12th February

2012-02-07T03:50:00.000-08:00

Mark Cleghorn's Photoshop School Webinar Workshops
Next Classes 12th February

Session 1 - Wedding Workflow
Session 2 - Wedding Album Design
Details & Booking Click Here

New Seminars, Workshops and Academy Courses for 2012

More Info Click here

The Next Photo Critique 7th February 7pm

2012-02-02T04:23:00.000-08:00

The Next PT4U Photo Critique is on the 7th February 2012 at 7pm (GMT)
We have another of our live photo critiques, where Mark helps you see ways to improve your images using his simple 7 judging components.

We are now recording this session so even if you cannot join us live on line why not submit an image for possible inclusion. images to critique.

Critiques usually last for approximately 60- 90 minutes and often include tips and tricks in Photoshop as well as the critique itself.

Use this link to register for the Photo Critique -Click Here
7pm (London GMT) 1pm (New York EST) 11am (Los Angeles PST) 4am + 1 day (Canberra )

Submit Image for critique- Here
(Remember 2000 pixels longest length)

If you would like to submit an image, simply login to your account and go to the Photo Critique page, select an image that is no bigger than 1500 pixels on the longest length and then upload.
Images should be uploaded by Thursday night to enable submission to the critique.

So why not stop by and watch, even if it's not for the whole session.

2 Day Advanced Lighting Workshop with PT4U Master Kenny Martin

2012-02-01T07:30:00.000-08:00

Join Kenny on an exciting 2 day advanced lighting workshop

Day 1 : Studio

Day 2 : Location

This workshop is about pushing the bounderies of

photographic light, join Kenny on a voyage of

discovery and discover how to master all types

of photographic light.

For more information click HERE

The Ezybox Hotshoe

2012-01-31T07:20:00.000-08:00

This month on PT4U we have a two part film series on the Ezybox Hotshoe from our sponsors Lastolite. This speedlite accessory is a must for any speedlite.

The EzyBox Hotshoe converts your battery operated flash gun from a harsh directional light into a much softer diffused light. Available in three sizes - 38cm x 38cm, 54cm x 54cm and the NEW 76cm x 76cm, the EzyBox Hotshoe folds flat for easy storage and can be assembled in a matter of minutes. There are also a number of accessories available including an extending handle, a tilthead bracket and a powerful clamp with brass spigot.

Lastolite's new accessories have made the highly acclaimed Ezybox Hotshoe even more versatile. When used separately or in combination with each the other, the clamp, extending handle and tilthead offer the photographer ultimate flexibility and portability. The two softboxes are also available separately offering photographers the option to use the same Hotshoe plate but switch softboxes depending on their requirements.

The new Ezybox Hotshoe plate (2414) is now compatible with the Nikon SB900 Flashgun.

You can see the films we made by clicking HERE

Photoshop School 12th August - Wedding workflow and album design

2012-01-27T10:34:00.000-08:00

Photoshop School Webinar Workshop 12th February Wedding Workflow 9.00am – 12.30pm UK Time
Workflow PlanningDownload
Edit, Rename, copyright protection
Backup
Process
Colour and Corection
Prep for Proof
Actions
Droplets
EFX
Copyright wash
Storage
Presets

Photoshop School Webinar Workshop 12th February Wedding Album Design 2.00pm - 5.30pm UK Time
Album PlanningCreative actions
Actions
Masks
Templates
Grids and guides
Colour Wash
Creative design
Edge EFX
Drag and FIt

More details click here

PT4U Wedding Master Stuart Bebb has announced 2 new training days for this month!

2012-01-20T09:27:00.000-08:00

PT4U Wedding Master Stuart Bebb has announced his latest photographic training dates, Stuart will be running 2 courses, one aimed at beginners, the other at professional wedding photographers. Both courses will take place at Quainton Railway Centre which offers some amazing photo opportunities with the luxury of being under cover.

The Beginner course will run on Saturday 21st January from 9.30-4.00pm and cost £75.00.

The professional course will run on Saturday 28th January from 9.30-4.00pm and cost £175.00. For all those photographers who want to "stand out from the crowd"

To find out all the details and how to book your place click HERE

All images are copyright of the photographer and do not have permission to be copied or printed.

Animoto keeps on getting better and better!

2012-01-20T04:16:00.000-08:00

Like ourselves here at PT4U our friends at Animoto are huge fans of iPhone photography and with this in mind they announced this week their team up with Instagram.

Instagram makes it super easy to take awesome photos. Animoto makes it super easy to make awesome videos. Animoto and Instagram just made it super easy to make awesome videos from your awesome photos.

Three of the most popular Pro-exclusive styles - Infinite Collage, Light Planes and Proof Sheet are now available in HD

Creating videos on the go just got easier!

We have a new mobile app that lets you create professional quality videos, share with your family and friends, and watch them all from your mobile device!

Animoto give PhotoTraining4U Members 15 Months of Animoto Pro for the price of 12. To find out more click HERE

PT4U Wildlife Master Craig Jones is leading a Photography Holiday to Madagascar!

2012-01-19T07:44:00.000-08:00

PT4U WILDLIFE MASTER CRAIG JONES LEADS MADAGASCAR LEMURS AND WHALES SAFARI

25th August - 6th September 2012

The fourth largest and one of the most diverse islands of the world, Madagascar is unique because of its diversity of species. It is known as the "8th continent". Brimming with endemic fauna and flora and with a diverse culture, geography and climate, you will never be disappointed when travelling around this amazing country. One moment you can be driving through pristine rain forest filled with lemurs and chameleons and the next you can be out on the savanna plains or white sandy beaches.

On our 12 day photo trip to Madagascar, you will see the the best this unique island has to offer, amazing wildlife, superb beaches and great accommodation. Madagascar is host to a wide variety of species of lemur - these amazing creatures are found nowhere else in the world and new species are regularly discovered. The different species of lemur are spread throughout a variety of parks and reserves on the island.

The Wildlife on this trip will amaze you, over 50 types of Lemur, 100% of the Worlds wild population. Humpback whales migrate to the waters of Madagascar to give birth and nurture their young between June and September, so this is a great time for whale watching off the east coast. A major factor to the timing of our photo tour as we spend time watching and photographing this unique event in nature’s calendar. Amphibians and Reptiles on this island are fascinating and you are likely to get good quality sightings all year.

Just to give you an idea of how diverse this country really is here are some interesting facts for you. Madagascar is renowned for its high percentage of endemic fauna and flora of which 106 of the 250 bird species are endemic, 98% of the islands native reptile and amphibians are only found on this island, over half of the worlds chameleon species are found here, 32 species of lemur, and in the waters surrounding the island the traveller has the opportunity of seeing swordfish, sharks, stingrays and whales.

Madagascar is encircled by a variety of beautiful beaches and islands from the south west coastline of Ifaty to luxury islands, giving the traveller the perfect opportunity to break up their itinerary with some days of relaxation on the beach and with our trip some amazing whale watching! The perfect end to your Madagascar photo trip.

To find out all the details and how to book click HERE

All images are copyright of the photographer and do not have permission to be copied or printed.

PT4U Landscape Master Nick Jenkins Brecon Beacons Workshops

2012-01-19T03:58:00.000-08:00

PT4U Landscape Master Nick Jenkins has two one day workshops in February in the Brecon Beacons.

The workshops take place on the 4th and 11th of February 2012

The purpose of the workshop is the help you understand composition technique through ‘the eye’ and techniques of depth of field, focusing, use of White Balance, ISO, lens lengths etc etc. It is aimed at beginners and those who need/want to brush up on technique.

The cost of each workshop is £75/person – excluding packed lunch. This covers all my time and help and a set of notes to supplement the day. We will set off from Talybont on Usk at 9.00am and cover between 4 and 6 locations, depending on how we go. This is not a location bagging day, but they will be interesting locations. The pace of the day will be dictated by you.

For all the details and how to book your place click HERE

All images are copyright of the photographer and do not have permission to be copied or printed.

Photo Critique PT4U Top 5 17th January

2012-01-18T01:39:00.000-08:00

Well done to all who took part in last nights Photo Critique on PhotoTraining4U.

The top 5 images were shot by Terry Reeve, Jo Connor, John Whitmore, Astrid Pardew and Aine O'Neill.
The next Photo Critique will be on the 7th February at 7pm (GMT)
You can register here for free - Photo Critique

All images are copyright of the photographer and do not have permission to be copied or printed.

We did it again! Voted best Professional Training Provider for the 2nd year running!

2012-01-14T14:35:00.000-08:00

We're on top of the world! The 2nd year in a row we've been voted Best Professional Training Provider by the Societies members.

We just want to thank all our Members, Masters and Sponsors for your part in getting PT4U voted the Best Professional Training Provider for the second year in a row!

Thanks to everyone who voted for us! It means the world to us!

Rescheduled Photo Critique - New date! 17th January 7pm

2012-01-11T05:22:00.000-08:00

Sorry we had to cancel the critique on the 10th January, this was due to technical problems.

All images that were submitted for the 10th will be carried over to the rescheduled Photo Critique on the 17th January 2012 at 7pm (GMT)

We have rescheduled another live photo critiques for the 17th. These Photo Critiques are where Mark helps you see ways to improve your images using his simple 7 judging components.

We are now recording this session so even if you cannot join us live on line why not submit an image for possible inclusion. images to critique.

Critiques usually last for approximately 60- 90 minutes and often include tips and tricks in Photoshop as well as the critique itself.

Use this link to register for this week's Photo Critique -Click Here
7pm (London GMT) 1pm (New York EST) 11am (Los Angeles PST) 4am + 1 day (Canberra )

Submit Image for critique- Here
(Remember 2000 pixels longest length)

If you would like to submit an image, simply login to your account and go to the Photo Critique page, select an image that is no bigger than 1500 pixels on the longest length and then upload.
Images should be uploaded by Thursday night to enable submission to the critique.

So why not stop by and watch, even if it's not for the whole session.

Meet Craig Jones the new PT4U Wildlife Master

2012-01-10T03:29:00.000-08:00

Today on PT4U we launch our new Wildlife Master Craig Jones.

Craig captures the beauty of the natural world with his creative and emotional attachment to nature at the very heart of each photo, creating a unique and artistic reflection of his time in the field.

Craig's lose yourself to nature approach enables him to get close enough to capture the animal's beauty and behaviour, which both feature strongly in Craig's style of photography, showing a wild animal within their natural habitat is the foundation to his work. Craig's creative and emotional attachment to nature is at the very heart of each image, creating a unique and artistic reflection of his time in the field. Its is his intention to use these reflections of the natural world, to bring people's awareness of what beautiful wildlife we have on our doorsteps and all around us with the importance of conservation and the need to preserve our national heritage.

In every image that Craig captures it is important that it every image represents an event that occurred in the wild, something that he witnessed and recorded with his camera. Craig's skill lies in interpreting and presenting this in a way that invokes the beauty, mood and emotion and the animals in their natural environment.

As an active contributor to Arkive, Craig hopes that his photos will help show the true beauty of the wildlife that we have around the world. Craig also raises money for the tiger, one of the most beautiful animals mother nature which was the inspiration to his limited edition tiger prints.

Craig's images have been published over the world in a wide variety of Magazines including , Wildlife, BBC wildlife, The Mail, The Sun , BWPA, Bird watching & Practical Photographer.

In the first film with Craig on PT4U he and Mark talk about Craig's love of Wildlife and how he became a full time professional wildlife photographer. Over the next year you will see Craig working on location and sharing his knowledge and tips on how to capture great wildlife images.

You can see the first part of Meet Craig Jones by clicking HERE

Craig also runs Photo Tours and Workshops to find a link to Craig's website by clicking HERE

PT4U Lightroom Master Sean McCormack tells us what's new in Lightroom 4 BETA

2012-01-10T02:46:00.000-08:00

Great news for Lightroom users. At 5am this morning, the Public Beta of Lightroom 4 was announced. Go to http://labs.adobe.com and grab yours.

Here are Sean's favourite things about Lightroom 4 BETA,

1. Process Version 2012

The way that Lightroom processes files has changed. And it's way better. Effectively the processing is now much closer to tone mapping (from HDR imaging). The sliders are different, and they do different things. Fill Light and Recovery are gone, as is Brightness. We have Exposure, Contrast, Highlights, Shadows, Whites and Blacks instead. Best way is to start from the top down, and then go back to tweak.

2. Book

The new Book module is great for book layout going to Blurb books, or to PDF. It's not an Album generator just yet. Want to make a quick book of photos? Open a collection, go to Book. IN Auto Layout, click 'Clear Layout'. In the Presets, Choose ' One Photo Per Page, and then Auto Layout. Easy. There's way more complexity that that though, but it's a great start.

3. Map

The new Map Module is great for pinning photos on the map to see where you've been. It also handle GPS tracklogs, albeit in a basic way.

4. Soft Proofing

You can now Soft Proof in Lightroom. Soft proofing is a way of using printer profiles to see how a image will look in Print, before you waste the ink! This is way better than Photoshop's Soft Proofing too.

5. RGB Curves

This has been in Photoshop for ages, but finally Lightroom allows you to change the individual colour channels separately. No more RGB only, you can now tweak Red, Green and Blue separately.

And here's a bonus like: Lossy DNG. You can make your archive much smaller with little drop in quality and tweakablity by converting to DNG, using 'Lossy DNG'.

Sean has made a film for PT4U on Lightroom 4 BETA to see the film click HERE

Lightroom 4 Beta is here

2012-01-10T01:48:00.000-08:00

New tools to enhance and share your digital photograph library

We're excited about the new features and advancements in the new Lightroom 4 beta

Lightroom 4 Overview

Lightroom software provides a comprehensive set of digital photography tools, from powerfully simple one-click adjustments and features to cutting edge advanced controls. With Lightroom, you can organize, enhance, and showcase your images all from one fast and nimble application that's available on Macintosh and Windows® platforms.

Get the highest possible quality from every pixel in your images using state-of-the-art editing tools.
Easily showcase your work to friends, family, and clients. Craft elegant photo books and share your photographs on social networks or in web galleries, slideshows, prints, and more.
Manage your entire photo collection in a visual library that makes it quick and easy to organize, find, and select your images.

Introducing Lightroom 4 Beta

Lightroom 4 beta builds on the vision of the very first Lightroom beta. From day 1, Lightroom was designed for photographers and by photographers to help them focus on what they love—the art and craft of photography. Lightroom provides photographers with an elegant and efficient way to work with their growing digital image collections, bring out the best in their images, and make an impact from raw capture to creative output, all while maintaining the highest possible quality each step of the way.

Download and Discuss

For the development of this latest release, we've focused on further maximizing image quality and expanding output options. New tools let you extract more detail from highlights and shadows, make a wider range of targeted adjustments, and easily share your images and video clips on social media and photo sharing sites.

New Features in Lightroom 4 Beta

Highlight and shadow recovery brings out all the detail that your camera captures in dark shadows and bright highlights.
Photo book creation with easy-to-use elegant templates.
Location-based organization lets you find and group images by location, assign locations to images, and display data from GPS-enabled cameras.
White balance brush to refine and adjust white balance in specific areas of your images.
Additional local editing controls let you adjust noise reduction and remove moiré in targeted areas of your images.
Extended video support for organizing, viewing, and making adjustments and edits to video clips.
Easy video publishing lets you edit and share video clips on Facebook and Flickr®.
Soft proofing to preview how an image will look when printed with color-managed printers.
Email directly from Lightroom using the email account of your choice.

The Lightroom 4 beta program is available to the public. Anyone with an Internet connection can download it and start putting it to the test. You do not need to own (or have tried) a previous version of Lightroom. You can download the beta and use it until the product expires on March 31, 2012.

Click here to visit the Adobe Lightroom 4 Beta page

Text taken from Adobe Labs page

Photo Critique - still time to submit! 10th January 7pm

2012-01-09T03:49:00.000-08:00

Don't forget this week's Photo Critique is on the 10th January 2012 at 7pm (GMT)

We have another of our live photo critiques, where Mark helps you see ways to improve your images using his simple 7 judging components.

We are now recording this session so even if you cannot join us live on line why not submit an image for possible inclusion. images to critique.

Critiques usually last for approximately 60- 90 minutes and often include tips and tricks in Photoshop as well as the critique itself.

Use this link to register for this week's Photo Critique -Click Here
7pm (London GMT) 1pm (New York EST) 11am (Los Angeles PST) 4am + 1 day (Canberra )

Submit Image for critique- Here
(Remember 2000 pixels longest length)

If you would like to submit an image, simply login to your account and go to the Photo Critique page, select an image that is no bigger than 1500 pixels on the longest length and then upload.
Images should be uploaded by Thursday night to enable submission to the critique.

So why not stop by and watch, even if it's not for the whole session.

Back to School!

2012-01-03T02:30:00.000-08:00

It's a start of the new term here at PT4U with our Photoshop Schools. This weekend we are running two afternoon classes. One on Saturday and one on Sunday.

Photoshop School Webinar Workshop 7th January Adds and Brochure Design 2pm – 5.30pm UK Time you will be emailed 48 hours prior to the webinar the registration code Please note that this is an online webinar workshop course – Adds and Brochure Design
content includes

Layers
Guides
Text and Effects
Washes and Textures
Layout
Groups
Presentation and Design
Colour Profiles
Production
Mono in Print

Photoshop School Webinar Workshop 8th January Beyond Boudoir 2pm - 5.30pm UK Time you will be emailed 48 hours prior to the webinar the registration code Please note that this is an online webinar workshop course – Beyond Boudoir
content includes

Skin Soften
Batch Finishing
Presets
Actions
Colour Boost
Edge Effects
onOne Photo Frame
Glows
Grainy Mono
Sepia
Liquify

PhotoTraining4U Members can save £5 with the code on the dashboard.

For all the information and to book your place click HERE

R U The Next Apprentice?

2011-12-30T00:01:00.000-08:00

THE 2012 APPRENTICE ENTRY IS NOW OPEN.

You could win the training of a lifetime. Two lucky winners will join the PhotoTraining4U Team every 3 months, for 2 days of fun but intense training and shooting in some fast paced fashion action with a chance to see your images in print.

To be in with a chance of becoming one of the 2012 Apprentices, all you have to initially do is enter one image that shows off your interpretation of "Fashion" - this is the first stage. Stage two - Mark Cleghorn and the PhotoTraining4U team will then select the top 40 images. The third stage is the online vote based on a selection of 6 images. The top 10 panels with the most votes will then go through to the final stage,

a live judging where Mark Cleghorn will choose his next Apprentices.

So anyone has the chance to win Photography's greatest prize.

ENTER HERE!

Rules of Entry
Only one picture per person • The prize is 12 days of training including accommodation • Images entered into this competition may be used in promotion of the competition but copyright remains with the photographer • The winners will be selected by Mark Cleghorn and The PhotoTraining4U team and the online voting • Closing date for entries is 11th March 2012 • The top 40 will be selected live online on 17th March 2012 • The top 40 will provide a panel of 6 images for online voting • The top ten panels through voting will then be put into the final live selection with Mark Cleghorn • Applicants must be either a Lite, Monthly or Yearly active member of PhotoTraining4U • Voting and judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into • Winners will be filmed during the training for use on the PhotoTraining4U website • Winners will be responsible for their own travel expenses to the UK PT4U Studios near Cardiff.

Winners the Best Picture Photo Critique 2011!

2011-12-29T07:43:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to all the winners from todays Best Picture Photo Critique2011. They have all one a place on a free workshop with Mark and the team!

All images are copyright of the photographer and do not have permission to be copied or printed.

Photo Critique Webinar today

2011-12-29T01:41:00.000-08:00

Window light without a window!

2011-12-28T01:27:00.000-08:00

We hope you all had a great Christmas!

Mark will often use the lastolite HiLite to create the look and feel of window light. This allowing you to shoot wherever and whenever you want! Today's new film on PT4U shows him doing just that!

In today's film "Window Light Nude" Mark is shooting window light nude in the studio, the model for this shoot is Raphaella who is a professional nude model. Marks set up is the Lastolite Hilite as his window light, have draped over some white netting to soften the light down, with a mixture of lighting and posing to create beautiful images sellable to the clients.

Mark is using the Hilite because it allows him to work any where weather its in the studio or on location at the clients home and give him guaranteed uniform lighting even though the Hilite is back with flash. Mark has measured the flash to f8 which will be his main working aperture.

Mark is shooting with the Canon 5D MKII shooting with his 24-105 lens and the settings on camera are f8 125/sec 100 iso.

To see the film and the great shots you can get from using this technique click HERE

Photoshop School - Adds and Brochure Design & Beyond Boudoir

2011-12-26T00:01:00.000-08:00

Photoshop Schools are Web based learning experiences on specific topics to teach you the skills a photographer needs when using Photoshop. So whether you are an experienced Photoshop user or just getting started these Webinar Workshops allow you to watch and listen and then practice the same techniques on the same images as well as your own, and all without leaving your own home.

Photoshop School Webinar Workshop 7th January Adds & Brochure Design
Please note that this is an online webinar workshop

Course Content includes
Layers
Guides
Text and Effects
Washes and Textures
Layout
Groups
Presentation and Design
Colour Profiles
Production
Mono in Print

Photoshop School Webinar Workshop 8th January Beyond Boudoir
Please note that this is an online webinar workshop

Course Content includes

Skin Soften
Batch Finishing
Presets
Actions
Colour Boost
Edge Effects
onOne Photo Frame
Glows
Grainy Mono
Sepia
Liquify

Don't miss out book your place today! For all the information and to book your place click HERE

PhotoTraining4U Members can save £5 with the code on the dashboard.

Ghosts of Christmas Past!

2011-12-24T00:01:00.000-08:00

Posing big groups can always be a little scary, so why not check out the film we made last Christmas on how to take the Christmas Family Portrait.

Click HERE to see the film!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS FROM ALL US AT PT4U!

Win a 1 day Workshop with Mark & The Team

2011-12-23T00:01:00.000-08:00

Enter Our Best Picture Photo Critique 29th December and you could win a 1 day workshop with Mark & The PT4U Team!

Just enter your best Picture of 2011 into the next Photo Critique
on the 29th December at 12 noon (GMT)

The last of our live photo critiques 2011 happens on the 29th December, this is where Mark helps you see ways to improve your images using his simple 7 judging components, but this time the top ten images will win a workshop with Mark Cleghorn in Cardiff.

We are now recording these sessions so even if you cannot join us live on line why not submit an image for possible inclusion in the critique, so just submit your entry from the link below.

Critiques usually last for approximately 60- 90 minutes and often include tips and tricks in Photoshop as well as the critique itself.

Use this link to register for this week's Photo Critique -Register here
12pm (London GMT) 6am (New York EST) 4am (Los Angeles PST) 9pm (Canberra )

Submit Image for critique- Here
(Remember 2000 pixels longest length)

To submit an image, simply login to your account and go to the Photo Critique page, select an image that is no bigger than 2000 pixels on the longest length and then upload.

Images should be uploaded by Wednesday night to enable submission to the critique.

Remember you can always stop by and watch, even if it's not for the whole session.

Christmas 2012 Download Of The Day :- Paul Walker shoots Smokey

2011-12-22T01:23:00.000-08:00

Todays Christmas download is the PhotoTraining4U's Pet master Paul Walker, In the film paul talks about the location and how to maximise what is around you. Shooting pets isn't an easy job because you dont know whats going to happen next.

See how paul works with the Smokey and how the he uses the owner to get the Smokey to do what he wants, but sometimes things dont go to plan and in this film you can see how paul works around the problems that occur.

New Film Live :- The Baby Posing Coat

2011-12-21T10:07:00.000-08:00

Baby Posing Coat

The film gives you an insight in to using and getting the best out of the Baby Posing Coat product by Lastolite and how to best use it when shooting. Mark Cleghorn demonstrates the simplicity of the product and how to use the Baby Posing Coat when shooting in the studio. The fabric coat effectively becomes the background of the shots without being obvious the parent is involved. The hood can ‘disguise’ the head of the parent for ‘over the shoulder’ shots. The large sleeves allow the hands to be hidden or exposed.

The new baby posing coat is made of a soft velvet-like light absorbing fabric. The coat allows the parent to maintain contact with the child, reducing the child’s stress and anxiety, which can often prevent the shoot from running smoothly. It is also easier to manipulate the child into positions not achievable with traditional posing devices, yet still remain firmly held by the parent.

The fabric coat effectively becomes the background of the shots without being obvious the parent is involved. The hood can ‘disguise’ the head of the parent for ‘over the shoulder’ shots. The large sleeves allow the hands to be hidden or exposed.

The cape like ‘one size fits all’ design is secured with hook and loop fastenings.

DAY 20 PT4U Advent Calendar - Paul Walker - Smokey The Cat

2011-12-20T01:43:00.000-08:00

In this film PT4U Master Pet photographer Paul Walker is shooting 1 dog on location in a woodland park.

Paul has become an authority in the world of pet photography as well as an accomplished author and a world wide lecturer but more importantly he is an active photographer not just talking about it but still photographing the wonderful world of pets.

In this film Paul is shooting Smoky a Burmese cat. You get to see how Paul sets up the shots as well as controls the session and the problems that you come across when shooting cats and how to work around them to ensure you get the shots need for the client.
Watch it today on PT4U
CLick Here

New Term for Phtooshop School

2011-12-20T01:38:00.001-08:00

The next Photoshop School sessions have just been announced this time it's a combination of Adds & Brochure design plus Beyond the Boudoir.
Mark Cleghorn is back on online with another series of his Photoshop schools. These online webinars allow you to learn live from your own home, tackling creative and advanced techniques as well as simple workflows.
Cleghorn, the author of PhotoShop In A Weekend has been teaching his Photoshop for Photographer techniques for over 10 years and has influenced tens of thousands of Photographers workflows allowing them to get back behind the camera by not being bogged down in manipulation.

What’s Next

Add & Brochure Design 7th January 2pm - 5.30pm (GMT)
This session looks at design ideas and helpful tips and tricks when working with text and images to make eye catching adds.
Content includes - Layers, Guides, Text and Effects, Washes and Textures, Layout, Groups, Presentation and Design, Colour Profiles, Production, Mono in Print
Beyond Boudoir 8th January 2pm - 5.30pm (GMT)
Sensual skin, simple smoothing skills and body enhancement is all a part of this session as Mark shows you the most incredible techniques for enhancing women.
Content includes - Skin Soften, Batch Finishing, Presets, Actions, Colour Boost, Edge Effects, onOne Photo Frame, Glows, Grainy Mono, Sepia, Liquify

To register or find out more information simply follow the this link
Click Here

WOW! Check out our Christmas Download Offer of the Day!

2011-12-15T02:37:00.000-08:00

Every day until Christmas Eve PT4U members can download one of our films for £1.

You can find the download of the day on the dashboard when logged into PT4U. There you will find the promo code for the download and you then go to your account page and redeem the code to purchase the film.

www.phototraining4u.com/app/dashboard.html#en

Today's Christmas download of the day is "WOW Check This Out"

This Film features a funky slide show of some of the images shot by Mark Cleghorn on a WOW shoot.

The results are a truly funky session, filled with ideas on posing, backgrounds, lens choice, composition and over all styling.

This film is designed to help photographers on a Fun & Funky Female nude shoot to get a quick fix of images and to get the ideas flowing before a session.

This Portrait slide show to inspire ideas as well as to give you image goals.

Win a place on a one day workshop with Mark in our Christmas Video competition!

2011-12-15T00:01:00.000-08:00

To be in with a chance to win a place on a one day workshop with Mark Cleghorn worth £195, you need to make your own 12 days of Christmas video with our words and upload it to the PT4U face book page www.facebook.com/PhotoTraining4U, then the 12 videos with the most likes will win a place on the workshop.

Here are the videos from the guys and girls at PT4U

The Model Interviews

2011-12-14T04:04:00.000-08:00

Figure model Katie kicks off our intervews with a model series which starts today on PhotoTraining4U!

Treat yourself to an early Christmas gift!

2011-12-02T03:30:00.000-08:00

We now have one place available for the Studio Basics and Beyond workshop on Saturday 10th of December and now only a few places left for Monday 12th December.

DON'T MISS OUT BOOK TODAY!

The day covers everything from basic studio lighting setups to some more advanced and funky styles for great looking portraits. So weather you are looking to shoot for show or for dough as they say you will go away with hands on practical experience in a variety of lighting styles,

The day is designed to educate you in the realm of lighting, allowing you to apply the skills in a basic or more advanced way following the workshop. Often Mark will take you out of your comfort zone and push your ability, no matter what your level of photography experience.
The workshop will cover the following techniques

High Key Portraits
Mid Key Portraits
Low Key Portraits
Get Creative with 1 Light
Simple Separation with 2 lights
Beauty Lighting
Posing for the look
Ring flash for fashion portraits

So if you want to get inspired with light or just use studio flash in a more basic way this workshop will educate you in the art of light. All wrapped up in a money back guarantee as all Mark Cleghorn Seminars.

So many photographers fall short of fulfilling their own creativity, this seminar is designed to teach you effective techniques to maximise your time as well as refine and adapt pose and light for the situation and location.
Each day is limited in numbers to enhance the learning and participation and bookings are made on a first come basis.

For more information and to book your place click HERE

There is still time to book your place for this weeks Photoshop Schools.

Saturday will be on the Basics and Beyond and Sunday will be Cool and Creative

For all the information on what each day will cover and to book your place click HERE

Give a friend 12 days for Christmas on PhotoTraining4U for free!

2011-12-01T08:44:00.000-08:00

Send this gift voucher to all of your friends before the 12th of December

It is the time for giving, so we thought we would give you something to give away to all of your photography friends this Christmas for free.

Just copy the gift voucher and send it to all your friends by the 12th of December 2011 and they will get access to our award winning site untill Christams Eve. It couldn't be any simpler and they will love you forever!

Remember you can give it away as often as you want, there are no restrictions. Just make sure they email nicola@phototraining4u.com before the 12th with their full name and email address to register the gift voucher and she will set up a Christams account within 48hrs.

Regards & Happy Holidays
The PhotoTraining4U Team

Proof that size doesn't matter!

2011-11-30T02:07:00.000-08:00

This months film the PT4U team made for Lastolite was on their Micro Apollo Softbox for speedlites. The Micro Apollo MKII is a mini light modifier for Hotshoe flash which softens harsh light. It features a lightweight internal frame structure and can be set up extremely quickly as it requires no velcro, additional adaptor or bracket. The Micro Apollo MKII simply slides onto the flashgun.

This is a fantastic and easy to use product from Lastolite and in the film you'll see Mark use it on camera and off camera showing how to make the most out of the softbox and produce some fantastic images.

To find out more about Lastolite and their products click HERE

To see the film we made on PT4U click HERE

Tis the season... to create holiday videos with Animoto!

2011-11-29T03:32:00.000-08:00

Holiday greetings have never been easier - or more fun!

Click here

Our friends at Animoto have added 2 new Christmas styles this year for you to use with your pro accounts.

Animoto site click here

With the first of the new styles you can now take a journey into a magical snow globe with our latest holiday style, A Wonderland of Snow!

With the second new style you get snowmen, ornaments, space... Cosmic Tidings is a holiday style that's out of this world!

Along with the existing five Christmas styles you have plenty to customise your videos for the festive season.

Skip the drudgery of paper cards this year and send your holiday wishes with an Animoto video! Not only will you bring your greetings to life, but you'll also enjoy hassle-free, one-click sharing through Facebook or email.

PT4U members can 15 months for the price of 12 when signing up to an Animoto Pro account use the promo code PT4U.

To see how Animoto works click HERE

Still time to register for Photoshop School this weekend!

2011-11-28T04:34:00.000-08:00

A recent Webinar workshop comment.
"I love this type of workshop as it allows me to get interactive whilst still being at home, plus I get to follow the techniques on my own computer."
Jamie Price.

JOIN MARK CLEGHORN ON These FULL DAY Photoshop Webinar WORKSHOP.
Dates : Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th December - Time : 10.00am - 5.30pm Location : ONLINE In your own home!

These Webinar workshop on Photoshop cover everything from the basics to more advanced techniques all designed to push your working techniques and creativity.

Photoshop Schools are Web based learning experiences on specific topics to teach you the skills a photographer needs when using Photoshop. So whether you are an experienced Photoshop user or just getting started these Webinar Workshops allow you to watch and listen and then practice the same techniques on the same images as well as your own, and all without leaving your own home.

Creative Photoshop and good work flow for photographers has always been Mark Cleghorn’s goal, his techniques have inspired tens of thousands of photographers across the world helping them get back behind the camera and shoot more, using Photoshop for enhancement and not always for correction.
What happens on a Workshop Webinar? – Each Workshop Webinar is split in to 4 sections of 1hr during the day, with 30 minute breaks to allow you to practice the techniques as well as feedback any problems you are having as you get the chance to interact online during the day.

What will you need? – You will need an internet connection and if you want to practice the techniques live, you will obviously need Photoshop on your system.

When should I book? – As soon as possible as places are limited. Plus you will need time to download the webinar software as well as register for the event.

Who are the Webinars Workshops aimed at? The webinar workshops are aimed at all levels of photographer from beginner to the experienced user, however please look at each topic and see who it is aimed at.
When will I get the FREE STUFF? – Any products that are being given away during the session like Actions or Film Downloads are available after the Webinar unless stated as a part of the workshop.

So whether you are a full time pro or an amateur photographer, an experienced Photoshop user or Beginner the question is “ Can You Really Afford Not To Attend? as these Webinar workshops will help change the way you work with images from capture to output.

PhotoTraining4U Members can save £5 with the code on the dashboard.

For all the information on the two days and to book your place click HERE

Top Five Images From Photo Critique 24th November 2011

2011-11-25T05:11:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Andrew Billington, Simon, John Whitmore, Allan Breeze and Tony Hamilton for getting into the Top Five Images from PhotoTraining4U Photo Critique on the 24th November 2011.

We have started recording the Photo Critique's and will get them on PT4U within a week of the critique.

We still have the last two critiques to view on PT4U and you can see them by clicking HERE

All images are copyright of the photographer and do not have permission to be copied or printed.

Swedish Photographer wins 12 months subscription to PhotoTraining4U

2011-11-24T09:29:00.000-08:00

Charlotta Sigrand Barker is the lucky winner of the membership draw the Swedish Foto Massan in Stockholm last week. Charlotta was drawn out of 300 entrants to win the 12 month subscription, well done and enjoy!

The unlucky entrants all get a free film download, so still Happy Days!

Friday Night Webinar - The Panel Selection Beyond the Basics

2011-11-24T01:27:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow nights PT4U webinar is Part 15 of the Point System series and is the Panel Selection Beyond the Basics.

Mark will look through a series of his images and how he comprises composition, posing, lighting, exposure, post production, impact and story telling in a panel.

The webinar is tomorrow Friday 25th November 7pm (UK Time) The webinar will last for 20-30 minutes and cover the specified topic.

These webinar sessions are based on requested topics from members.

So why not stop by and watch! Use this link to register for this weeks Webinar - Register here

7pm (London UK) 2pm (New York EST) 11am (Los Angeles PST)
4am +1 day (Canberra )

Also still time to register for tonight's Photo Critique - Register here

Dublin Photography Seminars

2011-11-23T09:44:00.000-08:00


All New Monkey Business in Dublin			monkey business

For more details on the Dublin Dates click here

Leaving on a jet plane!

2011-11-22T01:50:00.000-08:00

Mark Doing his demo on the Aifo stand

Mark, Debbie and Carl are travelling back home from Sweden today. They had a great few days at the Fotomassan Expo. They were thrilled to see so many PhotoTraining4U members there and will definitely going back in 2012.

Mark getting the next generation shooting

Fotomassan day 2 first talk of the day

It's a busy few weeks for the PT4U team, no sooner are they back from Sweden they will be preparing to leave for Dublin on Saturday for the two days of Monkey Business 7 & 8 which takes place at the The Louis Fitzgerald Hotel on the 27th and 28th of November.

Still time to book your place on one or both of these training days in Dublin for all the information and how to book click HERE

The Next Photo Critique Thursday 24th November!

2011-11-21T01:57:00.000-08:00

The next Photo Critique is on the 24th November 2011 at 7pm (GMT)

We have another of our live photo critiques, where Mark helps you see ways to improve your images using his simple 7 judging components.

We are now recording these sessions so even if you cannot join us live on line why not submit an image for possible inclusion in the critique, so just submit your entry from the link below.

Critiques usually last for approximately 60- 90 minutes and often include tips and tricks in Photoshop as well as the critique itself.

Use this link to register for this week's Photo Critique Register here

7pm (London GMT) 1pm (New York EST) 11am (Los Angeles PST) 4am + 1 day (Canberra )

Submit Image for critique- Here
(Remember 1500 pixels longest length)

If you would like to submit an image, simply login to your account and go to the Photo Critique page, select an image that is no bigger than 1500 pixels on the longest length and then upload.

Images should be uploaded by Wednesday night to enable submission to the critique.

So why not stop by and watch, even if it's not for the whole session.

If you haven't taken part or viewed a Photo Critique before we have added the last two Photo critiques to PhotoTraining4U and you can see them by clicking HERE

Ex Apprentice builds a Studio!

2011-11-20T03:33:00.000-08:00

We wanted to congratulate the PT4U ex-apprentice John Moors on completing the build of his new studio in the grounds of his home in Dorset.

John with the help of his family and friends have created a fantastic studio space and all of us at PT4U are thrilled that he has realised his dream.

He now joins the ranks of his fellow ex-apprentices Anna and Lisa who both have home studios, Michelle from Studio Watch who has a high street stdio and his fellow partner in crime Osy who also has a high street studio.

John threw a little party to celebrate the opening yesterday Jay and Osy travelled down to join in the celebration and joined Michelle to congratulate him in his build. The rest of the PT4U team sent their best wishes from Sweden.

You can watch the experiences of the ex-apprentices by clicking HERE

Photoshop School Places Filling Fast Book Today!

2011-11-19T00:01:00.000-08:00

A recent Webinar workshop comment.
"I love this type of workshop as it allows me to get interactive whilst still being at home, plus I get to follow the techniques on my own computer."
Jamie Price.

JOIN MARK CLEGHORN ON These FULL DAY Photoshop Webinar WORKSHOP.
Dates : Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th December - Time : 10.00am - 5.30pm Location : ONLINE In your own home!

These Webinar workshop on Photoshop cover everything from the basics to more advanced techniques all designed to push your working techniques and creativity.

Photoshop Schools are Web based learning experiences on specific topics to teach you the skills a photographer needs when using Photoshop. So whether you are an experienced Photoshop user or just getting started these Webinar Workshops allow you to watch and listen and then practice the same techniques on the same images as well as your own, and all without leaving your own home.
Creative Photoshop and good work flow for photographers has always been Mark Cleghorn’s goal, his techniques have inspired tens of thousands of photographers across the world helping them get back behind the camera and shoot more, using Photoshop for enhancement and not always for correction.

What happens on a Workshop Webinar? – Each Workshop Webinar is split in to 4 sections of 1hr during the day, with 30 minute breaks to allow you to practice the techniques as well as feedback any problems you are having as you get the chance to interact online during the day. What will you need? – You will need an internet connection and if you want to practice the techniques live, you will obviously need Photoshop on your system.
When should I book? – As soon as possible as places are limited. Plus you will need time to download the webinar software as well as register for the event.
Who are the Webinars Workshops aimed at? The webinar workshops are aimed at all levels of photographer from beginner to the experienced user, however please look at each topic and see who it is aimed at.
When will I get the FREE STUFF? – Any products that are being given away during the session like Actions or Film Downloads are available after the Webinar unless stated as a part of the workshop.

So whether you are a full time pro or an amateur photographer, an experienced Photoshop user or Beginner the question is “ Can You Really Afford Not To Attend? as these Webinar workshops will help change the way you work with images from capture to output.
PhotoTraining4U Members can save £5 with the code on the dashboard.

Photoshop School Webinar Workshop 3rd December Basics and Beyond
Please note that this is an online webinar workshop

course – Basics and Beyond
Day Content includes
RAW & File Processing
Creative Colour Balance

Sharpening & High key Fix
Textures and Overlays
Retouching
Skin, Eyes, Mouth & Body
Replacing backgrounds
Selections and Mask
Softening
Presentation and Page design

Photoshop School Webinar Workshop 4th December Cool and Creative
Please note that this is an online webinar workshop

course - Cool and Creative
Day Content includes
Creative RAW
Creative Colour
Advanced Sharpening
Textures and Overlays
Speed Retouching
Texture backgrounds
Selections and Mask
Advanced Softening
Styling
Monochrome
Colour Wash
Vibrant Colour
Vintage
Graphic
Concept

For more information and how to book your places click HERE

Dublin here we come!

2011-11-18T03:02:00.000-08:00

This time next week the PT4U team will be on their way to Dublin to get set up for the Monkey Business 7 & 8 two day training event at the The Louis Fitzgerald Hotel on the 27th and 28th of November.

These really are two unmissable days of fantastic value for money training.

One of the things our members keep asking us is how to use and promote themselves with the social marketing tools that are out there today. So with this in mind Mark is including this in the new Monkey Business 8 Tour so Dublin will get this first.

Why Book Monkey Business?
Each Day Win a visit from the Studio Doctor!
Get a Free Film Download on MB7
3 Portrait Promotions
Vintage Pre Sets on MB8
A full day training
Social Media Marketing Tips
Package Concepts
Album & Layout Design
Online sales techniques
Business Skills
Software Technique
Practical Demos
PT4U Member Discount
Trade Partners
100% Money Back Guarantee

Don't just take our word this is from email we got from recent attendee from MB7:

"He shoots, he scores, what a day to day at MB7. The online and sales ideas were fantastic and I am putting them into practice today. The promotions I love and will fit perfect into my ideas for 2012 and a great start or my new home studio. Thanks so much, I cannot sing your praises enough. The cost of the seminar is the least I have ever paid for a training day, but it is the seminar that I have got the most out of. I so wished I had come on the previous Monkey Business tours and will never miss one again."
Danny Williams.

Places are filling quick so don't miss out book today!

For all the information and to book your place click HERE

Mark & The Team in Sweden

2011-11-16T21:57:00.000-08:00

3 days of all about photography in Stockholme, Sweden.

Check it out Here

WOW Check This Out

2011-11-16T10:44:00.000-08:00

In this two part WOW film Mark Cleghorn Shoots a nude model in the studio. Mark has pulled out an amazing chequered flooring for a fun and funky shoot.

In this shoot Mark is looking for body shape against this three dimensional flooring. Marks working very close to the background. Marks using his sigma 12-24mm lence which his looking to created some funky nude art. The lighting set up for this shoot is mainly harsh lighting not only lighting Raphaella but the background as well.

Unlike the usual films where the images are straight out of camera, these WOW films show the finished image.
Presented by: Mark Cleghorn

It's not all about the rules

2011-11-15T02:59:00.000-08:00

One of the biggest decisions to make as any form of craftsman, whether you are a chef or a photographer is knowing when to break the rules. It helps of course if you know the rules to begin with of course, as otherwise you are simply making it up as you go along.

These 2 images demonstrate a complete disregard for the basics, however I think that they both work due to the power of the lighting, one disregards the light in the eyes and a complete disregard for the quality of the light.

Whilst the second image is burnt and bleached out on the models face, with no detail for print and at the same time broad lighting the figure and face which always adds weight to the subject.

So the moral is if it feels good shoot it, but don't cry about it if it does not work!

12 days of Christmas Challenge

2011-11-14T05:01:00.000-08:00

On the twelfth day of Christmas
your true love could give to you...

12 MONTHS OF TRAINING
11 TOP PRO'S
10K IDEAS
9 HUNDRED FILMS
8 MAJOR TOPICS
7 DAYS A WEEK
6 EX APPRENTICES
5 MINUTE TIPS
4 SOFTWARE SKILLS
3 NEW VIDEOS A WEEK
2 PHOTO CRITIQUES
AND A 100% MONEY BACK GUARANTEE

Upload your 12 days of Christmas video with our words to our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/PhotoTraining4U The 12 most liked will win a place on a one day workshop with Mark Cleghorn worth £195

And the top 5 are....

2011-11-10T22:59:00.000-08:00

Photo Critique on Phototraining4U was another great success with over 600 photographers on line to listen and watch the session.. Mark managed to look at 58 images during the critique.

Top 5 10th November 2011

The top 5 chosen were from
Andrew Billington
Fred Robinson
Paul Owen
Angela Prabhu
Andrew Bertram

Watch out for the next November Photo Critique night, the registration will be announced soon.

Photo Critique Tonight

2011-11-10T00:46:00.000-08:00

Join us tonight for another PhotoTraining4U Photo Critique with Mark Cleghorn.

To Watch and listen smply register for free here by clicking this Registration link. Then turn up at 7pm UK time. Remeber you can invite as many frieds as you want as we have space for over 1000 to watch.

If you want to submit an image, login to PhotoTraining4U and click on the Photo Critique page and follow the instructions.

Another Date added to the studio lighting workshop

2011-11-09T03:39:00.000-08:00

We have now added another extra date to the Portrait Practical Lighting Workshop due to demand.. The new extra date is Monday the 12th December.

Places booking fast so don't miss out book today!

The day covers everything from basic studio lighting setups to some more advanced and funky styles for great looking portraits. So weather you are looking to shoot for show or for dough as they say you will go away with hands on practical experience in a variety of lighting styles,

The day is designed to educate you in the realm of lighting, allowing you to apply the skills in a basic or more advanced way following the workshop. Often Mark will take you out of your comfort zone and push your ability, no matter what your level of photography experience.
The workshop will cover the following techniques

High Key Portraits
Mid Key Portraits
Low Key Portraits
Get Creative with 1 Light
Simple Separation with 2 lights
Beauty Lighting
Posing for the look
Ring flash for fashion portraits

So if you want to get inspired with light or just use studio flash in a more basic way this workshop will educate you in the art of light. All wrapped up in a money back guarantee as all Mark Cleghorn Seminars.

So many photographers fall short of fulfilling their own creativity, this seminar is designed to teach you effective techniques to maximise your time as well as refine and adapt pose and light for the situation and location.
Each day is limited in numbers to enhance the learning and participation and bookings are made on a first come basis.

For more information and to book your place click HERE

Small Spaces

2011-11-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

Image Bank - Small Spaces

Working in tight spaces is not a problem you have when shooting in large studios, but when you have to take over a corner of a small salon to shoot an add campaign for a client, it is amazing how soon you run out of places to put up a light.

As you can see this shot was taken with a 4 light setup. The main light on the left was fitted with a large Elinchrom Rotalux softbox, but to add a little more edge to the light, the outer diffuser was removed. The second light was used to illuminate the Lastolite HiLite, of course set to 2 stops higher than the working exposure. The hair light was a simple deep reflector dish to add a large pool of hard light to the hair. Finally a beauty dish on the opposite side to the main light which was at 90 degrees to camera and subject, for a sandwich lighting effect.

I used the Elinchrom BX500Ri flash heads for a rapid recharge so as to capture a burst of images, especially when shooting the small groups.

The Exposure was determined to give a good depth of field for detail.

Iso 100 Shutter Speed 1/160th Aperture F11

This is a pull back shot to show the light positions, so no post production was used.

We were able to film this shoot for PT4U and you can find the films by clicking HERE

Vintage Voyage from Animoto!

2011-11-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

Animoto has just launched thier newest style, Vintage Voyage!

Using maps, clocks, compasses, vines, and picture frames in the background, Vintage Voyage sets a scene that is bound to induce feelings of nostalgia, along with adventurous feelings of fun.Great for bringing together photos of explorations, vacations, or recording precious moments in time, it can tell stories by chronicling the important moments and bring you on a journey through a wordless saga that the photos create. Your video is bound to create recollections that will travel like growing vines, stretch through time, and span across memories.

PT4U members can get 15 months for the price of 12 when subscribing to the Animoto Pro account.

To find the promo code click HERE

Only a few places left! Don't miss out!

2011-11-04T03:39:00.000-07:00

BOOK NOW! DON'T MISS OUT!

Due to demand we added this extra workshop day on Studio Basics and Beyond and this now only has a few places left.

The day covers everything from basic studio lighting setups to some more advanced and funky styles for great looking portraits. So weather you are looking to shoot for show or for dough as they say you will go away with hands on practical experience in a variety of lighting styles,

The day is designed to educate you in the realm of lighting, allowing you to apply the skills in a basic or more advanced way following the workshop. Often Mark will take you out of your comfort zone and push your ability, no matter what your level of photography experience.

The workshop will cover the following techniques

High Key Portraits
Mid Key Portraits
Low Key Portraits
Get Creative with 1 Light
Simple Separation with 2 lights
Beauty Lighting
Posing for the look
Ring flash for fashion portraits

Who should come – These courses are perfect for Photographers at all levels, whether amateur or pro as Mark takes time out to develop each individual whilst shooting to maximise the experience

What should I bring – Delegates should bring their own cameras as well as any specific equipment to your camera manufacturer plus bring your own speedlites etc for off camera flash use.

What will we supply – Usually a light lunch (unless stated) and refreshments plus any special equipment including studio flash, reflectors , radio triggers

When should I book – As soon as possible as places are limited to 15 photographers (unless stated).

Could be a perfect early Christmas present!

For more information and to book your place click HERE

Examples of images taken on our workshops

Photoshop Basics & Beyond plus Cool & Creative online Webinar Workshops December 3rd and 4th

2011-11-03T03:02:00.000-07:00

JOIN MARK CLEGHORN ON These FULL DAY Photoshop Webinar WORKSHOP.
Dates : Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th December
Time : 10.00am - 5.30pm Location ONLINE In your own home!

Photoshop School Webinar Worshop 3rd December Basics and Beyond
Photoshop School Webinar Worshop 4th December Cool and Creative

These Webinar workshop on Photoshop cover everything from the basics to more advanced techniques all designed to push your working techniques and creativity.

Photoshop Schools are Web based learning experiences on specific topics to teach you the skills a photographer needs when using Photoshop. So whether you are an experienced Photoshop user or just getting started these Webinar Workshops allow you to watch and listen and then practice the same techniques on the same images as well as your own, and all without leaving your own home.

Creative Photoshop and good work flow for photographers has always been Mark Cleghorn’s goal, his techniques have inspired tens of thousands of photographers across the world helping them get back behind the camera and shoot more, using Photoshop for enhancement and not always for correction.

What happens on a Workshop Webinar? – Each Workshop Webinar is split in to 4 sections of 1hr during the day, with 30 minute breaks to allow you to practice the techniques as well as feedback any problems you are having as you get the chance to interact online during the day.

What will you need? – You will need an internet connection and if you want to practice the techniques live, you will obviously need Photoshop on your system.

When should I book? – As soon as possible as places are limited. Plus you will need time to download the webinar software as well as register for the event.

Who are the Webinars Workshops aimed at? The webinar workshops are aimed at all levels of photographer from beginner to the experienced user, however please look at each topic and see who it is aimed at.

When will I get the FREE STUFF? – Any products that are being given away during the session like Actions or Film Downloads are available after the Webinar unless stated as a part of the workshop.

So whether you are a full time pro or an amateur photographer, an experienced Photoshop user or Beginner the question is “ Can You Really Afford Not To Attend? as these Webinar workshops will help change the way you work with images from capture to output.

PhotoTraining4U Members can save £5 with the code on the dashboard.

For all the information on both days and to book your place click HERE

Extra Date Added 10th December The Studio Basics and Beyond

2011-11-02T03:39:00.000-07:00

We have added another extra date to the Portrait Practical Lighting Workshop as the original day booked out in less than 24hrs. The new extra date is Saturday the 10th December.

Places booking fast so don't miss out book today!

The day covers everything from basic studio lighting setups to some more advanced and funky styles for great looking portraits. So weather you are looking to shoot for show or for dough as they say you will go away with hands on practical experience in a variety of lighting styles,

The day is designed to educate you in the realm of lighting, allowing you to apply the skills in a basic or more advanced way following the workshop. Often Mark will take you out of your comfort zone and push your ability, no matter what your level of photography experience.
The workshop will cover the following techniques

High Key Portraits
Mid Key Portraits
Low Key Portraits
Get Creative with 1 Light
Simple Separation with 2 lights
Beauty Lighting
Posing for the look
Ring flash for fashion portraits

So if you want to get inspired with light or just use studio flash in a more basic way this workshop will educate you in the art of light. All wrapped up in a money back guarantee as all Mark Cleghorn Seminars.

So many photographers fall short of fulfilling their own creativity, this seminar is designed to teach you effective techniques to maximise your time as well as refine and adapt pose and light for the situation and location.
Each day is limited in numbers to enhance the learning and participation and bookings are made on a first come basis.

For more information and to book your place click HERE

Monkey Business is coming to Dublin!

2011-11-01T02:52:00.000-07:00

Mark Cleghorn & PhotoTraining4U are coming to Dublin to present the Monkey Business 7 & 8 Seminars on 27th & 28th November 2011.

Monkey Business seminars have been responsible for the regeneration of over 800 studios every tour in the UK and are designed as business builders as well as teaching photography, posing, flash skills and Photoshop techniques.

These are 2 seperaate seminars. Day 1 is all about weddings, Day 2 is all about Portraits and combined they are the essential guide to 2012 as they will get you stimulated in business and inspire you as a photographer.

MB8 – Weddings – Funky, Fun and Fashionable Dublin Sunday 27th November 2011

Dublin will also be the launch of Monkey Business 8 so most definitely a day not to be missed.

The Fun, Funky and Fashionable wedding MB8 tour looks at the changing market of wedding photography from every angle including the marketing and pricing, the preparation of the day and shooting styles as well as the post production efx to transform wedding photography to another league. The day is again a combination of trade and training at a next to nothing price of £40 for PhotoTraining4U members (using code from the PT4U dashboard) and £45 if not, still great value for money.

MB7 – Portraits – Little Angels Dublin Monday 28th November 2011

The Little Angel Tour is designed to fine tune your portrait skills, covering posing, selling and creative presentation. The day is again a combination of trade and training at a next to nothing price of £40 for PhotoTraining4U members (using code from the PT4U dashboard) and £45 if not, still great value for money.

Monkey Business 7 -The Little Angels tour, which is all about promoting and shooting kids, is set to light the touch paper of portrait photography once again, as Mark Cleghorn brings not 1 but 3 portrait promotions on tour. Last year's NTM promotion stimulated over £3.5 million for photographers who attended the one day seminar and this year he is predicting sales of over £11 million for photographers from the 3 promotions.

The seminars are priced in sterling and if booking both together you can save £10. If you are a PhotoTraining4U Member you can also save another £5 by using your code from the dashboard when booking.

For more information and to book your place click HERE

Stuart Bebbs - Shooting With Direct Sun On Weddings

2011-10-29T06:58:00.000-07:00

On the face of it this looks like a simple image to take but in reality its not, number of factors have to work together , the angle of the Sun and atmospheric conditions have to be just right in order to get the sharp shadow on the wall, which in-turn helps create depth . Its one of the few times direct Sun works as a spotlight when I'm photographing a wedding.

To see how Stuarts works with his bride and grooms, visit PhotoTraining4U and watch the Practical films and see how Stuart works with the natural light on a wedding day.

The Next Friday Live Photo Critique 10th November 2011

2011-10-28T01:53:00.000-07:00

The next PhotoTraining4U live Photo Critique is being held on Thursday 10th November at 7pm GMT.

The live photo critiques are set up so Mark can help you see ways to improve your images using his simple 7 judging components.

Don't worry, you don't have to submit an image to watch and listen, you just need to register. Resister for this live Critique Click Here

If you would like to submit an image, simply login to your PT4U account and go to the Photo Critique page, select an image that is no bigger than 1500 pixels on the longest length and then upload.

Images should be uploaded by midnight on Wednesday 9th November to enable submission to the critique.

Critiques usually last for approximately 60 minutes and often include tips and tricks in Photoshop as well as the critique itself.

To register for the next Live Photo Critique Click Here

OnOne Software Releases Perfect Photo Suite 6

2011-10-27T08:20:00.000-07:00

The award winning Software company OnOne has released there new product Perfect Photo Suite 6. The dramatic new version of the OnOne software has some amazing new tools helping the every day photography solve problems in post production. There has been some major upgrades in the product, which they now introduce a couple of totally new products.

With this Brand new Product and all its upgrades OnOne have a brand new attractive price check out the site for more info

Our Masters on PhotoTraining4U have been using the OnOne Software for years and have been creating some amazing effects and finishes with the Software. Visit PT4U.TV to view some of the OnOne Software in action.

Suite 6 includes :- Perfect Portrait, Perfect Effects, Perfect Mask ( the next generation of Mask Pro), Perfect Layers with the favourites Perfect Resize, FocalPoint and PhotoFrame

For years OnOne Software's products have needed Abode Photoshop, Lightroom & elements to use the quick and effective plug ins, the Software can now be used stand alone. Not only have they improved some of the existing products and introducing some amazing new ones. OnOne has made it even better, now you can move from one application to another without any effort, making your workflow faster, smoother and more efficient.

Perfect Portrait is a completely new product that's offers the latests innovation in portrait retouching. Photographers can now focus on the art of retouching and portrait creations because the most time consuming tasks have been automated in Perfect Portraits.

Perfect Resize 7, the newest version of Genuine Fractals, is the industry standard for image resizing. It is renowned across the photographic and printing industries for its ability to increase image size well over 1000% without the typical loss of sharpness or detail.

Perfect Mask 5 , The next generation of Mask Pro, Perfect Mask 5 is the leading software for background replacement. Perfect Mask takes the core strengths of Mask Pro to another level, by automating many common masking tasks with incredible accuracy. Perfect Mask's new masking technology makes selecting subjects and isolating backgrounds surprisingly easy

Perfect Layers is the fast, easy and affordable way to create layered files outside of Photoshop. Use Perfect Layers to change skies, combine multiple exposures or composite multiple images together to swap heads using the built-in blend modes.

PhotoFrame, Add the perfect finishing touch to your images with hundreds of design elements like film edges, borders, textures, backgrounds, adornments and even complete layouts. Customize elements to get a unique look.

FocalPoint2, Create realistic selective focus, blur, depth-of-field and vignette effects that tell your viewers right where to look. Easily and quickly get a tilt-shift effect with the intuitive Focus Bug and use the Focus Brush to apply the blur right.

Perfect Effects builds on the popularity of PhotoTools to give photographers an even faster and more powerful way to create images with impact. With a library of over 300 photographic and creative effects that can be combined and customized.

To Find out more about the New Perfect Suite 6 from OnOne Software visit there website OnOneSoftware.com

PhotoTraining4U Announces Photographer Training Academy

2011-10-26T08:30:00.000-07:00

PhotoTraining4U is pleased to announce the launch of the Photographer Training Academy.

PhotoTraining4U's - Photographer Training Academy is designed to acknowledge your skill development and achievement by image submission, based on 7 of the components of image analysis and judging. As a training company it is essential that we set goals for members to achieve, this of course is optional but will give your something to stretch your skill training as well as your creativity.

Your Academy page is initially designed for you to populate with your images that best fulfil the components. You can add and subtract images as you wish. Once fully populated, you can, if you wish, submit for our Qualification and get a personal video critique of the full submission from one of the selected PhotoTraining4U Masters.

The 3 Different levels of Qualification in the Photographer Training Academy are :- Certification, Craftman and Master Craftsman, each a higher level than the last allowing you to progress through submission.

Successful applicants will be granted a Certificate of Achievement as well as a digital stamp for web and publication. Plus a personal critique video outlining your strengths and weaknesses.

Unsuccessful applicants will get a personal critique video outlining there strangths and weaknesses to help towards resubmission. One free resubmission is allowed.

The Qualifications

Certification is the understanding and application of the 7 elements to the overall submission showing a skill level that is beyond basics competence of photography skills with a professional bias. Distinction awards CPTA.

Craftsman is awarded for a high level of creativity and technical skill across the overall submission, with added emphasis onto the shoots and portfolio. For many applicants this will be the qualification level to strive towards as it will show off their true professional ability. Distinction awarded Cr.PTA.

Master Craftsman is the highest achievement award by the Photographer Training Academy. The submission should demonstrate complete mastery of the 7 elements and in addition the 4 session panels and portfolio will demonstrate the highest level of creativity, technical excellence and impact. When awarded, the qualification will signify complete mastery of their craft. Distinction awarded MCr.PTA.

For more information on the Photographer Training Academy Click Here or Visit PT4U.TV

Flash Wave 3 Kit Offer

2011-10-25T14:48:00.000-07:00

Special Promotion now available for Flash Wave III whilst stock last.

The new Flash Wave III is a compact radio slave system for wireless triggering of speedlite and studio flash units as well as cameras. The Flash Wave III provides sixteen individual radio frequency channels on a 2.4 GHz frequency band. A compatible shutter release cable allows you to remotely trigger your camera using a two step test triggering button, enabling you to perform auto focus and shooting functions as well as activate your camera from sleep mode.

The Flash Wave III employs a built in hotshoe and comes with a number of accessories including a PC sync, 3.5mm Mini jack cable and 3.5mm- 6.3mm converter. The Flash Wave III is compatible with both studio heads and battery operated flash and offers sync speeds up to 1/250sec.

The Flash Wave III receiver requires two AA batteries, not included.

To Take advantage of this great offer and save yourself £££ visit the MarkCleghorn Site. If you want to see the Flash Wave III in action and on live shoots as well as in a demo shoot visit PT4U.TV for more videos.

Top Five Images From Photo Critique 21st October 2011

2011-10-24T01:11:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Tracy Hughes, Andrew, Allen Thomasson, Christine Balshaw and Jonathan for getting into the Top Five Images from PhotoTraining4U Photo Critique on the 21st October 2011.

To register for the next PT4U Photo Critique on the 10th November click HERE

All images are copyright of the photographer and do not have permission to be copied or printed.

Posing Hands To Define Character & Mood in a Portrait

2011-10-23T02:40:00.000-07:00

Hands can be extremely expressive and can help to define the character and mood of the sitter. Equally, clumsily posed hands can ruin a potentially strong portrait—but luckily there are some simple guidelines that will help you get good results every time.

When an expressive portrait is required, a combination of slightly exaggerated hand gestures and facial expression gives a more animated quality to the portrait, allowing viewers to interpret the pose for themselves.

Hands can make a portrait, giving animation to the pose and revealing something of your subject’s character. They can also totally destroy a portrait if they are too dominant or if they catch and reflect too much of the key light.


Here, the hands compete with the face for importance. Whether this is a good or a bad thing depends on the intention behind the portrait: if the hands are being used to show a theatrical expression, it is good; if they are simply part of the overall portrait, the highlights on the hands tend to dominate the image—especially against the black jumper.


Be careful not to place the hand too far forward in the portrait, as this makes it too dominant. The position of the near hand in this portrait, with the wrist bent and the fingers elegantly spread, is generally considered more suitable for a female portrait.

Decide at the outset what part the hands will play. If they are not important, make sure they do not pick up any highlight—or even hide them from view behind the subject’s back or in a pocket. (However, leaving the thumbs out of the pockets, which shows more of the back of the hand, looks better than hiding them completely.)

It is always important to make sure that the hand does not appear too large in the portrait, particularly when it is near the face. To achieve this, simply turn it so that the camera can see the side of the hand and the subject’s chin can rest on the palm; avoid placing the chin too heavily on the hand, as this will distort both the hand and the face.

If you want the hands to be visible, there is a very simple way of making them look elegant. If the hand is positioned above the subject’s waist level, the wrist should be bent slightly so that the hand points upward, as this looks more natural. When the hand is positioned below the waist, allow it to fall downward; this is the position our hands naturally adopt when we stand.

When the subject’s hands need to be separated from the trouser pocket, leave out the thumb so that a little more of the hand can be seen.

The hand can become very dominant, especially when it is flat on to camera; this is why we usually show the side, rather than the palm or the back, of the hand, as it is always more pleasing to the eye and makes the hand look slimmer.

When the hand is below the waist, regardless of whether the subject is sitting down or not, the hand can naturally relax by allowing the wrist to bend downward.

The classic hand pose can be enhanced by stacking the fingers one behind the otherto form a “staircase;” this can be achieved by placing the thumb behind the forefinger.

When the hands are above the waist, the wrist can be bent upward to enhance the graceful shape of the side of the hand

Marks Top Tips for Hands:
If your subjects find it hard to pose their hands, try getting them to hold a pen and then remove it, keeping their fingers in the same position.

A simple way of getting a pleasing position of the fingers is to get the sitter to pick up a pen and then slide it out, leaving the fingers in the same position.

If you are not sure whether or not to include the hands, leave them out.
The side of the hand looks more attractive and slimmer in a portrait than the back of the hand or the palm.

The Next PT4U Webniar :- The Panel Selection And Finish

2011-10-22T04:40:00.000-07:00

At PhotoTraining4U we have always been about what our members want and what they want they get! The webinars have always been in great demand and the next webinar is on October 28th 2011.

To register and find out more information on the webinar go to PhotoTraining4U.com

One Day WorkShop With Mark Cleghorn - The Streets

2011-10-21T05:27:00.000-07:00

Do you have a passion for photography, Do you have a Passion for characters. Well this is your chance to spend the whole day With Mark Cleghorn on his one day Workshop The Streets taking place on Sunday 30th October 2011 in Cardiff

In The Streets Workshop Mark will teach you the techniques that he uses while shooting in the Streets. He will show you, what to look for while shooting, looking at exposure, composition, textures, Focus and much more.

Who should come – These courses are perfect for Photographers at all levels, whether amateur or pro as Mark takes time out to develop each individual whilst shooting to maximise the experience.

What should I bring – Delegates should bring their own cameras as well as any specific equipment to your camera manufacturer plus bring your own speedlites etc for off camera flash use.

What will we supply – Usually a light lunch (unless stated) and refeshments, plus any special equipment including studio flash, reflectors, radio triggers

When should I book – As soon as possible as places are limited to 15 photographers (unless stated). To Book Your Place Click Here

The Day will include The Candids, The Approach and a Shoot with our Amazing Model.
Book your place today for Only £125 and secure your place. Book Now and we shall see you on the Streets

Portrait Photography: Narrow & Broad Lighting

2011-10-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

Narrow and broad lighting are probably the two terms that are the most confusing for portrait photographers, but they are two powerful techniques that you must learn and understand. They are both based on 45° lighting.

Narrow Lighting

In narrow lighting, as you might expect, only a relatively small area of the face is highlighted.
With the 45° lighting set-up in place, ask your model to turn or tilt his or her head toward the shoulder nearest the key light, so that it illuminates the area from the ear (if it is visible) to the tip of the nose on the side of the face furthest from the camera. Although more of the shadowed side of the face is visible, the highlighted side now occupies a relatively small area of the picture.

Because only a relatively small area is highlighted, narrow lighting instantly makes the subject look thinner. If the face is turned too far, however, the key light will start to light the shadow side of the face and the effect will be lost.

This technique should not be confused with split lighting.

Narrow lighting - Narrow lighting puts most of the face in shadow but brings attention to the five planes of the face—the forehead, nose, chin, and the two cheeks.

Broad Lighting

In broad lighting, the head is turned slightly away from the key light. The highlighted area now appears wider than the shadowed side and, because the eye is instantly drawn to the highlighted flesh, the face seems wider and fatter. This is exaggerated in a low-key style of portrait, as the highlighted skin stands out even more against a dark background.

Broad lighting can be used to give power and strength to a portrait and is generally used in male portraiture to exaggerate the subject’s masculine qualities. Be careful not to turn the face too far, as this will make the ear dominate the portrait, even when it is in shadow.

Broad lighting should not be confused with flat lighting, but both techniques give the appearance of weight gain.

Broad lighting - Broad lighting highlights and accentuates the broadest side of the face visible to camera.

Tilting the Head

The shot on the left demonstrates the use of narrow lighting. In the shot on the right a shift in pose, with no adjustment to the lighting, accidentally produced a broad-lit image. As you can see, the narrow-lit image is far more appealing to the eye.

Narrow Lighting

Accidental broad lighting

Tips:

Narrow lighting is great for women and for reducing overall body size.

Always shoot women from above bust height to exaggerate the eyes and make the neck look longer.
For a more dramatic image, turn off the fill light.

Exaggerating the effect - These two examples exaggerate the effect of broad and narrow lighting because only one light is used in each case. The lack of shadow detail makes it easier to see the effect; a simple trick is always to squint when observing the light on a subject’s face.

Now Try This...

Photograph several individuals using both narrow and broad lighting techniques. Then show different people the pairs of images and ask which ones they find most attractive. You will find that most people prefer the narrow-lit images.

by Mark Cleghorn

You can find lighting tecnique films on PhotoTraining4U by clicking HERE

Using Window Light in Professional Portraiture

2011-10-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

Many studio flash lighting techniques can be mimicked very easily using natural light coming through a window.

Large diffused light source - Because the light coming through the large window was diffused by the frosting of the glass, the subject was able to stand close to the window with any risk of the detail on her white dress burning out. Light reflects off the white wall behind her, which is lit by the brighter window in the background, and illuminates the shadow area on the back of the dress.

When Mark works on location, whether it’s in a client’s home or an office, he will try to use natural window light; not only does window light give a different mood than studio flash, but that mood also changes at different times of day as it combines with the ambient light in the room. The lighting effect from a window can range from a soft, romantic warm glow in early evening to a harsh, theatrical effect in the middle of the day when the window is in strong sunlight. The quantity and the quality of the light coming through the window also depends on the size and shape of the window.

Mark will usually use the largest window in the home, because if there is enough light to light a full-length portrait then there will also be enough light to shoot small groups and head-and-shoulders shots.
If the room is going to be a part of the setting, make sure that you can place your subject not only near the window but also further into the room. This gives you flexibility: since the light falls off the further away from the window you get, being able to move your subject will allow you some control over the intensity of the light.

You can soften and diffuse window light by covering the window with a translucent material such as voile. This gives a quality of light similar to that produced by a soft box; the only disadvantage is that you cannot control the angle of the sunlight, as this depends on the time of day.

When the sun is strong and streaming through a window, the effect is similar to spot lighting in terms of both shape, which is controlled by the shape of the window, and intensity and contrast. On a very sunny day, place a diffusion reflector panel in the window in order to reduce the intensity.

Large window, small subject - The window that you choose to use will not always have the best quality of light; this window was chosen for its grandeur and the dramatic contrast in scale between it and the little girl.

If your subject is backlit, you have to choose whether to meter for the subject and risk overexposing the background, or to meter for the background, which could easily lead to the subject being underexposed. If you decide to meter for the subject, take a meter reading very close to the subject, as this will avoid the backlighting giving a false reading. If you use a reflector, take the reading with the reflector panel in place—otherwise the extra light that you gain from introducing the reflector will result in the subject being overexposed.

Speckled light - On a sunny day the light falling on the subject can be very speckled and uneven, as in this portrait. I positioned the young girl mainly in the shade, but allowed the speckled light to touch her nose and arm to add a magical quality of light to the image.

Backlit Subjects

One of the problems of backlighting is that the main subject can appear underexposed. This series shows how simple it is to balance the exposure by using fill-in flash.

Light from behind: Because most of the light is coming from behind, the light on the face is soft and lacking in contrast. This is similar to a high-key studio set-up in which the background is lit too brightly.

Adding Light: To balance the exposure on the skin tone a little better, Mark used a speedlight on the camera, set to automatic.

Adding Modeling

Diffused window light can sometimes create a flat-lit image. As the light source cannot be moved, the only way to create more modeling is to move the subject.

Flat lighting: The window position and the direction of the subject’s gaze have combined to produce a flat-lit image.

Turning the head to create modeling: When the subject turns her face toward the camera, some shadow is created on the side furthest from the window. This instantly creates modeling on the face.

Tip:

When the sun is high in the sky, the light coming through a window is at a more acute angle —so the subject will need to be lower than the window, seated on a chair or on the floor, in order to be in the brightest part of the light. The subject will also need to tilt his or her head up toward the light to illuminate the face and avoid any harsh shadow in the eyes.

Position a white reflector panel underneath the camera and pointing toward the subject to reflect the light, tilting it back toward the window to control shadow detail.

You can find lighting tecnique films on PhotoTraining4U by clicking HERE

Portrait Photography: Refining the Pose

2011-10-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

By refining the details of a pose, you can make a portrait look far more relaxed. Being able to communicate what you want your clients to do is essential when making such subtle changes.

It is a good idea to build up a repertoire of posing positions. Not only will this help you with the composition and the way you frame the subject in the portrait, but it will also allow you to rely on a small variety of poses that you can achieve easily, making your subject feel confident in your ability and allowing you to be more creative during the rest of the session.

Awkward sitting pose — This portrait is a perfect example of why a pose needs to be refined: when the subject was asked to sit, she sat almost flat on her bottom, leaving her knees in an awkward and uncomfortable position. It looks posed and unnatural.

Refined sitting pose — Here, I asked the subject to roll her body toward the camera and rest on her hip to relax the pose. I also got her to cross her feet, which allowed the top knee to bend and slightly cover the bottom leg. Her left hand creates a gap between the arm and the body, which makes her look thinner, while her right arm supports her weight and adds to the shape and curve of the portrait.

Seating the Client
When a chair is used in a portrait, it is better for it to be off square to the camera, so that the subject can turn naturally. Many subjects tend to slouch: you can improve matters by asking them to sit toward the front of the chair, as this will keep their back a little straighter and make them look more alert. If the chair has arms, ask your subject to lean on the arm that is nearest the camera; this creates a look of interest and confidence. Leaning on the arm of the chair that is furthest from the camera can make the subject look withdrawn.

Fun posing — Never be afraid to use a prop completely out of character as it can add a fun and quirky element to the portrait. Here, the subject looks too big for the chair; a child in the same pose would look more natural in scale.

Using a chair — This portrait shows a classic seated pose, with the subject’s weight on her front hip and the front foot hooked behind the other to take it away from the camera and make it look less prominent. The hand nestles comfortably across the lap and bends slightly upward. Resting one arm on the chair back is a rather more contemporary style of posing; here, however, it distracts a little from the face, as the back of the hand is visible and looks large and catches the light too much.

Seating your client on the floor looks natural and gives him or her plenty of space. It is ideal for a full-length seated portrait. However, if it is not carefully controlled, this pose can make the subject look awkward and fatter.

Seated huddle — This portrait is perfect for women with the appropriate clothing as it exaggerates the slimness of the waist and, because both knees are bent, makes the legs look longer. Turning the body slightly away from the light exaggerates the highlight on the face and side arm and directs attention toward the face.

Refined huddle — Bringing all the limbs together gives a new mood to the portrait, as it now becomes very insular and secure. This pose exaggerates the use of arms to weave all the body parts together and lends a beautiful shape to the portrait.

Some people feel comfortable when lying on the floor, while others do not; you need to exercise a little common sense, as well as courtesy, when deciding what a client will and will not do. When your subject is lying on the floor, make sure that features such as the buttocks or bust are not overexaggerated.

Lying on the Floor

These poses are ideal for children and young women but not appropriate for a man.

Torso raised — The tilt of the head toward the key light makes the subject look relaxed, and the hands are positioned forward to balance the body as well as to help the composition. The hands could be brought back toward the chest, to shade them from the key light and make them less of a distraction.

Chin resting on hands — This pose makes the subject look slimmer; the amount of white background around her also helps to minimize her overall body size. When the chin rests on the hands, make sure it does not push down on the arm; this not only looks unnatural but will also fatten the face.

by Mark Cleghorn

You can find posing guide films on PhotoTraining4U by clicking HERE

Profile Lighting for Dynamic Portraits

2011-10-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

When lit correctly and used against a dark background, a portrait in profile can be one of the most dynamic images. There are, however, a few rules to keep in mind to make sure that the portrait flatters the subject and does not emphasize bad features.

The first thing to consider with a profile shot is whether the style will suit your subject, as it will exaggerate the shape of both the nose and the chin.

Lighting a profile is simple. I generally prefer to use just two lights—a soft box as the main light to give the overall illumination and create the roundness of the face, and a second light to light the hair and chisel out the features, which will add to the drama of the portrait. I like the mood created by the touches of light on the planes of the face minimizing detail in the shadow. However, there may be occasions when you want to include a fill light to give more detail in the shadows.

Key Light

Fit the key light with a small soft box, as you are lighting only the head and shoulders of the subject. The soft box has many layers of diffusion to give a soft and gentle light, but you can control the specularity by removing one or more of the diffusion layers.

Position the key light at 45° to the subject; this creates the same characteristics as the 45° lighting technique, giving a shadow to the near cheek and slimming and defining the subject.

The profile and 45° lighting - With the key light at 45° to the subject’s nose and the background, a shadow is created on the subject’s face and back, which gives beautiful modeling and a more dramatic mood. Even with the light in the correct position, the subject’s eyes look a little glazed because the soft box is reflected in the eye.

If your subject’s skin is quite pitted and spotted, this lighting set-up could produce an unflattering image. To get around the problem, simply position the key light directly in front of your subject; this will diffuse the shadows of the pitting, giving a flatter lit portrait. However, the consequent reduction in modeling will also have the effect of making your subject’s face look fatter.


Flat lighting the profile - Positioning the key light directly in front of the subject creates a soft and gentle image. The lighting is flat and so any skin imperfections are naturally softened due to the lack of shadow—but note how the position of the key light has resulted in the eyes looking washed out and colorless.

Hair Light

The hair light serves two roles in this style of lighting: not only does it give an outline to the subject and illuminate the top of the head and hair, but it also sharpens the profile and adds an added specula to the highlight, giving an accented light to the four planes of the face that are visible (namely, the forehead, nose, chin, and cheek). This has the effect of exaggerating the outline and any facial flaws even more.

Fill Light

There is often no need for a fill light in a profile set-up, as it will only serve to reduce the shadow on the side of the face nearest the camera, which will distract and give less impact. However, if you do require detail on the side of the face, set the fill light to 1 1⁄2 stops less than the key light and position it behind the camera, diffused to create a flat wash of light across the subject. If you are working on location and using a window to light the profile, position a reflector in front of the camera, make sure you do not light the back of the head and, if possible, take care not to draw too much attention to the ear.

Background Light

A background light is not essential, but if you do use one, you should do so discreetly, so as not to draw too much attention to the background.

A background light will naturally separate the subject from the background. If you use a gel on the background light to add color or if you light a colored background with a snoot or a honeycomb, the image will take on a very different mood. Do not light the background too brightly or you will distract the viewer’s eye from the subject.

Enhancing the eye color - In this shot, the key light is in the same position as in the shot opposite, but I asked the model to look slightly toward the camera. This reduces the amount of white of the eye that is visible and gives the iris more saturation in color.

Tips:

If someone has a prominent nose, a profile shot is probably best avoided.

The most common fault with a profile portrait is the position of the eye: often the subject looks slightly away from the key light, resulting in too much white of the eye being visible. Ask your subject to look toward the edge of the soft box nearest the camera.

Use the natural flow of your subject’s hair to disguise any wrinkles on the neck.

by Mark Cleghorn

We have loads of films on lighting techniques on PhotoTraining4U you can find them by clicking HERE

All about the Biz!

2011-10-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

One of the key features that has made PhotoTraining4U what it is today is our approach to teaching all aspects of the business of photography. It is just as important to us that our members succeed in business as it is to teach you how to get the shot.

Every month we give our members a new 10K film. In these films we share a tried and tested business builder and a must for any photographer looking to add to their income. The films include were to source this 10K business builder, how to price it, how to shoot it and what to provide.

To quote PT4U member Nigel Hollingworth "I gave you £200 and you made me £18,000!" This achieved by following one of ideas in a 10K film.

You can find all of our 10K films by clicking HERE