Here are the answers from last Friday’s open Q&A on Facebook!

1.  Vikas V.:  Tips for editing pics?

My number one tip for editing photos is to not go overboard. One should not rely on editing to create a great photo. It should be used like make-up – simply used to enhance.

2.  Angel W.:  Do you have a specific time that you shoot or prefer to shoot?

The hour before sunset. All my engagement sessions are scheduled around this time. Early morning (just as the sun is coming up) is great too, if you feel like getting up early.

3.  Shayne D.:  What’s the secret to good pictures?

1. Know how to work you camera. 2. Put your heart and soul into it. 3. Be in the present moment.

4.  Dale C.:  Do you use different lighting set ups for different hair colors and skin tones?

No. I shoot with natural light 95% of the time and work with what I have.

5.  Krystal A.:  Anyone better than Hill and Usher for photographer insurance?

I get my photo insurance through PPA (Marsh Affinity) and I’ve been very happy with them.  If you sign up through PPA, you get a discounted rate.

6. Sandra Moore:  In all of your travels, where did you get the best view of the stars? 🙂

Bora Bora. They are MAGNIFICENT there – you feel like you can reach up and grab them. I imagine that the stars would be pretty spectacular down by Antarctica as well. That is a trip I have had my eye on for a while. I’d love to hear about other places that have a great view of the stars, so if you have any suggestions, please put it in the comments section below.

7.  Sophia M.:  When editing, how can you only edit the background colors and not the skin tones?

Open the photo in Photoshop and then use the Quick Selection or Magic Wand tool to select which parts of the photo you want to work on.

8.  Karen R.:  What specific program do u use to edit your pictures? I’m an amateur. Any recommendation?

Adobe Lightroom.

9.  Yeseida M.:  Do you use a filter to take black and white photos, use the B&W mode on the camera, or take it in color and work it with a photo editing software?

I shoot photos in RAW using Manual Mode, and then turn it to black & white in Adobe Lightroom.

10. Ivy B.:  How to avoid blurring of pictures at night?

Increase your ISO or shutter speed. I usually shoot at a minimum of ISO 1600 at night. You can also use a tripod, set it down on something, or hold your breath while pressing the shutter.

11.  Jamie G.:  Of all the Christmas gifts you’ve gotten over the years, what was your favorite and why?

A batch of lemon sugar cookies made for me by one of my besties. She stamped words on them, personalized for me.