Two years ago, I wrote about why Flickr will ultimately fail. I'm here today, to tell you that I was wrong. At the time, Flickr was in the middle of a stagnant period. No changes had been made, and then-parent company Yahoo! had been recently sold to Verizon. There were no rumors of improvements to the service — instead, rumors started to swirl about it being shut down or bought out. Lucky for Flickr users, the latter happened, and SmugMug bought Flickr. I was hesitant about this at first, with Flickr announcing major changes to its … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: How Flickr is staging an epic come back
portfolio
Call for portfolios for live Photofocus webinars
Photofocus is starting a series of live portfolio webinars. We are looking for portfolios from our readers to review. How it works Create a portfolio of six to 10 photographs. Please! No more than 10 photos. Here are the specs: Landscape orientation photos are to be 1920x1080 pixels Portrait orientation photos are to be within a 1920x1080 pixel white frame Use the sRGB color space Submit JPEG photos with this naming convention: 01-Firstname-Lastname.jpg Save the photos in their own folder named: … [Read more...] about Call for portfolios for live Photofocus webinars
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
The InFocus Interview Show with Lou Freeman | Photofocus Podcast June 1, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/infocus-interview-show-june-1-2018-with-lou-freeman/s-L39kn In this episode: Sophisticated Wedding Portrait and Glamour Photographer Lou Freeman shares her insight on portrait photography. Topics: How her commercial and portrait work has an influence on one another Photographing people, it’s all about finding their essence How to purposefully find specific types of clients How People are attracted by what they see How to build a portfolio The power of printed pictures over digital a … [Read more...] about The InFocus Interview Show with Lou Freeman | Photofocus Podcast June 1, 2018
Free Photoshoots: Why Do I Do Them?
This image that you see right here - the cover one - this is a picture I've taken last week with a triathlon athlete for her blog. Did I get money for that? No. Am I happy with that? Yes. Will I do it again in the future? You bet! You ask: "But Michèle, how can it be good when you don't get paid?" Well, here's my humble opinion about free photoshoots. The importance of personal projects As a professional photographer, I thought that I had to spend as much time - if not more - on my business than on my actual photography. After all, being a … [Read more...] about Free Photoshoots: Why Do I Do Them?
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
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?
Free Webinar: Make Online Portfolios
Photography has to be seen to be valuable for the photographer. Photofocus publisher, Rich Harrington, and managing editor, Kevin Ames host this tip-packed webinar on how to build a photographic portfolio and get it online. We'll talk about options for online portfolios including myportfolio.com also known as Adobe Portfolio. Learn how to make your photographs seen so they can bring in work. Having work online is key to generating new business. Sponsored by Adobe Stock. Join the live webinar January 24, 2018, @ 3:30 pm EST / 12:30 pm … [Read more...] about Free Webinar: Make Online Portfolios
New Year’s Resolutions for Photographers ~ Make Online Portfolios!
Photography has to be seen to be valuable for the photographer. Photofocus publisher, Rich Harrington, and managing editor, Kevin Ames host this tip-packed webinar on how to build a photographic portfolio and get it online. Learn how to make your photographs seen so they can bring in work. Sponsored by Adobe Stock. Join the live webinar January 24, 2018, @ 3:30 pm EST / 12:30 pm PST https://youtu.be/fzmeYG-rSfs … [Read more...] about New Year’s Resolutions for Photographers ~ Make Online Portfolios!
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
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
ACDSee Ultimate 10 – How To Get Your Photos Organized With Categories
How would you describe the subject in this photo? As a Fox, a Red Fox, or Vulpes vulpes? Baby, pup, or kit? Animal, mammal, canine, vulpine? The answer is all of them, and more! With wildlife photography there are many ways to classify and describe an animal. As your image portfolio grows, it becomes more and more important to have a good system for categorizing and keywording your photos so that once you have found a home on your hard drive for them you can find them again. This way you can find your images and get the right ones to those who … [Read more...] about ACDSee Ultimate 10 – How To Get Your Photos Organized With Categories
Stories from the Set-Learn What the Model is Thinking
Vanelli travels across the country, talking to some of the top photographers in the field as they share their experiences while shooting on set. You'll soon learn that even seasoned professionals encounter roadblocks during photo shoots. By staying calm under pressure, they rely on their skills to overcome these obstacles to capture an amazing shot. Sit back, relax and enjoy a Story From The Set. This special edition takes us on the other side of the camera as Florida-based model/actress Ashley BeLoat shares her story on what a model is … [Read more...] about Stories from the Set-Learn What the Model is Thinking
Photography Marketing: Create a Customizable, Service-Driven Gallery with Patron
Earlier this year, I wrote about the probable demise of Flickr. While it's still with us, I was recently introduced to a new, unique gallery solution that will be another great alternative to the aging service. And better yet, it helps to bridge the gap between other photography professionals and potential clients. Patron Gallery, currently in an invite-only testing phase, is a new, free online gallery platform. Several of its features you've seen elsewhere — the ability to upload and showcase your work, interact and follow other … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Create a Customizable, Service-Driven Gallery with Patron
Photography Marketing: Refresh Your Website
Having an attractive, up-to-date photography portfolio website is one of the most important things we can do for our marketing. I've already written about why you need to have an online portfolio — but you aren't done when you hit "publish" and put your work out there for the world to see. The Importance of Adding New Photos It's important to keep the photos in your portfolio fresh; your local grocery store keeps its produce fresh by rotating in a new product, and you should too. New photographs keep potential clients interested, and … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Refresh Your Website
Do’s and Don’ts to Build a Great Portfolio
For photographers, a great portfolio shows your work at its best. If you're a professional, it'll get you hired, and if you're a hobbyist, it'll let you share with more people. Either way, you need to know a few things about creating a portfolio people will enjoy viewing and a few things that will keep people from advancing to the next picture. A Few Don'ts Let's start with a few things that you should avoid doing. 1. Don't Show Others' Work I thought this goes without saying, but again and again I have friends who's work has been stolen … [Read more...] about Do’s and Don’ts to Build a Great Portfolio
Lightroom Live: Perfecting Your Portfolio with Al Rossin
You gotta join us live for our next Lightroom Live, 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 Monday, February 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 your … [Read more...] about Lightroom Live: Perfecting Your Portfolio with Al Rossin
Lightroom Live: Perfecting Your Portfolio with Al Rossin
You gotta join us live for our next Lightroom Live, 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 Monday, February 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 your … [Read more...] about Lightroom Live: Perfecting Your Portfolio with Al Rossin
Why Every Photographer Should Have an Online Portfolio
I've long been a believer in the need to showcase your work. Showing your work will make you better as a photographer, whether you’re a professional or not. But what makes this different from sharing on social media? When I started to get into photography as a hobbyist, I posted everything I could on Flickr. I didn't have a website, a business Facebook page or any other means to showcase my work. But I soon learned that, while Flickr was great for showing off your work to the photography community, it wasn't great at showing your images past … [Read more...] about Why Every Photographer Should Have an Online Portfolio
Five Steps to a Successful Portfolio Website
Recently, I was asked to give a wedding photography referral. While I certainly found some great photographers, what amazed me was the lack of professionalism in terms of developing a website that showcased the photographer’s work in a way that clients could easily follow. Don’t get me wrong — some web portfolios were spot on. But about 75% of what I saw had major problems. Some were too slow to load. Some had a landing page where it wasn’t clear that you needed to click to see the full website. Some I couldn’t even find a wedding … [Read more...] about Five Steps to a Successful Portfolio Website
Adobe Portfolio: Initial Impressions
Adobe Portfolio, free with a Creative Cloud subscription, is a real gem. Even if you’re perfectly happy with your website, I recommend taking a look at it. For me, it’s a been a perfect tool to publish a broader selection of work while maintaining the narrow focus of my primary website—headshots. I’m of the opinion that you must be known for a specialization within photography. The website on your business card or in your Facebook Ads must make it very clear what you do. But marketing your speciality doesn’t mean you can’t publish other work … [Read more...] about Adobe Portfolio: Initial Impressions
Photographer’s Review – iPad Pro
Holy crap. I caved. I really bought an iPad. Not just any iPad, the newest 9.7" iPad Pro! I'm not new to the iPad world. I deal with them every day I work! I just no longer owned one after my original iPad Mini got a little outdated for me. Many of you know, fellow author here on Photofocus, Vanelli. Ever since I met him, he's been hounding me for not having an iPad at the trade shows that I've seen him at-- WPPI and Photoshop World. I never really thought about the benefits of having one (besides being able to write on one, or watch movies, or … [Read more...] about Photographer’s Review – iPad Pro
4 Ways to Speed Up Your WordPress Photography Site
There are literally thousands of photographers who run their business and display their photographic portfolio using the Wordpress platform. Not only is it an economical platform to use, but it is a relatively easy content management system to learn. And it is a system that works for the smallest of blogs to the most highly trafficked websites on the internet. In fact, Wordpress is the publishing platform we use to run the entire Photofocus site. And while WordPress performance is fairly fast with a new installation, as you add … [Read more...] about 4 Ways to Speed Up Your WordPress Photography Site
Building An Effective Online Portfolio Webinar
We invite you to join us for "Building An Effective Online Portfolio Webinar" Presented by Photofocus, ASMP and Piqsure Present When: Wednesday, July 27th - 2:00pm ET | 11:00 am PT REGISTER HERE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WepIVCbT4r4 Marketing your portfolio can be one of the most challenging aspects of conducting business in the photography profession. Ensuring that you have an optimal online portfolio is critical to making client connections and ensuring business success JOIN US for this FREE Webinar as ASMP Member and … [Read more...] about Building An Effective Online Portfolio Webinar
Creating a Digital Portfolio
Several years ago I started a special photography project photographing people that have very little or no modeling experience. I wanted to challenge myself on how to teach a person to model. Photographing non models is not a big deal. Isnt that what we do when a client comes to us for a senior portrait or a wedding? This project had to be different, I needed a theme that would tie the project together. It finally came to me. Being single and not a very good cook, I went out to eat almost 3 times a day. What better place to find subjects than a … [Read more...] about Creating a Digital Portfolio
Find a Trusted Voice to Critique your Photos
Since the age of 16 I've competed in Martial Arts competitions. My performance was under a microscope. It was simple, if my performance was great the judges would give high scores and the crowd roared with applause. If my performance was marginal, the judges would give low scores and, If the crowd disagreed, they would voice their disapproval. Their support was comforting but did very little to change the outcome. After the event, I would ask the judges for advice and request they give it to me straight. Sometimes I liked what they had to … [Read more...] about Find a Trusted Voice to Critique your Photos
I’m Not a Pro, Do I Need a Portfolio?
This is a guest post by Stephan Bollinger - www.stephanbollinger.com Follow him on G+: plus.google.com/+StephanBollinger My previous article about the advantages of portfolio reviews has created a very interesting discussion. The question was raised Why would I need a portfolio, Im not a pro, and even more intriguing what exactly is a portfolio. To clarify a few things, first let me say that having a portfolio has nothing to do with "pro" or "amateur". I don't like these terms anyway, because it implies that a "pro" creates better pictures, … [Read more...] about I’m Not a Pro, Do I Need a Portfolio?
Is it Time to Build a Portfolio?
A good portfolio is a personal statement about a photographer. As such, there are no one-size fits all approach that will work for each individual. The best advice is to look at other peoples portfolios. There is a wealth of online portfolios you can find on the Internet. The key step here is to start looking well before you need a portfolio so you can create one you like. What is a Portfolio? A portfolio is a collection of your work samples that can be shown to prospective clients or employers. It should represent the diversity of the … [Read more...] about Is it Time to Build a Portfolio?
Improve Your Photography through Editing
This is a guest post by Stephan Bollinger - www.stephanbollinger.com Follow him on G+: plus.google.com/+StephanBollinger It's not easy to select the best (most impactful, appealing, selling, effective) images for your own portfolio, and it is an even tougher call to throw some of your most beloved images out. To clarify: With "editing" I talk about the selection of images, not any pixel-bending in photoshop. I personally find it relatively easy to select my let's say top 50 images, but getting them down to 10 or 15 is difficult, confusing, … [Read more...] about Improve Your Photography through Editing
Building a Photo Portfolio in a Digital Age
Guest Post & Photo by Joe Farace You know how it goes: The Art Director says, I know you can photograph right-handed baseball players but can you photograph left-handed ones? An unfortunate reality of the photography business is that you have to constantly prove to potential buyers that you can produceor have already madeimages just like the ones they need right now. Your key marketing tool during this aspect of the sales process is the portfolio. In this postmodern iPod world, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to producing … [Read more...] about Building a Photo Portfolio in a Digital Age
