Monday, December 30, 2013

Top 9 Amazing Stories List from 2013 (Dakota Visions Style)

It's year end, and we are all looking back to what occurred in 2013.  Here, at Dakota Visions Photography, LLC we are reminiscing about what went well, and what we can do better for 2014.  One of the items we are looking at is what posts from the See You Behind the Lens... blog did well with our readership so we can continue to build on those types of articles for 2014.

We hope you enjoy this look back at the best stories from See You Behind the Lens...

Top 9 Amazing Stories List from 2013 #DakotaVisionsStyle #Goodbye2013


And the Top 9 Amazing Stories List from Dakota Visions Photography, LLC go to.....

Drum roll, please...

9.  Sleek, Sexy, Shiny Lines: Counts Car Show 2013


What else do you look for when a car show like this comes to town?

Read more...

Top 9 Amazing Stories List from 2013 (Dakota Visions Style) - Sleek, Sexy, Shiny Lines: Counts Car Show 2013


8.  Angel's Snow


It was like the angels were placing each snowflake into place...  


Top 9 Amazing Stories List from 2013 (Dakota Visions Style) - Angel's Snow


7.  2013 Kool Deadwood Nites Car Show Images


For this post, we are just going to cut it short on talking, and we'll just let the drool begin...  


Top 9 Amazing Stories List from 2013 (Dakota Visions Style) - 2013 Kool Deadwood Nites Car Show Images


6.  Images from Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2013: Part I


The best way to sum up the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is to quote the infamous "Gunny" R Lee Ermey in the Victory Motorcycle TV commercial. 
"When we brought the Victory Challenge to the streets, we were not going to do it at some freaking poser parade. No way! This, is Sturgis! Let's ride."
Read more... 
Top 9 Amazing Stories List from 2013 (Dakota Visions Style) - Images from Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2013: Part I


5.  In My Own Words: Baby Tatanka, Part II


There is a lot of activity on the prairie, and we tried to capture some of the essence of what it is like to be in Custer State Park during this wonderful time of spring, rejuvenation, and new life.


Top 9 Amazing Stories List from 2013 (Dakota Visions Style) - In My Own Words: Baby Tatanka, Part II


4.  Top 10 Amazing Photography Apps To Buy With That Holiday iTunes Gift Card


We all know those iTunes gift cards are going to start flowing.  But you are wondering what amazing photography apps you should purchase for your iPad or iPhone from the App Store?  Well look no further, here is the ultimate list of photography apps to download! 




3.  In My Own Words:  Baby Tatanka, Part I


"Hey there everyone, my name is Baby Tatanka!  I am an American Bison born in Custer State Park in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota, but most people just call me a buffalo.  I was just born maybe a day or two ago.  This is all new to me, so I think I'm saying that right.  Well, here - this is me."
Read more...

Top 9 Amazing Stories List from 2013 (Dakota Visions Style) - In My Own Words: Baby Tatanka, Part I



Abstract art can be one of the many uses of the 'Distort' filter in Photoshop.  Creating and making graphics with swirls to add to image backgrounds or to use as stand-alone works of art can be accomplished in just about any version of the program.  We will be using Adobe Photoshop CS6 for this beginner's tutorial.

Read more...

Top 9 Amazing Stories List from 2013 (Dakota Visions Style) - Abstract Art in Photoshop Tutorial: Swirls with Distort



And the #1 Amazing Story from 2013 on See You Behind the Lens... 

Drum Roll...


Exposure is one of the primary building blocks of photography, but seldom is it so clearly explained as in this infographic.  Each portion of this infographic explains the three basic components of exposure: shutter speed, ISO, and aperture.

Read more...



We are excited to begin our journey into 2014 to begin creating a new list of favorite stories and tutorials from 2014!  Happy New Year!

Join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , Twitter, or sneak a peek at our photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC. Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...


Filter Forge - an advanced Photoshop plugin


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by Richard S - Dakota Visions Photography, LLC

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Text Effect Photoshop Tutorial: Glossy Glass Typography

This mid-level text effect tutorial in Adobe Photoshop and the matching print screens were created in Photoshop CS6/CC.  This effect is commonly used in typography design projects.  It contains step-by-step instructions on how to create a glossy glass text, which can be saved as a PSD file and used at any time for future projects.

The finished product you will be creating from this tutorial:

Text Effect Photoshop Tutorial: Glossy Glass Text #typography

Filter Forge - an advanced Photoshop plugin


Glossy Glass Text Effect

Step 1:
Create your text in a new Photoshop file.  In this example, we use Tahoma - Bold.

Step 1 - Text Effect Photoshop Tutorial: Glossy Glass Text | Tahoma #typography

Step 2:
Open a new Layer Style for Bevel & Emboss.

Within the Structure section, choose the Inner Bevel with the Smooth Technique.  The depth should be set around 70% - we used 72% in this example.  The direction should be Up in a size of roughly 3px.
Note: Some items in this tutorial depend on the final size of your typography and can be adjusted as needed. 

Within the Shading portion of Bevel & Emboss, the Angle is set to 120 degrees.  The altitude is set at 65% and the Gloss Contour is set to a custom Chrome setting that we use.  We call it Glossy Shine/Chrome. make sure the Anti-aliased box is checked.  (Note: By clicking on your Gloss Contour box display photo, not the drop down arrow, you will be able to create your own glossy contour settings.)

The Highlight Mode is set at 100% pure white in Screen mode.  The Shadow Mode is set to Multiply pure black at 70%. 

Step 2 - Text Effect Photoshop Tutorial: Glossy Glass Text #typography #bevelemboss

Step 3:
Continue in the Layer Style/Bevel & Emboss by checking the Contour style.  We have created our own Custom Preset for this as seen below.  Make sure to have your Anti-aliased setting on and the Range around 20-25%.

Step 3 - Text Effect Photoshop Tutorial: Glossy Glass Text #typography #contour

Step 4:
Open the Layer Style/Stroke.  The Stroke Structure should be roughly 1px, centered in Normal Blend Mode with an Opacity of 100%.

We have created a Darker Gloss Gradient Preset to Align with Layer in a Shape Burst Style.  The angle on this should be 0 degrees at a Scale of 100%.

Step 4 - Text Effect Photoshop Tutorial: Glossy Glass Text #typography #strokelayer

Step 5:
Open the Layer Style/Inner Glow to a Normal Blend Mode set at 15% Opacity with 0% Noise.  Use a white gradient as shown below.  

The Element Technique should be changed to Precise Edge with a Choke of 0% and Size of 3px.  

The Quality is set to a Conical Contour with the Anti-aliased setting selected.  The Range is set to 90% with Jitter at 0%.

Step 5 - Text Effect Photoshop Tutorial: Glossy Glass Text #typography #innerglow

Step 6:  
Open the Layer Style/Drop Shadow set at Multiply Blend Mode.  The Opacity should be set at 90% at an angle of 140 degrees.  (This is not a mistake from the earlier 120 degree setting in the Bevel & Emboss Layer Style.  This offset helps provide the glass refraction feel.)

Again, depending upon the size of your text, you may need to vary the Distance, Spread, and Size shown in the reference print screen below.  Use these numbers as a rough guide.  

The Quality Contour should be set as noted below, Anti-aliased with 0% Noise.  When using this with other layers in your project, make note to have the Layer Knocks Out Drop Shadow selected.

Step 6 - Text Effect Photoshop Tutorial: Glossy Glass Text #typography #dropshadow



At this time, your Glossy Glass Text Effect is complete.  If you save this as a PSD file at this time, you can recreate this text for any design project in the future.  All you have to do is add in your other layers as needed!  

Final Step - Layers - Text Effect Photoshop Tutorial: Glossy Glass Text #typography

We hope you have enjoyed this typography text effect tutorial, and feel free to share via the social share buttons below.  Join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , Twitter, or sneak a peek at our photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC. Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...



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by Richard S - Dakota Visions Photography, LLC

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Thoughtful Thursday Photography Quote: December 19, 2013

"The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera."  - Dorothea Lange

DakotaVisions Photography Quote by Dorothea Lange - Camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see


Join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , Twitter, or sneak a peek at our photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC. Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...


Filter Forge - an advanced Photoshop plugin


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by Richard S - Dakota Visions Photography, LLC


Saturday, December 14, 2013

Picture of the Day: Painted Buffalo

Sometimes, a photograph really does look like it should have been a painting.  Here is our try at "Painted Buffalo". 

Painted Buffalo by Dakota Visions Photography #filterforge #CusterStatePark


Join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , Twitter, or sneak a peek at our photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC. Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...

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by Richard S - Dakota Visions Photography, LLC


Filter Forge - an advanced Photoshop plugin

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Thoughtful Thursday Photography Quote: December 12, 2013

"I prefer winter and fall, when you feel the bone structure in the landscape - the loneliness of it - the dead feeling of winter.  Something waits beneath it - the whole story doesn't show."
- Andrew Wyeth

DVP Thoughtful Thursday Photography Quote - Andrew Wyeth


Join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , Twitter, or sneak a peek at our photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC. Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...

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by Richard S - Dakota Visions Photography, LLC


Saturday, December 7, 2013

Pinterest Promotes Embeded Boards

Is your photography business on Pinterest, but you have customers that aren't yet?  Let Pinners explore your Pinterest Boards without ever having to leave your site.

With the new widgets from Business on Pinterest, Pinners can scroll through the most recent Pins on your profile or board, just like they would on Pinterest. They can also add a Pin directly from the widget on your blog by clicking on the Pin. Of course, readers of your blog can always click your name or “See on Pinterest,” to be whisked right to your Pinterest account.

Make sure that you are using the most current Pinterest tools to continue to drive traffic to your website and create that ease of doing business with you.  Now stay calm, and Pin on!

For your business Pinterest account, the widget builder can be found here: Business on Pinterest - Widget Builder.  Just choose the embed style you are looking for: Pin, Profile, or Board. 


Join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , Twitter, or sneak a peek at our photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC. Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...

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by Richard S - Dakota Visions Photography, LLC

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Perfect Photo Suite 8: Getting Started Video

Have you checked out Perfect Photo Suite 8 yet?  If not, get the lowdown by reading, "Perfect Photo Suite 8: It's Here".  If you've already purchased it, you may be totally stoked about using it - but it's still a pain in the butt to learn new software.

onOne Software and Liz LePage have come to the rescue by creating a great beginner's tutorial video on YouTube called "Getting Started in Perfect Photo Suite 8 with Liz LePage".  For those of you that have used Perfect Photo Suite before, you may find it a little light on content, but it is great for those that are just getting started with the software - or want to look at it in use, before making your own purchase.

If you are having problems accessing the video, please use this link:


Take the time, watch the video.  If you haven't bought your copy of Perfect Photo Suite 8 yet, just press on the banner below to begin your adventure with one of the easiest and robust photography editing software packages on the market!


We not only use this product, but we were willing to become an affiliate with onOne Software to help sell the product.  That's how much we believe in the products and customer service coming from onOne Software!  Don't miss out on this giant leap forward in post-processing software.  This affordable alternative to Adobe Photoshop CS6 and Adobe Creative Suite is the best on the market.  Join us by buying your copy of Perfect Photo Suite 8 today!

Join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , Twitter, or sneak a peek at our photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC. Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...

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by Richard S - Dakota Visions Photography, LLC

Thoughtful Thursday Photography Quote: December 5, 2013

The Preface to The Picture of Dorian Gray 

The artist is the creator of beautiful things. To reveal art and conceal the artist is art’s aim.  ... 
Those who find ugly meanings in beautiful things are corrupt without being charming. This is a fault. 
Those who find beautiful meaning in beautiful things are the cultivated.  For these there is hope. They are the elect to whom beautiful things mean only Beauty.  ...
It is the spectator, and not life, that art really mirrors. Diversity of opinion about a work of art shows that the work is new, complex, and vital. 

Picture of Dorian Gray Thoughtful Thursday Quote from Oscar Wilde


Join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , Twitter, or sneak a peek at our photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC. Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...

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by Richard S - Dakota Visions Photography, LLC

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Top 10 Amazing Photography Apps To Buy With That Holiday iTunes Gift Card

We all know those iTunes gift cards are going to start flowing.  But you are wondering what amazing photography apps you should purchase for your iPad or iPhone from the App Store?  Well look no further, here is the ultimate list of photography apps to download!

            



            















BONUS FREE APPS:  HAVE TO-HAVES

            

            



Join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , Twitter, or sneak a peek at our photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC. Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...

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by Richard S - Dakota Visions Photography, LLC

Thursday, November 28, 2013

A Thanksgiving Day Prayer

From the Dakota Visions Photography family to yours, have a Happy Thanksgiving.  Today, we stop to give thanks and offer a Thanksgiving Day prayer...


From the Dakota Visions Photography family: A Thanksgiving Day Prayer by Scott Wesemann

A Thanksgiving Day Prayer

Lord, so often times, as any other day
When we sit down to our meal and pray

We hurry along and make fast the blessing
Thanks, amen. Now please pass the dressing

We’re slaves to the olfactory overload
We must rush our prayer before the food gets cold

But Lord, I’d like to take a few minute more
To really give thanks to what I’m thankful for

For my family, my health, a nice soft bed
My friends, my freedom, a roof over my head

I’m thankful right now to be surrounded by those
Whose lives touch me more than they’ll ever possibly know

Thankful Lord, that You’ve blessed me beyond measure
Thankful that in my heart lives life’s greatest treasure

That You, dear Jesus, reside in that place
And I’m ever so grateful for Your unending grace

So please, heavenly Father, bless this food You’ve provided
And bless each and every person invited

Amen!
-Scott Wesemann

May your day be filled with family, friends, and warm memories.  Don't forget to join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , Twitter, or sneak a peek at our photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC. Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...

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by Richard S - Dakota Visions Photography, LLC

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Perfect Photo Suite 8: It's Here!

onOne Software Announces Availability of Perfect Photo Suite 8



New Perfect Eraser for Content-Aware Fill, Enhance and Browse Modules, Perfect Batch Processor, and Re-imagined Effects Module Evolve Popular Plug-In Into a Complete Photo Editing Solution for Every Workflow


Portland, OR – November 26, 2013:
onOne Software, Inc., a leading developer of innovative digital photography solutions, today announced the availability of Perfect Photo Suite 8—the Photographer’s Choice for Photo Editing.  Perfect Photo Suite 8 is a full-featured, standalone photo editor that also integrates seamlessly with Adobe Photoshop CS6 , Lightroom, Photoshop Elements, and Apple Aperture. It includes all the best tools a photographer needs to create stunning images.

KEY FEATURES:

Key new features include the Perfect Eraser, with content-aware fill technology; the Perfect Enhance module for essential photo adjustments; a new Browser that streamlines direct access to images wherever they are located; the Perfect Batch engine that applies presets to multiple images with a single click; and a re-engineered Perfect Effects module, with twice as many adjustable filters, customizable presets, and integrated FocalPoint technology. These new tools and capabilities alongside Perfect Photo Suite 8’s eight modules, one-click presets, tools for automated enhancements, and powerful controls allow photographers to enhance, retouch, and stylize images in a layered workflow, replace backgrounds, create high-quality enlargements, and prepare images for output—giving them the ability to express their creativity and transform their photos quickly and easily.

onOne Software Releases Perfect Photo Suite 8: It's Here!

NEW PERFECT PHOTO SUITE 8 HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Eight integrated modules – Effects, Enhance, B&W, Portrait, Mask, Layers, Resize, and Browse. Each module is designed to target a specific image-processing task. Together, they help photographers enhance, retouch, and stylize images in a layered workflow, replace backgrounds, create high-quality enlargements, and prepare images for use in various capacities. 
  • New Module! Perfect Enhance provides essential tools for basic enhancements, such as brightness and contrast adjustments; colorcast, dust spot, and power line removal; and the addition of vignettes. It is an ideal module to start with when using Perfect Photo Suite 8 as a standalone application or when quick corrections are needed.
  • New Module! Browse provides convenient and direct access to image files wherever they are stored—whether they are on a computer, an external drive, a connected network, or on a cloud-based storage service like Dropbox, Google Drive, or Apple’s Photo Stream.
  • Reimagined! Perfect Effects – As a cornerstone of Perfect Photo Suite 8, the Effects module has been redesigned by adding adjustable filters and customizable presets, making it the most powerful and versatile image stylization tool available on the market today.
  • Twice as Many Adjustable Filters to create the most sought-after looks, including:
  • Dynamic Contrast – Adds stunning clarity to images and makes them pop by exaggerating the levels of contrast, without sacrificing highlight and shadow detail, creating halos, or affecting saturation. 
  • Lens Blur – Includes the best parts of FocalPoint technology to create bokeh, tilt-shift, and selective focus effects after the shot. 
  • HDR – Gives images the edgy look of high dynamic range. Settings are adjustable and create effects that range from subtle to surreal.
  • Vintage – Turns photos into a nostalgic memory with retro-style filters. 
  • Powerful brushes provide the right results for specific editing tasks:
  • Perfect Eraser removes objects with content-aware fill technology
  • Retouch Brush uses spot healing to remove small distractions
  • Clone Brush removes unwanted items by replicating and covering specified areas of an image 
  • Masking Brush reveals underlying layers or selectively applies effects
  • Perfect Brush delivers precise edge-detection masking
  • Hundreds of Customizable Presets are available throughout Perfect Photo Suite 8 that make it easy for any photographer to instantly create an image they love. Presets can also be used as starting points for creativity and efficiency. Presets are included in the Enhance, Effects, B&W, Portrait, and Resize modules. 
  • Improved Masking Bug in the Effects and Layers modules make mask creation easier and more intuitive.
  • Perfect Batch engine simultaneously applies presets from multiple modules and a watermark to a selected group of images.

AVAILABILITY AND PRICING:

The new Perfect Photo Suite 8 is now available by clicking here. Perfect Photo Suite 8 is available in three editions: Premium, Standard, and for Adobe Lightroom & Apple Aperture. 

The Premium Edition works with Adobe Photoshop CS6 , Lightroom, Photoshop Elements, Apple Aperture, and as a standalone application. It is priced at $179.95. Owners of previous versions of Perfect Photo Suite Premium Edition can upgrade for $99.95. 

For a limited time, orders of Perfect Photo Suite 8 Premium Edition will include a special collection of Professional Presets and The Essential Video Guide to Perfect Photo Suite 8, which provides a comprehensive collection of getting started training videos for Perfect Photo Suite 8—for free ($80 value). This offer ends on December 3, 2013.

Perfect Photo Suite 8 for Adobe Lightroom & Apple Aperture works with Lightroom, Aperture, Photoshop Elements, and as a standalone application. It is available for $129.95; upgrades are $79.95. The Standard Edition works as a complete standalone photo editor and is available for $79.95. 

For more information on Perfect Photo Suite 8, please visit http://www.ononesoftware.com. A 30-day Money Back Guarantee backs all onOne Software products. 


We not only use this product, but we are willing to become an affiliate with onOne Software to help sell the product.  That's how much we believe in the work coming from onOne Software!  Don't miss out on this giant leap forward in post-processing software.  This affordable alternative to Adobe Photoshop CS6 and Creative Suite is the best on the market.  Join us by buying your copy of Perfect Photo Suite 8 today!

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Using Photomerge in Adobe Photoshop CS6 - A Beginner's Guide

We are going to take a look today at how easy it is to create a Photomerge panorama using 26 photographs we took in Custer State Park.  We are going to go with just some simple, easy to follow tips.  We will expand this tutorial in the future which will encourage you to begin experimenting, but for now - let's just stick to the basics.  Our example will be how to create this Photomerge directly out of Adobe Photoshop CS6 .

Import your files into Photomerge:
  1. Choose File > Automate > Photomerge.
  2. Under Source Files in the Photomerge dialog box, choose one of the following from the Use menu:
    1. Files: Generates the Photomerge composition using individual files.
    2. Folders: Uses all the images stored in a folder to create the Photomerge composition.
  3. Specify which images to use by doing one of the following:
    1. To select image files or a folder of images, click the Browse button and navigate to the files or folder.
    2. To use the images currently open in Photoshop, click Add Open Files.
  4. To remove images from the Source File list, select the file and click the Remove button.
Using Photomerge in Adobe Photoshop CS6 - Photomerge dialog box

Select a Layout option:
  • Auto: Photoshop analyzes the source images and applies either a Perspective, Cylindrical, and Spherical layout, depending on which produces a better photomerge.
    • For now, let's just stick with the Auto option - this will allow you to learn and play with the Photomerge tool while learning the different functionality.
  • Perspective: Creates a consistent composition by designating one of the source images (by default, the middle image) as the reference image. The other images are then transformed so that overlapping content across layers is matched.
  • Cylindrical: Reduces the “bow‑tie” distortion that can occur with the Perspective layout by displaying individual images as on an unfolded cylinder. Overlapping content across files is still matched. The reference image is placed at the center. Best suited for creating wide panoramas.
  • Spherical: Aligns and transforms the images as if they were for mapping the inside of a sphere. If you have taken a set of images that cover 360 degrees, use this for 360 degree panoramas. 
  • Collage: Aligns the layers and matches overlapping content and transforms (rotate or scale) any of the source layers.
  • Reposition: Aligns the layers and matches overlapping content, but does not transform (stretch or skew) any of the source layers.

Select any of the following options:
  • Blend Images Together: Finds the optimal borders between the images and create seams based on those borders, and to color match the images. With Blend Images Together turned off, a simple rectangular blend is performed. This may be preferable if you intend to retouch the blending masks by hand.
  • Vignette Removal: Removes and performs exposure compensation in images that have darkened edges caused by lens flaws or improper lens shading.
  • Geometric Distortion Correction: Compensates for barrel, pincushion, or fish-eye distortion.
Let the Magic begin:

      5.  Click OK.

Photoshop creates one multi‑layer image from the source images, adding layer masks as needed to create optimal blending where the images overlap. You can edit the layer masks or add adjustment layers to further fine tune the different areas of the panorama.

Using Photomerge in Adobe Photoshop CS6 - 26 Photographs in Multilayer

And here you go - final image!  We dive deeper into these concepts as we expand this tutorial in the future, but for now - get our there and have some fun!  We hope you enjoyed.

Dakota Visions Photography: Custer State Park Panorama using Adobe Photoshop CS6 Photomerge








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by Richard S - Dakota Visions Photography, LLC

Source: Adobe Photoshop Help

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Veteran's Day 2013: Honoring Those Who Served

Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices. - President Harry S. Truman

Thank you for your service, your dedication, and your sacrifice.

Veteran's Day 2013: Thank you for your service. In honor of all who have served.  From Dakota Visions Photography, LLC

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Photo of the Day: November 5 - Black Hills Photo Shootout

Throughout the next few weeks, stay tuned as we post some Photo of the Day selections from our time at the Black Hills Photo Shootout.  This selection was from an afternoon session at the Spirit of the Hills Wildlife Sanctuary in Spearfish, SD.

Dakota Visions Photography #POTD Black Hills Photo Shootout - Spirit of the Hills Wildlife Sanctuary

Join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , Twitter, or sneak a peek at our photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC. Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...

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by Richard S - Dakota Visions Photography, LLC

Friday, October 25, 2013

Photography Landing Page Best Practices: How to Design the Perfect Landing Page [Infographic]

Every now and then, we like to share some ideas for the 'business' side of photography too.  We hope this helps a bit with some great tips on PPC advertising and landing pages. - Richard

Do you use a landing page on your photography website?  Pay-Per-Click advertising is becoming more expensive to purchase, so your landing page layout must be optimized to remain cost-effective.  Do you employ the 'RCCC' rule on your landing page to go along with your PPC advertising?

  • Responsive = Make your landing page viewable across all devices
  • Call To Action = Clear and concise
  • Content = Matches ad copy
  • Contact = Clear way to contact you


If not, check out this infographic from TechWyse Internet Marketing to see how to implement these methods into reality.

Landing Page Best Practices - Business of #Photography DVP & SYBTL #Infographics
[ Source TechWyse Internet Marketing ]

Join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , Twitter, or sneak a peek at our photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC. Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...

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by Richard S - Dakota Visions Photography, LLC

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Thoughtful Thursday Photography Quote: October 24


Creativity  

After living in the devastation left in the wake of Winter Storm Atlas, and reliving the nightmare of dead livestock every where you turn - creativity is the last thing on your mind.  But it's time to move on...

A little bit of Aposysis abstract design, the transform tool in Adobe Photoshop CS6 with multiple layers, creatively using the blending modes and some typography...and VOILA!  Taking the seemingly unconnected and connecting them with a pastoral view of a quaint fall forest with the blazing color of an abstract leaf design...you connect the seemingly unconnected.


Join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , Twitter, or sneak a peek at our photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC. Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...

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by Richard S - Dakota Visions Photography, LLC

Sunday, October 20, 2013

The Selfie Phenomenon: Infographic

Whether you love them, or hate them - selfie's are here to stay!  The word "selfie" has even graduated to the Oxford Dictionary.  Have 10 minutes to waste standing in line, search: #selfie on any of the social media channels and find out just how infatuated the public is with them.

Find out more than you ever wanted to know about the #selfie, including which celebrities are the most narcissistic when it comes to social media.

The #Selfie Phenomenon: #Infographic from Dakota Visions Photography and See You Behind the Lens...
Explore more: Visually

Join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , Twitter, or sneak a peek at our photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC. Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...

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by Richard S - Dakota Visions Photography, LLC

Friday, October 4, 2013

Vine Video: Black Hills Thunder Snow Storm

To show the power of a Vine video, we took one of these short 6 second videos and posted it about the tropical storm force winds along with the thunder-snow that is occurring.  And needless to say, it's gone viral.

The power of social media is just amazing and as photographers, we should be taking advantage of it with all avenues available.  Even the simple power of a short six second video, through a kitchen window screen can hold massive marketing reach.  Thanks Vine and Twitter!

PS - Keep watching our Twitter feed @DakotaVisions for updated info on how we are doing in this storm.




Join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , Twitter, or sneak a peek at our photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC. Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...

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by Richard S - Dakota Visions Photography, LLC

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Thoughtful Thursday Photography Quote: October 3, 2013

Is your photography blurred?  Is your life getting blurry, too?  Sometimes we need a reminder to adjust our focus.  For some this comes in the form of a battery check.  Does the camera still work?  Or is it a much easier diagnosis of just needing a little rest, getting plugged back in, and recharging the battery.

For other's it may be a dirty lens.  A little bit of spit polish, a good brushing away of all the dirt and clutter - and your focus is back.

For the rest of us, it may come in more ethereal realization, that what we were focusing on was moving all the time.  We need to make sure that we are focusing on the right things in life, and they will come into focus.

So whether you are in program mode, or manual mode - make sure you adjust the focus.  We've hope, maybe, this touched you in the way it needed to today.  Take care, and remember - the only way you can adjust your focus is to get behind the camera and work at it!

When life get's blurry, adjust your focus - From DVP on See You Behind the Lens


Join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , Twitter, or sneak a peek at our photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC. Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...

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by Richard S - Dakota Visions Photography, LLC

Monday, September 30, 2013

Google+ Dimensions Cheat Sheet: Infographic

Google+ just keeps getting better and better for photographers to show off their finest pieces of art.  Starting September 25th, and thanks to Nik Photography/Snapseed, Google+'s RAW-to-JPEG conversion is now significantly improved.  RAW images from more than 70 different cameras can now be uploaded, and they are adding in additional models over time.

Try uploading your own RAW image, and let us know what you think of the new feature.  From there you can edit the JPEG copy as much as you'd like with the new Google+ editor (http://goo.gl/6QKhqW), and download the original RAW file whenever you want.  Is this possibly a replacement, or at least a wrench in the wheels for Adobe Photoshop Creative Cloud?  Stay tuned, and we'll provide more information as questions are clarified about this new use of Google+.

For now, it's every photographers dream to be able to show their full sized images on social media.  So here is your opportunity to take full advantage of every pixel on Google+.  This handy infographic acts as a speedy reference for image dimensions for Google+ pages and Google+ Local pages.

Google+ Dimensions Cheat Sheet Infographic from SYBTL & Dakota Visions Photography
[ Source TechWyse Internet Marketing ]

Join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , Twitter, or sneak a peek at our photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC. Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...

Subscribe to See You Behind the Lens...
by Richard S - Dakota Visions Photography, LLC