Once we have acquired a few regular clients, it's common to "expect" them to reach out to us when they need photography services. But by relying on the client to contact us, instead of us prompting them, we may lose the opportunity to serve them in different and unique ways. For instance, I work with several local companies shooting different events throughout the year. And every once in a while I'm asked about things like headshots, team photos, board member photographs--the list goes on. When it comes to prompting clients, there are a … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Regularly Prompting Your Clients
communication
Photography Marketing: Mastering the Art of a Proposal
I receive a lot of requests for proposals. Whether it be through word of mouth clientele, or through a website like Thumbtack.com, I see several requests come through my inbox each day. While not all of these are applicable to what I offer, a number of them I do follow up on. To Bid, or Not to Bid? I have a set of principles when it comes to deciding whether or not to follow up and complete an RFP. For one, the gig has to be something that I get excited about, and it has to be something in the genre of photography I specialize in. I pay … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Mastering the Art of a Proposal
Fast DIY Fix for a Common Camera Error
A sense of dread begins to fill you as frightening words and symbols flash before your eyes. Afraid all is lost, you begin to panic... An error message has appeared on your camera screen! An error message is a sure way to send blood pressure skyrocketing and heart beat racing. Often the messages are cryptic at best, requiring you to look it up while envisioning an expensive repair bill for your camera. But, some of the most common errors I have seen on DSLRs in my photographic endeavors are due to communications issues between the lens and … [Read more...] about Fast DIY Fix for a Common Camera Error
Handling Difficult Family Members on Wedding Day
Let's be real. Weddings can be beyond challenging. There are enough things to worry about as a photographer (timelines always running behind, crummy lighting conditions, weather issues, creativity blocks) without having to worry about family members throwing yet another wrench into you plan A, B, C, D, or even plan E. Yet, throw wrenches they do! The sister bridesmaid that says "Oooh! I saw this cute photo on Pinterest where all the girls lined up in their robes. Oh we have to do that!" "Yeah!" cheer the other bridesmaids in the room. "That … [Read more...] about Handling Difficult Family Members on Wedding Day
Just Ask
We've all been there. That place where you're photographing and you suddenly see the perfect photo in your minds eye. Your heart beats a little faster. You smile a bit. Then that little nagging "if only..." phrase creeps in. "If only I could get to that spot over there past that sign", "If only those people weren't in the background", "if only my clients would be cool enough to do that pose." Stop Holding Back If you find that phrase or phrases like it creeping into your mind at any point in time I want you to stop everything you're doing. Why … [Read more...] about Just Ask
Using Depth of Field for Effective Communication
Recently, I photographed an engagement session that made me work a little outside of my comfort zone. If you've ever taken a look at my work, you'll see that much of what I shoot is with wide open apertures & shallow depth of field. I just love the dreamy bokeh effect and how shallow depth of field so easily draws your attention to the proper point of the photograph. When photographing weddings, very often I want the photo to be (shocker) about the couple and not anything else. Well, this engagement session, the bride came to me from 3 … [Read more...] about Using Depth of Field for Effective Communication
Building Connections at Photoshop World
Editors Note: If you're thinking about attending Photoshop World, today is the last day to get the early bird rate of $200 off. If you've been sitting on the fence, check out the registration page now. This Photoshop World will mark my 30th event Ive attended in the past 15 years.In that time, Ive transformed from a beginner into an instructor. Youre probably wondering, why are you still attending if you know this stuff. Its simple, I get to network and build connections with others...not just other instructors but attendees as well. First … [Read more...] about Building Connections at Photoshop World
How to Direct Models (Or Any Subject) for Great Pictures
When I first started photographing portraits, I enlisted the help from a local model named Wendy. Wendy was one of the most requested models in our area. Sure she was beautiful and had a great physique, but that wasn't why everyone requested her. She knew her stuff! How to pose, create emotion, where to look, the list goes on. The best part, she taught me how to interact with a model. Photographer's Job A photographer's job is to command the set, to be a leader. As a leader, we need to make sure our subject feels relaxed and comfortable. … [Read more...] about How to Direct Models (Or Any Subject) for Great Pictures
Talking to Strangers : How I Got the Shot
We took a trip to L.A. after spending a week in Las Vegas for Photoshop World. We spent most of our days recording a new podcast series and working on lighting tutorials. To say we were exhausted is an understatement. On our last day in L.A., we decided to take a break and photograph a sunset on Zuma beach; the same beach Baywatch was filmed at. I was too tired to bring a tripod - a mistake I would later regret. The always prepared Nick, our producer, had his tripod and was the only one shooting. This article isn't about camera settings, … [Read more...] about Talking to Strangers : How I Got the Shot
How to Deal with a Rude Photographer
I've been blessed with a dual career! For over 30 years I've been teaching the Martial Arts and for over 20 years I have been a professional photographer. Over the years I have learned to merge the two skill sets. In that time I've come to the realization misguided Black Belts and misguided Photographers have rude egos. It's all about ego Some confuse ego with pride. Pride is a form of inward content, which shows itself in action, deeds, and personality. Egotism requires an outward show, as if to test its worth. Having control of your pride is … [Read more...] about How to Deal with a Rude Photographer
Tips on Photographing with an Infrared-Converted Camera
I have been wanting to play with an infrared-converted camera for quite some time. So I contacted the folks at LensRentals.com, one of the sponsors here on Photofocus, and was able to test out an IR-converted Canon 5D Mark II (they also have other types of IR-converted cameras available to rent as well). It was sent directly to my doorstep in a few days, ready to go! I have been considering converting one of my cameras to infrared, and in my opinion, renting one is the best way to see if an IR conversion is worth it (or any purchase, for that … [Read more...] about Tips on Photographing with an Infrared-Converted Camera
Three Things Portrait Photographers Can Do To Establish A Connection With Their Subjects
There are several ways to establish a connection with your next portrait subject. Here are three. 1) Shooting straight on with your subject at or near eye-level establishes eye contact and a close relationship between the subject and the viewer. There is an intimacy to a straight on camera position that evokes an emotional response. The straight on shot can work from any height, but it is most effective at eye level. If you want to establish an immediate connection between the viewer and the subject, shoot straight on. 2) Try to get an … [Read more...] about Three Things Portrait Photographers Can Do To Establish A Connection With Their Subjects
Who’s Watching?
If you're a photographer, chances are, you're a communicator. Most of the photographers I know are really storytellers. They have something they want to say, and they use the medium of photography to do it. While it would be easy to focus this post on the communicator, I want to focus it on the audience. That's something rarely (if ever) talked about in the photo community. Too many photographers make images they like, and then go looking for an audience. Serious communicators find an audience first, then go craft a story that fits the … [Read more...] about Who’s Watching?
