Story Time with Cristy Cross

How did you get started in your business?

It’s always a fun story to tell, and in July, I had the opportunity to share my story.

I started my business with not know exactly how I was going to do it, but I was determined to make it happen.

One thing I forgot to mention is, a several years back, I almost gave up my photography business. It was a scary moment when we realized my business needed to make more money to pay bills and it wasn’t.

I think that scare lit a fire under me and rebooted my business and thankfully here we are 15 yrs and going strong.

Are you starting a business, interested in starting a business or have questions about what I do?

Listen to the end of the video for the Q and A part, but also feel free to leave any questions in the comments here and I’ll get back with you.

What Color Will You Wear For Your Next Photoshoot?

Planning your outfit for your next photoshoot?

I remember in my college photography classes learning about how certain colors look better on a person depending on your hair, eye and skin color.

This guide will help you think through the colors you will wear at your next photoshoot. All of these tips are of course a suggestion, but try it out and see if you agree :)

What is a preset, and what does it do?

What is a preset, and what does it do?
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To some, they are magical and life changing.
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I for one am one of those people.😂
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Every single day I edit photos on my computer or phone, I use presets to enhance my photographs.
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A preset is a recipe of ingredients used to make a good photo look great. It’s ingredients consist of adjustments on exposure, contrast, cool or warm temperatures, green or pink tints, deep shadows, or bright backgrounds, luminance and hues, etc. My favorite presets to use are CC Mobile Presets.
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Each preset works differently. Some are made to brighten a dark photo. While others focus on enhancing colors, increasing contrast and lowering the exposure.
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Depending on how your photo was taken, will depend on which preset will look best for your final edit.
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Adding a preset to a dark photo that was meant to bring back highlights (making highlights darker) would end up making the entire photo darker.
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Or, using a bright preset (raising exposure) to an already bright photo, would make your photograph overexposed (too bright).
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These are just a couple tips on using presets. Stick around and I’ll share more in the future or feel free to check out after/before photos at CC Mobile Presets on Instagram.
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Do you have any questions about presets? Leave your questions in the comments section and I’ll dive deeper into them.

After editing the photo below, I went one step further to change up my creative game by flipping the photo.

Top photo: After, Bottom photo: before

Left: After, Right: Before

Are you more the ‘life of the party’ or ‘table for one?

Are you more the ‘life of the party’ or ‘table for one?
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I think I’m at my most productive when my favorite Spotify station is playing and I'm working by myself. It helps me stay on task, but I also love to work in a group and surround by the buzz of busy people.

This week a brand new co-working space is opening up downtown and I am so excited. A co-working space is great for people who usually work from home, but would like to have a change of scenery for their workspace. It can also be the place to work when you don’t have a home office at all.

The Firehouse Workspace has many things to offer, including a podcast studio, conference room, and photography studio among private offices to rent and open seating desks.

What are benefits of a co-working space?

-Meeting new people

-Possible collaborations to grow your business

-Office parties, which is so fun when normally you are a solo entrepreneur

-Water cooler talk :)

-Office comradery

Have you ever been interested in working in a place like this?

Do You Want To Look Good On Social Media?

Planning for social media is a battle when you don’t have a picture to post. Am I right?
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Let me help you out! Grab your five free organic and nature inspired stock photos to plan out your social media content. Click the photo below and enjoy!

How can I use stock photos?

• Instagram and Facebook posts

• Newsletters

• Slideshow presentation

• Ebook

• iPhone Wallpaper

• Instastories background with quote

• Load in Canva and add text box

Food Photography | Cherry Pie

PRODUCT PHOTO SHOOT: Cherry Pie

By using my iPhone, good window lighting, filler light (poster board), and simple editing, I can create a professional photograph in under 5 minutes.
Follow these steps on the video and try it out yourself!

All edits were done using CC Mobile Presets. Simple and easy to use for product or service based businesses.

Camera Phone Tips | Basic Exposure

The number one comment I get from so many people that take my camera phone course is they never knew about this feature and it has changed the result of their photos. So today, I’m sharing it with you too!

How To Photograph Your New Christmas Puppy

So you got a new puppy for Christmas for your kids (and you). Congratulations! Be ready for all the cuddles and puppy play. It’s crazy how much cuteness can be in one tiny little furry body and all of that cuteness has to be documented.

I have some pointers for you when photographing your new Christmas puppy.

1. Select your background. A Christmas tree with lights makes your photo more magical.

2. Choose a few different ribbons to gently tie a bow around your puppies neck.

3. Have a second set of hands to help keep the puppy stationary and not wiggle around. Be careful they don’t fall off a chair :)

4. Be camera ready with all the puppy wiggles

5. Edit your pictures with CC Mobile Presets and post on social media or send an e-Christmas card.

Let me introduce to you OUR new puppy, Cotton. We got her for the boys for Christmas and we are all in love with her. She is just about the sweetest little thing. I mean, look at those eyes!