Studio set up and Editing Tutorial

This is a behind the scenes look at a set up we did for a smash cake session in our home.

Our goal was to keep the background simple by using a warm neutral background.

(This keeps the focus on the pops of color in the baby's hat and the cake.

The banner adds interest to the background with a touch of muted color. The banner, antique high chair, and barn wood rug add a nice vintage feel.)

Here is an example of a simple edit from this session...
(from straight out of camera to final sepia toned image)

(done in CS5)
First, I removed any blemishes from the background and her skin using the healing tool.
Then, I ran the free Boost action from Pioneer Women to sharpen and boost the contrast/saturation slightly.
Next, I added a brightness adjustment layer and raised it to 26.
Finally, I wanted a warm, slightly vintage look. So, I added a sepia photo filter adjustment layer and raised it to 38%.

In case you are curious, my mother made the banner. It is simply a bunch of scrap material triangles with iron-on interfacing attached (for a little weight plus fray protection) and sewn to bias tape.
The tutu was purchased from Pretty Tutus For You.
The adorable hat was made by one of my friends.
I made the cake...It was kind of a wreck but hey, it was gonna be smashed anyway! :)