Lightroom 4: How to add "matte" effect

Hello feathered friends!

We recently stumbled upon a fabulous editing shortcut that we wish to share with fellow photogs. As many of you know, the "matte" effect has become insanely popular in the portrait photography field, & all of us at Full Feather Photography have been captivated by the beautiful dream-like look it adds to images.  

If you are a Lightroom 4 user, & are seeking a way to apply this fairy-tale approach to your portraits, we highly recommend that you check out the "LR4 Matte" preset offered from Mandy Peltier Photo.  

Hover your mouse over the following example photos to see some before & after shots:

Talk about a timesaver! Apply the preset & bada-bing-bada-boom, it's transformed.

Oh, and did we mention that by purchasing this preset, you will be helping out a great cause? The Peltier family is hoping to adopt two children from Poland & the proceeds from their sales are helping to fund this cause.  They have many more items up for grabs, including Facebook Covers, digital prints & more presets.  You can see more of their awesome story & fund-raising efforts on Facebook, or if you would like to make a direct donation to this fund, you may do so HERE.

Please join with Full Feather Photography in wishing them many blessings in their adoption journey!

Sandy Creek Covered Bridge - Historic Site near Hillsboro, Missouri

If you ever find yourself in Jefferson County, Missouri, you must stop & see the historic Sandy Creek Covered Bridge.  

The Park is open February through December from 8:00 a.m. til 30 minutes after sunset.

According to the Missouri State Parks, the Sandy Creek Covered Bridge is one of six bridges built in 1872 to allow passage from the Jefferson County seat of Hillsboro to St. Louis.  You can read more about the history of this bridge at the Missouri State Parks' website.

The park has several picnic tables, bathroom facilities and a decent sized parking lot.  It was a picture perfect setting on this cool Spring evening.

Swimming is allowed in the creek, but swim at your own risk!

This is the original road leading down to the bridge.  As I stood here, I couldn't help but wonder how many folks must have travelled along here on their way to St. Louis from Hillsboro.

Some silhouette fun.

And my favorite photograph from the visit...

If you would like to see more of my photographs, please click here.  Thank you for dropping by!

She who leaves a trail of glitter...

I certainly will not forget this amazing young lady!  From the moment I met her, I knew we were going to have an awesome evening together.  

Yes, those gorgeous eyes are her secret weapon.  

We could not have had a better evening for an outdoor shoot & found THE perfect location.

This was only my second time shooting senior portraits.  Ciara & her mother, Carri, were so patient with me & they came prepared with a lot of really great ideas.  As a fairly new Mom myself, I loved getting to watch the two of them interact & bounce jokes off of each other.  

Thank you, Ciara, for the opportunity to take your senior portraits!  You are a natural in front of the camera!

Ciara is one of our featured Senior Reps for 2013, so if you know this lovely lady, please mention her name if you book a session with us.  You can find out more information about Full Feather Photography on our website & remember to "like" us on Facebook to see our latest offers. 

Claremore Photographer - Free Cake Smash Contest

Know a baby who will be turning ONE soon? Full Feather Photography will be celebrating our first birthday this month & we are so excited about our latest contest! Please share this with your friends & encourage them to submit entries asap to increase their chance of winning! Check back to this album to see entries & cast your vote.

*Entries will be accepted until April 29th. Winner does not have to book their session in April, but must book no later than September 1, 2013.

Good luck!