Are you interested in shooting stock photography and video to make a little extra income? Me, too. However, don’t waste time shooting images you can’t use because your image violates intellectual property (IP) rights. Here are a few shooting tips to help ensure your images will be accepted by stock agencies such as Adobe Stock. If you are already familiar with IP, skip to the tips sections; if not, I encourage you to spend a few minutes here to understand these rights so you don’t violate them. Understanding intellectual property The United … [Read more...] about Stock Photography: Shooting tips on how to avoid violating IP rights
Vanelli
Robert Vanelli (Vanelli to his friends) is a working photographer, educator and author living in Florida. After a successful career as a three-time, Triple Crown Karate champion, Vanelli turned his attention to teaching the visual arts. As an experienced educator, Vanelli has created several photography and digital workflow programs including Click for Kids.
Currently he is teaching workshops, writing for Photofocus and creating tutorials for various plug-in companies and for the Vanelli and Friends series.
You can find out more about Vanelli at www.VanelliandFriends.com
Currently he is teaching workshops, writing for Photofocus and creating tutorials for various plug-in companies and for the Vanelli and Friends series.
You can find out more about Vanelli at www.VanelliandFriends.com
Latest posts by Vanelli (see all)
- Stock Photography: Shooting tips on how to avoid violating IP rights - December 8, 2018
- Quick Tip: Budget in an equipment fee - December 7, 2018
- The InFocus Interview Show with Scott Wyden Kivowitz | Photofocus Podcast December 7, 2018 - December 7, 2018
Quick Tip: Budget in an equipment fee
My trusted Nikon D700 shutter died after 149,652 photos. The shutter needed to be replaced at a cost of about $200. Not bad, but it got me thinking — how many images did I take at the several FREE sporting events or photoshoots? I have no regrets but that got me thinking about adding a fixed cost of $125 to a free photoshoot as an equipment fee. I tell the person asking for the free shoot that I will donate my time, but I need to charge an equipment fee. Since implementing an equipment fee, I've separated those looking for free handouts from … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Budget in an equipment fee
The InFocus Interview Show with Scott Wyden Kivowitz | Photofocus Podcast December 7, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-infocus-interview-show-with-scott-wyden-kivowitz-photofocus-podcast-december-7-2018/s-yOPAf In this special Meet a Photofocus Author edition we catch up with Scott Wyden Kivowitz. Scott shares his many contributions to photography as well as work with Photofocus. Topics: Having a dual career. His first 3 Photofocus articles. His ideas for future Photofocus articles. To learn more about Scott, visit his blog. We like to hear from you! Here's your chance to interact with the team … [Read more...] about The InFocus Interview Show with Scott Wyden Kivowitz | Photofocus Podcast December 7, 2018
First look at the new Luminar 3 with Libraries
Skylum Software is releasing the much talked about photo editing tool, Luminar 3 on Dec. 18, 2018. Luminar 3 is an all-in-one photo app designed to offers everything a modern photographer needs for photo editing. That sounds great, but what makes this version special is Skylum has added the number one most requested feature from users; the ability to organize and view their images. This added feature is a game changer for experienced users looking for an alternative to their current editing tools and it’s a simple solution for photographers … [Read more...] about First look at the new Luminar 3 with Libraries
Quick Tip: Kill the ambient light
Before lighting a subject in a studio environment, start with an empty set, leaving the overhead lights on. Dial in your desired exposure settings and take the first shot. Your goal is to create a completely black image. This will prove the ambient light will not affect your image when you proceed to light the subject. Want to learn more? Check out this article, "Photography Strip Lighting" … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Kill the ambient light
The InFocus Interview Show with Dennis Dunbar | Photofocus Podcast November 30, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-infocus-interview-show-with-dennis-dunbar-photofocus-podcast-november-30-2018/s-Xfwri In this episode: Digital Artist and Photo Retoucher Dennis Dunbar shares his insight on photo retouching and how photographers and retouchers work together. Topics: Working with agencies How he and photographers work as a team. What software he uses for retouching and why. To learn more about Dennis, visit his blog. We like to hear from you! Here's your chance to interact with the team by leaving a … [Read more...] about The InFocus Interview Show with Dennis Dunbar | Photofocus Podcast November 30, 2018
Quick Tip: Use a long exposure to remove people in a scene
A long exposure works because most people don't stand in one spot for more than a few seconds, so the camera doesn't capture them. For them to be captured, they would have to stay in one spot the entire time you are taking the photo. You will notice a little ghosting of people that stood a little longer. If it's a high traffic area, take a couple of shots and fix it in Photoshop. Want to learn more? Check out this article, "Easily Remove People from a Photo" … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Use a long exposure to remove people in a scene
Removing harsh shadows using natural light
Removing harsh, ugly shadows from what would be a beautiful portrait is relativity easy. You find a shaded area, set your camera to a low aperture of f/2.8, diffuser the light and then let Mother Nature’s light do the rest. It really is that easy. Here are the steps in more detail on how to remove harsh shadows using natural light. Find a shaded area Look for a close shade treetop canopy or an open shade area — a building or an object blocking direct sunlight — to remove your subject from direct sunlight. This solves the problem of harsh … [Read more...] about Removing harsh shadows using natural light
Quick Tip: Try fog in a can
Using a fog machine indoors — especially in a small, unvented room — can be challenging. On your next shoot, try Atmosphere Aerosol, a.k.a. Fog in a Can. Atmosphere Aerosol looks like hairspray, but without the choking fumes. It enables photographers to add fog or haze during a shoot. It’s a safe, non-toxic, clear spray that won’t stain gowns, suits, uniforms or garments. Want to learn more? Check out this article, "Fog… in a can?" … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Try fog in a can
Understanding and creating Aurora HDR 2019 Looks
Think of Aurora's Looks like a recipe you would find in a cookbook. You follow the instructions describing how to combine ingredients, prepare the food and then cook it to make a meal. Along the way, you learned how each ingredient affected the flavor. You experiment by adding or removing ingredients and now the recipe has become your own. Sounds delicious right? Well, instead of a cooking lesson, that's the concept behind understanding and create Aurora HDR Looks. What are Aurora HDR Looks Aurora HDR Looks are made up filters whose settings … [Read more...] about Understanding and creating Aurora HDR 2019 Looks
Quick Tip: When cleaning a lens, don’t forget the rear element
Most people clean the front of the lens, but they forget to clean the rear element. Before you remove your lens, blow and wipe off around the back part of the lens. This will prevent loose dirt or dust from entering the camera. Inspect the rear element and clean it the same way you cleaned the front of the lens. Put the lens back on and take a test shot of a wall or the sky. If the dust spots are gone, you don’t need to clean the sensor. Want to learn more? Check out this article, "How to Clean Your Camera Sensor and Lens (Video included)" … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: When cleaning a lens, don’t forget the rear element
The InFocus Interview Show with Unmesh Dinda | Photofocus Podcast November 23, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/infocus-interview-show-with-unmesh-dinda-photofocus-podcast-november-23-2018/s-Y5XFt In this episode: Photo editing guru Unmesh Dinda shares his insight on how to become more efficient at photo editing. Topics: Concepts and theories on photo editing How he prepares for tutorials How he uses Skylum's Luminar in his workflow Visit PiXimperfect for photo editing tutorials We like to hear from you! Here's your chance to interact with the team by leaving a follow-up question in the … [Read more...] about The InFocus Interview Show with Unmesh Dinda | Photofocus Podcast November 23, 2018
Modifying light with versatile, extremely portable v-flats
A set of v-flats is one of the most versatile — but not often talked about — light modifiers a photographer can have in their studio or home studio. Usually constructed of foam core, v-flats can be used to block light (known as flagging), to bounce or absorb light, or as a background. Most studio photographers use them so much, they forget to talk about them because they assume all photographers know their value. I admit I fell into this trap until a set of V-Flat World’s portable V-Flats appeared on my doorstep. I called my buddy Richie and … [Read more...] about Modifying light with versatile, extremely portable v-flats
Quick Tip: Use a single Lightroom catalog
A single Lightroom catalog makes managing Lightroom a lot easier. Having just one catalog will: Help you find images faster Keep track of backups Ensures you don’t lose track of images because you import images into the wrong catalog Quickly update the catalog when a new version of Lightroom is available Synchronizing Publish services such as Facebook, Zenfolio and Smugmug Hierarchy Want to learn more? Check out this article, "Should I have One or Many Lightroom Catalogs?" … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Use a single Lightroom catalog
Quick Tip: How to hold a camera super steady
When you hold your camera, especially with a long telephoto lens, cup the barrel and bring your elbow tight into your body. Look through the eyepiece as you firmly press the camera to your forehead. You just made a steady tripod. This will reduce the risk of camera shake, which causes blurry photos. Want to learn more? Check out this article along with a short video, "For God’s Sake, Hold Your Camera Correctly!" … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: How to hold a camera super steady
How to capture a sunburst and enhance it with Luminar’s Sunrays filter
Capturing a sunburst in a photo adds a beautiful element to a landscape scene. It can get a little complicated to capture the same sunburst while shooting a portrait. Here's how to photograph a sunburst and enhance it by adding Luminar’s Sunrays filter. Backlight the subject with the sun The first step is to use the sun to backlight the subject. The easiest way to determine camera settings is to use aperture priority. Set your camera to an aperture of f/16 — this stops down the lens and makes the opening very small, causing the sunburst — … [Read more...] about How to capture a sunburst and enhance it with Luminar’s Sunrays filter
The recipe for balancing natural light with flash
Balancing natural light with flash isn’t complicated — once you know the recipe. The key ingredients are softening the natural light with a diffuser, exposing for the background, then adding the right amount of flash to expose the subject. Now that you know the ingredients, here’s the recipe to balance natural light with flash. Use a diffuser to soften direct sunlight Wouldn’t it be nice if we had a remote to control the sun? Sure, we could schedule our shoot early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid direct sunlight but that’s not … [Read more...] about The recipe for balancing natural light with flash
Portrait photographers: Save time, crop in camera
Most cameras — not including micro four-thirds — capture images in a standard 3:2 ratio, producing an 8x12 or a traditional 4x6 print. Normally this is fine, but did you know you can change the aspect ratio to 5:4 making it perfect for an 8x10 or 16x20 portrait? Here’s why you should consider changing the aspect ratio, essentially allowing you to crop in camera. Saves time when editing I shoot a lot of portraits and headshots. Instead of cropping during post-processing — an extra tedious step that adds up — I set my camera to capture the … [Read more...] about Portrait photographers: Save time, crop in camera
Quick Tip: Start using Instagram Stories to promote your brand
To help build your brand on Instagram, start using Instagram Stories to showcase projects you’re working on, future events or share something you just learned. This will attract new followers plus it may give your current clients ideas for future shoots. Want to learn more? Check out this podcast, "The InFocus Interview Show with Jonathan Tilly | Photofocus Podcast June 29, 2018" … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Start using Instagram Stories to promote your brand
How to become more efficient at creative editing
I set aside a few hours each day to get lost in creative editing. A common problem I face is forgetting the steps it took to achieve the final look. Here’s how to solve this problem and become better at creative editing. Label each layer with a descriptive name If your image editing program includes layers as a feature, take advantage of this by labeling each layer with a descriptive name. This will enable you to see at a glance how each layer adds to the final look. Sometimes, I like to create different versions of an image. By putting the … [Read more...] about How to become more efficient at creative editing
Quick Tip: Set aside a time to learn each week
If you really want to up your photography or editing skills, set aside a few hours each week to watch videos or read articles on areas you want to improve on and stick to the schedule. The time you invest will teach you to become proficient, saving you time on photo shoots and editing. Want to learn more? Check out this article, “How to Apply a Little LUCK to Your Photography” … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Set aside a time to learn each week
Quick Tip: Daylight saving time has ended; rethink what you plan to photograph
The time change time means you should rethink what you plan on photographing. I find during the fall season, I shoot later in the day than I do for springtime. The spring season lends to more sunrise shoots and morning portraits because the sun rises later in the morning. Now that the sun will rise at 6:30 a.m. on Florida's east coast, I find it harder to get clients — especially models — to meet that early. Instead, I may focus on landscapes and sunsets. Think how the time change will affect your photography and adjust your shooting. Want … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Daylight saving time has ended; rethink what you plan to photograph
Quick Tip: Use an inexpensive pegboard for a creative portraits
If you’re getting bored shooting on the same background you can create a unique look by using a simple $15 pegboard as a background with a larger light positioned behind it shining through. Change it up by adding different color gels to the light. The key is to experiment, have fun and create great photos. Want to learn more? Check out this article, “Using a Pegboard to Shoot Creative Portraits” … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Use an inexpensive pegboard for a creative portraits
The InFocus Interview Show with Mark Rossetto | Photofocus Podcast November 2, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-infocus-interview-show-with-mark-rossetto-november-2-2018/s-uec42 In this episode: Photographer and business coach Mark Rossetto shares his insight on enhancing the client experience and building your client list. Topics: Mark’s history as a family photographer in the UK and in Brisbane, Australia Mark’s story of overcoming a speech impediment, and how to talk to people face-to-face Using the client experience wheel to create a well-rounded client experience, including what you sell and … [Read more...] about The InFocus Interview Show with Mark Rossetto | Photofocus Podcast November 2, 2018
Quick Tip: Have patience when working with animals
Working with animals can be the ultimate exercise in patience. They cannot take direction like a human model. Be patient and remember you are on the pet’s time. You have a very short window of opportunity to get the shot, so develop lightning-fast timing! Want to learn more? Check out this article, "3 Tips for Great Pet Photography" … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Have patience when working with animals
The InFocus Interview Show with Levi Sim | Photofocus Podcast October 26, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/infocus-interview-show-with-levi-sim-photofocus-podcast-october-26-2018/s-xsxDZ In this special Meet a Photofocus Author edition we catch up with Levi Sim. Levi shares his many contributions to photography as well as work with Photofocus. We like to hear from you! Here's your chance to interact with the team by leaving a follow-up question in the comments section. We do our best to answer all questions in a timely manner. You Can Be the Next Guest Host on Our Podcast Do you have an idea for a topic … [Read more...] about The InFocus Interview Show with Levi Sim | Photofocus Podcast October 26, 2018
Quick Tip: Use a ring light to create killer catchlights in the eyes
A ring light adds unique lighting to a portrait. You place the lens through the middle of the light, causing the light to come from the same plane as the lens. This produces very few shadows and a unique catch light. There are several different types of ring lights. I used the Angler Circo LED Ring Light to capture this shot. It’s continuous, so what you see is what you get, making it easy to position your subject. To complete the look, I placed two strip boxes on each side of the subject and added a blue gel to one of them. Want to learn … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Use a ring light to create killer catchlights in the eyes
Striking the balance between creativity and efficiency
Creativity is a spice of life. It’s what keeps us excited It keeps us at the top of our game. Being creative often requires experimentation which can take up a lot of time. Here’s how to strike a balance between creativity and efficiency. Don’t reinvent the wheel, modify it When I suggest "Don't reinvent the wheel", I'm not advocating stifling your creativity, I'm suggesting to modify the wheel to become proficient. Start with a solid base, technique or lighting pattern then slightly modify it. Once it’s to your liking, modify it some more! … [Read more...] about Striking the balance between creativity and efficiency
To keep or not to keep a photo. That is the question!
Several years ago, hard drives were very expensive. This caused most photographers to free up disk space by deleting unwanted photos. Nowadays, hard drives are much cheaper, sparking a different debate: Should I keep or delete unwanted photos? Here are a few suggestions to help you decide if you should keep or delete a photo. Create a rule for when to delete or keep a photo My personal rule is to keep all photos except for the following: Accidental shot of the floor or the inside of my camera bag. Flash misfire where the image is … [Read more...] about To keep or not to keep a photo. That is the question!
Quick Tip: Use a digital model or property release forms
Digital model or property release forms make it easy for photographers to always have a release handy. I use Easy Release. Easy Release is designed for both Android and iOS devices, including tablets. I prefer to use the larger iPad than my smaller Android phone, but keep it on my phone just in case I don’t have my iPad handy. As of this article date, Easy Release isn’t available for Windows devices such as Microsoft’s Surface Pro. As a workaround, you can install an Android Emulator to run Easy Release on your Windows device. Want to learn … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Use a digital model or property release forms
