Picture Perfect Framing

Provides instructions and techniques for creating your own picture frames.

Foreword by Skip Cohen Translating the chaos of the real world into a breathtakingly simple, beautiful photograph can often seem like an impossible task. With busy, cluttered backgrounds and subjects who don’t know how to pose, how can you take control and get a great shot no matter the situation? In Picture Perfect Practice, photographer Roberto Valenzuela breaks down the craft of photography into three key elements–locations, poses, and execution–that you can use to unlock the photographic opportunities lying beneath every challenging situation. Valenzuela stresses the need for photographers to actively practice their craft every day–just like you would practice a musical instrument–in order to master the art of making great images. With chapters that offer practice exercises to strengthen your photographic abilities, you’ll learn how to approach a scene, break it down, and see your way to a great photograph. The Location section features chapters that cover symmetry, balance, framing, color elements, textures, and much more. The Posing section includes the Five Key Posing Techniques that Valenzuela uses every time he’s shooting people, as well as a complete list of poses and how to achieve, customize, and perfect them. The Execution portion, with sections like “Lighting through Direction” and “Simplicity through Subtraction,” reveals Valenzuela’s overall approach to getting the shot. The book also includes an inspiring and helpful chapter on deliberate practice techniques, where Valenzuela describes his system for practicing and analyzing his work, which leads to constant improvement as a photographer. If you’ve been frustrated and overwhelmed by the challenges of real-world locations, posing your subjects, or executing a great image–or if you simply want to become a better shooter but don’t know where to start– Picture Perfect Practice gives you the tools and information you need to finally become the kind of photographer you’ve always wanted to be: the kind who can confidently walk into any location, under any lighting condition, with any subject, and know that you can create astonishing photographs that have a timeless impact.

The author presents his advice and practice routines for composing and capturing photographs of people, illustrated with examples from his own practice sessions and from his extensive work photographing weddings around the world.

"Some artists use canvas to create a work of art. David Mellor uses a baseball field. His patterns are so precise and imaginative, I call him the Rembrandt of groundskeeping."--Bob Uecker, Milwaukee Brewers Broadcaster. Now you can transform your sports field or clubhouse lawn into an envy-grabbing work of optic art. In this book, David Mellor, currently the director of grounds for the Boston Red Sox Baseball Club, shares the turf mowing and maintenance secrets that have made him one of the leading creators of elaborate patterns used on athletic turf nationwide. He gives you the benefit of his years of experience along with simple-to-use techniques for creating playing fields that are a cut above the rest.--From publisher description.

Starting and completing these sweet little framed stitcheries is a breeze! With 16 charming projects that all measure 2 1/2" x 4 1/2", it's easy to mix and match their uses. Display finished embroideries: * Framed with beautiful watercolor mats (mats included!) * On sachets and note cards * As bowl fillers or on pillows The choice is yours! Instructions for creating each type of pretty project are included. Themes include redwork houses, bluework birds, garden decor, and more, all shown in alternate colorways so you can choose your favorite look. Also included are a trio of decorative mats (three of each) featuring Kathy's original watercolor designs. Everything you need is inside! Cut out or photocopy the mats to use behind your framed embroidery pieces. Together, they'll be picture perfect.

Discover the secrets to creating stunning, artful picture frames with "The Ultimate Guide to Artful Picture Framing." This comprehensive book is an invaluable resource for both beginners and experienced artists alike, providing step-by-step instructions and expert tips on how to frame your artwork in a way that truly complements its beauty. With this book, you will learn the art of framing and elevate your artwork to a whole new level. From choosing the perfect frame and mat to showcasing your art in various styles, you will gain the skills and knowledge to transform your pieces into breathtaking masterpieces. Benefits of reading "The Ultimate Guide to Artful Picture Framing" - Learn how to enhance the overall aesthetic of your artwork through skillful framing techniques - Discover the secrets to selecting the perfect frame that accentuates and complements your artwork - Explore various framing styles to create unique and personalized displays - Gain confidence in your artistic abilities and showcase your work with pride Featured in "The Ultimate Guide to Artful Picture Framing" - Step-by-step instructions on framing your artwork for optimal visual impact - Expert tips and techniques from renowned artists and framing professionals - Beautifully illustrated examples to inspire your creativity Grab a copy of "The Ultimate Guide to Artful Picture Framing" today and unlock the secrets to framing your artwork like a true artist. Elevate your creativity and transform your artwork into stunning pieces that will captivate and inspire. Picture Perfect: Elevate Your Décor with Proven Picture Framing Techniques and Expert Tips

Photographer, author, and educator Roberto Valenzuela has a proven track record for teaching and explaining difficult concepts to photographers of all skill levels. His remarkable ability to break down complicated ideas into understandable, approachable elements that photographers can truly grasp–and then use their newfound knowledge to improve their photography–made his first book, Picture Perfect Practice, a breakout success. In Picture Perfect Posing, Roberto takes on the art of posing. For many photographers, after learning to compose an image and even light it properly, a portrait can still easily be a failure if the pose is not natural, elegant, and serving the needs of both the subject and the photographer. Instead of just showing page after page of poses–like most posing books on the market–Roberto actually breaks down the concept of posing by examining the anatomy, starting with the core foundation: the spinal chord and neck. Building from there, Roberto discusses every component of what makes poses work, as well as fail. How should the model hold her hands? Bend her elbows? Position her fingers? Should the model look toward or away from the camera, and why? It all depends on what the photographer wants for the shot, and Roberto discusses the entire process, from the intent of the photographer through the execution of the pose. For those who have been discouraged by an inability to pose their subjects, or who have simply not known where to start in order to "figure it out," Picture Perfect Posing is the essential resource they need to learn how posing truly works, and how they can learn to direct the exact pose they need for the shot they want.

Picture-perfect patchwork is easy with the straightforward piecing and rotary-cutting techniques in this book. Full-size patterns for 10 patchwork designs make it simple to piece delightful miniatures quickly and easily. Complete directions for a variety of sewing projects show how to incorporate finished blocks into quilts, clothing, and domestic accessories.