Recently, I was interviewed by a local high school student as a part of research she was doing about careers. Here is a re-cap of our conversation:
What made you interested in becoming a photographer? GROWING UP MY MOM WAS ALWAYS TAKING PHOTOS. SHE GAVE ME MY FIRST CAMERA WHEN I WAS PROBABLY 5 OR SO AND ALWAYS SUPPLIED ME WITH FILM. SO I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN TAKING PICTURES. THEN MY BROTHER GAVE ME HIS CANON AE-1 (A MANUAL CAMERA) WHEN I WAS IN HIGH SCHOOL SO I GOT TO PLAY WITH THAT. I TOOK A PHOTOGRAPHY/DARKROOM CLASS IN HIGH SCHOOL AS WELL AND STARTED WORKING GIGS WITH SOME LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHERS. ONCE IN COLLEGE I TOOK MORE PHOTOGRAPHY AND GRAPHIC DESIGN CLASSES AND MORE AND MORE PEOPLE ASKED ME TO PHOTOGRAPH THEIR WEDDINGS OR SENIOR PICS SO I JUST KEPT TAKING PHOTOS :)
What college did you attend, and for how long? Major? I ATTENDED MSUM MY FRESHMAN YEAR AND THEN WENT TO BIBLE COLLEGE FOR TWO YEARS WHERE I STUDIED HEALTH AND NUTRITION BUT HAD LOTS OF PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES (WEDDINGS AND SENIORS). THEN I CAME BACK TO MSUM FOR 3 YEARS AND DECLARED A GRAPHIC DESIGN MAJOR WITH A STUDIO EMPHASIS IN PHOTOGRAPHY. MY LAST YEAR I SWITCHED TO ART EDUCATION AND GRADUATED WITH A DOUBLE EMPHASES IN PHOTOGRAPHY AND GRAPHIC DESIGN.
What does your daily schedule as a photographer look like? EVERY DAY IS SO DIFFERENT! I GENERALLY TRY TO STICK TO A ROUTINE, BUT FIND IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE SINCE I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL AREAS OF THE BUSINESS. IN A GIVEN WEEK, MY TASKS INCLUDE BOOKKEEPING, ANSWERING AND RETURNING CALLS AND EMAILS, BLOGGING, PHOTOGRAPHING, EDITING, DESIGNING, CREATING SLIDESHOWS, FILLING ORDERS, PACKAGING ORDERS, DELIVERING ORDERS, BACKING UP WORK, MARKETING, NETWORKING WITH OTHER VENDORS, AND MEETING WITH POTENTIAL CLIENTS.
Is being a photographer time-consuming? EXTREMELY! STATISTICS SHOW THAT 95% OF PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESSES FAIL. I BELIEVE THAT IS DUE TO THE FACT THAT THERE ARE MANY TASKS TO JUGGLE IN A PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS AND 80% OF BEING A SUCCESSFUL PHOTOGRAPHER IS DUE TO BEING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS PERSON. YOU HAVE TO KNOW HOW TO FIND YOUR CLIENTS, HOW TO BUILD RELATIONSHIP AND LOYALTY WITH THEM, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, YOU HAVE TO KNOW WHERE EVERY PENNY YOU MAKE IS SPENT AND HOW EACH CENT IS EARNED. AND ALL OF THIS TAKES TIME! MOST PHOTOGRAPHERS MAKE LESS THAN MINIMUM WAGE, AND IT'S BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT ACCOUNTING FOR ALL THE TIME THEY INVEST IN THEIR BUSINESS AND CONSIDERING THAT WHEN THEY PRICE THEIR WORK. TAKING PHOTOS IS EASY AND DOESN'T TAKE A LOT OF TIME, BUT THE HOUR IT TAKES TO PREP YOUR GEAR BEFORE A SHOOT AND SET UP, THE HOUR OF TRANSIT, THE 3 HOURS YOU SPENT ANSWERING QUESTIONS AND COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR CLIENT BEFORE AND AFTER THE SESSION, THE TWO HOURS OF EDITING, THE 30 MINUTES OF BLOGGING, THE HOUR OF TOUCHING UP THE IMAGES AND FILLING ORDERS AND FINALLY THE HOUR IT TAKES TO PACKAGE AND SHIP OR DELIVER THE PRODUCT ADDS UP QUICKLY AND FILLS YOUR DAY FAST. BEFORE YOU KNOW IT, ONE JOB HAS TAKEN 10 HOURS OF YOUR TIME AND IF YOU ARE CHARGING $100 FOR A SESSION, YOU MADE LESS THAN MINIMUM WAGE BECAUSE 35% OF THAT $100 GOES TO UNCLE SAM FOR TAXES, AND HALF OF WHAT'S LEFT COVERS YOUR GENERAL EXPENSES OF RUNNING A BUSINESS. SO THE SHORT OF IT IS THIS: YOU NEED TO KNOW YOUR NUMBERS TO MAKE THE INVESTMENT OF YOUR TIME WORTH IT!
Would you have rather chosen a different route looking back?
SOME DAYS, YES, BUT MOST DAYS NO. THE THING ABOUT RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS AND BEING A PHOTOGRAPHER IS THAT YOU ARE CONSTANTLY LEARNING AND ADAPTING. TECHNOLOGY CHANGES, YOUR FAMILY SITUATION CHANGES, THE ECONOMY CHANGES, TRENDS CHANGE, SO YOU HAVE TO CHANGE TOO. IT'S NOT LIKE WORKING AT STARBUCKS WHERE A VANILLA LATTE IS ALWAYS A VANILLA LATTE, ALWAYS MADE THE SAME WAY. EVERYTHING I DO AS A PHOTOGRAPHER IS CUSTOM MADE, CUSTOM DESIGNED, EVERY SHOOT IS DIFFERENT. THIS MAKES MY JOB A LOT OF FUN, BUT IT ALSO MAKES IT CHALLENGING. SO THERE ARE DEFINITELY DAYS I WISH I WAS A BARISTA AT STARBUCKS, BUT MOST DAYS I ENJOY THE CHALLENGE OF BEING INNOVATIVE AND CHANGING WITH THE TIMES.
What are the ups of being a photographer?
THE MOST REWARDING THING IS THE RELATIONSHIPS I GET TO BUILD AND THE EXPERIENCES I GET TO WITNESS AND DOCUMENT. MY JOB IS SO IMPORTANT! AND I AM REMINDED OF THAT WHEN I HEAR OF A FAMILY MEMBER THAT PASSED AWAY THAT I PHOTOGRAPHED, OR SEE A CHILD OR YOUNG ADULT YEARS LATER AND AM AWED AT HOW THEY HAVE GROWN AND CHANGED. THE MOMENT YOU CAPTURE AN IMAGE IT IS VALUABLE, BUT TWENTY YEARS LATER WHEN A COUPLE IS SITTING WITH THEIR CHILD SHOWING THEM THEIR WEDDING IMAGES, OR TWENTY YEARS LATER WHEN THAT NEWBORN IS NOW AN ADULT--THAT'S WHEN YOUR WORK BECOMES PRICELESS. I AM HONORED TO DOCUMENT INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR LIVES.
Downs?
IT'S A CONSTANT CHALLENGE, ALWAYS A JUGGLING ACT. THE HARDEST PART FOR ME IS TO NOT LET IT CONSUME ME. (AT TIMES I THINK MY HUSBAND HAS FELT LIKE MY COMPUTER WAS A CLOSER COMPANION THAN HIM.) IT IS WAY TOO EASY TO FORFEIT YOUR OWN LIFE AND FAMILY TIME, IRONICALLY TO CAPTURE THE LIVES OF OTHERS AND THEIR FAMILIES.
Personally, what is your favorite part? I LOVE THE CREATIVITY, DESIGN, AND AESTHETICS THAT GO INTO A SHOOT. AND EVEN MORE I LOVE EXPERIENCING THAT WITH OTHER PHOTOGRAPHERS WHETHER SHOOTING A JOB TOGETHER, TEACHING PHOTOGRAPHY, OR ATTENDING A WORKSHOP WITH OTHER ARTISTS.
Showing posts with label resources. Show all posts
Showing posts with label resources. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Thursday, July 30, 2009
A Super Duper Great Workshop that I'd Recommend...
Ann Monteith's Guerrilla Management
Can you afford to wait until 2010
to increase your bottom line?
Register NOW for Last 2009 Workshop!
September 11-14, 2009 - Deep Creek Lake, MD
Since 1998, over 700 studio owners have attended Ann Monteith's Guerrilla Management Workshops, and it's no coincidence that many of the top-earning studio owners in the country are Guerrilla Management graduates. Unique in the industry, these intensive 4-day workshops are designed to achieve three objectives:
*
To help photographers make more money.
*
To allow photographers to achieve more leisure time for themselves and their families.
*
To help photographers take control of the present and future direction of their businesses.
Workshops are limited to 15 studios to assure plenty of personal attention by instructors Ann Monteith and Judy Grann. Workshop content and processes are strictly real-world and results-oriented to pay big dividends for attendees: Our surveys have shown that within a year of attending a Guerrilla Management Workshop, participants earn at least 55% more net take-home income. As a result, their businesses -- and their lives -- improved significantly. And they continue to improve year after year.
Sign up NOW and Receive these bonuses:
*
Ann's new book: The Professional Photographer's Guide to Marketing Success
*
A $100 Gift Card good for attendance at a 2010 Marathon Strategic Marketing Plan and Design Workshop
*
A complete set of Ann's marketing materials for her new Persnickety Pet Portraits business
To learn more about this profit-producing workshop, click here to go to the workshop website. You'll learn what we do at the workshop, why we get such good results, what graduates have to say about their experience, and so much more.
To register, call 1-800-842-2349.
Outside of the US, call 1-717-867-2135.
PLEASE NOTE: Workshop seats will fill up VERY quickly.
So call immediately to register, or you'll miss out.
Ann Monteith's Guerrilla Management
MORE INFO HERE
Can you afford to wait until 2010
to increase your bottom line?
Register NOW for Last 2009 Workshop!
September 11-14, 2009 - Deep Creek Lake, MD
Since 1998, over 700 studio owners have attended Ann Monteith's Guerrilla Management Workshops, and it's no coincidence that many of the top-earning studio owners in the country are Guerrilla Management graduates. Unique in the industry, these intensive 4-day workshops are designed to achieve three objectives:
*
To help photographers make more money.
*
To allow photographers to achieve more leisure time for themselves and their families.
*
To help photographers take control of the present and future direction of their businesses.
Workshops are limited to 15 studios to assure plenty of personal attention by instructors Ann Monteith and Judy Grann. Workshop content and processes are strictly real-world and results-oriented to pay big dividends for attendees: Our surveys have shown that within a year of attending a Guerrilla Management Workshop, participants earn at least 55% more net take-home income. As a result, their businesses -- and their lives -- improved significantly. And they continue to improve year after year.
Sign up NOW and Receive these bonuses:
*
Ann's new book: The Professional Photographer's Guide to Marketing Success
*
A $100 Gift Card good for attendance at a 2010 Marathon Strategic Marketing Plan and Design Workshop
*
A complete set of Ann's marketing materials for her new Persnickety Pet Portraits business
To learn more about this profit-producing workshop, click here to go to the workshop website. You'll learn what we do at the workshop, why we get such good results, what graduates have to say about their experience, and so much more.
To register, call 1-800-842-2349.
Outside of the US, call 1-717-867-2135.
PLEASE NOTE: Workshop seats will fill up VERY quickly.
So call immediately to register, or you'll miss out.
Ann Monteith's Guerrilla Management
MORE INFO HERE
Friday, July 24, 2009
Facebook and 3rd Party Images...
Protecting your images is important. Check out this article from a friend of mine about protecting your images on facebook.
This is what facebook says about your images: "Facebook occasionally pairs advertisements with relevant social actions from a user's friends to create Facebook Ads. Facebook Ads make advertisements more interesting and more tailored to you and your friends. These respect all privacy rules. You may opt out of appearing in your friends' Facebook Ads below."
Anyone else know about this? Or have some helpful advice to pass on?
This is what facebook says about your images: "Facebook occasionally pairs advertisements with relevant social actions from a user's friends to create Facebook Ads. Facebook Ads make advertisements more interesting and more tailored to you and your friends. These respect all privacy rules. You may opt out of appearing in your friends' Facebook Ads below."
Anyone else know about this? Or have some helpful advice to pass on?
Friday, May 29, 2009
Deep Creek Maryland
About a month ago, I was enjoying beautiful Maryland with a bunch of new photographer friends. We attended a workshop put on by Ann Monteith and Judy Grann
It was amazing! Taking photos is a tiny part of running a photography business, and the business part is huge. So that's what we focused on: business, numbers, marketing--all that fun stuff!
Kevin Kubota recommended this workshop to me, and I am so glad I listened to his advice! Now, I definitely recommend it to anyone in the business!
Here's our class photo at Ann's lake home in Deep Creek.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Wedding Questions
If you have questions leave a comment or email me at alyssaflaten@mosaicphotography.net-- I love educating artists and if I can save you a few steps, I'm happy to do it.
Recently, I got a myriad of questions from an Ohio studio regarding Wedding Photography. Here are the questions and my answers are in all caps.
Recently, I got a myriad of questions from an Ohio studio regarding Wedding Photography. Here are the questions and my answers are in all caps.
1. What 3 things would you tell me to look out for…..one of those….”if only I had known before hand”
YES, WHEN NECESSARY, I COUNT OFF THE MOMENT. PEOPLE ARE COOL WITH THIS BECAUSE THEY HIRED ME TO GET THE SHOT. I TALK THROUGH THE ENTIRE DAY AND THE PLAN FOR THE DAY WITH THE COUPLE BEFORE HAND AND EACH TIME WE MEET I AM LEARNING MORE ABOUT THEM, THEIR PREFERENCES, AND WHAT THEY ENVISION. BECAUSE OF MY INVOLVEMENT WITH THE COUPLE SOMEONE ALWAYS COMES AND GETS ME DURING AN IMPORTANT MOMENT (MARRIAGE LICENSE SIGNING OR CAKE CUTTING, ETC.) IF I AM NOT ALREADY THERE. O AND I ALWAYS SHOOT WITH SOMEONE ELSE. IT RELIEVES PRESSURE AND INSURES THAT YOU WON'T MISS AS MUCH.
6. Or instead of counting off a pose or picture, do you just shoot when you feel the time is right?
IF YOU ARE UNSURE OF LIGHTING AND CAMERA SETTINGS OR DON'T KNOW HOW TO BEST APPROACH A SHOT--TAKE IT A FEW DIFFERENT WAYS. FOR EXAMPLE, TAKE THE VITAL SHOTS IN BOTH A PROGRAM MODE AND WHATEVER OTHER MODE YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE (LIKE APERTURE PRIORITY OR SHUTTER SPEED PRIORITY) AND TAKE THE SHOT WITH AND WITHOUT FLASH IF YOU ARE UNSURE.
HAVE TWO SHOOTERS, AND/OR AT LEAST BACK UP CAMERAS. STUFF ALWAYS HAPPENS!
ALWAYS HAVE A PLAN FOR THE DAY INCLUDING A LIST OF ALL THE MUST TAKE SHOTS AND PLAN OUT WHICH ONES YOU ARE DOING WHEN AND COMMUNICATE THAT WITH YOUR COUPLE AND THE REST OF THE BRIDAL PARTY TO DECREASE YOUR CHANCE FORGETTING AN IMPORTANT SHOT. YOU CAN ALSO SET UP THE KEY MOMENTS AHEAD OF TIME JUST IN CASE YOU MISS IT DURING THE CEREMONY (LIKE EXCHANGING RINGS, LIGHTING UNITY CANDLE, DAD AND BRIDE WALKING DOWN AISLE, COUPLE KISSING).
BE SURE YOU HAVE A CLEAR CONTRACT THAT RELEASES YOU FROM ALL LIABILITY. PPA HAS GREAT RESOURCES ON THEIR SITE IF YOU ARE A MEMBER. IF YOU AREN'T A MEMBER BUT WANT TO OPERATE AS A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY, YOU SHOULD JOIN A PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION LIKE PPA OR WPPI.
I SHOOT APERTURE PRIORITY PRIMARILY BECAUSE I LOVE PLAYING WITH DEPTH OF FIELD AND BLURRING OUT BACKGROUNDS, BUT YOU HAVE TO REMEMBER TO BOOST YOUR APERTURE/F-STOP WHEN THERE ARE MORE PEOPLE IN THE IMAGE ON DIFFERENT PLANES. SO A GOOD RULE OF THUMB IS THAT HOWEVER MANY PEOPLE ARE IN THE PHOTO, THAT'S WHAT YOUR F/STOP SHOULD BE. FOR 8 PEOPLE F/8 WORKS GOOD. LOTS OF PHOTOGRAPHERS SAY F/16 IS GREAT FOR GROUP SHOTS, WHATEVER SIZE, AND THAT TOO, IS A GOOD RULE OF THUMB BUT MY BRAIN LIKES REMEMBERING TO ANALYZE HOW MANY ARE IN THE GROUP AND SETTING THE F/STOP ACCORDINGLY...I TEND TO FORGET TO DO THE EASY F/16.
2. How do I use a high ISO setting for low light and keep the picture from being too grainy?
HAVE TWO SHOOTERS, AND/OR AT LEAST BACK UP CAMERAS. STUFF ALWAYS HAPPENS!
ALWAYS HAVE A PLAN FOR THE DAY INCLUDING A LIST OF ALL THE MUST TAKE SHOTS AND PLAN OUT WHICH ONES YOU ARE DOING WHEN AND COMMUNICATE THAT WITH YOUR COUPLE AND THE REST OF THE BRIDAL PARTY TO DECREASE YOUR CHANCE FORGETTING AN IMPORTANT SHOT. YOU CAN ALSO SET UP THE KEY MOMENTS AHEAD OF TIME JUST IN CASE YOU MISS IT DURING THE CEREMONY (LIKE EXCHANGING RINGS, LIGHTING UNITY CANDLE, DAD AND BRIDE WALKING DOWN AISLE, COUPLE KISSING).
BE SURE YOU HAVE A CLEAR CONTRACT THAT RELEASES YOU FROM ALL LIABILITY. PPA HAS GREAT RESOURCES ON THEIR SITE IF YOU ARE A MEMBER. IF YOU AREN'T A MEMBER BUT WANT TO OPERATE AS A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY, YOU SHOULD JOIN A PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION LIKE PPA OR WPPI.
I SHOOT APERTURE PRIORITY PRIMARILY BECAUSE I LOVE PLAYING WITH DEPTH OF FIELD AND BLURRING OUT BACKGROUNDS, BUT YOU HAVE TO REMEMBER TO BOOST YOUR APERTURE/F-STOP WHEN THERE ARE MORE PEOPLE IN THE IMAGE ON DIFFERENT PLANES. SO A GOOD RULE OF THUMB IS THAT HOWEVER MANY PEOPLE ARE IN THE PHOTO, THAT'S WHAT YOUR F/STOP SHOULD BE. FOR 8 PEOPLE F/8 WORKS GOOD. LOTS OF PHOTOGRAPHERS SAY F/16 IS GREAT FOR GROUP SHOTS, WHATEVER SIZE, AND THAT TOO, IS A GOOD RULE OF THUMB BUT MY BRAIN LIKES REMEMBERING TO ANALYZE HOW MANY ARE IN THE GROUP AND SETTING THE F/STOP ACCORDINGLY...I TEND TO FORGET TO DO THE EASY F/16.
2. How do I use a high ISO setting for low light and keep the picture from being too grainy?
I NEVER GO HIGHER THAN 800 ISO BECAUSE I DON'T CARE FOR GRAINY IMAGES, FOR THE MOST PART. FOR LOW LIGHTING I USE A CANON SPEEDLITE 480 FLASH OR SOMETIMES A VIDEO LIGHT (diffused by a reflector--someone else holds this near the dancing couple while the photographer takes the shot). I ALSO USE A 50 mm 1.8 f/stop LENS AND A 28mm 2.0 f/stop LENS WHICH ALLOWS MORE LIGHT INTO MY CAMERA WITH THAT LOW OF AN F/STOP. FOR THE CEREMONY I USE A TRIPOD IF THE LIGHTING IS LOW, BUT NOT USUALLY DURING A RECEPTION BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE MOVING AROUND TOO MUCH ANYWAY.
3. Do you use a tripod during the ceremony at any time?
3. Do you use a tripod during the ceremony at any time?
I DO IF IT'S CANDLELIGHT, OR LOW-LIGHT
4. What do you set your internal camera custom settings at?
4. What do you set your internal camera custom settings at?
I DON'T SET ANYTHING DIFFERENTLY THAN HOW IT IS CALIBRATED FROM THE FACTORY (I DON'T MAKE THE COLOR MORE VIBRANT OR DO AN EXPOSURE COMPENSATION, ETC. INTERNALLY.....NOT SURE WHAT ALL THE NIKON TERMS ARE, I SHOOT CANON) I WILL USE THE APPROPRIATE WHITE BALANCE SETTING WHEN NECESSARY. TUNGSTEN IS USUALLY BETTER FOR THE RECEPTION, BUT IT COMPLETELY DEPENDS ON THE COLOR OF THE LIGHTS IN THE ROOM.
5. Do you ever count off to or pose your subjects (for the flower toss or the cake cutting or the first dance)
5. Do you ever count off to or pose your subjects (for the flower toss or the cake cutting or the first dance)
YES, WHEN NECESSARY, I COUNT OFF THE MOMENT. PEOPLE ARE COOL WITH THIS BECAUSE THEY HIRED ME TO GET THE SHOT. I TALK THROUGH THE ENTIRE DAY AND THE PLAN FOR THE DAY WITH THE COUPLE BEFORE HAND AND EACH TIME WE MEET I AM LEARNING MORE ABOUT THEM, THEIR PREFERENCES, AND WHAT THEY ENVISION. BECAUSE OF MY INVOLVEMENT WITH THE COUPLE SOMEONE ALWAYS COMES AND GETS ME DURING AN IMPORTANT MOMENT (MARRIAGE LICENSE SIGNING OR CAKE CUTTING, ETC.) IF I AM NOT ALREADY THERE. O AND I ALWAYS SHOOT WITH SOMEONE ELSE. IT RELIEVES PRESSURE AND INSURES THAT YOU WON'T MISS AS MUCH.
6. Or instead of counting off a pose or picture, do you just shoot when you feel the time is right?
I DO THIS TOO. A LOT DEPENDS ON THE COUPLE AND THEIR STYLE. SOME WANT NO INTRUSION FROM US AND OTHERS WANT SOME DIRECTION BUT NOT IN-YOUR-FACE, HANDS-ON DIRECTION. AND THIS IS WHERE IT'S IMPORTANT TO KNOW YOUR PERSONAL STYLE AND BE SURE YOU ARE SHOWING THAT TO PROSPECTIVE CLIENTS. IF YOU HATE THE TRADITIONAL STUFF OR THE PHOTOJOURNALISTIC APPROACH DON'T SHOW IT--SHOW WHAT YOU LIKE SO YOU ATTRACT THE CUSTOMERS THAT ALREADY LIKE YOUR STYLE BEFORE YOU EVER TAKE THEIR PHOTO.
7. Do you repose your subject if you miss or blur the shot or is it just gone?
7. Do you repose your subject if you miss or blur the shot or is it just gone?
YES, IF YOU HAVE AN INKLING OF A DOUBT, GO WITH IT-DON'T IGNORE IT!! AND JUST CONFIDENTLY SAY, 'I WANT TO TRY A DIFFERENT CAMERA SETTING', OR 'I THINK SOMEONE BLINKED'. YOUR JOB IS TO GET THE SHOT NO MATTER WHAT IT TAKES.
8. Do you use the gray card?
8. Do you use the gray card?
NO. I KNOW MY CAMERAS WELL ENOUGH THAT I KNOW WHEN I'M NOT GETTING THE CORRECT WHITE BALANCE AND ADJUST ACCORDINGLY. I HAVE NEVER USED A GRAY CARD. I NEVER USE A LIGHT METER EITHER. IF YOU ARE COMFORTABLE WITH A GRAY CARD OR LIGHT METER THAN DO IT. AGAIN, I KNOW MY CAMERAS WELL ENOUGH THAT I USUALLY KNOW WHEN I NEED TO ADJUST THE EXPOSURE.
A WEDDING ISN'T THE BEST TIME TO TRY A COMPLETELY NEW APPROACH OR METHOD (IN REGARDS TO LIGHTING AND EXPOSURE), SO USE THE METHODS YOU ALREADY KNOW. AND WHEN YOU DO TRY SOMETHING NEW, ALWAYS TAKE THE SHOT THE WAY YOU NORMALLY WOULD TOO AS BACK UP.
9. do you take lights along to the wedding?
YES, IF THEY WANT TRADITIONAL PHOTOS AT THE ALTAR, AND I AM UNFAMILIAR WITH THE LIGHTING AT THE CEREMONY. I BRING ONE 800 STUDIO LIGHT WITH A LARGE SOFT BOX. OTHER THAN THAT, I DON'T USE ANY STUDIO LIGHTING.
I WILL USE A FLASH AT THE RECEPTION AND CEREMONY (IF IT IS ALLOWED AND IF THE LIGHTING IS LOW). BUT OTHER THAN THAT, I SHOOT ALL NATURAL LIGHT.
AGAIN, WHEN YOU ARE JUST STARTING OUT THOUGH, YOU SHOULD DO WHAT YOU ARE MOST COMFORTABLE WITH--I HAVE NEVER BEEN A STUDIO/LOTS-OF-GEAR GIRL. I APPROACH A WEDDING DAY MORE LIKE A PHOTOJOURNALIST IN THAT REGARD.
10. Do you use a long lens for during the ceremony and just shoot at a distance or are you right up there?
THIS DEPENDS ON WHAT THE COUPLE WANTS. I LOVE WHEN THEY GIVE ME THE FREEDOM TO GO WHEREEVER BECAUSE THEN I CAN CAPTURE THOSE TRUE MOMENTS FROM THE BEST ANGLES. BUT WE HAVE 70-200 2.8 IS LENSES THAT WE USE WHEN WE ARE STASHED AWAY IN A BALCONY OR IN THE BACK OF A CHURCH DURING THE CEREMONY.
A WEDDING ISN'T THE BEST TIME TO TRY A COMPLETELY NEW APPROACH OR METHOD (IN REGARDS TO LIGHTING AND EXPOSURE), SO USE THE METHODS YOU ALREADY KNOW. AND WHEN YOU DO TRY SOMETHING NEW, ALWAYS TAKE THE SHOT THE WAY YOU NORMALLY WOULD TOO AS BACK UP.
9. do you take lights along to the wedding?
YES, IF THEY WANT TRADITIONAL PHOTOS AT THE ALTAR, AND I AM UNFAMILIAR WITH THE LIGHTING AT THE CEREMONY. I BRING ONE 800 STUDIO LIGHT WITH A LARGE SOFT BOX. OTHER THAN THAT, I DON'T USE ANY STUDIO LIGHTING.
I WILL USE A FLASH AT THE RECEPTION AND CEREMONY (IF IT IS ALLOWED AND IF THE LIGHTING IS LOW). BUT OTHER THAN THAT, I SHOOT ALL NATURAL LIGHT.
AGAIN, WHEN YOU ARE JUST STARTING OUT THOUGH, YOU SHOULD DO WHAT YOU ARE MOST COMFORTABLE WITH--I HAVE NEVER BEEN A STUDIO/LOTS-OF-GEAR GIRL. I APPROACH A WEDDING DAY MORE LIKE A PHOTOJOURNALIST IN THAT REGARD.
10. Do you use a long lens for during the ceremony and just shoot at a distance or are you right up there?
THIS DEPENDS ON WHAT THE COUPLE WANTS. I LOVE WHEN THEY GIVE ME THE FREEDOM TO GO WHEREEVER BECAUSE THEN I CAN CAPTURE THOSE TRUE MOMENTS FROM THE BEST ANGLES. BUT WE HAVE 70-200 2.8 IS LENSES THAT WE USE WHEN WE ARE STASHED AWAY IN A BALCONY OR IN THE BACK OF A CHURCH DURING THE CEREMONY.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Venturing into Photoshop
I've had a few questions about editing software, what I use? what to get? etc.
I use good old Photoshop and Adobe LightRoom.
LightRoom is a great program to organize and color manage your images and is similar to Adobe Bridge, and Aperture.
Photoshop is limitless! But if you're wondering how to get started I encourage you to pick up Photoshop Elements to get your feet wet. When I taught digital photography at the High School level, I found that you can do a fair amount of things in Elements. I definitely would recommend downloading the free trial for Elements from Adobe's website. If you are ready to buy Elements you can order it online through B and H Photo for $89.95--make sure you get the appropriate software for your platform--Mac or Windows.
From there, I believe if you register your software and get on Adobe's mailing list, they will send you information how to upgrade to the full version of Photoshop (CS4). And upgrades are always less expensive than the full program.
Adobe also offers a trial version of LightRoom here.
Hope this helps! Have fun in the digi-world!
I use good old Photoshop and Adobe LightRoom.
LightRoom is a great program to organize and color manage your images and is similar to Adobe Bridge, and Aperture.
Photoshop is limitless! But if you're wondering how to get started I encourage you to pick up Photoshop Elements to get your feet wet. When I taught digital photography at the High School level, I found that you can do a fair amount of things in Elements. I definitely would recommend downloading the free trial for Elements from Adobe's website. If you are ready to buy Elements you can order it online through B and H Photo for $89.95--make sure you get the appropriate software for your platform--Mac or Windows.
From there, I believe if you register your software and get on Adobe's mailing list, they will send you information how to upgrade to the full version of Photoshop (CS4). And upgrades are always less expensive than the full program.
Adobe also offers a trial version of LightRoom here.
Hope this helps! Have fun in the digi-world!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
It's not just about Creativity, it's about Smart Business
I am off to a photography business workshop this week with Ann Monteith and Judy Grann (Successware). So often our creative minds hit a wall when it comes to business, marketing, and bringing home the bacon. We give everything away. We charge for the product but not our time. And we slowly give up the privileges we dreamed we'd have in owning our own business: our own schedule, free time for family, and ultimately all that matters most.
PPA's SMS is a great resource as is Successware and workshops like Ann Monteith offers. I am excited about all that I am going to learn this week!
Oh, and congratulations to Matt and Megan (pictured below), who have taken their business to a profitable level--something too many photographers and creative artists fail to do. I met Matt at a workshop in Oregon over a year ago and he has benefited from PPA's SMS.
I love seeing you creative people succeed!
PPA's SMS is a great resource as is Successware and workshops like Ann Monteith offers. I am excited about all that I am going to learn this week!
Oh, and congratulations to Matt and Megan (pictured below), who have taken their business to a profitable level--something too many photographers and creative artists fail to do. I met Matt at a workshop in Oregon over a year ago and he has benefited from PPA's SMS.
I love seeing you creative people succeed!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Blogs I Follow...
OH, there are so many...but here are just a few of my favs:
Dave Ramsey
Dan Miller
Ann Monteith
Design Mom
Blogs of Photogs
Audrey Hannah Photography
Me Ra Koh
Kevin Kubota
Dane Sanders
Doug Gordon
Professional Photographers of America
Dave Ramsey
Dan Miller
Ann Monteith
Design Mom
Blogs of Photogs
Audrey Hannah Photography
Me Ra Koh
Kevin Kubota
Dane Sanders
Doug Gordon
Professional Photographers of America
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Unexpected Inspiration
So, Scott and I were doing our typical chill-at-a-coffee-shop-with-a-book-and-laptop, when we noticed a guy with a video camera and a USAtoday badge. Unabashed, I approached him and asked if he was a photographer and/or videographer. Turns out, he's a journalist here in Fargo covering the flood for USAtoday. Crazy! (Little old me, gets a bit star stuck upon meeting established photographers.) Anyhow, we enjoyed our coffee checked out each other's sites and exchanged some comments. Go ahead and "meet" Garret Hubbard by visiting his website and blog. Inspiration is always around the corner--you just gotta keep your eyes open! (Thanks honey, for being my eyes in this case).
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Tax-Time & Words to Live By
So it's tax season, and I just sent off all the business taxes to the IRS and State. Wow! does that feel good! I know it's weird to be excited about surrendering to "the Man" all your hard earned cash, but to complete a business year and be able to see how much growth has occurred in the span of one year feels monumental, like finishing a marathon. Maybe my "time" wasn't as good as I hoped, or the weather what I had imagined, or the run as smooth as anticipated, but I finished! I completed the "race."
As I have been reviewing numbers, it's incredible to see where all the money goes. Generosity and integrity are at the top of my list when it comes to the numbers. So paying taxes isn't that fun when you look at it from a negative viewpoint, but when I consider that I could be living in any of the many countries I have visited, I am glad to pay my taxes and be a U.S. citizen.
Besides, you reap what you sow. Or if you'd rather use the term "karma" that's fine with me. If you plant corn you get corn. So I choose carefully where to "plant" my money to harvest the crop of choice.
If you're digging the whole financial thing, or wanting to learn more about managing your finances I highly recommend Dave Ramsey's books and podcasts. His philosophies have changed my life!
And I leave you with these words to live by: "The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25
As I have been reviewing numbers, it's incredible to see where all the money goes. Generosity and integrity are at the top of my list when it comes to the numbers. So paying taxes isn't that fun when you look at it from a negative viewpoint, but when I consider that I could be living in any of the many countries I have visited, I am glad to pay my taxes and be a U.S. citizen.
Besides, you reap what you sow. Or if you'd rather use the term "karma" that's fine with me. If you plant corn you get corn. So I choose carefully where to "plant" my money to harvest the crop of choice.
If you're digging the whole financial thing, or wanting to learn more about managing your finances I highly recommend Dave Ramsey's books and podcasts. His philosophies have changed my life!
The Total Money Makeover
(Hardcover)- MSRP: $24.99
- Your Price: $14.99
And I leave you with these words to live by: "The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25
Monday, March 2, 2009
Sweet Deal from Dane Sanders
So, I wanted to pass this sweet deal on to you...I am a big fan of Dane Sanders. He has great insight for inspiring photographers!
I was thinking tonight about all my friends who didn't get to go to WPPI and how it isn't fair that folks who go get all the deals. So, for those who'd like a hook-up whether you went or not, do this: 1) CLICK HERE 2) Enter "wppiaudiolove" in the promo code at check out 3) Get 20% off the Audiobook, a FREE pDNA and a FREE eBook on me!
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Sunday, February 15, 2009
Good Reads
Hey Friends, just wanted to share some good reads that have inspired and challenged me in the last few months:
The Business of Wedding Photography (Business of Photography) by Ann Monteith
The Traveler's Gift: Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success by Andy Andrews
Fast Track Photographer: The Definitive New Approach to Successful Wedding Photography (Aug 8, 2008) by Dane Sanders
The Business of Wedding Photography (Business of Photography) by Ann Monteith
The Traveler's Gift: Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success by Andy Andrews
Fast Track Photographer: The Definitive New Approach to Successful Wedding Photography (Aug 8, 2008) by Dane Sanders
Monday, February 9, 2009
Starting up and Gear
I've been asked, "What kind of Equipment do you use? And How did you first get started?" And here's my answer
My first real camera was a Canon AE-1, (why did I ever sell it???) I took Black and White Darkroom/Photography classes in High School, and studied Photojournalism, Photography, and Graphic Design in college. (Wish I would have taken some business classes too!)
Now I shoot all digital, all Canon. I primarily use the Canon 5D. My favorite lenses are the Canon 100mm 2.0 and the Canon 70-200 IS 2.8. For studio stuff, I use Alien Bees.
For software, I use Photoshop CS3, Illustrator, and LightRoom.
Cool Beans!
My first real camera was a Canon AE-1, (why did I ever sell it???) I took Black and White Darkroom/Photography classes in High School, and studied Photojournalism, Photography, and Graphic Design in college. (Wish I would have taken some business classes too!)
Now I shoot all digital, all Canon. I primarily use the Canon 5D. My favorite lenses are the Canon 100mm 2.0 and the Canon 70-200 IS 2.8. For studio stuff, I use Alien Bees.
For software, I use Photoshop CS3, Illustrator, and LightRoom.
Cool Beans!
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