Retouching portraits. This is an important subject and I'll tackle it with you in pieces. You've had a good session with your subject and now you can utilize your computer to finish off their pictures so they can present them to the world. When you show them their pictures, they should feel great about the way it looks. Their best friend should say, "Wow! That's a great shot of you." Their best friend should not say, "Wow! They did a great job retouching." As retoucher and photographer Kristina Sherk says, "The sign of a good retoucher is … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Retouching must be invisible
business
Beyond Technique Podcast with Jeremy Horner | Photofocus Podcast October 17, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/beyond-technique-podcast-with-jeremy-horner-photofocus-podcast-october-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. Today we chat with travel photographer Jeremy Horner. We discuss in detail: Relationship building and interacting with people The role of books and publishing in his business Advice to new photographers The importance of … [Read more...] about Beyond Technique Podcast with Jeremy Horner | Photofocus Podcast October 17, 2018
Portrait Tips: Avoid creepy eyes
Anytime your subject is not facing directly into the camera you need to pay attention to where their eyes are looking and how they are framed in the eye sockets. Face over there, eyes over here Photographing a person's profile or making a no-look portrait adds variety to your shoot and can help your subject feel more comfortable in front of the camera. But, when you direct their face away, they usually turn their eyes more than their head. When the eyes are cranked way over to one side and you can mostly see only whites in the eyes, it … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Avoid creepy eyes
How to run your one-man band with a SWAT team
We all get there, sooner or later We all get there, sooner or later. We start our business, we make photos, we get clients. We make more photos. We get more clients. Then we need to market, raise our prices, find new products. We offer prints. We up our service. We do more photos. We struggle to edit it all. We drop the ball. We work late nights. We wonder why we ever started. We read articles on work/life balance and sigh (deeply). We think if only we were better organized. We look at others and wonder how they do it. While … [Read more...] about How to run your one-man band with a SWAT team
Mind Your Own Business Podcast with Scott Bourne | Photofocus Podcast September 14, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/mind-your-own-business-podcast-with-scott-bourne-photofocus-podcast-september-14-2018 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Please, post a review on iTunes. Welcome to the Mind Your Own Business Podcast! Today we chat with photographer, author, educator, Olympus visionary and President of Skylum, Scott Bourne about the following topics: Staying cutting edge in your technique, as well as how you run your business Fine-tuning your skillset The importance of education … [Read more...] about Mind Your Own Business Podcast with Scott Bourne | Photofocus Podcast September 14, 2018
Why you know about Michelin stars
…and why it matters to your photography business We’ve all heard it. “A Michelin star restaurant is not a McDonalds, and people know the difference.” I hear it all the time when some photographers talk about their idea of a “boutique business” and how clients should understand the difference between that and the guy selling files and printing on cushions and mugs down the road. As if. As if people really should automatically know the difference between a Fine Art print and a machine-spewed glossy piece of paper with a picture on it. … [Read more...] about Why you know about Michelin stars
Quick tips for making an Instagram story
Whether you want to share fun and lighthearted content with family and friends or promote your business, you can do it all with Instagram stores. Here are 4 quick tips to get you started. Hit the plus button on the top-left side of your home screen or swipe left in your feed. Hit the circle button at the bottom of the screen to take photos or tap and hold to record a video. Tap Done to save your story. Tap the add your story button to share to your story. Still having trouble understand Instagram stories and how they work? More … [Read more...] about Quick tips for making an Instagram story
The Mind Your Own Business Podcast with Jen Rozenbaum | Photofocus Podcast August 10, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-mind-your-own-business-podcast-with-jen-rozenbaum-photofocus-podcast-august-10-2018 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Please post a review on iTunes. [Editor's note: A word of caution: There is some strong language and topics in this episode. In an abundance of respect in our listeners, we've chosen to list this one episode as explicit.] In this episode, Skip Cohen and Chamira Young chat with boudoir photographer and educator Jen Rozenbaum. We discuss in detail: How … [Read more...] about The Mind Your Own Business Podcast with Jen Rozenbaum | Photofocus Podcast August 10, 2018
Am I good enough?
Why this is a really dangerous question. You just started in photography. You set up your business a year ago and clients are not banging on your door to reserve sessions. You realize you need to make some money or you’ll end up homeless, and agonise to make a price list you can live with. You’ve been a photographer for years, and business is not going as well as you think it should. No matter where you’re at, the terrifying question is lurking at the back of your mind. All. The. Time. Are my photos good enough? You sign up for … [Read more...] about Am I good enough?
How to create a Instagram story
One of my sweet friends recently got an Instagram account and I know what you are thinking. I said the same thing, but she asked if I could help her set it up and if I knew how to do those “circle things up top”. 😊 I explained those “circles” are Instagram stories and that stories are a feature that let the users post photos and videos that vanish after 24 hours. The content shared to stories doesn’t actually show up on your profile or in the main Instagram feed. It is basically a way for Instagram to try and incorporate that Snapchat vibe … [Read more...] about How to create a Instagram story
Charging the right price: Why is it important?
This article came to my mind a couple weeks ago, as I was approached by several event organizers. They likely were expecting my services for free and were almost hit by lightning when I educated them on the value of what they were asking for. That led me to one important question: Why some people believe that (our fair and right) prices are too high? I finally came up with an answer and found different ways to assert my services. Why do some people mistakenly believe that photographer's rates are too high? How many times have we seen on … [Read more...] about Charging the right price: Why is it important?
Beyond Technique Podcast with Jay Watson | Photofocus Podcast July 18, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/beyond-technique-podcast-with-jay-watson-photofocus-podcast-july-18-2018 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. Today we chat with photographer Jay Watson about breaking into lifestyle and editorial photography. We discuss in detail: how Jay got started in photography the art of staying focused finding the right match in clients … [Read more...] about Beyond Technique Podcast with Jay Watson | Photofocus Podcast July 18, 2018
Hiring a professional photographer: Is it really worth your money?
Nowadays, anyone can take pictures anywhere, anytime. Everybody has a cell phone in their pocket and/or a camera in their bag. It's available, it's convenient and it's cheap. As a business owner or an event organizer, why bother spending big bucks on a professional photographer for something anyone could do? Well, let's talk about it for a minute. A lot of people think they can do the same work because they own a camera. They think it's an easy job, or they've done some photography and they feel qualified enough or they simply aren't aware … [Read more...] about Hiring a professional photographer: Is it really worth your money?
Your Homepage and the First Five Seconds in Your Clients’ Lives: Part 2
Editor’s Note: Fabrizia Costa is a portrait and wedding photographer who also helps photographers raise the level of their work and their business through workshops and personal coaching. Her work is all about deep shifts in perspective, seeing things with new eyes, and thinking outside the box. If you’re a professional wedding or portrait photographer, you can join her free Outside the Box Evolution group on Facebook. You have your homepage set up, the logo looks good, the colors match and you’re on a roll. Making a website has never been … [Read more...] about Your Homepage and the First Five Seconds in Your Clients’ Lives: Part 2
Your Homepage and the First Five Seconds in Your Clients’ Lives
Editor’s Note: Fabrizia Costa is a portrait and wedding photographer who also helps photographers raise the level of their work and their business through workshops and personal coaching. Her work is all about deep shifts in perspective, seeing things with new eyes, and thinking outside the box. If you’re a professional wedding or portrait photographer, you can join her free Outside the Box Evolution group on Facebook. You may have heard how important it is to make a good first impression and how quickly that happens when we meet someone, … [Read more...] about Your Homepage and the First Five Seconds in Your Clients’ Lives
Beyond Technique Podcast with Bob Coates | Photofocus Podcast June 20, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/beyond-technique-podcast-with-bob-coates-photofocus-podcast-june-20-2018 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! We discuss in detail: How being diverse in your photography skillset can be a strong asset, and how it can actually enrich your work The multiple types of photography that goes into a single wedding gig The important role that … [Read more...] about Beyond Technique Podcast with Bob Coates | Photofocus Podcast June 20, 2018
Photography Marketing: Keep it Simple Pricing Strategies
We all know the phrase, "Keep it Simple, Stupid." There's no reason to go in-depth or overanalyze something when it can be done in a simple way. The same can be said about pricing your photography services. There's a few key things to take into account when you're thinking about pricing. While most of us have a standard rate we work off of, this can be interrupted by things like requested discounts, or when you have a larger job that requires more work. Have a Standard It's important to have a standard rate that you work off of. This … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Keep it Simple Pricing Strategies
Why Your Story is the Center of the Universe
Very few products can stand on the strength of their packaging without an identifying brand. The opening image above is a good example. This article takes a hard look at branding and differentiates it from marketing, advertising, and public relations. Editor's Note: Fabrizia Costa is a portrait and wedding photographer who also helps photographers raise the level of their work and their business through workshops and personal coaching. Her work is all about deep shifts in perspective, seeing things with new eyes, and thinking outside the … [Read more...] about Why Your Story is the Center of the Universe
The Mind Your Own Business Podcast with David Schonauer | Photofocus Podcast June 8, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-mind-your-own-business-podcast-with-david-schonauer-photofocus-podcast-june-8-2018 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 Pro Photo Daily Editor and Motion Arts Pro David Schonauer about getting your photographs published! We discuss in detail: The art of getting your work published The criteria he used to pick certain images as an editor The value of authentic networking and relationship building … [Read more...] about The Mind Your Own Business Podcast with David Schonauer | Photofocus Podcast June 8, 2018
Get Out of the Shark Pool
Editor's Note: Fabrizia Costa is a portrait and wedding photographer who also helps photographers raise the level of their work and their business through workshops and personal coaching. Her work is all about deep shifts in perspective, seeing things with new eyes, and thinking outside the box. If you’re a professional wedding or portrait photographer, you can join her free Outside the Box Evolution group on Facebook. Why the Business of Photography Can Only Go One Way — UP I hear it all the time. On social media. At meetups, networking … [Read more...] about Get Out of the Shark Pool
Portrait Tips: Make Special Day Portraits
We are so lucky! We get to be present for the most memorable and special days in people's lives. In fact, most of the time our pictures end up being the memory people keep from the day, the image in their mind is one of the photos we made. This is true for weddings, reunions, birthday parties and even funerals. But you can do a little more for your clients and subjects. You can remind them to make pictures on the anniversary of those days, and offer to do it for them. B-days and Anniversaries Birthdays and anniversaries are the simplest to … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Make Special Day Portraits
Beyond Technique Podcast with NashCo Photography | Photofocus Podcast May 16, 2018
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
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
