Having a look back through old photos today, specifically those that I believed at the time to be cutting edge creative. A little grain here, a little high key there and presto. It's funny to see them now, with all their flaws and over processing, but they still make me smile knowing I liked them at the time. While this feels akin to showing old bad perm photos, I'm game.
(As tempting as it was to try to redeem these, I'm showing them in their original glory.)
Here you have March 2002. The boys were actually at the beach. There was sand..and waves. It's amazing what one can do with a white paintbrush and vision.
Moving on to 2004...a very tinted, slightly blurry Mason. Throw in a grunge border and voila, insta-creativity. Loved this back in the day, I did.

Here comes the high key again..and you can't go wrong with a tight crop, right?
I actually don't mind this one of Luca, back when I didn't have a remote clue how to get sunflare so no doubt this was a happy accident.
This one is from my first ever shoot with someone I didn't know...a real client. I was beyond nervous, I remember not shutting up for 2 hours straight in complete fit of Fake It Till You Make It approach. I obviously had a lot of enthusiasm for the good old Teeth Whiten action.
It wasn't all bad - I'd obviously realised by this stage that leaving the background in was sometimes a good thing.
So there you have it..a rundown of When Photoshop Attacks. As per Frans wise suggestion, I'm going to double dare all of you to open your dodgy PS vaults and tell all.
In an attempt to reduce the guilt factor that comes with my Inbox, I'm going to do a Q&A day here once a month, starting today..I get lots of interesting questions via email, some photography related and some not and don't always have time to answer all of them.. I then end up feeling awful and neglectful. So, if there is something you've asked and I've missed or something you're wanting to ask - no matter how obscure, go right ahead and ask in comments, I will do a new post during the week with answers :)
S xx
46 comments:
Hey
=]
I was actually going to email you for some wee tips on child photography but a Q&A seems perfect!
I have to photograph my bf's niece for her mum and i was wondering what advice you could give?
In particular for bright eyes.
Thanks
Kat
xx
Sheye! I love that you did this! I think that you should double dare us all to do this too!
I am sorry I haven't replied to your email this week. Poppy has been sick - I see Ivy has been too - and we actually had to cancel her birthday BBQ on Sat :(
Hope you are well. Love and hugs,
Fran and Poppy xoxo
Thank you for giving us the chance to ask!!! You are an amazing photographer I am just starting out and wondering if you have any tips or advice ?
Thanks,
m x
What is your fav holiday memory?
Music takes me back to a moment in time, a feeling, a person, a place. What is some music that gives you great memories?
In your opinion, what is the hottest love scene in a movie you have seen and why?
Where in the world are you most inpsired? Don't limit yourself to exotic places you've been (although that could be true!)....
Thanks for the q's so far, Jen you're on fire!! Love the different topics!
S xx
Oh, I'm so excited you are going to do Q&A! Knowing how unbelievably busy you must be, I've refrained from asking questions in the past. I'm looking forward to your tips for photographing children and wanted to know, what's your story - how did you get started in photography?
I have two questions......
what is your favorite lens?
how do you get that amazing color? do you use purchased actions or did you create that look yourself?
thanks for doing this! :)
What actions do you use on your photos to get that perfect color? I'm in love with it for sure and haven't been able to even come close!
Sheye, In your post on June 28, you mentioned that you purchased "heatwheats shaped like animals for the kids". I'm embarrassed to say I don't know what heatwheats are. Can you tell me? :-)
Thank you Sheye - What a wonderful idea. I'm really looking forward to seeing the Q & A. Your photos are always inspirational. I have two questions for on-location photography (I'm just starting my business and am in 'practice mode'): What types of things do you say to other people's children to get those gorgeous expressions? I know not to ask them to say 'cheese'!!! And which lens works best for you when you're out with a family?
Thanks so much,
Sarah
Yeah!! Q&A!!...Could you explain aperture,shutter speed and ISO to me? I've been reading about it, but haven't quite gotten it yet.
Thanks!
Jen from Indiana
You are a rock star in the photography world so, I have all photo questions! :)
I know that you have created some of your own PS actions in the past and use a few that you have bought. Have you ever thought about selling or sharing some of your own actions?
What was the hardest shoot you ever had?
I just read that you were very nervous at your first shoot... do you ever still get nervous or intimidated?
How long have you been photographing clients?
How many shoots do you have during the week/month?
How much time do you spend editing?
What did you do before photography?
Thank you very much for sharing with us!!
Tara (New York)
Hello Sheye! I am such a fan of yours.
My question is more personal.
You never talk about your mother... has she passed on?
Your use of light is amazing.
What are your best tips to help me get light to work in my photos?
I love that the light in your photos is like another personality that works to compliment your subjects perfectly.
So how DO you get a sun flare?
Sheye,
I'm so happy that you're going to answer questions. I have so many. This month I would like to know how you shoot into the sun without getting harsh sun flare. In some of your pictures the sun looks so diffused and soft. It's lovely! How do you do it? Is it a filter or is it done in post processing? Or is it a setting in the camera that I'm unaware of?
By the way, I finally got that 24-70...It's so fun!! You are such a great photographer. Thanks for your beautiful images.
Kiera
What is the most profound spiritual moment of your life?
How would you describe yourself in one sentence?
Are you willing to share the pre-PS versions of the images from this post?
I just like so much that you did this! It just shows how humble you are. I don't have any questions because I have already harassed you enough, but I look forward to all your answers to everyone else's.
Thanks :)
Hooray! Sheye, I am so happy to see you are doing this! I want to know how you get your gorgeous beautiful muted,vintage look on so many of your photos. . .and also what is the best way you make your colors pop? LOVE the old PS images. . . I am scared to open mine, not a pretty site. Will I be saying that in 5 years about the pics I am taking today? Probably.
Hi Sheye,
Always love to pop by your blog for some inspiration.
I've tagged you. Check out my blog and you'll see why.
Sheye this is great!! Are you loving your 5D & what is your favourite lens?
love,
Tanya xx
Hehe your Q&A will be a hoot honey. Ok I want to know who does your brows these days missy??....Love a good brow wax & always have a touch of arch envy when I see you!
Wow I remember that first customer shoot & how excited/nervous you were.
See you soon (;
x
Hi sheye Im new to your blog and have read it a few times from the beginning to most recent post, you write beautifully.
My question is related to photography, how do you get your photos looking so bright? I have only just recently bought my first dslr I would love tips on apeture and shutter speed setting you use/ photoshop options to get bright photos!
Thank you!
Sheye,
I came across your site for your gorgeous Ava and then found my way here a few days ago. I was heartbroken to read about Ava. I have 4 kids too... 2 boys, 2 girls and I can not imagine what you are going through. With that said, I think you are an amazing person and your words are endearing. I have spent the last few days with any spare moments I can get, glued to my computer reading every single blog post you have! You have a beautiful family and you're now one of my top photographer inspirations. Your work is incredible and I aspire to achieve your level of skill and creativity. So I just wanted to let you know how much I admire your work as a photographer and also as a mother. I also felt that I needed to spread Ava's message with anyone who comes across my blog. So I posted her postcard there and linked to her page.
You have a new loyal blog reader! :)
Tammy
1. Was the children's book for Ava (mentioned last year) ever written/pubished?
2. Do you picture Ava as an almost 5 year old or will she always be 3 and a half in your mind? I ask this because my Dad died when I was a teenager and he would have been 75 this year - I try to imagine how he would look and sort of imagine him with grey hair etc but it's hard IYKWIM :)
My question is when are you coming to Utah to photograph my kids?!! (Actually any American state will do!) I've noticed you have so many friends from our great state. I know I speak for all of us when I say I'd love to meet you and give you a warm hug. You are loved.
Yeah, I have one.
What laundry detergent do you buy because if there was a clothing line-up and I had to tell which fabric was from the Rosemeyer family by smell only, I could do it no problem. Actually last time Ivy came, I had a good whiff of her spare clohes in her bag to try to figure it out.
Oka that may have sounded weird....
But I forget to ask you every single time, so this was very timely for me :P
Kate you are too funny! Can't wait for the response to that one :)
Fran
Oh my Sheye ~ you're in for it now lmao.
How the heck do you plan on answering all of these questions pmsl.
can't wait to see your response to all these wonderful questions, many of which i would l-o-v-e to know!! i enjoy reading your blog and am inspired by your photographs. i am a stay at home mom in texas and just recently got my first digital slr (and love it!!) now if i could only figure out all those little tricks!! thank you for sharing your secrets :)
How do you achieve sunflare? I've tried and sometimes stumble upon it. Yours is always beautiful. Please dish ;-)
Hi,
I've fairly recently discovered your blog. Your family's story has touched me deeply. It has actually changed me in profound ways. No more taking for granted or sweating the small things.
I thank you deeply for sharing Ava's story.
As for a question... how did you get your start in photography? I admit to being very surprised that your "early years" photos are so recent!! :)
kelly in the US
I have a question........
CAN I BUY IVY FROM YOU. MAYBE EVEN A SCHOOL HOLIDAY LOAN COULD BE ARRANGED. ?????
I AM ONLY TO HAPPY TO SEND ADDRESS DETAILS IF NEEDED.
CHEERS
LOVE KRISTEN
sheye i have always loved the "feel" of your photos. they are always so soft and have an impressive vintage feel. what actions do you use? if you make your own, would you ever sell any?
and yes i too agree, we love you in the USA!!! can't wait to see some of your answers. now finding the time.... :)
tara (MD) USA
Quick and easy one for you:
Do you ever travel to the United States?
If you do come to the States, would you consider doing photo shoots while you are here?
I would like to be first in line, please. :)
oh yeah, how much do your charge for a photo shoot?
Where should I start in PS - I keep reading about "actions" and "textures", but would like to know the best starting point for a PS novice wanting to improve/fix some beloved pics.
Now that you have opened the flood gate....!
Ava was so close to Grandad, so I have always wondered where he is living now (with you or not?) and how he is.
Also, who's Dad is he - your's or Crayton's?
Love to you,
Jane
Where do you purchase all of the beautiful clothes you dress your adorable children in
3. Do you develop/print your own photos or are they done at a lab?
What family favorite meal do you prepare?
Hi sheye,
A question I have wanted to ask for a while, but only just realised you are doing Q and A's.
You mentioned somewhere on your blog about your belief in natural birth and that you would like to/or are a doula. Were all your babies born in water or just the girls and how do you think it compares to "on land"? I have just experienced the most amazing VBAC water birth at home of my bubba Lucas and can't imagine giving birth anywhere else.
{Sorry longwinded question}
Cass xoxo
awesome pics! She is so pretty!
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