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?
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Fast & Easy Tips for Photographing Fireworks this Fourth of July
The fourth of July is my favorite holiday because of fireworks! I grew up in Lousiville, Kentucky and they have this event called Thunder Over Lousiville. It's the kick-off event for the Kentucky Derby Festival. It is one of the nation’s largest annual fireworks extravaganzas. Since the first time seeing it, I have been obsessed with fireworks so learning to photograph them was a must for me. Here are are some easy tips to get you started before the big holiday arrives. Set your camera on a tripod. Turn your camera to manual. Set … [Read more...] about Fast & Easy Tips for Photographing Fireworks this Fourth of July
How to Make Light Painting Spirals the Easy Way
As a mom of two wild little ones, I am always looking for creative ways to express myself with my photography. One of those ways is with light painting. Light painting for me is a stress reliever and something I can do after the little ones have gone to sleep. It's a technique used in long exposure photography where you can use artificial light to illuminate a scene or to create new elements within the image. Basically, you are running around in the dark, waving a light around to create cool effects. Sometimes during those moments, you feel … [Read more...] about How to Make Light Painting Spirals the Easy Way
Sunday Comics: Wedding Wisdom of the Season #3
As wedding season gets into full swing this month, honor the photographer who provides the happy couple with tangible memories. Thanks to the Shoppe Designs for this insight. … [Read more...] about Sunday Comics: Wedding Wisdom of the Season #3
Gear Review: Fractals (Your New Must-Have)
Fractals, people, are the new must-haves in my camera bag. I was introduced to Fractals at WPPI. My friend and fellow photographer, Kathy Mukhopadhyay, bought a set and mentioned that they were doing live demos throughout the trade show if I wanted to check them out. I snuck over briefly to see what all the fuss was about and let me just tell you, their booth was packed! People were jammed into their little area just to see what all the talk was about. Sadly by the time I had gotten up front they were already sold out. That's how hot this item … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Fractals (Your New Must-Have)
The Art of Being “Photogenic”
I can't tell you how many times I've had someone say 'I am not 'photogenic'. To be honest, I hate that statement. I mean who isn't 'photogenic'? To me everyone, I don't care who you are, is or at least can be 'photogenic.' I love the saying, ‘photogenic’ doesn't have to do with the way people look, but instead how they feel and behave in front of the camera. Lindsay Adler said this, “a lot of the time people who don't feel photogenic are already afraid of having their photograph taken, which then shows in their expression. Our job is to break … [Read more...] about The Art of Being “Photogenic”
20 Pieces of Advice for Young/New Photographers
It's an amazing time to become a photographer Congratulations! If you're just getting into photography, you've arrived at an amazing time. The gear is the best it's ever been. Access to research and information is at an all-time high. The ability for nearly anyone with Internet access to reach a large audience has democratized the process. But what next? Whether you are a raw, beginner or a seasoned, pro, you may find some of this advice rings true. One coin, two sides Take it from a guy with more than 45 years of photo experience - … [Read more...] about 20 Pieces of Advice for Young/New Photographers
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
What’s In the Bag: Gear I Use to Photograph President Trump
Last week I was assigned to photograph President Trump during his visit to Manchester, NH. I try to bring all gear I might need on the first trip to the site. Quite often it is a very long walk from the parking lot to the press entrance. Once you are inside you don't want to go back out, or you may not be allowed to go back out through security. After you go through the press entrance, you proceed to press check-in, where you are issued your press pass for the day. Often there are long lines to wait in as credentials are … [Read more...] about What’s In the Bag: Gear I Use to Photograph President Trump
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
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?
Photography Marketing: Working With a Design Agency
Nearly all of my professional photography is done as the in-house photographer for Cull Group, Inc, the marketing, and design agency my husband and I own in Grand Rapids, Michigan. There are a few matters that might be helpful to understand for someone who wants to start working with an agency but isn’t sure what to expect. Be Prepared to Be Mobile When working with an agency, you probably won’t always be able to shoot out of your home or actual studio. I’ve had headshot sessions that were at the client’s location and large-scale sessions … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Working With a Design Agency
Photographer of the Day: Neil Edwin Sinadjan
Category: Street Photography Photograph: "Hold on to hope" by Neil Edwin Sinadjan In photography, we often label photos by their genre and style. The beauty of the powerful image "Hold on to hope" by Neil Edwin Sinadjan is that it transcends these labels. This scene is from the Traslación of the Black Nazarene, a procession through the streets of the city Quiapo, in the Philipines, that attracts millions of devotees. The Black Nazarene is a carving made by an unknown Mexican artist in the 16th century, and transported to the Philippines. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Neil Edwin Sinadjan
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
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
The Interview Podcast | Photofocus Podcast December 1st 2017
Levi Sim sits down with Julio Cortez who is an Associated Press photographer How does Associated Press photos work? Getting paid? What is the Dollar Rule? What is Julio's speciality? What's Julio's gear set up? Workflow when out in the feild Where to find Julio? Next Levi sits down with Mike Goldner from Astisan HD Who is Mike Goldner? Difference between labs Lighting and how it's affecting your prints Why your prints look different from your screen? Printer differences Color Space talk … [Read more...] about The Interview Podcast | Photofocus Podcast December 1st 2017
Natural Light Studio in Your Backyard
It’s pretty easy to make your own natural light “studio” for just a little money and a little time for set up. “Portraits Unplugged” is what I call shooting with ambient light and it’s important to understand the direction, quality and depth of light in order to make a portrait that is effective. Learning to see the light is a process that requires practice. Controlling the light to create your mood is imperative. My favorite natural lighting is what we call Porch Light or Garage Door Light, which means there is no light coming from above … [Read more...] about Natural Light Studio in Your Backyard
Photographer of the Day: Patrick Gorden
Category: Street Photography Photograph: "Concentration" by Patrick Gorden The aptly titled "Concentration" by Patrick Gorden gives us an intimate view into a scene of an artist creating. The look on her face is a blend of intensity and love of her craft, a look seen on every artist's face when they are fully engaged in their work. So many of us in the arts live for those moments when we can get lost in creating. The photographer displays his artistry by focusing the scene to this moment, connecting us with the tattoo artist as she … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Patrick Gorden
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
Photographer of the Day: Emanuele UbOldi
Category: Street Photography Photograph: Untitled by Emanuele UbOldi You can’t help but be drawn to the face of the child in this untitled image by Emanuele UbOldi. Everything in the scene focuses your attention there, and although small in the frame, this little one becomes the center of attention. There are two subtle but strong concepts at play. First, the child is “sub framed”, with the steps acting as a frame, an effect repeated by the entryway and doors, creating a series of pictures within a picture. The other is color, the … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Emanuele UbOldi
Photographer of the Day: Edouard Ketterer
Category: Street Photography Photograph: L'homme du canal by Edouard Ketterer Minimalist photos are some of the most difficult to execute, but when done well, are some of my favorites. In Edouard Ketterer’s “L'homme du canal” we see the beauty of simplicity and geometry. There are only two triangles, the simplest of shapes in geometry. One person, one texture, and only black and white. But, it's the way these few simple elements have been woven together which creates an exceptional composition. The perfect balance and symmetry of two … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Edouard Ketterer
HDR and the Traveling Photographer
Note: To learn more about HDR visit our HDR Learning Center produced in partnership with HDRsoft. I have learned, as a traveling photographer, that no matter how much planning I do to prepare myself for a trip, there will always be unknown factors and surprises, good and bad. Certain factors, such as light, clouds, weather, location, and the time of day may complicate the camera settings necessary to properly expose the subjects I am photographing. My camera may not be capable of capturing the range of light in just one image. Extreme … [Read more...] about HDR and the Traveling Photographer
IFTTT for Photographers – Part 2: Stay on Top of Your Photography Business
Are you new to IFTTT? Then check out this article first! For many of us in photography, keeping up with the business side is probably not at the top of our list of fun things to do. Realistically, most of us would rather be crafting that perfect photo than itemizing our receipts. Using an automation tool like IFTTT.com can ease the burden of the business side. Think of it as your internet friend who doesn’t mind doing the stuff you don't want to do! How to use IFTTT Here are some ways I use IFTTT (IF This, Then That) to stay on top of my … [Read more...] about IFTTT for Photographers – Part 2: Stay on Top of Your Photography Business
Jim DiVitale, Photographer, Digital Pioneer 1957 – 2016
Portrait of Jim DiVitale ©Jack Reznicki Jim DiVitale, commercial photographer, educator, writer, mentor and artist died on December 13, 2016 at the Hospice Atlanta Center surrounded by is wife and friends. Jim or "Jimmy D" shared his knowledge of photography, Photoshop, digital capture and generous spirit with everyone he met. Jim's passion for photography led him to teach at the Art Institute of Atlanta, for the Professional Photographers of America, at Orvieto Fotographia, Fotofusion, and at thirty Photoshop World conventions starting in … [Read more...] about Jim DiVitale, Photographer, Digital Pioneer 1957 – 2016
The Q & A Show | Photofocus Podcast July 7th, 2016
The Q & A Show | Photofocus Podcast July 7th, 2016 https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-q-a-show-photofocus-podcast-july-7th-2016 This months Q & A Podcast Scott Bourne brings on special guest Rick Sammon to answer your questions. 1. From Dave in Tempe, AZ I have heard Scott talk about searching for a clean background. What does he mean by that and how does he get the background to be blurry? 2. From Ashley in Indianapolis, IN How can I keep from making the light so harsh when I use my flash? 3. From Bill in Ketchum, ID Since … [Read more...] about The Q & A Show | Photofocus Podcast July 7th, 2016
Problem Solving | Photofocus Podcast |June 11th, 2016
Problem solving podcast with Scott Bourne and Pepper https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/problem-solving-photofocus-podcast-june-11th-2016 They go into depth on issues you have probably faced and used their knowledge and experience to get great images. Great location however, conditions aren’t ideal, what are your options? Pepper and Scott go into issues such as light, dynamic range, composition and post processing to help you utilize the less than ideal images to find great images. Then they follow up with a question from the last show … [Read more...] about Problem Solving | Photofocus Podcast |June 11th, 2016
The Q & A Show | Photofocus Podcast June 7th, 2016
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-q-a-show-photofocus-podcast-june-7th-2016 Several of your questions get answered on this months Q&A with Scott Bourne and Richard Harrington. Q&A Podcast Questions 1. From Brian in Alberta, Canada What is a stepping motor lens (Canon) and how is one of these different from Canon’s USM lenses? 2. From Ann in Seattle, WA What are some of your favorite photography books? 3. From Mike in Tampa, FL I know that this is easy for some people but I am new at photography and am … [Read more...] about The Q & A Show | Photofocus Podcast June 7th, 2016
Instant Replay: Running a Professional Photoshoot with Matthew Jordan Smith
Did you miss Matthew Jordan Smith revealing the secrets to running a successful photography business? Then watch below and Matthew will show you the techniques he's learned as one of the most prolific celebrity shooters in the world. Rich Harrington hosts this free webinar, and he and Matthew will help you learn everything from working with clients to mastering lighting to retouching for immediate turnaround. https://youtu.be/T4Xp5BDSYK4?t=53s … [Read more...] about Instant Replay: Running a Professional Photoshoot with Matthew Jordan Smith
Photographer of the Day: Tobias Gawrisch
Category: Creative Photograph: Street, by Ric Rus Originally shared on the Photofocus Flickr community right here. To learn how your work can be featured on the site, please read this article. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Tobias Gawrisch
The InFocus Interview Show | Photofocus Podcast March 21, 2016
This weeks Photofocus Podcast for the Photofocus InFocus Interview Series. This show Pamela sits down with Brad Moore, former assistant to both Scott Kelby and Joe McNally we we dive into his growth and advice to other photographers trying to navigate the road of building a career. Then we tap into Chamira Young who speaks with Collages.net on how we as photographers can improve how we present ourselves online to our clients and potential clients. Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Don't forget to post a review on iTunes. Pamela … [Read more...] about The InFocus Interview Show | Photofocus Podcast March 21, 2016
