https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-mind-your-own-business-podcast-with-sarah-petty-photofocus-podcast-june-14-2019 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 about the biggest (and most common!) print order-killing mistakes so many photographers make! We cover these common print order-killing mistakes in detail: Apologizing for your pricing Making incorrect assumptions based on price Offering … [Read more...] about The Mind Your Own Business Podcast with Sarah Petty | Photofocus Podcast June 14, 2019
Portraits
Mind Your Own Business Podcast with Peter Hurley | Photofocus Podcast May 10, 2019
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/mind-your-own-business-podcast-with-peter-hurley-photofocus-podcast-may-10-2019 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Please, post a review on iTunes. Welcome to Mind Your Own Business! Premier headshot photographer and education Peter Hurley joins us today! We discuss: How Peter got his unconventional start in photography, and how his background gave him a unique edge The importance of having a plan for your gear Trends where photographers seem to be struggling with their … [Read more...] about Mind Your Own Business Podcast with Peter Hurley | Photofocus Podcast May 10, 2019
Utilizing Luminar’s Accent AI 2.0 for portrait retouching
Skylum Software’s latest update to Luminar 3 includes an all-new “human aware” Accent AI 2.0. The previous version did a great job automatically improving color, detail, tone and depth of an image but now, the new version pushes its artificial intelligence further by recognizing people in the photo and providing skin tone adjustments selectively for a more natural look. Here’s why the new Accent AI 2.0 is great for portraits. Quickly developing a portrait As a member of Skylum’s Education Development team, I received an early look at Accent … [Read more...] about Utilizing Luminar’s Accent AI 2.0 for portrait retouching
Lighting a portrait with a speedlight
Speedlights are a great lighting solution for portability. Much less power than studio strobes and no modeling lamp to see where the light is falling on your subject can make them difficult to use especially for a new photographer. In this video, "Lighting a Portrait with a Speedlight" from the course "Improving Your Photography and Portraits with Lighting Modifiers" by Vanelli (me), I show how to overcome these two problems and capture a portrait with speedlights. Lighting a portrait with a speedlight from Improving Your Photography and … [Read more...] about Lighting a portrait with a speedlight
Mind Your Own Business Podcast with Bobbi Lane | Photofocus Podcast April 12, 2019
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/mind-your-own-business-podcast-with-bobbi-lane-photofocus-podcast-april-12-2019 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 commercial and portrait photographer Bobbi Lane! We discuss: How Bobbi got her start in photography How she constantly changes with technology to make her business more enjoyable. Why practice is so important in her business The latest trends photographers struggle with … [Read more...] about Mind Your Own Business Podcast with Bobbi Lane | Photofocus Podcast April 12, 2019
Beyond Technique Podcast with Jakob Dall | Photofocus Podcast March 20, 2019
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/beyond-technique-podcast-with-jakob-dall-photofocus-podcast-march-20-2019 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 today's episode we chat with photojournalist Jakob Dall. Today we chat about: How Jakob gained traction as a photojournalist Why photography is considered a universal language The role of storytelling in his body of work The … [Read more...] about Beyond Technique Podcast with Jakob Dall | Photofocus Podcast March 20, 2019
Mind Your Own Business Podcast with Michele Celentano | Photofocus Podcast March 8, 2019
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/mind-your-own-business-podcast-with-michele-celentano-photofocus-podcast-march-8-2019 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 family portrait photographer Michele Celentano! We discuss: How Michele got started with her career The importance of education in every photographer's career The role empathy plays when interacting with client The role psychology plays during a portrait session … [Read more...] about Mind Your Own Business Podcast with Michele Celentano | Photofocus Podcast March 8, 2019
Beyond Technique Podcast with Sally Blood | Photofocus Podcast February 20, 2019
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/beyond-technique-podcast-with-sally-blood-photofocus-podcast-february-20-2019 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 today's episode we chat with portrait photographer Sally Blood! We discuss: How Sally got started in her photographic career. Tips for working under pressure The importance of having "people skills" when interacting with clients … [Read more...] about Beyond Technique Podcast with Sally Blood | Photofocus Podcast February 20, 2019
Weekly Wrap-Up: Nov. 25-Dec. 1, 2018
The Weekly Wrap-Up is a compendium of some of the articles published this week on Photofocus. This week, we explored new gear, showed you a few different lighting techniques, talked about exhibiting and showcased Olympus' flagship camera. We also gave you some great Cyber Monday deals. Still looking for some savings and ideas? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide! … [Read more...] about Weekly Wrap-Up: Nov. 25-Dec. 1, 2018
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
Mind Your Own Business Podcast with David Scruggs and Jill Smith | Photofocus Podcast October 12, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/mind-your-own-business-podcast-with-david-scruggs-and-jill-smith-photofocus-october-12-2018 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 wedding photographers David Scruggs and Jill Smith about several things that define a photographer as a professional, so that you not only rarely miss those important moments in a subject's life, but NEVER compromise on the quality of an image: Listen, listen, … [Read more...] about Mind Your Own Business Podcast with David Scruggs and Jill Smith | Photofocus Podcast October 12, 2018
Themed shoots and why they matter
The daily grind can sometimes get you! More than once, after an editing binge for days on end for client work, my mind wanders over to my safe place — that beautiful land of themed shoots where I'm calling all the shots and no one even needs to like the output. Honestly, in the middle of the busiest months, I'll try my best to sneak my favorite models, make-up artist and stylist into the studio and collaborate on something totally spontaneous and creative. It almost always starts with a simple conversation about themes we've always wanted to … [Read more...] about Themed shoots and why they matter
The InFocus Interview Show with Wes Maggio | Photofocus Podcast July 6, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-infocus-interview-show-with-wes-maggio-photofocus-podcast-july-6-2018/s-nVr8l In this episode: Specializing in volume sports portraiture, portrait photographer Weston Maggio shares how he produces Volume Photography and still gets Studio Portraits results. Topics: What is Volume Sports Photography? How long to spend with a subject. What gear is needed. What to expect during a shoot with 50 Plus subjects. The business side of high Volume Photography If you like these Infocus … [Read more...] about The InFocus Interview Show with Wes Maggio | Photofocus Podcast July 6, 2018
The Mind Your Own Business Podcast with Cindy Harter | Photofocus Podcast Bonus Episode!
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-mind-your-own-business-podcast-with-cindy-harter-photofocus-podcast-bonus-episode 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 Cindy Harter Sims. We discuss in detail: how the journey of self-discovery can fuel your photography business development how to make financial plans for your business that help ensure success the importance of nailing technique down through unrelenting … [Read more...] about The Mind Your Own Business Podcast with Cindy Harter | Photofocus Podcast Bonus Episode!
The Traveling Photographer: Photographing People: Using Flash
This is the third and last post in a series on Photographing People while you are traveling. The first article provided general guidelines on setting up the shot and the second provided guidelines on working with the light. This post discusses tips on using a flash. Know the Difference Between Fill Flash and Main Light As photographer’s we all have “ah-ha” moments when the lightbulb goes off in our head. I still remember mine when I realized how I used my flash depended on whether I was using it as a fill light, filing in shadows on a … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Photographing People: Using Flash
The Traveling Photographer: Photographing People: Guidelines
As traveling photographers, we all wear many hats—landscape photographer, bird photographer, portrait photographer, food photographer, etc. We may feel comfortable in some of the hats we wear, and some hats just don’t seem to fit well at all. I had my roots in landscape and nature photography then moved on to cityscapes. Photographing people on the streets in the places I visited always seemed a tough fit. So I pushed hard--taking a class, watching videos, reading some books, and making lots of pictures--to figure out how to get good shots … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Photographing People: Guidelines
Gear Review: Angler Circo LED Ring Light (19″)
Over the years I've been adding to my lighting equipment. I started out with a standard on-camera flash and then progressed into my AlienBee B800 strobes. And now, with the Angler Circo LED Ring Light (19"), I'm adding a bit of flair into my setup. I was initially intrigued to get a ring light in order to get a crisp look in eyes when photographing portraits. Instead of using umbrellas on my AlienBees, I wanted a more-focused light that would help to better show off a person's eyes. The Angler Circo LED Ring Light (19") is a great starter … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Angler Circo LED Ring Light (19″)
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
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
Don’t Forget to Shoot Extra Portait Elements
From the course: Portrait Photography: Sports Portraits on LinkedIn Learning Shooting additional elements from Portrait Photography: Sports Portraits by Robert Vanelli While we have our actor or athlete on the set, we're also going to have him turn his back so I can snap a photo of his jersey number. I'm doing this because it gives me more options when I'm working inside of Photoshop. So, imagine having a beautiful portrait of him and then—in the background, just faded—is another shot of him with his head down, looking away. It could look … [Read more...] about Don’t Forget to Shoot Extra Portait Elements
Lessons from the Field: Coaxing a Smile Out of A Stubborn Portrait Client
One thing that has stood out to me over the years is the importance of having people skills in order to make great portraits. In my experience, learning how to use the camera has been the easy part. It's the people skills that can often make or break a portrait session. Below is a story from the field that taught me that lesson while shooting a small company's headshots at their office. "Gary tends to look like a serial killer in photos. Good luck." As soon as I arrived at the office that Monday morning for a small company's employee … [Read more...] about Lessons from the Field: Coaxing a Smile Out of A Stubborn Portrait Client
Fog… in a can?
Using a fog machine indoors—especially in a small, unvented room—can be challenging. The fog can sometimes linger too long or move in front of your subject, causing a hazy image. Here’s how to control fog using a neat little product called Atmosphere Aerosol, a.k.a Fog in a Can. What is Atmosphere Aerosol? Atmosphere Aerosol looks like hairspray, but without the choking fumes. It enables photographers to add fog or haze during a shoot. It’s a safe, non-toxic, clear spray that won’t stain gowns, suits, uniforms or garments. How it … [Read more...] about Fog… in a can?
Gear Review: Vellos Ringbox Flash Adapter
I am slowly getting hooked on my new Vellos Ringbox Flash Adapter. Not only do I get beautiful on-location headshots and portraits with my flash when using the Ringbox, but it makes my life a lot easier, and I like things easy. I use to carry around a light stand and softbox when I knew I needed more than natural light. Not anymore--I just take the Ringbox. I am also looking forward to trying it out on my next trip. It is very light and will not take much room in my suitcase. What is a Ringbox Flash Adapter A Ringbox Flash Adapter is a … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Vellos Ringbox Flash Adapter
Dragging the Shutter Part Two: Shake, Spin and Zoom
Dragging the Shutter, as we learned in Part One, is a tricky technique where you light the subject with your flash, and then use a slow shutter speed to pull in the background light. All the basic how-to information on how to balance light to make it “correct” is laid out in the previous article. Now we are going to break the rules and have fun! The Venice Carnival is the perfect place to play with this technique because of the extravagant and colorful costumes combined with gorgeous scenery. I love dragging the shutter, but I like to play … [Read more...] about Dragging the Shutter Part Two: Shake, Spin and Zoom
Portrait Tips: Great Eyes Start At The Toes
The eyes are the most important part of a portrait, and the expression in the eyes makes the difference between a well-lit picture and a stunning portrait. You'll notice that when people look into the camera you have about .026 seconds before the eyes start to glaze over. The eyes quickly look disengaged and even frightened. The majority of pictures posted on the internet have dull, uninterested eyes. But there's a simple way to help you get fresh eyes in every picture. "Look down at my toes, please." Whether I'm photographing old friends, … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Great Eyes Start At The Toes
How to Take Better Portraits of Women with Matthew Jordan Smith
Are you looking for some great tips form an expert photographer? We've got a great video here from Matthew Jordan Smith How to Shoot and Develop Better Portraits Learn from celebrity photographer Matthew Jordan Smith as he quickly shows you How to Take Better Portraits of Women and finish them off with LUCID by Athentech. These same presets are also in Perfect Skin and Perfectly Clear Complete for Photoshop and Lightroom. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOMkqXyriMY Who's Matthew Jordan Smith? Matthew Jordan … [Read more...] about How to Take Better Portraits of Women with Matthew Jordan Smith
How to Keep a Family Portrait Session Under Control
You want your clients to have fun during a portrait session—but some clients take it too, far leaving you with unusable images. Bunny ears and goofy faces are great for outtake shots; but if that’s all you have, your client won’t be happy and they will blame you. Here’s how to take command of your set, keeping your family portrait session under control while having fun. Establishing a Time Limit Ask the client how much time they have and if there is anyone who needs to leave early. Plan on photographing those family members first. This will … [Read more...] about How to Keep a Family Portrait Session Under Control
Color Correction for the Best Skin Tone
Editor's NOTE: Photofocus is proud to welcome master photo educator Lee Varis to our roster of authors! Subtle Adjustments Make all the Difference Every photo needs some amount of adjustment to enhance its presentation, even really good photos can benefit with the right adjustment. However, if you ask 5 different people what needs to be done, you'll get 5 different answers, or worse, no answers, simply, "it looks fine!" Things become really difficult when there is no obvious problem. There are simple things to check for, like making … [Read more...] about Color Correction for the Best Skin Tone
Photographer of the Day: Robert Armstrong
Category: Children Photograph: “Wonderful” by Robert Armstrong Robert captured a great expression and pose from this little girl. The shallow depth of field keeps the viewer's attention on her beautiful face. Originally shared with the Photofocus Flickr community right here. To learn how your work can be featured on the Photofocus, please read this article. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Robert Armstrong
