Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Emily's Going Away Shoot
So my sister in law is going in to the Navy, and for her going away present we did a photo shoot. She leaves the first week in May.
Best NewB Photographer Advice
So I'm a part of a great photography forum, PhotoMoms. I have learned the ropes from them and gotten some really great advice over time for going into this business. I just wanted to share a few things I've picked up, and am still working on even personally. I don't consider myself a professional in the business yet, I myself am still portfolio building. But I feel like I'm really beginning to understand it thanks to these ladies.
1. Learn manual (Good resource: Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson). If you don't have a camera with manual capabilities, invest in one. Auto-modes do the work for you. You are the artist - you run the camera, not the other way around. Even advanced P&S's have manual capability if you don't have the funds for a DSLR. And a good way to learn each part of the exposure triangle is semi-manual modes like Aperture or Shutter priority.
2. There is a difference between portfolio building and an AWAC (ameture with a camera.) One should not charge for photos done during skill or portfolio building. You should consider it an investment to your education. Also, until you have grasped the full knowledge of photography - shooting in manual and getting consistent results - exposure, focus, etc, understanding composition (http://www.digital-photography-school.com/digital-photography-composition-tips), and even more importantly lighting (http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/03/lighting-101.html) - charging is a no-no. Now when I say charge, I mean make a profit. It is different to ask people to order prints through you so that you can make sure they are printed at a professional lab (like Millers aka Mpix.com) and not Walmart or Walgreens, etc. Any reputable photographer doesn't need Walmart representing their work! Another way around this is to deliver their photos in an Mpix album where they can place orders themselves without paying you, VS just giving out a CD.
Now what we call an AWAC is someone without the above knowledge who just picks up a camera and prematurely "starts a business"... one, you need to understand not only the above aspects of photography, but also business itself. A business plan, a grasp of paying taxes, etc. So to sum it up: you may already have a good eye, but it doesn't make you a pro. You need to be able to smoothly master the technical aspect and the artistic eye TOGETHER before you should go into business and take people's money. And you need to have a good concept of running a business. You need to have contracts, model releases, etc. You cannot post images of another person online (legally) without a model release. And it needs to be written. They can be all nice and say it is fine, you don't need it, but then they can turn around and get mad at you and sue you. ALWAYS get a signed model release before posting images.
3. Revisiting a bit of above: DO NOT USE WALMART FOR PRINTS. As a photographer you want your prints to represent your work - word of mouth is the best marketing tool. So you want accurate prints. Use a professional printing lab, like Millers. Here is why: http://www.taraleephotography.com/site/#/information/why-i-don%27t-give-away-discs/
4. On board flash = Harsh Lighting. Invest in a speedlite, or external flash. Vivitar makes generic external flashes for less. If no funds for a speedlite, they make cheap diffusers for on camera flashes that helps tone down the harshness of the light. But inevitably you won't get the results of a speedlite.
5. Generic can save you TONS of money. Tamron and Sigma make some great generic lenses. The Tamron 17-5mm f2.8 (fixed aperture ROCKS) is like $700+ cheaper than its Canon counterpart. Vivitar is another good generic name. Not saying they are 100% the same as a Canon or Nikon, but they definitely get the job done.
1. Learn manual (Good resource: Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson). If you don't have a camera with manual capabilities, invest in one. Auto-modes do the work for you. You are the artist - you run the camera, not the other way around. Even advanced P&S's have manual capability if you don't have the funds for a DSLR. And a good way to learn each part of the exposure triangle is semi-manual modes like Aperture or Shutter priority.
2. There is a difference between portfolio building and an AWAC (ameture with a camera.) One should not charge for photos done during skill or portfolio building. You should consider it an investment to your education. Also, until you have grasped the full knowledge of photography - shooting in manual and getting consistent results - exposure, focus, etc, understanding composition (http://www.digital-photography-school.com/digital-photography-composition-tips), and even more importantly lighting (http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/03/lighting-101.html) - charging is a no-no. Now when I say charge, I mean make a profit. It is different to ask people to order prints through you so that you can make sure they are printed at a professional lab (like Millers aka Mpix.com) and not Walmart or Walgreens, etc. Any reputable photographer doesn't need Walmart representing their work! Another way around this is to deliver their photos in an Mpix album where they can place orders themselves without paying you, VS just giving out a CD.
Now what we call an AWAC is someone without the above knowledge who just picks up a camera and prematurely "starts a business"... one, you need to understand not only the above aspects of photography, but also business itself. A business plan, a grasp of paying taxes, etc. So to sum it up: you may already have a good eye, but it doesn't make you a pro. You need to be able to smoothly master the technical aspect and the artistic eye TOGETHER before you should go into business and take people's money. And you need to have a good concept of running a business. You need to have contracts, model releases, etc. You cannot post images of another person online (legally) without a model release. And it needs to be written. They can be all nice and say it is fine, you don't need it, but then they can turn around and get mad at you and sue you. ALWAYS get a signed model release before posting images.
3. Revisiting a bit of above: DO NOT USE WALMART FOR PRINTS. As a photographer you want your prints to represent your work - word of mouth is the best marketing tool. So you want accurate prints. Use a professional printing lab, like Millers. Here is why: http://www.taraleephotography.com/site/#/information/why-i-don%27t-give-away-discs/
4. On board flash = Harsh Lighting. Invest in a speedlite, or external flash. Vivitar makes generic external flashes for less. If no funds for a speedlite, they make cheap diffusers for on camera flashes that helps tone down the harshness of the light. But inevitably you won't get the results of a speedlite.
5. Generic can save you TONS of money. Tamron and Sigma make some great generic lenses. The Tamron 17-5mm f2.8 (fixed aperture ROCKS) is like $700+ cheaper than its Canon counterpart. Vivitar is another good generic name. Not saying they are 100% the same as a Canon or Nikon, but they definitely get the job done.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Announcing our Backdrop Contest Winner!
Congratulations to Terra Barlow! Her brick wall photo won the backdrop contest. She will receive a free backdrop of any size and design!
Friday, April 1, 2011
Contest Entry Closed
Thank you for your submissions! The contest is now closed. Submitted photos will be posted by Monday, April 4 for voting on Facebook. Like a photo to vote! Voting will be open until April 15.
Photos will be available for double voting on Amazing Grace Photography's FB page and S & S Photo Backdrop and Floor's FB page. The winner will receive a free printed backdrop of their design.
Photos will be available for double voting on Amazing Grace Photography's FB page and S & S Photo Backdrop and Floor's FB page. The winner will receive a free printed backdrop of their design.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Backdrop Contest Update
Here it is 3 days! before the deadline for our S & S Photo Backdrop and Floor Contest and we haven't gotten ONE! submission. I am going to extend the submission date to March 31, 2011 at 12:00am EST and we will go from there on the posting date, voting time, and when we'll announce the winner.
As a fun way of getting things going, and to get design ideas from potential clients, we'll be holding a photo/design contest. To enter: submit a high resolution image of a custom backdrop design from one of the following categories with your name and/or business name and email (subject: S & S Backdrop Contest: List Backdrop Category & "Graphic Design" or "Photo") to SandSPhotoBackdrops@gmail.com. You may also include your business's web address for credit on our website! Make sure to leave us a comment on our blog also! They will be posted for voting, and there will be two winners - one in graphic design, and one in photos, who will receive a print of their backdrop design in the size of their choosing (as long as the photo is large enough to fit said size). All designs submitted may be used in our inventory, and credit will be given to the photographer/designer on our website.
You may submit more than one image for multiple chances to win! Each person who submits an image gets a 10% off coupon for their first order! NOTE: One coupon per person, not per submission.
Backdrop Categories include:
Keep in mind these drops are 54" wide x 5'-9' long, so portrait orientation for your photos or designs is a must! Please submit your designs by March 31, 2011 at 12am EST. Designs will be posted on the Amazing Grace Photography FB page and the S & S Photo Backdrop and Floors FB page for voting by April 4, 2011 - like a photo to vote. Voters may submit their votes on both Facebook pages to be counted as two votes! Voting will be open until April 15th. The winners will be announced on April 18th.
- Wood Floors
- Brick, Concrete, and Stone
- Checkered Tile, Rugs, Fur, etc.
- Vintage/Damask Style
- Doors, Walls, Windows...
- The Deep South
- On Location Scenes (Indoors and Outdoors)
- Graffiti, Shapes, Patterns, and Textures
- Animal Print
- Flowers, Hay, Grass
- Sky and Clouds
Keep in mind these drops are 54" wide x 5'-9' long, so portrait orientation for your photos or designs is a must! Please submit your designs by March 31, 2011 at 12am EST. Designs will be posted on the Amazing Grace Photography FB page and the S & S Photo Backdrop and Floors FB page for voting by April 4, 2011 - like a photo to vote. Voters may submit their votes on both Facebook pages to be counted as two votes! Voting will be open until April 15th. The winners will be announced on April 18th.
DESCRIPTION: Our backdrops come in 5 sizes starting at 5' in length up to 9'. They are 54" wide. The material is a sturdy matte polypropylene that can be rolled for easy storage. We can print any custom design on our backdrops. These drops are images (either photos or graphical designs) printed with a large-format printer onto a matte surface (the material is similar to that used for banners.)
Monday, February 28, 2011
The Reason I Haven't Been Blogging in a While... (CONTEST!!!) Win a FREE Backdrop!
...is that my stepdad and I are working on our custom backdrop business! Within the next month we hope to be up and running. He's ordered a wide-format printer, and I'm working on our webstore. We'll be selling photo backdrops and floors made of a Matte Polypropylene material, 54" wide and anywhere from 5' to 9' long. We're having a photo/design contest to get things rolling! As a fun way of getting things going, and to get design ideas from potential clients, we'll be holding a photo/design contest. To enter: submit a high resolution image of a custom backdrop design from one of the following categories with your name and/or business name and email (subject: S & S Backdrop Contest: List Backdrop Category & "Graphic Design" or "Photo") to SandSPhotoBackdrops@gmail.com. You may also include your business's web address for credit on our website! Make sure to leave us a comment on our blog also! They will be posted for voting, and there will be two winners - one in graphic design, and one in photos, who will receive a print of their backdrop design in the size of their choosing (as long as the photo is large enough to fit said size). All designs submitted may be used in our inventory, and credit will be given to the photographer/designer on our website.
Backdrop Categories include:
- Wood Floors
- Brick, Concrete, and Stone
- Checkered Tile, Rugs, Fur, etc.
- Vintage/Damask Style
- Doors, Walls, Windows...
- The Deep South
- On Location Scenes (Indoors and Outdoors)
- Graffiti, Shapes, Patterns, and Textures
- Animal Print
- Flowers, Hay, Grass
- Sky and Clouds
Keep in mind these drops are 54" wide x 5'-9' long, so portrait orientation for your photos or designs is a must! Please submit your designs by March 11, 2011 at 12am EST. Designs will be posted on the Amazing Grace Photography FB page and the S & S Photo Backdrop and Floors FB page for voting by March 14, 2011 - like a photo to vote. Voters may submit their votes on both Facebook pages to be counted as two votes! Voting will be open until March 31st. The winners will be announced on April 4th.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Learn Photography Resources
So most of what I've learned has been "self taught" through online resources and books. I wanted to share some of these resources with other inspiring photographers!
My #1 Photography Resource: Bryan Peterson
He has two books (so far I've only read one, about to start on the 2nd): Understanding Exposure, and Understanding Photography Field Guide. Less than $20 on Amazon.com.
He also has his own online photography school, a little more costly, but worth it if you have the cash! http://www.ppsop.com/index.aspx
#2 is Michael the Mentor - he has free basic photography tutorial videos on his website, and more in depth DVDs for sale for less than $50. http://www.michaelthementor.com/
#3 is YouTube. Chances are if you want to learn about something, there's a video tutorial on YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/ I've found tutorials on how to use my camera, lighting and composition, photoshop, etc.
And last, but NOT least! #4 is CafeMom. Yeah, if you're a dude, this one may not be for you. You will probably get eaten alive. But there is a group called Photo Mom's, and I have received wonderful advice, constructive criticism, and answers from these ladies. Several of them are professional photographers with AMAZING work, and I take their advice very close to heart. http://www.cafemom.com/group/17
My #1 Photography Resource: Bryan Peterson
He has two books (so far I've only read one, about to start on the 2nd): Understanding Exposure, and Understanding Photography Field Guide. Less than $20 on Amazon.com.
He also has his own online photography school, a little more costly, but worth it if you have the cash! http://www.ppsop.com/index.aspx
#2 is Michael the Mentor - he has free basic photography tutorial videos on his website, and more in depth DVDs for sale for less than $50. http://www.michaelthementor.com/
#3 is YouTube. Chances are if you want to learn about something, there's a video tutorial on YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/ I've found tutorials on how to use my camera, lighting and composition, photoshop, etc.
And last, but NOT least! #4 is CafeMom. Yeah, if you're a dude, this one may not be for you. You will probably get eaten alive. But there is a group called Photo Mom's, and I have received wonderful advice, constructive criticism, and answers from these ladies. Several of them are professional photographers with AMAZING work, and I take their advice very close to heart. http://www.cafemom.com/group/17
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