Fun news! Emma and I are happy to announce that we are partnering up with Adobe Photoshop Elements for the summer! Wait, what does this mean? It means we will be sharing tips and tricks using Photoshop each month from now until September. We use Photoshop every single day to prepare content for this blog, so we really felt like it was a perfect fit.
We take photos daily for A Beautiful Mess. Whether it's for a DIY, recipe or Today Is features, we feel like we have a camera in front of our face at all times. We love the challenge of always improving. We love the process of going from an idea to a finished photo. We love playing with color and texture. Most of all, we love capturing people and creating photographs that tell a little bit about a person's life. 
Here's a little peek into our everyday photo routine…
GEAR/ I've posted a full list of gear here. We like to keep it simple in this department. The only updates we have had since then are that I now use a Canon 60D
, I use a Bamboo Tablet to write/draw on my photos and I use Totally Rad Actions! to edit my images.
LIGHTING/ We use 100% natural lighting. We do have some lights that we used in the past for retail photos and we found that it just didn't fit with our style. We love the vibe of natural light so we often shuffle around our schedule to make sure we can take photos during the daylight. For DIY or recipes we prefer to shoot early in the day. For fashion photos we love the magic hour.
BACKDROPS + LOCATIONS/ We collect props and wood backdrops at our studio and homes to use for blog photos. For fashion photos (or any photos with people) we love to drive around our city and scout out cool walls and fences. We usually spend more time finding the perfect spot than taking the actual photos. π
PHOTOSHOP/ I mentioned the actions we use above. When using actions we still do lots of tweaks before and after we run the action. We use photoshop to correct colors, exposure and then to create a fun vibe with colors. In the future I'll share some before/after examples with you. Our photos sometimes start out pretty dull looking and after we play with the colors they have a lot more personality. I prefer very warm tones in my photos. We also add fonts and handwriting to photos pretty much every day.
We're passionate about capturing our lives with our cameras. Our photos don't have to be perfect. We care about celebrating the little things and capturing moments that our children will look back on. They might laugh at our ridiculous outfits and they might make fun of the way we styled our homes… but they will know us better and they will get to see a part of our lives from before they were born. We love this! Details are everything.
We believe the little things are what really count when it comes to photography. This photo was snapped during the first month I dated Jeremy. Each time I look at it, I feel something. I'm instantly nostalgic, warm and so thankful. I think that's what a photograph should do. That's a little idealistic maybe, but it's something to strive for. It's a beautiful goal.
We're excited to share more over the next few months. This weekend we are heading to San Francisco to meet everyone from Photoshop and get prepared for the campaign. We will probably post a bunch of instagrams (@elsiecake + @emmaredvelvet) if you want to follow along. XO. elsie + emma
Adobe Photoshop Elements/ Facebook.Twitter.YouTube.Pinterest
134 Comments
I absolutely love this! Your blog is one of the main things that has inspired me to become more interested and more serious about photography, so I cannot wait to see your tutorials! You always have such beautiful photographs, and they all exude a warm, friendly feel that is just so lovely!
Congrats on the new venture! Cannot wait to see and try out come of your photoshop tutorials!
Becky K.
https://pixiwishes.jux.com/
Your photos are one of my favourite things about A Beautiful Mess. I’ve loved all of your photography tips in the past and I’m looking forward to your Photoshop tips! Have a great time in San Francisco!
xx
http://www.thrifted.ca
Congratulations! This is going to be a fun series!
I love your amazing photos, so it’ll be wonderful to see what photoshop elements do you use.
good luck!
What a beautiful post.
When are you guys coming to Toronto? Speaking engagements? Lectures? Book tour? C’mom guys – we want to see you too!
xoxo
http://natashafatah.com
http://natashafatah.com
its..goergeous.
Congratulations!! Your blog photos are so gorgeous…..I l o v e Emma’s lipstick and your mustard cardigan ….. Hi’s from London!
Kate.xXx.
“be sure to wear some flowers in your hair” <3
This is going to be a great partnership!
AWESOME!!!! Super stoked for you gals!!! Can’t wait!!! I love photoshop and also use it everyday!
~Sacha
Fantastic news! I’ve been meaning to learn how to use photoshop π
Oooh, I’m so thrilled about this! I just got a Bamboo Tablet for Mother’s Day, and I’ve been feeling overwhelmed with all the possibilities in trying to learn how to use it. I’m really looking forward to your tips and tricks over the summer months. Thanks so much!
Cheers,
Melissa
http://mablibs.com
Yay!!!!! I am so excited!!! Have fun in San Francisco. I love that place!
Great tip: writing on your photos with your Bamboo tablet. We have one, but before now I never thought about using it to write on photos. Thanks!
The picture in your blog is amazing. They have such a warm personal feel to them, at the same time they look really professional. I can’t wait to se the Photoshop tutorials:)
Love the idea! Can hardly wait for the new posts. I love your idea about writing on your photos with your tablet! It becomes so much personal!! Love the idea really
Your photos are gorgeous! Can’t wait to learn more about photoshop – I use it every day too!
love
amy
x
I use Photoshop almost everyday since I started blogging too. I was a complete rookie and now I can tell with confidence that I am a more experienced photoshop user. These tutorials I am sure that will be perfect for enriching my knowledge! Thanks for this girls! π
http://inwhirlofinspiration.blogspot.com
http://inwhirlofinspiration.blogspot.com
Great news! Congratulations Elsie & Emma!! Looking forward for the Photoshop tutorials <3
I’m SO excited! YES!!!
I’m really looking forward about this project! I love the way you think ; little things are the best !
Sounds like a great project. Unfortunately do I not have photoshop, IΒ΄m using some freeware for editing once in a while. But maybe I could still learn from your projects, even though it is a different program.
Cool cool cool
I’m always so inspired by the photography on your blog–I can’t wait to hear some of your tips and tricks with Photoshop!
Great tips! I have that tablet on my birthday wish list. So affordable for a tablet!
I’m so excited about this! I have PSE and love messing around with photos but it’s always fantastic to get tips and tricks from fresh pairs of eyes! Can’t wait π
Emily
emilysummers-designer.blogspot.com
Thanks for sharing where you get your Photoshop Actions! I’ve been looking for a place that has quality actions but can never seem to find any I like. These are great!
i’m excited for this!! photos that came straight out of the camera look dull and lifeless but Photoshop makes the colors alive!! i can relate to that!
czarinaβ₯
paint it stripes
New DIY post “DIY: floral headband” is up on the blog, Hope you can check it out π
Wow, that’s exciting! I’ve always wanted to learn how to use photoshop, but found it rather daunting and never really knew how to go about it! I think great images are the most important thing on a blog, so I’m excited and very much looking forward to the new series!
I love the dress in the main picture!!! And the white dress with horses on it…still love that π Can’t wait to do some learnin!
http://fromfreyawithlove.blogspot.com/
Your photos is one of the best things on this blog….
Cool! I’m always looking for easy to follow PS tutorials! Looking forward to what you share.
Congratulations, well deserved!
Wonderful news!!! I can’t wait to see your Photoshop tutorials π
This is exactly the kind of stuff I’ve been wanting to hear from you! YAY and thank you! I use Photoshop and a Wacom tablet for my blog photography and I’ve been so curious to know you process and compare it to my own. Can’t wait to see more!
I used to say that photography is sheer, because you can see peoples’ souls in it. They tell stories. Oh, that’s my favourite topic:)
can’t wait for more posts like this!
http://www.thesheerstories.blogspot.com/
Hey! That’s so cool. My brother works for Adobe, but I don’t know if you’ll be meeting him because he works on Lightroom, not Photoshop. Since he’s pretty much an expert on Lightroom, that’s what I use for my photo editing. Then I have a pro to help me. π
Have an awesome time in SF!!!
x Katherine
never borring with your post, always get inspiration.. thanks beautiful mess π
Congratulations! I am so excited! I just got Photoshop Elements and could definitely use a few pointers and tips. Especially from somebody whose pictures I simply adore!
Nice photos!!
I am excited to see what there is to be done with photoshop π
This is absolutely great! So excited for you guys and I LOVE the tips!
Brooke
I’m really excited about this series! I use photoshop daily for my own pictures and for work, but I always love learning new tips, tricks + ideas.
THANK GOODNESS!! i have photoshop and never know what to do with it.
How wonderful! I’m so excited to learn some tricks in Photoshop from you guys. I use photoshop too, and while I’m just learning how to use curves, I’m hoping to get better by taking a cue from you lovely ladies, thanks so much!!
http://www.prettylittlefawn.blogspot.com
Congrats to both you girls!!! WOW I cant wait to see the new tutorials, I absolutely LOVE your photography and your amazing style.
Thanks for always giving me amazing inspiration Elsie and Emma,
Big hugs
Emma
xxx
yay! i habe photoshop elements but don;t use it to it’s potential. i cant wait to learn more from you talented ladies!
This is a great announcement! I’m looking forward to your series. I guess I’ll learn a lot even though I usually use Gimp.
You should try Radlab…it will change your (photography) life!
This is AMAZING!!!! Congrats! Can’t wait to see what your girls come up with.
Oh my gosh, I am so excited! There are a lot of bloggers who are working with adobe this month– by the time all the tutorials are through, I’ll be a pro!
http://aclosetintellectual.blogspot.com
Yay so excited to see your posts and tips. Pleeease do tell us more about Totally Rad Actions, I’ve been quite seriously considering buying some but it’s quite an investment for me so eager to know if it’s worth it!!
xxo
Your photos are amazing (: xoxo
http://jemwho.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/yolo.html
aw man that’s awesome!! I’m so jealous! congratulations & I can’t wait to see what comes π
I’ll look so much forward to this, I use PSE too, but mostly cheat and use actions, so I could really use some tips π
Most excellent. Looking forward to learning how to continue improving my photography & editing!
Cheers!
Ash
I’m so excited! One of my goals starting out this year was to learn some basic Photoshop skills. I looked as far as 100 miles away for a class or workshop or even private training and came up with nothing. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this!!!!!
great idea! this is what i need..
Thanks for the tips!
What a great news! I love photoshop! I’m especially excited to see the before/after photos!
How exciting! Congrats on teaming up with Adobe…that is absolutely fantastic π And although I’m pretty set in my ways with my Bridge/C4 workflow, I’m looking forward to seeing what kinds of tips and tricks you guys have up your sleeves.
So excited! I just bought a new laptop last night, and it come with the photoshop elements software, and I am completely overwhelmed by photoshop! I am really looking forward to your tips, as I always do! Thank you for all of your hard work and inspiration.
How fab! great post. Will be tuning in for all your photoshop shenanigans as I’m a complete newbie and am just uploading the elements software to my computer π
That is awesome, I love all your photos on this blog I would love to see your step by step process for your photos. They are absolutely stunning!
Jessica Nichole
http://sundaymorningsimplicity.com
Great to hear about your new series. I have a question. In your ‘writing on photos’ post you mention that you use Photoshop CS5 with your tablet. Do you also you Elements for this? I’m confused about which one to buy.
I love the program Photoshop. I believe – is the main tool for editing image. Great news! You are a professional in this business. Your photos are cool and bright.
http://www.xeanafashion.com
this will be legendary!
cant wait!
I am so excited for this! I have photoshop and want so much to do more with my photos! I just get so lazy and haven’t learned to play around. I love the vibe of your photos can’t wait to hear your tips!
Very cool! And that horses dress is amazing Elsie!
http://slidingdrawersblog.blogspot.com/
Congrats and great that you are going to give tips about Photoshop!
http://www.creativityandchocolate.blogspot.com
Wow, teaming up with PHOTOSHOP? that’s SO exciting!!
I love how you write on your photos with your bamboo. What brush stroke do you use?
I look forward to this series! I don’t know Photoshop at all *embarassed* haha
xo Jennifer
http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com
So COOL! ahah (: love your pictures their soo cutee (: xoxo
http://jemwho.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/yolo.html
This is so fantastic! Absolutely can’t wait to see the upcoming photoshop posts. I take my camera with me everywhere I go as well. I have a little Canon G12 so it’s just small enough to pop into my handbag. Excited to see another super informative post on your blog π
This is perfect timing! I was planning to learn Photoshop this summer anyways and now I can learn from my favorite bloggers π
I’m really looking forward to the upcoming photoshop tutorials. I don’t use it yet, because I’m a little afraid of all the functions and I always thought it was really expensive. But I recently found out that my boyfriend already owns photoshop, so maybe I will give it a try.
Can’t wait for tutorials!! Have so much fun!!
Hi, I’m a new follower and added you to the top of my list on my top 5 girl crushes. Love your style and how you are a multi-talented star!
Congratulations! I am so happy for you! And I am thrilled about learning more in Photoshop!
That’s awesome! So excited!
Sounds awesome, Elsie.
Can’t wait!
Ronnie xo
Where did you get that cute dress?
That sounds really fun! I love learning photography from you all and have been looking forward to your book. Hope the weekend goes well!
So excited for this! I agree, its the perfect fit for your blog! π
http://vivikstyle.blgospot.com
So awesome! I’m excited. π
http://vivikstyle.blogspot.com
This sounds great! Congratulations and good luck! I’ve always admires your design skills(:!
Your blog has always kept me inspired when it comes to photography so Im sooo glad to see this!!
Wow! How exciting…I am sooooo happy for you ladies! I <3 Adobe and work with their products everyday...What an honor!
AND ALSO… I can’t wait to learn more about photoshop. I’m a total beginner in this area, but very excited to learn and make my photos better.
Seems like Adobe is partnering with many bloggers this summer, but I’m really excited to see what you do with the partnership! A Beautiful Mess always has consistently wonderful photographs and I’d love to hear more of your tips and tricks. Congrats guys!
Jen
http://motuviget.blogspot.com/
cool.. π congratss. π http://lovesimplegreen.blogspot.com/
Love the pic of you (or whomever) kicking up your heels!!! I always love your photos and am looking forward to using all your tips!!!
So excited for you both! I love seeing you advance in your personal business ventures and it inspires me to put all my effort into my business! Have fun!
Q: Where did you get that cute dress?
A: It’s vintage. We sold it a couple years ago, though π XO!
Q: What brush stroke do you use?
A: I normally use default brush strokes. I haven’t found any downloads that I love more, yet.
Q: Great to hear about your new series. I have a question. In your ‘writing on photos’ post you mention that you use Photoshop CS5 with your tablet. Do you also you Elements for this? I’m confused about which one to buy.
A: You can use any version of Photoshop to draw with a tablet! I recommend buying the best one you can afford. π I’ve use both in the past ten years.
I am so excited for this! I have photoshop but am so scared to use it because I don’t know where to start! I would love any tips to get me rolling in it. Love all your photos and your blog! Thanks for sharing. π
Wow, that’s awesome!! All the fun times wished for you both!! How exciting!
Great news! I’ve been meaning to use photoshop and now I’ll have insight from you guys! I always look forward to your posts and photos! love from Greece, Evanthia xxx
Oh my godness, this is soooo exciting! Your blog really inspired me when I first got my DSLR, and I’ve always loved the composition of your shots. You both have a natural talent for photography, and I’m so glad that you’re going to be sharing tips with us!
Good luck for your summer, I’m sure it’s going to be super exciting! π
I love how you edit your photos with photoshop! Always looks so personalised.
Wish I was that handy!
http://the-makingofthings.blogspot.com.au/
What a great project! Photoshop is something I’d love to learn how to use more effectively, so any tips will be very welcome! Can’t wait to find out more!
I need all of the help I can get when it comes to pictures. Thanks for being so AMAZING!!
Congrats! I’m excited for your Photoshop help. I’d call myself 40% graphic designer in my professional life but I’m self-taught!
Kim
http://loopsoflavender.blogspot.com/
Congratulations!!!
I agree with everyone above, your photography skills are enviable! Looking forward to more tips and tricks π Thank you for sharing these with everyone!
Thank God! I have Elements, and I haven’t exactly found it to be very intuitive so I hardly ever use it. It’s been really hard to find good tutorials on YouTube or other places, but I know you guys will be great teachers for me. I can’t wait!
I’m so excited, I have PhotoShop elements and I font have a clue how to use it.
Vintagehoneybee.blogspot.com
Elsie and Emma,
you two are great. IΒ΄m always in a good mood after I read your blog.
I hope your new adventure is a big success.
That’s really great! Can’t wait to see all the future posts.
i’m excited to read the tutorials!
(and to know what you use!)
I cannot wait! π
Ammy x
http://ammy-says.blogspot.co.uk/
I’m so exciting for these posts. I’m newly getting accustomed to photoshop and can’t wait to see what you post about in this series π x
How exciting! I love using photoshop so any tips to help me improve will be great π Congrats! x
Hi! I’m excited to hear you all are teaming up with PhotoShop Elements! I think I am one among many who would love to have PhotoShop (or the whole lovely Creative Suite from Adobe) but can currently only afford PhotoShop Elements so it would great to learn about things I can do with that while I save my pennies for the full PhotoShop. On that note, I’m curious. When you mentioned you use Totally Rad Actions, I bopped on over to their site but couldn’t tell if it would work for Elements or was only for the full thing. Can you elaborate a bit on add ins those of us with Elements might use? Or will this be part of the partnership you will have with PS Elements? Thanks!
That’s HUGE!! Congratulations! Love you, love your blog, loved meeting you in Houston. π
You always have such great tips to share with your audience. I love it. Thank you, thank you thank you!
Cathy Trails
This sounds so great! I’ve been wanting to learn more Photoshop skills, so I’m highly looking forward to this! π
I think this is one of the most interesting articles Iβve read on this subject. You have made your points interesting, unique and I agree with most.
I am glad I found your article today.
http://angrybirdsspace.blogspot.com/
http://www.frivschool.net/
smart smart smart!!!
LOVE this post! Thank you soo much for sharing so much inspiration! I love photography too, but need inspiration to keep going right now, so thank you for sharing your stories!
/Pia
Where did you get the strapless dress with the horse print? I know someone that would absolutely love it, it is super cute!
What lenses do you use? Your photos are so crisp!
Love your work π I’m obsessed! I am by computer all the time waiting to see if you have posted another blog π hehe
What lenses do you use? Your photos are so crisp!
I am obsessed with your blogs π π π
Congrats on the merger! I hope you guys have fun whilst in San Fran. :] I’ve been following your instagram as you walk about! I am vrty greatful I stumbled upon this blog because it heped me realise how much I want to take photos of EVERYTHING. Still to get a DSLR, but my mobile phone is my best equipment at the moment. :] And I also want to thank you guys for making me realise how kick ass natural light is! Thanks!!
Nice stuff!
It’s undeniable that your photos are gorgeous and well styled. My question is, from start to finish, how long does the process take? From when you snap the photo to when you are satisfied enough to post it on the blog…
Very good blog post I love your site keep up the great posts.
Hi to all, how is the whole thing, I think every one is getting more from this web page.
This is so cute! I love it so much.
congrats! sounds like it’s going to be exciting for you guys and for us readers!
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Hi, I recently discovered your blog and am following it since then. I love the quality of the photographs posted here as well as the contents π
Could you tell me the name of the font that are used in the photographs in this post?
It is look really interesting.I would like to see it too.