Where you are going to be in five years depend on the people you meet and the book that you read.
Approach to weddings:
your network is your net worth...
people that are willing to do things for us in our field.
referrals from having such a great experience.
1) esteem: geniunely interested in other people
people's deepest need is to feel important and loved
2) give them more than what is expected:
faster than expected, service industry
3) capitalize: future potential clients
give them a reason to talk about us and tools
facebook + slideshow
Gear bag:
shooting with natural light
thinktank V2 security suitcase
1dS mark 3
5ds Mark 2, battery pack, black rapid, hand attachment
3 flash
light meter
extra batteries
backup camera (crop sensor)
cf cards with car holder
2 expo discs (custom white balance and exposure)
tiffen neutral density filter (putting sunglasses on your camera)
85 l1.2 lens
(2) 50 1.2 lens
natural, what you see with your eyes, men's shots,
70-200 2.8 IS(ceremony, portrait)
24-70 (girls getting ready) 24 get wide, 70 get tight...story that is going on
back of dress, focus very close,
16-35 (dress shots, details, environment with dress, dramatic shot..
very distorted in top and bottom at 16mm,
100 Macro (portraits, details)
the rings, shoes, portrait (makeup shot actions
flash-triggers, cybersyncs, cables, batteries, diffusers, reflectors
securing equipment in wedding: use assistant to protect bags
SHOOT IN RAW
Lighting
---indirect window light
softest, prettiest lightsource
4-6 ft away from light source
height of window: determine shadows on faces
position of bride to light source: 45 degrees or more to window
ambient room light: turn off lights because they look orange
no light: flash (short lighting)
Getting ready:
dinner a couple of weeks before wedding
+come in: make personal connections with people (this is different)
+first details: 15-20 minutes
dress: find great back light
shoes: chair/45 degree to window/ 100 macro (fill in shadows with reflector)
1 1/2-2 hours editing pictures
unique to client-show detail!
then: makeup artist
brushes on the cheeks
(coach along with facial expressions)
24-70 moment put on dress
50-buttons on back of dress
girl photographer-girl
guy photographer-guys
+Make sure to shoot other stories...ringbearer
+unique memories
+portrait after just getting ready in good light
+ pull in quick for detail
portrait lens
50 1.2
natural eye-
85
looking in on a moment
70-200
1st looks-just capturing from a distance
Reflective light
open shade
diffused
detail shot
bride
reservoir of dogs
family portraits
head set for communication in church
5 hour workflow
exposure check: expodisc (neutral) (portrait one adds red in cheeks...NO)
3 step process:
1) pick aperture
2) set shutter speed (one over focal length rule)
70mm- shutter speed 1/70th of a second
3)ISO
1 stop of 0
(fine tune with shutter)
custom white balancing
double check with histogram
apply it to camera...custom white balance
buy the one for the biggest lens and hold it up later
DAY 2
the final touches of makeup...very put together (don't have to fix the skin)
standing on a chair...24-70mm looking down at bride
low viewpoint..wide shot of bride on piano bench
camera should be pointed in center of your composition for it to look natural
guys-sit down, lean on knees, look out of window
high key---everything is bright, except for them.
start of with couple walking...takes down their guard
vertical/horizontal-for story board in book
COUPLE SHOTS
otalux deep octa 70cm
20% strobe-80% natural light
elinchrom ranger quadra-lightweight/weather sealed
w/adapter to put any size modifier
(would like 500ml to outpower sun source anytime of day, but has 400mls)
(A-action/ S-****cheaper, it is what they use)
vagabond mini....!HAVE IT!
cybersync...Paul C bluff (INCREDIBLE)
cybersync transmitter
PORTRAIT STYLE LIGHTING
Glamour light/Butterfly...flattens them out and shows problems
Straight on light
If yo are not Glamourous, dont use glamour lighting
Loop Lighting
30 degrees off to side
45 degree from subjects face
Positioning the light box 24-32 inches....with A crate grid (inside to narrow in light source)
1) Height of Light-the center of box above the center of the eyes, bottom of soft box at height of chin exposed
Turn it perfectly straight---DON"T CHANGE THE ANGLE TO KEEP EYE COLOR BRIGHT
2)Distance-as close as I can put it without getting it in the picture, closer-softer light 4-6 feet away
3)Vertical vs.Horizantal (horizantal-more than i person/1 person vertical)
4)Umbrella vs. Softbox...(.group portraits-umbrella)
Lighting Ratios
fill light-reflectors
3:1- (70%)light is twice as bright as background
light on subject looks natural...very soft
4:1:2 stops darker on the fill
5:1-(90%)background is kicked down by a few stops
light meter-
The Process-shutter speed does not effect your strobe lighting, it only effects your ambient light
decide on lighting pattern (quickest is 1/250s)
set the strobe
set meter ISO
Set the x sync speed
check the percentage...if at 40% (power up), if at 100% power strobe down 3 clicks until 70% is reached
EXPODISC NOT USED WITH STROBES.
Custom skies
Shutter speed to 1/100 sec
iso 100
point camera to sky
adjust f-stop to preferred exposure
YOU DO NOT GET TO PICK YOUR APERTURE ON A STROBE,
so your composition becomes very important
Late in the day, you can use F/2
Sun should hit the should or side of face, NOT NOSE
FEATHERING THE LIGHT-pointing it 2/3 diagonal to the center (perfect face lighting)
short lighting....making larger people smaller
white balance when using strobe-FLASH (constant kelvin)
Adding a speedlight
put orange gels for more ambient light
8ft away from her-small and contrasty
1) ambient light...underexposed by 1 stop with person
2) set up strobe 45 degree light
3) flash in back...adds depth and drama
(tight space...point straight up), sitting on ground with foot
HIGH ISOS...1/3 too bright to have less noise in the shadows
Wedding on location couple portraits
overcast day (CUSTOM BLUE SKIES)
ISO 100
Shutter Speed 1/100
f/13 gives the -1 stop on in camera meter
Neutral density filter 3 stops (Adjustable filter)
Clamshell lighting:
softbox overhead with reflector under bouncing light back.
Bride shots over high school senior portraits
Reception lighting:
1.underexpose ambient lighting by -1
2. Manually power flash
checking ambient light
ISO 400
SHUTTER speed 1/100
f/2
Ring shots:
bounce flash off reflector that is above
macro lens
Off camera flash
add micro apollo (8 inch softbox)
receiver-hotshoe, triggered off camera
stand 6-8ft. away
pick lighting style
power flash up or down until correct exposure is achieved
(the distance to your subject must remain the same for lighting to remain constant
Adding a kicker light (shooting rim light)
postion the light pointing from the crowd
start the background flash at 1/32 power
raise up 7-8ft., bare bulb
take test shot to see how bright/dark the light is
few feet away from the wall
shooting it into the center
ISO 100
SS 100
f/4
bouncing it off the floor.-fun cool shots
dragging the shutter
getting below 30th...
back button focusing
take images with the front focus
back: focus on the back
Shot list:
Special family considerations: list of names of each family members
Any special things going on throughout the wedding: someone singing, remembering family member,
knowing religious traditions
first dance song
plans for the formal exit: night (sparklers)
vendor information: immediately after wedding, e-mail and build relationships
planner:write before for introduction
ACCESS TO WORK MUST BE ONE CLICK: easy for internet (sharing)
bridemaid's names
leaving for honeymoon/coming back form honeymoon
sneakpeak images
married address
TIME:
1 hour guys getting ready
1 hour girls getting ready (30 min. bride/30 minutes with bride and bridesmaids)
1 hour for couple poses (bride and groom)
30 minutes for family & wedding party
Creating album: SWAT
KISS books
Friday, January 27, 2012
Friday, November 11, 2011
Creativelive with Mathew Jordan Smith
What is beauty?
+Beauty is all about the face, hair, skin (The business of photographing skin care, hair care, makeup and jewelry
In every picture there is a hero of the shot.
less is more 85 to 100macro....in editing, select shots that work together.
Casting models for beauty-
great skin
T.E.A.M.- Together each Achieves More
Fashion vs. Beauty
Fashion-Swagger, energy, Clothes come alive, swim wear,
High-end magazines-the clothing is the hero
Beauty-clean, beautiful light
storyboard-what is happening in your life now
yin&yang
find concepts-shoot what you love
favorite books, movies, etc...
magazine layout>2 pages: you don't want two images that look the same. the language of opposites
big/small, motion/still, b/w/color
irving penn...measure light, which card to use,
pitch to client-1 ideal pitch
beauty gear: 100 macro + 85mm
Cast and Crew
Model Mayhem....
Day 2
using one light, getting different effects.
Beauty shot: iso 200,
metering 16.3, 16.2/16.1/1 (very even) shooting at 16
16.5-dark skin and shoot for 16
He wants to know the tenths....exactly between 11 and 16
13-11 1/3 15-11 2/3
a third open for beauty shot. if the meter is shooting at 16.3, he shoots at 16
sweet spot-concentration of the light-center of the face (nose)
shooting men-show texture in the skin (silver beauty dish-gives harder look, shows more texture)
shooting women-porcelain skin (white beauty dish-softer look)
1/125th of a second, f/16 iso 200
once all of the settings are in place, work with the model...don't lose the model, work with them
Day 3 fashion
hard light: pop
Magnum reflector on profoto head-1 main light f/22
focus can be on face or on garment
light is very high (12 feet) to increase the texture on the outfit
background lights: f/22.7 (4 lights)
V-flat
Foam core: Art stores 4x8
4x8 clear white plexi (shiny wood panel)
gaffer tape
platform with shine
traveling gear (get carnet):
2 heads
2 c stands
battery pack
rope
gaffer tape
sunbounce
long lens with f/4 girl in focus and blowing background out (even on location)
mistakes to avoid>
the client wants the photographer to select model
forget gear
leaving things off that i needed to "save money"
The clients are paying you to shoot, not permission for every picture you take.
+Beauty is all about the face, hair, skin (The business of photographing skin care, hair care, makeup and jewelry
In every picture there is a hero of the shot.
less is more 85 to 100macro....in editing, select shots that work together.
Casting models for beauty-
great skin
T.E.A.M.- Together each Achieves More
Fashion vs. Beauty
Fashion-Swagger, energy, Clothes come alive, swim wear,
High-end magazines-the clothing is the hero
Beauty-clean, beautiful light
storyboard-what is happening in your life now
yin&yang
find concepts-shoot what you love
favorite books, movies, etc...
magazine layout>2 pages: you don't want two images that look the same. the language of opposites
big/small, motion/still, b/w/color
irving penn...measure light, which card to use,
pitch to client-1 ideal pitch
beauty gear: 100 macro + 85mm
Cast and Crew
Model Mayhem....
Day 2
using one light, getting different effects.
Beauty shot: iso 200,
metering 16.3, 16.2/16.1/1 (very even) shooting at 16
16.5-dark skin and shoot for 16
He wants to know the tenths....exactly between 11 and 16
13-11 1/3 15-11 2/3
a third open for beauty shot. if the meter is shooting at 16.3, he shoots at 16
sweet spot-concentration of the light-center of the face (nose)
shooting men-show texture in the skin (silver beauty dish-gives harder look, shows more texture)
shooting women-porcelain skin (white beauty dish-softer look)
1/125th of a second, f/16 iso 200
once all of the settings are in place, work with the model...don't lose the model, work with them
Day 3 fashion
hard light: pop
Magnum reflector on profoto head-1 main light f/22
focus can be on face or on garment
light is very high (12 feet) to increase the texture on the outfit
background lights: f/22.7 (4 lights)
V-flat
Foam core: Art stores 4x8
4x8 clear white plexi (shiny wood panel)
gaffer tape
platform with shine
traveling gear (get carnet):
2 heads
2 c stands
battery pack
rope
gaffer tape
sunbounce
long lens with f/4 girl in focus and blowing background out (even on location)
mistakes to avoid>
the client wants the photographer to select model
forget gear
leaving things off that i needed to "save money"
The clients are paying you to shoot, not permission for every picture you take.
Friday, September 09, 2011
Creativelive with Tamarah Lackey
Guest Speaker:Matthew Jordan Smith
Favorite tools: Pro photo beauty dish 362.00 + 22" Diffuser Sock 29.95
Passport Color Checker
Magnum Reflector
Put on an exhibit
Favorite tools: Pro photo beauty dish 362.00 + 22" Diffuser Sock 29.95
Passport Color Checker
Magnum Reflector
Put on an exhibit
Friday, May 13, 2011
Creativelive with Penny de los Santos
lens choices
35mm
85mm
good photograph:
light, color,composition, food subject
light direction: best! from the side, quality: diffused
what needs to be done to modify the light?
infuse energy in your food photographs
shoot the whole process of preparing food
if your food doesn´t have color, then you should add it with utensils, backgrounds, etc....
apertures: typically 5.6
camera angles for visual pacing and explore subject:
shoot vertical
overhead: use ladders
3/4: foods that are high
cutting into the food
1) establishing shot: show your environment
2) environmental moments
35mm
85mm
good photograph:
light, color,composition, food subject
light direction: best! from the side, quality: diffused
what needs to be done to modify the light?
infuse energy in your food photographs
shoot the whole process of preparing food
if your food doesn´t have color, then you should add it with utensils, backgrounds, etc....
apertures: typically 5.6
camera angles for visual pacing and explore subject:
shoot vertical
overhead: use ladders
3/4: foods that are high
cutting into the food
1) establishing shot: show your environment
2) environmental moments
Friday, April 29, 2011
Creativelive with Zack Arias
Camera considerations:
full frame vs. crop
iso performance
AF performance
Ergonomics
Megapixels
Learn how to fin recipricals in: aperture, shutterspeed and iso
metering the amount of light:
%18 gray
bride coming out of the limo to the aisle:
AP priority
Evaluative metering mode
Exp. Comp.
human eye viewpoint: 50mm
body language vs. posing
classic headshots:
1)commercial (smile) 2)film (serious) 3) theatre(b/w) more dramatic lighting
8x 10
shutter speed: ambient
Aperture: flash exposure
iso100 shutter speed: sync aperture: spot meter-zero out
with sky
reflective vs. shoot through umbrella
2.8 dof
JVS-wedding photographer
vivitar 285-wedding dance photos
*I didn´t take many notes during this creativeLive session, though I learned a lot and am very happy with the class. I was too busy using the classroom chatroom.
Exposurevariables:
shutter speed: ambient continuous light in your environment (sky, lamps, window)
sync speed:cannot use flash faster than sync speed 250
?include ambient light, does it matter
aperture: flash exposure
over-exposed-shut aperture, under-exposed-open aperture
Flash power:manual mode-consistency, 1/1 full power, 1/2 half power, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64, 1/128
Flash power 1/1 1/2 1/4 1/8 1/16
Aperture 16 11 8 5.6 4
Flash to subject distance:inverse square law
Portfolio critiques that Zack and Meghan do for some people:
1)Wedding portfolio critique: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWNLg01ZHsY&feature=related
on-camera flash should be the last option you use
at least bounce the flash for more flattering pictures
consistent exposures
full frame vs. crop
iso performance
AF performance
Ergonomics
Megapixels
Learn how to fin recipricals in: aperture, shutterspeed and iso
metering the amount of light:
%18 gray
bride coming out of the limo to the aisle:
AP priority
Evaluative metering mode
Exp. Comp.
human eye viewpoint: 50mm
body language vs. posing
classic headshots:
1)commercial (smile) 2)film (serious) 3) theatre(b/w) more dramatic lighting
8x 10
shutter speed: ambient
Aperture: flash exposure
iso100 shutter speed: sync aperture: spot meter-zero out
with sky
reflective vs. shoot through umbrella
2.8 dof
JVS-wedding photographer
vivitar 285-wedding dance photos
*I didn´t take many notes during this creativeLive session, though I learned a lot and am very happy with the class. I was too busy using the classroom chatroom.
Exposurevariables:
shutter speed: ambient continuous light in your environment (sky, lamps, window)
sync speed:cannot use flash faster than sync speed 250
?include ambient light, does it matter
aperture: flash exposure
over-exposed-shut aperture, under-exposed-open aperture
Flash power:manual mode-consistency, 1/1 full power, 1/2 half power, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64, 1/128
Flash power 1/1 1/2 1/4 1/8 1/16
Aperture 16 11 8 5.6 4
Flash to subject distance:inverse square law
Portfolio critiques that Zack and Meghan do for some people:
1)Wedding portfolio critique: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWNLg01ZHsY&feature=related
on-camera flash should be the last option you use
at least bounce the flash for more flattering pictures
consistent exposures
Friday, April 08, 2011
Creativelive: Building your Wedding Photography Business
Teacher: Jasmine Star
DAY 1: Building Blocks
"what you give me, is what I am going to give back"
Website: used a 20-30 video intro
created an emotional connection:slideshows (4-5 minutes with music)
unique bio section
online forum: www.opensourcephoto.net/forum
www.thebschool.com discount: JSTAR25
Making photographer/client allies online:
profile pic, equal participation, comment on blogs, leverage your assets, facebook, twitter
Second Shooter Faux Paus: do not hand out your personal business card, nor tag on facebook, do not do talk about how things should be differently, if asked to carry bags, carry bags
Second Shooter dos: must establish TRUST, copyright issues: 1st shooter owns copyright, find photography mentor, 200-300 of best plus what you will be blogging
Creating a Business with her spouse:
husband/wife conversations vs. 1st shooter/2nd shooter conversations
1)set clearly defined roles, goals, schedule
2)be patient
3)play to each strengths
Business financing
initial investment: $3000
1200 canon 20D, 1400 24-70 2.8, 500 business cards
filing for a business license + tax ID: sole Proprietor
Paying taxes (quarterly)
insurance on equipment:because you carry your equipment on your back
back up gear...2 sets of everything! ($25,000 in a bag) GPS locator in bag!
Hill & Usher: photographer insurance company
Mental checklist:
check iso
aperture
adjusting shutter speed
posing with action
"magic setting": iso 100, shutter speed 2500, aperture 2.8
posing and shooting attracted the type of people she wanted
How was the photo illuminated? natural, natural w/bounce, reflector, studio?
How was the photo captured? 35mm, crop factor, f-stop?
How was the subject posed? photographer get them to pose that way? How do the subjects feel beautiful?
How was the story told?
How was emotion conveyed? only ask them to repeat the action twice or they will think that theya re doing something wrong.
"We are selling the idea of a beautiful wedding day"
model contracts: guests have an understanding that they may have pictures posted online, if anyone does not want their pictures online, they must tell the photographer.
What goes into a contract?
john morelas.sells contract template, free contract: Tofurious.com
timelines for responsable of images (1 year after wedding date)
how wedding album
copyright...featured on blog
disc and their rights
buying digital negatives
something happens on wedding day...accident, being sick
deposit (retainer):
deposit is refundable
retainer is nonrefundable
Put people at ease...remember bestman´s name
Prices:
outsourcing...post production edit
bookkeeping
gas
online proof gallery
shipping
fixed costs: $325
Variable costs always change
1st year profit per wedding:1,128
2nd package: 10 hours coverage, 2 shooter, engagement session
basic package (collections): 10 hours coverage, 2 shooters, engagement, disc of negatives
raise pricing every 3 weddings by $300
Doing weddings below your prices could be considered good will or desperation: depending on how your react.
11x14 album 15-20 pages, disc, engagement session
charges per picture rate $15
contact photographer only via blog or website
Day 2:
Try to do everything in advance to avoid the first meeting together as a sales pitch.
Let the clients marinate the first meeting: doesn´t accept money during initial contact.
her blog and website: overabundance of her. She wants to show you who she is to avoid a mismatch down the road.
then: corresponds via email, sending contract
schedule conversation via skype or phone
the cyber storefront:branding and marketing
1)prompt e-mail responses
2)showing them you care
3)engaging the client:them feeling like they know me
she meets with clients in a videographer´s studio,starbucks, hotel
create conversation, not monologue
come in as couple: how are you doing? traffic? thank them. show images, albums. be genuinely interested. review prior e-mails. talk with confidence about their day. how did you guys meet? , starting with the guy, recounting their story about themselves...she is now an onlooker.why her? what she was wearing? personal questions.
she knows how they love.
first 20-25 minutes
importance of an engagement session:
practice run
what to wear...what makes you feel beautiful
save the date cards, albums,online proofs...
processing time...
wedding photography...
explanation of approach, 2nd shooter
Shooting first wedding as a 1st shooter:
syncing cameras: makes it easier to organize photos after (sequencing)
same day slide show: she wants her photos to be the first one that her bride sees
slideshow: some retouching, 40-50 photos on laptop on bar.
workflow + outsourcing:
shoot,write+be happy
outsourcing:
bookkeeping, accounting, postprocessing, print fulfillment, album design
uses photographersedit.com for post processing:jstar2011
100 photos an hour for 2 shooters
marketing:
opportunities:social networking, community, image, you
vendor promotion: incentive
netmaking
image: WEBSITE! personalize your business
plus sites: for FACEBOOK clients (story + slide show)
attract and repel a very specific clientele
create validity on the web: reflect your brand
starting point:know what you want, use critical eye
Finding a photographic style, voice, Aesthetic
how was the picture taken, and why was it taken
confident subjects, relaxed, natural light
create actions for your actions
tell a story to narrate ideas
practice in advance
make active strides to have your business storefront online
learn all of the venues, haciendas
making clients feel beautiful:
showing them how to pose
show clients you know what to do
educate them
contact client 5-6 weeks before wedding to have rough idea of what the timeline should be
1)check due
2)timeline
3)talk through the process
first look shoot
bridal party shoot 25 minutes
family photos
sunset photos
6:30 reception details
6:45 grand entrance
6:55 first dance
father speech
7:15 first course
first toast
second course...setting up slide show
8:25-9:30 dance
cake cutting
garter
10pm end
Recommended book: War of Art
DAY 1: Building Blocks
"what you give me, is what I am going to give back"
Website: used a 20-30 video intro
created an emotional connection:slideshows (4-5 minutes with music)
unique bio section
online forum: www.opensourcephoto.net/forum
www.thebschool.com discount: JSTAR25
Making photographer/client allies online:
profile pic, equal participation, comment on blogs, leverage your assets, facebook, twitter
Second Shooter Faux Paus: do not hand out your personal business card, nor tag on facebook, do not do talk about how things should be differently, if asked to carry bags, carry bags
Second Shooter dos: must establish TRUST, copyright issues: 1st shooter owns copyright, find photography mentor, 200-300 of best plus what you will be blogging
Creating a Business with her spouse:
husband/wife conversations vs. 1st shooter/2nd shooter conversations
1)set clearly defined roles, goals, schedule
2)be patient
3)play to each strengths
Business financing
initial investment: $3000
1200 canon 20D, 1400 24-70 2.8, 500 business cards
filing for a business license + tax ID: sole Proprietor
Paying taxes (quarterly)
insurance on equipment:because you carry your equipment on your back
back up gear...2 sets of everything! ($25,000 in a bag) GPS locator in bag!
Hill & Usher: photographer insurance company
Mental checklist:
check iso
aperture
adjusting shutter speed
posing with action
"magic setting": iso 100, shutter speed 2500, aperture 2.8
posing and shooting attracted the type of people she wanted
How was the photo illuminated? natural, natural w/bounce, reflector, studio?
How was the photo captured? 35mm, crop factor, f-stop?
How was the subject posed? photographer get them to pose that way? How do the subjects feel beautiful?
How was the story told?
How was emotion conveyed? only ask them to repeat the action twice or they will think that theya re doing something wrong.
"We are selling the idea of a beautiful wedding day"
model contracts: guests have an understanding that they may have pictures posted online, if anyone does not want their pictures online, they must tell the photographer.
What goes into a contract?
john morelas.sells contract template, free contract: Tofurious.com
timelines for responsable of images (1 year after wedding date)
how wedding album
copyright...featured on blog
disc and their rights
buying digital negatives
something happens on wedding day...accident, being sick
deposit (retainer):
deposit is refundable
retainer is nonrefundable
Put people at ease...remember bestman´s name
Prices:
outsourcing...post production edit
bookkeeping
gas
online proof gallery
shipping
fixed costs: $325
Variable costs always change
1st year profit per wedding:1,128
2nd package: 10 hours coverage, 2 shooter, engagement session
basic package (collections): 10 hours coverage, 2 shooters, engagement, disc of negatives
raise pricing every 3 weddings by $300
Doing weddings below your prices could be considered good will or desperation: depending on how your react.
11x14 album 15-20 pages, disc, engagement session
charges per picture rate $15
contact photographer only via blog or website
Day 2:
Try to do everything in advance to avoid the first meeting together as a sales pitch.
Let the clients marinate the first meeting: doesn´t accept money during initial contact.
her blog and website: overabundance of her. She wants to show you who she is to avoid a mismatch down the road.
then: corresponds via email, sending contract
schedule conversation via skype or phone
the cyber storefront:branding and marketing
1)prompt e-mail responses
2)showing them you care
3)engaging the client:them feeling like they know me
she meets with clients in a videographer´s studio,starbucks, hotel
create conversation, not monologue
come in as couple: how are you doing? traffic? thank them. show images, albums. be genuinely interested. review prior e-mails. talk with confidence about their day. how did you guys meet? , starting with the guy, recounting their story about themselves...she is now an onlooker.why her? what she was wearing? personal questions.
she knows how they love.
first 20-25 minutes
importance of an engagement session:
practice run
what to wear...what makes you feel beautiful
save the date cards, albums,online proofs...
processing time...
wedding photography...
explanation of approach, 2nd shooter
Shooting first wedding as a 1st shooter:
syncing cameras: makes it easier to organize photos after (sequencing)
same day slide show: she wants her photos to be the first one that her bride sees
slideshow: some retouching, 40-50 photos on laptop on bar.
workflow + outsourcing:
shoot,write+be happy
outsourcing:
bookkeeping, accounting, postprocessing, print fulfillment, album design
uses photographersedit.com for post processing:jstar2011
100 photos an hour for 2 shooters
marketing:
opportunities:social networking, community, image, you
vendor promotion: incentive
netmaking
image: WEBSITE! personalize your business
plus sites: for FACEBOOK clients (story + slide show)
attract and repel a very specific clientele
create validity on the web: reflect your brand
starting point:know what you want, use critical eye
Finding a photographic style, voice, Aesthetic
how was the picture taken, and why was it taken
confident subjects, relaxed, natural light
create actions for your actions
tell a story to narrate ideas
practice in advance
make active strides to have your business storefront online
learn all of the venues, haciendas
making clients feel beautiful:
showing them how to pose
show clients you know what to do
educate them
contact client 5-6 weeks before wedding to have rough idea of what the timeline should be
1)check due
2)timeline
3)talk through the process
first look shoot
bridal party shoot 25 minutes
family photos
sunset photos
6:30 reception details
6:45 grand entrance
6:55 first dance
father speech
7:15 first course
first toast
second course...setting up slide show
8:25-9:30 dance
cake cutting
garter
10pm end
Recommended book: War of Art
Thursday, April 07, 2011
Youtube Video Reviews
Topic: Tattoo Photo Shoot
1. Tattooed Pinup girl:2 minutes
2. Suicidegirl poses
3. More Suicidegirl poses
4. Modern Pin up Girl Poses
5. Anita Ekberg
6. Talking a model through a photoshoot
7. Two Pin-up girls in one shoot
1. Tattooed Pinup girl:2 minutes
2. Suicidegirl poses
3. More Suicidegirl poses
4. Modern Pin up Girl Poses
5. Anita Ekberg
6. Talking a model through a photoshoot
7. Two Pin-up girls in one shoot
Monday, April 04, 2011
Youtube Video Reviews
Topic: Just One Light
1. View of complete photostudio: 2.3 minutes
2. Comparison of natural light, one light with different shutter speeds:5 minutes
3.Describes how beauty dish works, explains 3 catchlights in eyes,post process production:10 minutes
4.Two speedlights, portraitshoot in hotel room:6.30 minutes
5.soft box (flat light) vs. umbrella (contrast, focused light):5 minutes
6.raw light with reflector in studio:4 minutes
and then I went on a Annie Leibovitz marathon! :)
1. View of complete photostudio: 2.3 minutes
2. Comparison of natural light, one light with different shutter speeds:5 minutes
3.Describes how beauty dish works, explains 3 catchlights in eyes,post process production:10 minutes
4.Two speedlights, portraitshoot in hotel room:6.30 minutes
5.soft box (flat light) vs. umbrella (contrast, focused light):5 minutes
6.raw light with reflector in studio:4 minutes
and then I went on a Annie Leibovitz marathon! :)
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
chasejarvisLIVE: A Photography Conversation with Zach Arias
chase jarvis and zach arias on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loYF3528gP4
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Equipment must-have: TSC Quantum Turbo SC
Battery packs...ugh!
For a non-gearhead like me, buying new equipment can be stressful. I don´t want to spend money unnecessarily but at the same time, I want to be prepared for jobs that require special equipment.
One moment that I want to avoid is not being able to use my flash consistently throughout wedding receptions. Most wedding receptions take place in areas that are sparcely lit. It is inevitable that I will be using flash throughout the reception, which means 4 or 5 hours of coverage.
Most flashes that I use require 22A batteries. I have invested in rechargeable batteries, and carry around with me extras at all time. Nonetheless, the recycle time of the flash between shots is long AND I am never aware when the flash is losing battery power.
I invested in the TSC Quantum Turbo SC Slimpack about a year ago to resolve these issues. Using this battery pack attached to my waistbelt during weddings is a great solution to any problems I had in the past. I am able to take at least 400 pictures using full power flash AND the recycle time that I can take the next picture is less than 3 seconds. I am also able to monitor the power of the battery because it comes with a power gauge.
That being said, I am very happy with this purchase and feel more complete for weddings. I can shoot all day without any worries of battery fail. In the future, I will try out this pack for time lapse photography.
For a non-gearhead like me, buying new equipment can be stressful. I don´t want to spend money unnecessarily but at the same time, I want to be prepared for jobs that require special equipment.
One moment that I want to avoid is not being able to use my flash consistently throughout wedding receptions. Most wedding receptions take place in areas that are sparcely lit. It is inevitable that I will be using flash throughout the reception, which means 4 or 5 hours of coverage.
Most flashes that I use require 22A batteries. I have invested in rechargeable batteries, and carry around with me extras at all time. Nonetheless, the recycle time of the flash between shots is long AND I am never aware when the flash is losing battery power.
I invested in the TSC Quantum Turbo SC Slimpack about a year ago to resolve these issues. Using this battery pack attached to my waistbelt during weddings is a great solution to any problems I had in the past. I am able to take at least 400 pictures using full power flash AND the recycle time that I can take the next picture is less than 3 seconds. I am also able to monitor the power of the battery because it comes with a power gauge.
That being said, I am very happy with this purchase and feel more complete for weddings. I can shoot all day without any worries of battery fail. In the future, I will try out this pack for time lapse photography.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Bambi Cantrell´s Three Day Workshop on Creativelive
Day 1
Wedding photographer: Every time you are sitting there waiting for something, you are wasting time.
If something isn´t perfect, look for a way around it to take your picture.
"photography is my profession, not my religion"
"I don´t mind if they hate a picture I took, I just don´t want it to be boring"
"That´s what we´re here for, to connect families and document their spirit."
*Hey, the bride and groom requested that I sit in this seat. Do you mind saving it for me?"-what to say to sit in the second row of the church (70-200mm lens)
Working with fabrics: boudouir shots, pregnant women
Flat lighting-flattering for wrinkled skin
Typical portrait session-60-70 edited images in 1 1/2 hours
4 portrait sessions per day
Day 2
Equipment: (main light) Octo150 for Bowens continuous lights + (back light) Softstrip 140x40, 4-ft ladder,
Lightroom postprocessing recommendation: Marcus Bell B/W 22
Concepts can be applied because we have already rehearsed them.
Bride/Groom poses
*hug with your cheek
*put her hand in his hair
*him-take both of her hands and lean them up to your chest
when hugging:
bride...lean back and make him work for the kiss
bride...get flirty with your skirt (hold skirt w/thumb and middle finger)
Groom solo:
walk-kick one foot in front of the other
Friends poses
lean into her with your shoulder
wrap your arms around each other and lean into the photographer with chest
*push hip away from camera-makes person look thinner
*bend most limbs, leg forward
*roll onto front thigh
*tall with your back
*gaze upwards-chin up or down can make a huge difference (opening eyes without showing so much of the whites of the eyes)
Family sitting poses (bridal party):f/5.6 (5-10ft in focus)
lens:24-70 focus:on person in center of pic
look for triangular shapped compositions with bodies
sit at edge of couch (to keep legs from spreading out)
*edgy portrait-not everyone in the same direction
*very traditional portrait-symmetrical
*I make it my business to know who is in all of the group pictures...mom, dad, sisters, grandparents. Communicating with your clients before the wedding.
Outdoor light with flash:
use flash light one stop down from ambient light
example: camera/5.6 flash: 4
Clamshell lighting: flat light very flattering
Glamour shots
Main Light source above the camera with fill (reflector) below camera
Camera tilt: makes vertical lines softer
Step 1: what lens (what will be in the pic)
Step 2: shutter speed and f-stop (meter to rehearse)
Light-it gives everything its shape (highlights & shadow)
Day 3
Find the location depending on where the best light source is first
*Use unique backgrounds to create imagery---anything can be a background
*the overall experience is just as important as the photograph
*if the picture itself is so powerful, we can overlook mistakes
*multiple catchlights...not natural, retouch one out (BUT a single catch light in the eyes draw you in to the soul of the person)
*"Gobo"-something that blocks portion of the lightsource to the subject, changing the direction of the light source
Reflector-silver (darker skin), white (lighter skin), black (thinning), gold (warms up picture, but never uses it)
Taking portraits without it being a portrait session...so if she isn´t a bride that doesn´t like to pose
If grainy...(ISO 3200), add more grain in Photoshop
*time so that step ladder is set up for dance, with video light 45* from camera while assistant takes standard flash pictures
Camera angles that flatter:
1)drop chin and photograph from above: eyes look larger, shadow under the chin
Shooting in sequence to help with the story
Silouhettes tend to hide mistakes on walls, etc..
Photoshop tips:
clone in lighten mode will only erase the darken lines(for wrinkles)
clone in darken mode will erase highlights from sweaty spots
Liquify tool-brush density 20 and brush pressure 20 (small facelift on left side of chin
workflow...
a)download cards onto portable hard drive during wedding...look at them, back them up, no problem cards
b)import into lightroom, rename files, rough edit (pulls out blanks, keep it/lose it)
c)formal pictures-best 2 pictures of each group, edit best 600-700 wedding pics/60-70 portraits
d)convertions to black/white or other effects
e)rename with last name of group, put them in sequencial order
Recommendations:
photoshop actions
nikcoloreffectspro..with brown eyes (color infrared)
yervants b/w
Showings:
portraits: 2 weeks to show clients 1st time
weddings: 3 weeks to show clients 1st time
start wedding job 3 hours before wedding at bride´s house
1 hour before wedding...groomsmen
ceremony...low profile
group shots 20 minutes
reception...photograph all people, details of party
stay to almost the end of reception
charge enough to show up
concept: calculate to do the job (albums, assistant, proofing, sales tax, retouching,etc...)
+ profit for skill level and time
bounce flash off wall during reception...10-15ft is fine from white wall
farther away, higher ISO
5 years into career, accepting wedding payments:
1/3-reserve services
2/3-90 days before wedding
3/3-one week before wedding
Wedding photographer: Every time you are sitting there waiting for something, you are wasting time.
If something isn´t perfect, look for a way around it to take your picture.
"photography is my profession, not my religion"
"I don´t mind if they hate a picture I took, I just don´t want it to be boring"
"That´s what we´re here for, to connect families and document their spirit."
*Hey, the bride and groom requested that I sit in this seat. Do you mind saving it for me?"-what to say to sit in the second row of the church (70-200mm lens)
Working with fabrics: boudouir shots, pregnant women
Flat lighting-flattering for wrinkled skin
Typical portrait session-60-70 edited images in 1 1/2 hours
4 portrait sessions per day
Day 2
Equipment: (main light) Octo150 for Bowens continuous lights + (back light) Softstrip 140x40, 4-ft ladder,
Lightroom postprocessing recommendation: Marcus Bell B/W 22
Concepts can be applied because we have already rehearsed them.
Bride/Groom poses
*hug with your cheek
*put her hand in his hair
*him-take both of her hands and lean them up to your chest
when hugging:
bride...lean back and make him work for the kiss
bride...get flirty with your skirt (hold skirt w/thumb and middle finger)
Groom solo:
walk-kick one foot in front of the other
Friends poses
lean into her with your shoulder
wrap your arms around each other and lean into the photographer with chest
*push hip away from camera-makes person look thinner
*bend most limbs, leg forward
*roll onto front thigh
*tall with your back
*gaze upwards-chin up or down can make a huge difference (opening eyes without showing so much of the whites of the eyes)
Family sitting poses (bridal party):f/5.6 (5-10ft in focus)
lens:24-70 focus:on person in center of pic
look for triangular shapped compositions with bodies
sit at edge of couch (to keep legs from spreading out)
*edgy portrait-not everyone in the same direction
*very traditional portrait-symmetrical
*I make it my business to know who is in all of the group pictures...mom, dad, sisters, grandparents. Communicating with your clients before the wedding.
Outdoor light with flash:
use flash light one stop down from ambient light
example: camera/5.6 flash: 4
Clamshell lighting: flat light very flattering
Glamour shots
Main Light source above the camera with fill (reflector) below camera
Camera tilt: makes vertical lines softer
Step 1: what lens (what will be in the pic)
Step 2: shutter speed and f-stop (meter to rehearse)
Light-it gives everything its shape (highlights & shadow)
Day 3
Find the location depending on where the best light source is first
*Use unique backgrounds to create imagery---anything can be a background
*the overall experience is just as important as the photograph
*if the picture itself is so powerful, we can overlook mistakes
*multiple catchlights...not natural, retouch one out (BUT a single catch light in the eyes draw you in to the soul of the person)
*"Gobo"-something that blocks portion of the lightsource to the subject, changing the direction of the light source
Reflector-silver (darker skin), white (lighter skin), black (thinning), gold (warms up picture, but never uses it)
Taking portraits without it being a portrait session...so if she isn´t a bride that doesn´t like to pose
If grainy...(ISO 3200), add more grain in Photoshop
*time so that step ladder is set up for dance, with video light 45* from camera while assistant takes standard flash pictures
Camera angles that flatter:
1)drop chin and photograph from above: eyes look larger, shadow under the chin
Shooting in sequence to help with the story
Silouhettes tend to hide mistakes on walls, etc..
Photoshop tips:
clone in lighten mode will only erase the darken lines(for wrinkles)
clone in darken mode will erase highlights from sweaty spots
Liquify tool-brush density 20 and brush pressure 20 (small facelift on left side of chin
workflow...
a)download cards onto portable hard drive during wedding...look at them, back them up, no problem cards
b)import into lightroom, rename files, rough edit (pulls out blanks, keep it/lose it)
c)formal pictures-best 2 pictures of each group, edit best 600-700 wedding pics/60-70 portraits
d)convertions to black/white or other effects
e)rename with last name of group, put them in sequencial order
Recommendations:
photoshop actions
nikcoloreffectspro..with brown eyes (color infrared)
yervants b/w
Showings:
portraits: 2 weeks to show clients 1st time
weddings: 3 weeks to show clients 1st time
start wedding job 3 hours before wedding at bride´s house
1 hour before wedding...groomsmen
ceremony...low profile
group shots 20 minutes
reception...photograph all people, details of party
stay to almost the end of reception
charge enough to show up
concept: calculate to do the job (albums, assistant, proofing, sales tax, retouching,etc...)
+ profit for skill level and time
bounce flash off wall during reception...10-15ft is fine from white wall
farther away, higher ISO
5 years into career, accepting wedding payments:
1/3-reserve services
2/3-90 days before wedding
3/3-one week before wedding
Monday, February 28, 2011
Fro Tips
DX must have lens for NIKON:
17-55 nikkor lens
FX: must have lens for NIKON:
70-200 VRII
24-70 nikkor lens
14-24 nikkor lens
17-55 nikkor lens
FX: must have lens for NIKON:
70-200 VRII
24-70 nikkor lens
14-24 nikkor lens
D-Town Episode Briefings
#64 Episode tips
1)don´t worry about histogram, concentrate on Highlight clipping
2) cheap V-flats can be made out of black gaffers tape + coroplast
3) beauty dish-Jeremy Cowart uses it with Prophoto Grid
#65 Episode tips:
1)cold weather problems: feet insole warmers keep camera batteries warm to avoid losing charge quickly
2)In Lightroom, the recovery slide helps with clipped highlights
3)Digimarc (paid service in Photoshop) provides very effective watermarks.
1)don´t worry about histogram, concentrate on Highlight clipping
2) cheap V-flats can be made out of black gaffers tape + coroplast
3) beauty dish-Jeremy Cowart uses it with Prophoto Grid
#65 Episode tips:
1)cold weather problems: feet insole warmers keep camera batteries warm to avoid losing charge quickly
2)In Lightroom, the recovery slide helps with clipped highlights
3)Digimarc (paid service in Photoshop) provides very effective watermarks.
Friday, February 04, 2011
MIT OpenCourseWare | Writing and Humanistic Studies | 21W.749 Documentary Photography and Photojournalism: Still Images of a World in Motion, Spring 2009 | Home
This class looks the most interesting so far...
MIT OpenCourseWare | Writing and Humanistic Studies | 21W.749 Documentary Photography and Photojournalism: Still Images of a World in Motion, Spring 2009 | Home
MIT OpenCourseWare | Writing and Humanistic Studies | 21W.749 Documentary Photography and Photojournalism: Still Images of a World in Motion, Spring 2009 | Home
MIT OpenCourseWare | Anthropology | 21A.348 Photography and Truth, Spring 2008 | Home
I just found this class offered at MIT about photography. I will be looking through the material next week and adding more thoughts. If anyone has taken this course, or is interested in reading through the material and discussing it with me, please leave a comment.
MIT OpenCourseWare | Anthropology | 21A.348 Photography and Truth, Spring 2008 | Home
MIT OpenCourseWare | Anthropology | 21A.348 Photography and Truth, Spring 2008 | Home
www.smugmug.com
This business has really helped organize our photographs so that clients can easily access them online. Since most of our clients live in different cities and cannot visit our studio, our smugmug membership provides a place for us to upload the images onto the Internet and let people view our work. We are very happy with all of the features smugmug offers such as unlimited storage space for our photos, the ability to sell downloads and prints and especially the privacy control of our photo albums. I have used many other online photosharing websites, but nothing that I tried compares to the smugmug´s quality.
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Kindle Book: the Hot Shoe Diaries by Joe McNally
Favorite quote from his book: In a world where every day passesas as fast and disjointed as an MTV video, where even your average TV show jars the viewer with about three camera angles per second, and where life is a series of quick cut from the cellphone to the landline to the e-mail to the text message to the rush to the airport for the redeye for the early call...sheesh...and you´re out there with a frikkin´camera trying to stop everything. Suspend everything. Hold a moment. Pause. Breathe. Look.
This book was one of the reasons why I decided to start ordering kindle books to read on my PC. I used to think that the enjoyment of reading is lost by reading books on the computer. My new thought is that a good book is a good book, whether I am able to hold the book in my hand or read it on a screen. And that is what "the Hot Shoe Diaries" is for me, a REALLY good book!
Joe first shows the gear he uses. He says that he uses aperture priority, which I think is practical for someone with the D3 because it has extremely high ISO potential(200-6400). Joe does not push his camera to high ISOs very often because he has a steady hand and takes pictures at slow speeds very well. He ALWAYS shoots in RAW.
EV on Camera vs. EV on Flash
Camera exposure benefits:
1) flat sky-underexpose for more color and punch
2) dark subject-overexpose for high key rendition
GLOBAL ADJUSTMENT!
EV controls on flash benefits:
SELECTIVE ADJUSTMENT!
REAR SYNC SPEED: subject has power, focus and speed
Very important for slow speed photos (1/30th of a second)
Joe recommends putting the flash in iTTL mode
Pre-flash:double lightening bolt symbol signals to all of the channels in use
Balanced Light (BL): foreground and background roughly same exposure
High Speed Sync benefits: (25oth of a second or higher)
1)high noon, graduation portraits with good sky colors
Dispersion of Light: Dome Diffuser
shows environment, lifestyle and context
5ft-12ft away
Long distances w/out DD
800SB:max 105mm away
900SB:max 200mm away
FV Lock and Flash Off:must program the buttons
FV Lock off-no pre-flash to avoid blinkers
Gel only work when hot-shoes or on cord (SC-28 or 29)
"dragging the shutter"- keeping the f-stop constant for the flashed foreground and changing the shutter speed to accomodate the ambient light. The slower the shutter speed, the softer the flash effect will look
This book was one of the reasons why I decided to start ordering kindle books to read on my PC. I used to think that the enjoyment of reading is lost by reading books on the computer. My new thought is that a good book is a good book, whether I am able to hold the book in my hand or read it on a screen. And that is what "the Hot Shoe Diaries" is for me, a REALLY good book!
Joe first shows the gear he uses. He says that he uses aperture priority, which I think is practical for someone with the D3 because it has extremely high ISO potential(200-6400). Joe does not push his camera to high ISOs very often because he has a steady hand and takes pictures at slow speeds very well. He ALWAYS shoots in RAW.
EV on Camera vs. EV on Flash
Camera exposure benefits:
1) flat sky-underexpose for more color and punch
2) dark subject-overexpose for high key rendition
GLOBAL ADJUSTMENT!
EV controls on flash benefits:
SELECTIVE ADJUSTMENT!
REAR SYNC SPEED: subject has power, focus and speed
Very important for slow speed photos (1/30th of a second)
Joe recommends putting the flash in iTTL mode
Pre-flash:double lightening bolt symbol signals to all of the channels in use
Balanced Light (BL): foreground and background roughly same exposure
High Speed Sync benefits: (25oth of a second or higher)
1)high noon, graduation portraits with good sky colors
Dispersion of Light: Dome Diffuser
shows environment, lifestyle and context
5ft-12ft away
Long distances w/out DD
800SB:max 105mm away
900SB:max 200mm away
FV Lock and Flash Off:must program the buttons
FV Lock off-no pre-flash to avoid blinkers
Gel only work when hot-shoes or on cord (SC-28 or 29)
"dragging the shutter"- keeping the f-stop constant for the flashed foreground and changing the shutter speed to accomodate the ambient light. The slower the shutter speed, the softer the flash effect will look
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