https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/beyond-technique-podcast-with-nashco-photography-photofocus-podcast-may-16-2018 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Please, post a review on iTunes. Welcome to Beyond Technique, a podcast empowering photographers to bring their businesses to the next level! In this episode, Skip Cohen and Chamira Young dive deep into a discussion with photographers Leah Nash and Christopher Onstott. They are a fun-loving photography duo, both former photojournalists turned lifestyle … [Read more...] about Beyond Technique Podcast with NashCo Photography | Photofocus Podcast May 16, 2018
business
Quick Tip: Only Show Your Best Work
You might be tempted to show all of your work to your audience in your portfolio. But try to limit yourself to a certain number of photos, only showing work that you deem to be your "best" and that's representative of you. Information overload is a real thing — and while seeing all your photographs is great, it'll overwhelm prospective clients. Instead, take advantage of social media and actively post there, saving your best work for your website and printed portfolio pieces. … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Only Show Your Best Work
Portrait Tips: Cut the Rim Light
Making portraits with a rim light is awesome. It gives depth and punch and when you do it really well you'll notice that it looks more natural. Take a close look the next time you're having a conversation anyplace with windows and you'll probably see that the person you're talking with has a rim light illuminating their cheek from one side. That rim light will help you make a lot of people happy with their portraits (which helps you make a lot of money). You should always use a rim light. And you should always turn it off. Simplicity … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Cut the Rim Light
Portrait Tips: Crop the Top
When you make a portrait, your aim should be for maximum impact. Emotion, lighting, and movement all lend impact to a picture, but the way you frame the photo also makes a huge difference. the closer you get to your subject, the more intimate and impactful the picture will be. Off With Their Heads! Considering that most headshots are viewed on very small screens and business cards, the more impact the better. By cropping off the top of the heads you give more room in the frame for the eyes, which are the most important thing in every … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Crop the Top
4 Reasons Why You Should Consider Getting An Office Out From Your Home
When we are at the beginning of our photographer career, we try to spend as little as possible on everything that doesn't seem necessary. By "necessary" of course, we mean our photography gear, camera body, lenses, bag, tripod, laptop. We don't necessarily think that renting an office is part of those basics expenses. Well, after reading this post, you might think about it twice! I have to admit it, I was more than a little scared when I signed my first lease contract a few months ago. I was barely out of school. I had no regular income. I … [Read more...] about 4 Reasons Why You Should Consider Getting An Office Out From Your Home
SmugMug Just Purchased Flickr
On the heels of Yahoo's purchase by Verizon, SmugMug has bought former Yahoo property Flickr. SmugMug has promised that neither product is going anywhere, but has yet to offer any specific details about the future of Flickr. According to an FAQ page about the acquisition, "Flickr and SmugMug will continue to operate separately, just as both have been. Your SmugMug and Flickr accounts will remain separate and independent for the foreseeable future." "Flickr is an amazing community, full of some of the world's most passionate photographers. … [Read more...] about SmugMug Just Purchased Flickr
Lights, Colors, Fractals
I shot this photograph at WPPI in Las Vegas a couple of weeks ago. I was at the ClickProps Studio Backdrops booth. This company makes over 500 backdrops in various designs and sizes, and we got to test out a number of them. This photograph was shot against the "Brick Natural" backdrop. Our shooting space that was only about 5 feet by 10 feet. A Collaboration Between Two Photographers The photograph was a collaboration between 2 photographers: the model, Kat Armendariz of Hush Hush Shoot Studio in Las Vegas and me. Kat is one of Las Vegas's … [Read more...] about Lights, Colors, Fractals
Beyond Technique Podcast | Photofocus Podcast March 21, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/beyond-technique-podcast-photofocus-podcast-march-21-2018 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Please, post a review on iTunes. Welcome to Beyond Technique, a podcast empowering photographers to bring their businesses to the next level! In this episode, Skip Cohen and Chamira Young dive deep into a discussion with editorial, corporate, and advertising photographer Todd Spoth. We discuss in detail: how paying attention to details about your client can help facilitate trust the role … [Read more...] about Beyond Technique Podcast | Photofocus Podcast March 21, 2018
The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast March 9, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-mind-your-own-business-podcast-photofocus-podcast-march-9-2018 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Please post a review on iTunes. In this episode, Skip Cohen and Chamira Young chat with veteran photographer Lynn Goldsmith. We discuss in detail: Photography as a means of creative expression Having a holistic view of yourself as a person and photographer Being an idea-maker and spreading ideas Photography as a means of self discovery The role of photography in … [Read more...] about The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast March 9, 2018
Is Opportunity Knocking? Are You Ready?
Have you ever been in a room and looked around and felt like you didn't belong? Just felt like you were a fish out of the water and your hoping no one noticed that you're drowning in the corner. That is the story of my life! I can't tell you how many times I have actually fallen into a job or mistakenly taken a great photo. For instance, I saw a local ad for an event photographer for the grand opening of the local Paul Mitchell school. At that time I was shooting for the local paper and thought, "I'll apply, why not?" Worst that could happen … [Read more...] about Is Opportunity Knocking? Are You Ready?
Beyond Technique Podcast | Photofocus Podcast February 21, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/beyond-technique-podcast-photofocus-podcast-february-21-2018 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Please, post a review on iTunes. Welcome to Beyond Technique, a podcast empowering photographers to bring their businesses to the next level! In this episode, Skip Cohen and Chamira Young dive deep into a discussion about food photography with Christina Peters. We discuss in detail: how food photography ties into product, still life, headshot, and livestock photography accommodating … [Read more...] about Beyond Technique Podcast | Photofocus Podcast February 21, 2018
The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast February 9, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-mind-your-own-business-podcast-photofocus-podcast-february-9-2018 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Please post a review on iTunes. In this episode, Skip Cohen and Chamira Young chat with photographer and marketing expert Sarah Petty. We discuss in detail: Common marketing mistakes many photographers make tips on pricing the difficulty of being a "shoot and burn" photographers picking a business model early on the strategic things smart photographers do ways to build … [Read more...] about The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast February 9, 2018
4 Good Reasons You Should Attend WPPI
The chances are that you haven't ever attended a photography tradeshow, and I think you're missing out on several good opportunities. I think this is my 9th WPPI, and I wouldn't even consider not going. Not only do you get to go to Las Vegas, which is a terrific break from winter weather and a marvelous place to explore the mountainous desert (not to mention the sites and flavors the Strip has to offer), but you'll also get a multi-faceted education that can't be replicated. Here's some of what you get by attending this sort of thing in-person … [Read more...] about 4 Good Reasons You Should Attend WPPI
Photography Marketing: Preparing for Facebook’s New News Feed Algorithm
Last week, Facebook announced plans to change its News Feed algorithm. As with any change that Facebook makes, this was met with some backlash from its users — even before it's been initiated. Usually, I'm one to wait things out, but with Facebook promising to make personal content more important than brand content, this will undoubtedly have a negative effect on brands across the platform. So, as photographers, how do we keep our Facebook pages relevant to this change? First, the Facts The news came from Mark Zuckerberg himself, writing … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Preparing for Facebook’s New News Feed Algorithm
How Photographing Sports Changed My Life
Guest post by Erin Holmstead. Shooting sports changed my whole photography business! At the end of 2015, I met a gentleman, Rick Parker, who shoots sports photography for a local online news center. We were in the same photo club and he was presenting some of his work and during this time he mentioned that anyone could tag along and learn at one of the games coming up. I, of course, jumped right on that thinking, why not? The first game I attended with him was a local high school game and I left feeling like I should probably put my camera … [Read more...] about How Photographing Sports Changed My Life
Beyond Technique Podcast | Photofocus Podcast January 17, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/beyond-technique-podcast-photofocus-podcast-january-17-2018 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Please post a review on iTunes. Welcome to Beyond Technique, a podcast empowering photographers to bring their businesses to the next level! In this episode, Skip Cohen and Chamira Young dive deep into a discussion about the benefits of having special photography projects with Stacy Pearsall. We discuss in detail: How Stacy was brought out of a dark place through the Veteran's Portrait … [Read more...] about Beyond Technique Podcast | Photofocus Podcast January 17, 2018
How to Boost Your Portfolio and Build Credibility
One of the predicaments many new photographers find themselves in is quite painful - they don't have a robust portfolio of images to get new clients. Yet, they need new clients in order to fill their portfolio. It's kind of a chicken and the egg type of situation, isn't it? In this post, I'd like to share a few ways to get high-quality, targeted images in your portfolio without having to bang your head on the wall. Be Strategic About Your "Free Work" In my opinion, there's nothing wrong with doing a limited number of free … [Read more...] about How to Boost Your Portfolio and Build Credibility
The Infocus Interview Podcast | Photofocus Podcast December 22nd 2017
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-infocus-interview-podcast-photofocus-podcast-december-22nd-2017 Remember to check out our great sponsors including TruLife acrylic face mounted prints. Levi sits down with Kevin Dooley How long has he been shooting professionally? How has he maintained his business? How did he get into wildlife photography Africa talk How to understand animals? What trips are coming up? Where can we find out more information? Gear talk What to consider when going on a … [Read more...] about The Infocus Interview Podcast | Photofocus Podcast December 22nd 2017
How to Generate Buzz as a Photographer in Your Community
When I first started my photography business, one of the biggest things I struggled with was figuring out how I would stand out within my community. It's no secret that photographers seem to be a dime a dozen (sorry), meaning we tend to lurk around practically every corner. Do a quick Google search in your area, and I'm fairly certain you will find quite a few photographers within just a few miles of you. However, the good news is that there are practical ways you can begin to stand out. You don't have to automatically price yourself as the … [Read more...] about How to Generate Buzz as a Photographer in Your Community
My (Un)Typical Review Of The Platypod Max
I have loved Platypod from the very beginning. In fact, up until recently, it was my only tripod of sorts. I couldn’t even afford a tripod so I used my Platypod everywhere. I honestly didn’t need anything else. I was excited to use the Platypod Max on a TV show I was invited to be on to discuss my expertise in shooting night sky photos. What better way to showcase one of my already favorite tools on an international level? The day before shooting we were scouting locations and I didn’t bother taking any BTS as the BTS I wanted would include … [Read more...] about My (Un)Typical Review Of The Platypod Max
Skip Cohen Invites You to Make 2018 Your Best Year Yet
This is a guest post from Skip Cohen (co-host of our business podcast). Image by lassedesignen INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION Think back over the years about the workshops and seminars you've attended. How many programs have you sat through, taken lots of notes and then returned home never to implement the ideas you were so excited about? It happens to all of us. We’re sitting in a workshop, and we’re in the “zone.” We’re excited about making some changes and additions to our business, but we return home, and life gets in the way. The … [Read more...] about Skip Cohen Invites You to Make 2018 Your Best Year Yet
The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast December 8, 2017
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-mind-your-own-business-podcast-photofocus-podcast-december-8-2017 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Please post a review on iTunes. In this episode, Skip Cohen and Chamira Young chat with photographer and educator Tony Corbell about running a brick and mortar photography studio. We discuss in detail: - The in’s and out’s of having a studio space - The advantages and also challenges of running a brick and mortar studio - Work/life balance - Realistic pricing when running a physical … [Read more...] about The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast December 8, 2017
Be honest and upfront on your work
If you don’t know how to shoot something, don’t do it and expect to be paid. Be honest and upfront. Okay, there’s more to it of course. If you want to learn how to do something, absolutely learn it. However, if you take a paying job and you are in WAY over your head, it's probably not the smartest thing to do. I was inspired by a post that commercial photographer had vented about on social media. Someone had contacted him and wanted a step by step detailed guide on shooting a commissioned piece that this photographer had no business accepting … [Read more...] about Be honest and upfront on your work
Get Current and Future Clients with a Strategic Portrait Party
A long-time photographer recently reached out to me and shared a painful dilemma. Long story short, she was moving to a different city where she essentially knew no one and needed to start her portrait photography business from scratch. No contacts. No leads. Nothing. Yikes. Interestingly enough, I had been in her exact shoes a couple short years before, so I was compelled to share with her the strategy I had used to find clients. Long story even shorter (I won't make you wait until the end!): I told her to throw a strategic, … [Read more...] about Get Current and Future Clients with a Strategic Portrait Party
Create Custom Emails In Lightroom
Using a combination of Facebook messaging, emails or text messages to inform a client their images are available for viewing can get complicated. A simple solution is to develop a consistent workflow and stick to it. Here’s an example on how to use Lightroom and LG/Gmail–The Photographer's Toolbox email addon--to create an email template and stay organized. Setting Up LG/Gmail The Photographer's Toolbox created a great Lightroom email addon called LG/Gmail. The plugin allows you to attach images from Lightroom and send them--along with an … [Read more...] about Create Custom Emails In Lightroom
What’s the budget? V/S What’s the risk?
If a potential one can't, or more likely, won't answer the "what's the budget?" question; it seems a good possibility that the job isn't real. Often, "What's the budget?" isn't the right question. Price When a project is conceived, there is likely a dollar amount to produce it floating around in someone's mind. A potential client with an idea of an amount of "spend" is worth pursuing. One that says "Give me a price and I'll tell you if it will work" is probably not an opportunity. Time invested in producing a proposal for the former is … [Read more...] about What’s the budget? V/S What’s the risk?
How to up your social media engagement
After the first couple times, I was asked about how I have such good engagement on social media, I disregarded the questions because I didn’t feel like my social media following was that big of a deal. Many other’s have much more followers and engagement, or so I thought. When one of my friends who runs several Instagram accounts with thousands of followers asked me how my engagement was so high, I literally looked at her confused. I admired her following. Then when my followers started asking me advice on what I do, I actually ignored their … [Read more...] about How to up your social media engagement
Photography Marketing: How To Ruin Your Networking Life
Networking is one skill I practice almost as much as photography, and I'm glad Bryan is letting me share his column this week. Networking is the most important thing you could do to grow your photography business--but if you did that, then you'd have a bunch of clients making demands and trying to give you money. It's much better to have no clients and stay home watching television (until the cable gets cut because you can't pay the bills). I'm taking a page from Ben Stein to show you six ways to ruin your networking life. Stay Home A great … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: How To Ruin Your Networking Life
Live Webinar: Fundy Software with Andrew Funderburg
You gotta join us live for our next Live Webinar, totally free of charge. Not only will you learn terrific techniques, but if you tune in live, you can be entered to win excellent prizes to help you in your work. (Note: MUST BE TUNED IN LIVE TO WIN). We'll be giving away a copy of Perfectly Clear from Athentech. Plus you never know what else. We kick off Wednesday, September 13th at 1:00 pm Eastern, 12:00 pm Central, 11:00 am Mountain, and 10:00 am Pacific. 2 pm in the Virgin Islands. Check out the YouTube event here and it'll show … [Read more...] about Live Webinar: Fundy Software with Andrew Funderburg
Live Webinar: Fundy Software with Andrew Funderburg
You gotta join us live for our next Live Webinar, totally free of charge. Not only will you learn terrific techniques, but if you tune in live, you can be entered to win excellent prizes to help you in your work. (Note: MUST BE TUNED IN LIVE TO WIN). We'll be giving away a copy of Perfectly Clear from Athentech. Plus you never know what else. We kick off Wednesday, September 13th at 1:00 pm Eastern, 12:00 pm Central, 11:00 am Mountain, and 10:00 am Pacific. 2 pm in the Virgin Islands. Check out the YouTube event here and it'll show … [Read more...] about Live Webinar: Fundy Software with Andrew Funderburg
