Photography Tutorials, Editing Tips & Business Guides

Welcome to Helen Oakes’ blog, where creativity meets strategy. Here you’ll find insights across DIGITAL PRINTS, TIPS & ADVICE, PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, NEWS & ARTICLES, and more. Whether you’re exploring GENERAL photography discussions, seeking MOTIVATIONAL stories, or diving into MARKETING and SOCIAL MEDIA strategies, each category is designed to help you grow. You can also journey through TRAVEL & TOURISM inspiration and explore hands-on PHOTOGRAPHY guides. Every section connects to real-world experience, practical knowledge, and proven methods to transform your creativity and digital presence.

The Lightroom Setting That Makes Your Photos Look Soft and Lifeless
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The Lightroom Setting That Makes Your Photos Look Soft and Lifeless

Ligthroom Editing, Photography

The Lightroom Setting That Makes Your Photos Look Soft and Lifeless

By Helen Oakes|2026-02-09T10:33:54+13:00February 5th, 2026|Categories: Ligthroom Editing, Photography|Tags: Editing Basics, Editing for Photographers, Editing Tips for Beginners, Editing Tips Lightroom, Editing Workflow, Lightroom, Lightroom Tips, Photo Editing, Photo Editing Advice, Photo Editing Techniques, Photography Workflow|

If your photos feel soft or lifeless after editing, one Lightroom slider is often to blame. Here’s how clarity affects contrast and how to use it properly.

A Simple Lightroom Editing Order That Instantly Improves Your Results
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A Simple Lightroom Editing Order That Instantly Improves Your Results

Ligthroom Editing, Photography

A Simple Lightroom Editing Order That Instantly Improves Your Results

By Helen Oakes|2026-02-09T10:28:18+13:00February 3rd, 2026|Categories: Ligthroom Editing, Photography|Tags: Editing Basics, Editing for Photographers, Editing Tips for Beginners, Editing Tips Lightroom, Lightroom, Lightroom Workflow, Photo Editing, Photo Editing Techniques, Photo Editing Tips, Photography tips|

Editing feels easier when there’s a clear order. This simple Lightroom editing workflow helps improve consistency, colour, and confidence without over processing.

The Real Reason Your Lightroom Presets Never Look the Same Twice
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The Real Reason Your Lightroom Presets Never Look the Same Twice

Ligthroom Editing, Photography

The Real Reason Your Lightroom Presets Never Look the Same Twice

By Helen Oakes|2026-02-02T23:46:21+13:00February 2nd, 2026|Categories: Ligthroom Editing, Photography|Tags: Editing for Photographers, Editing Tips for Beginners, Editing Tips Lightroom, Editing Workflow, Lightroom Editing, Lightroom Editing Tips, Photo Editing, Photo Editing Advice, Photo Editing Techniques, Photo Editing Tips|

Lightroom presets often look inconsistent, even on similar photos. Here’s the real reason presets behave unpredictably and how to prepare your images so presets work the way they’re meant to.

Stop Using Auto: The Lightroom Habit That Creates Inconsistent Edits
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Stop Using Auto: The Lightroom Habit That Creates Inconsistent Edits

Ligthroom Editing, Photography

Stop Using Auto: The Lightroom Habit That Creates Inconsistent Edits

By Helen Oakes|2026-02-01T21:41:12+13:00February 1st, 2026|Categories: Ligthroom Editing, Photography|Tags: Editing for Photographers, Editing Tips for Beginners, Editing Tips Lightroom, Editing Workflow, Lightroom editing mistakes, Lightroom exposure settings, Lightroom workflow tips, Photo Editing, Photo Editing Advice, photo editing consistency, Photo Editing Techniques, Photo Editing Tips|

Auto feels like a shortcut in Lightroom, but it often creates inconsistent edits. Here’s why relying on Auto undermines colour and workflow consistency.

The One Lightroom Slider That Quietly Ruins Your Colours
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The One Lightroom Slider That Quietly Ruins Your Colours

Ligthroom Editing, Photography

The One Lightroom Slider That Quietly Ruins Your Colours

By Helen Oakes|2026-01-31T13:17:27+13:00January 31st, 2026|Categories: Ligthroom Editing, Photography|Tags: Colour Editing, Editing for Photographers, Editing Tips for Beginners, Editing Tips Lightroom, Editing Workflow, Lightroom, Lightroom Basics, Lightroom Editing, Lightroom Editing Tips, Photo Editing, Photography tips|

If your photos look over edited, one Lightroom slider is often to blame. Here’s why the saturation slider ruins colours and what to do instead.

Why Your Lightroom Colours Look Wrong Even When Exposure Is Fine
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Why Your Lightroom Colours Look Wrong Even When Exposure Is Fine

Ligthroom Editing, Photography

Why Your Lightroom Colours Look Wrong Even When Exposure Is Fine

By Helen Oakes|2026-01-31T13:39:21+13:00January 30th, 2026|Categories: Ligthroom Editing, Photography|Tags: Colour Correction, Editing Tips Lightroom, Editing Workflow, Lightroom, Lightroom Editing, Lightroom Editing Tips, Lightroom for Beginners, Lightroom Workflow, Photo Editing, Photo Editing Advice, Photo Editing Techniques, Photo Editing Tips, Photography tips|

Your exposure can be perfect and your colours still look wrong. Here’s why Lightroom colours feel off and how to fix them without over editing.

Why Your Lightroom Edits Look Too Dark (And How to Fix Them Without Guessing)
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Why Your Lightroom Edits Look Too Dark (And How to Fix Them Without Guessing)

Ligthroom Editing, Photography

Why Your Lightroom Edits Look Too Dark (And How to Fix Them Without Guessing)

By Helen Oakes|2026-01-31T13:55:10+13:00January 29th, 2026|Categories: Ligthroom Editing, Photography|Tags: Editing for Photographers, Editing Tips Lightroom, Editing Workflow, Lightroom Editing, Lightroom Editing Tips, Lightroom for Beginners, Photo Editing, Photo Editing Techniques, Photography tips|

If your Lightroom edits always look too dark, the issue may not be exposure at all. This beginner-friendly guide explains why it happens and how to fix it cleanly.

Why Are My Photos Always Blurry? 7 Fixes for Sharp Shots
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Why Are My Photos Always Blurry? 7 Fixes for Sharp Shots

Ligthroom Editing, Photography

Why Are My Photos Always Blurry? 7 Fixes for Sharp Shots

By Helen Oakes|2026-01-31T13:18:59+13:00October 4th, 2025|Categories: Ligthroom Editing, Photography|Tags: Beginner Photography, Blurry Photos, Camera Settings, Christchurch Photographer, Photo Editing, Photography Guide, Photography tips, Sharp Images|

Blurry photos are one of the biggest frustrations for photographers, but they are also one of the easiest problems to fix. This guide shows you why your photos are always blurry and offers seven practical solutions for sharp, professional-looking images.

Fix Flat Photos in Lightroom: 5 Easy Tips for Vibrant, Professional Images
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Fix Flat Photos in Lightroom: 5 Easy Tips for Vibrant, Professional Images

Ligthroom Editing, Photography

Fix Flat Photos in Lightroom: 5 Easy Tips for Vibrant, Professional Images

By Helen Oakes|2026-01-31T13:18:36+13:00September 18th, 2025|Categories: Ligthroom Editing, Photography|Tags: Adobe Lightroom, Beginner Photography, Creative Photography, Editing Tutorials, Editing Workflow, Fix Flat Photos, Flat Photos, HELEN : OAKES, Helen Oakes Limited, Lightroom, Lightroom Editing Tips, Photo Tips, Photography Editing, Presets|

Are your images dull and lifeless? Learn how to fix flat photos in Lightroom with 5 easy editing tips. Add contrast, depth, and colour for vibrant results that look professional every time.

6 Powerful Ways to Enhance Your Photography with Digital Backgrounds
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6 Powerful Ways to Enhance Your Photography with Digital Backgrounds

Photography, Tips & Advice

6 Powerful Ways to Enhance Your Photography with Digital Backgrounds

By Helen Oakes|2025-08-30T16:28:13+13:00August 6th, 2023|Categories: Photography, Tips & Advice|Tags: Artful Backdrop, Decorated Backdrop, Decorated Room Backdrop, Decorated Wall Backdrop, Digital Background, Digitalbackdrop, Fineart Backdrop, Fineart Backdrops, Fineart Digital Backdrops, Fineart Digital Background, Gifts for Her, Maternal Backdrop, Photo Backdrops, Photo Gifts, Photography Props, Photography tips, Photoshop Overlays, Portrait Photography, Professional Photography, Studio photography, Wall Backdrop|

Digital backgrounds open a world of creativity for photographers, allowing them to explore diverse themes and settings. They can save you money and space too.

The Top 8 Reasons Why I Recommend the SONY A6400 as Your Next Travel Camera
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The Top 8 Reasons Why I Recommend the SONY A6400 as Your Next Travel Camera

Photography

The Top 8 Reasons Why I Recommend the SONY A6400 as Your Next Travel Camera

By Helen Oakes|2025-08-30T16:32:45+13:00January 6th, 2023|Categories: Photography|Tags: Camera Review Sony a6400, Mirrorless, Mirrorless Camera, Photography, Sony A6400, Sony Camera, Travel, Travel Camera, Travel Photographer, Travel Photography|

Sony's A6400 has some of the best video quality seen in a camera. If you’re looking for a camera that can handle low light situations, the A6400 is a good pick.

2

09, 2021

Kiwi Slang – Jandals

What is the origin of the term Jandals? The history of the kiwi jandal & its meaning has been debated. Morris Yock trademarked the jandal. New Zealand Slang
2

09, 2021

Kiwi Slang – Sweet As

Sweet as can mean so many things and is used in lots of situations. It can mean good, awesome, no worries, you're welcome, nice and thanks. Kiwi NZ Slang Words.
21

11, 2020

Kiwi Slang – On The Turps

Consuming alcohol in large quantities is known as getting on the turps or turpentine. Inebriated, intoxicated, excessive and binge drinking.
2

09, 2021

Kiwi Slang – Yeah Nah

Yeah nah is a non-committal statement, you are acknowledging what someone is saying but you don't agree. It means indecision, no or maybe. Kiwi Slang Words.
6

01, 2023

The Top 8 Reasons Why I Recommend the SONY A6400 as Your Next Travel Camera

Sony's A6400 has some of the best video quality seen in a camera. If you’re looking for a camera that can handle low light situations, the A6400 is a good pick.
2

09, 2021

Kiwi Slang – Choice

Choice is a kiwi slang word that use to get said a lot. It is more of a retro slang term that can mean many things like, you are happy. New Zealand Slang Words

Photography

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