2011 March

Archives

March30th

5 Tips For Running Your Blog

Posted in: The Business Of, Tips!

There is a whole world out there that teaches you how to run your blog: from Problogger.net to Copyblogger.com. While these websites are probably beyond what you need for your photography blog, some of the advice can and does apply. Since your photography blog is your voice – your way to communicate with your clients and really, the world, there are a few things you can do to make your blog a little better.

Here are some of the things I learned while blogging for Inspire Me Baby:

1. Post consistently.

One of the pieces of advice I hear most often about blogging is finding a writing/posting schedule and sticking with it. With a few exceptions, Inspire Me Baby has published a new post everyday from Monday through Friday since June of 2010. When you stick with a schedule, your audience knows when to expect your next post. Fresh content will keep readers coming back as well. Although I admit it’s been difficult for me to maintain with my two other blogs, keeping a consistent blogging frequency has definitely helped Inspire Me Baby grow.

2. No zero comments.

All of your blog posts should have at least one comment even if it means making your sibling or spouse write one. Having comments on your blog makes it seem like you’re not the only one visiting your blog i.e., looking a little more popular. In essence, by encouraging comments, you’re taking advantage of the social proof phenomenon. (For those of you on Blogspot, don’t include a Google Followers widget if you have less than 100 followers.)

Speaking of comments…

3. Commenting should be easy on your blog.

You should make it as easy as possible for people to comment on your blog. Requiring users to sign in or requiring anything more than a name/e-mail address only deters commenters.

I go as far as allowing ALL comments to be published without moderating. Since I am e-mailed every time a comment is published, I simply delete comments that are spam (which actually happens very rarely). For those of you using WordPress, enabling Akismet will help combat the comment spam.

4. Provide value to your audience.

First of all, determine who your audience is. For most of you, it’s going to be potential clients and clients. What kind of posts would be helpful to them on your blog? Many of you provide What to Wear guides on your blogs. I’ve seen others write advice about preparing for their session or why families should even have a photography session.

For SOME of you, your audience includes other photographers. I’ve seen photographers write simple tutorials or provide freebie actions. If you continue writing valuable posts, readers will keep coming back.

5. Show your personality.

Allow your readers to get to know you by sharing personal stories and writing in a conversational tone (be careful of tiny grammar mistakes such as “it’s” versus “its” and “your” versus “you’re”). By engaging your readers, you’re showing a human side to yourself which makes your blog seem so much more appealing.

Does anyone else have tips about blogging? Please share!
March30th

Inspire: Family Session by Linda Gentry Photography

Posted in: Family, Inspire, Lifestyle

When Linda Gentry Photography submitted this session, she entitled it, “Go with the flow.” Go with the flow indeed! What was supposed to be a beach session turned into mud when one of the boys got mud on his shirt and the family did not bring a change of clothes. Instead of calling it a day, they decided to make the most of it.

One of the best things about this session is not only that they just went with it, but the photojournalistic aspect of these photographs. Linda captured a family just having fun with each other – and these expressions are what makes the photographs priceless.

From Linda Gentry Photography: You know how sometimes you have a vision for a session? You plan and scheme and load your car full of props to head to your location. Meanwhile, your clients have their own ideas. They have their clothing meticulously picked out. The kids have fresh haircuts and their husband has been warned to behave. And, when you get started… well, things don’t go just as planned. This session was an awesome lesson in “go with the flow.” And, this family’s ability to go with the flow, as well as mine, allowed me to capture one of my absolute favorite sessions.

We wandered down to the river’s edge to begin shooting this sunset beach themed session when we soon realized that instead of beach, we had mud. Without a moment’s notice and with only a few frames captured, my client’s oldest son had a streak of mud down his perfect shirt. I looked at Mom and asked if she had any changes of clothing. Disappointed, she said “no.” So I said, “Well, what do you think if we just let them go for it?” And, that’s what we did. I’ll say that we were a MESS when we were done. But, we honestly had a really fun time and I left with one a session that I’m so proud to share. These boys just melt my heart when I see their pictures. The family was thrilled with their session and they’ve got some wonderful canvas and wall prints displayed throughout their home.

My tips for a session like this:

1. Don’t over plan. When you are working with kids, they will ultimately decide what works.

2. Prepare the parents for a “go with the flow” attitude. Make sure they know that they don’t have to control their kids for your session.

3. Ask parents to dress the kids in something that is very comfortable. They’ll act more like themselves if they feel like themselves.

4. Dirty is ok. Nobody’s kids are perfectly clean. Or, at least, mine isn’t.

5. Don’t be afraid to MOVE during your session. Capture your subject from all angles and be creative with the light. Try not to get boxed in by thinking that your light has to come from one direction or another.

6. Meter, Adjust, Shoot. Meter, Adjust, Shoot. Meter, Adjust, Shoot. Rapid fire.

7. Don’t plan a nice social gathering for yourself after a location session. I always expect to leave sweaty and gross. :)

// From Linda Gentry Photography // Follow on Facebook //
March29th

Newborn Photography Equipment & Tips

Posted in: Tips!

Newborn photography can be so much fun – we get to spend some time with a new baby AND we don’t have the responsibility of getting up in the middle of the night. But newborn photography can be really difficult as well. Newborns are the ones who dictate your session. They pee and poop on you and post processing can be challenging. Although I do not specialize in newborn photography, here are some of the equipment I use and some tips I’ve picked up along the way.

The Equipment

My set up at a client's home

1. Background Stand

The background stand I have was purchased from eBay years ago so I don’t exactly know the exact one I have. However, a quick search on Amazon will give you tons of choices. My only recommendation is that if you are purchasing a background stand solely for newborn photography to purchase a single backdrop stand like this one from Shoot Baby!

2. Clamps

I have muslin clamps but you can purchase clamps from any hardware store. These will hold keep your blanket secure on the stand.

3. Blankets

The blanket seen in the photograph above is from Ikea. The one I specifically have is no longer available for purchase but I have seen a lot of newborn photographers use the Ofelia blanket. The blanket you use is a matter of taste, just be sure it doesn’t wrinkle easily.

4. Bean Bag

I have this one from Beanbags.com. I tie the excess with a rubber band at the bottom so that the baby doesn’t sink in the beanbag. If I could do it all over again, I would actually purchase this one from Shoot Baby! since it’s specifically made for newborn photography.

5. Lighting equipment: Light stand + flash + Apollo softbox

I have this light stand along with my Canon 580 EX II which are being triggered by Pocket Wizards. I do have the older model Pocket Wizards and they still work just fine for me. I also have a 28″ Westcott Apollo Softbox.

If you’ve done your research about photographing newborns or if you’ve photographed newborns on your own then you know the tips about nursing the baby before the session, white noise, and a warm room. If not, then be sure to read this article from guest blogger Lisa Slate Photography.

For me, the biggest thing that I’ve learned is to not rely on the available light in my client’s home. Of course you can bump up the ISO and place the baby next to the window, but are you going to get a good QUALITY of light? You never want to be stuck in a situation where it’s too dark or there’s bad lighting all around.

The best newborn photographs that I’ve seen are the ones where there is some light and some shadow across the face and body. When the lighting is flat, the photograph is not as interesting. As an additional plus, it’s much easier to process newborn photographs when you have good lighting.

(For more information on off-camera flash photography, we have an off camera flash tutorial)

6. Heater (not seen)

I have this heater from Target. It was purchased for my own home and NOT specifically because I was photographing newborns. If I were to suggest a heater, I would suggest purchasing a smaller one.

7. Pee pads (not seen)

I purchase puppy pee pads from the pet store and have parents stand on them when I’m photographing a naked baby plus the parents. It makes it easier to clean up, especially if they’re on carpet.

If any newborn photographers have any other tips about equipment or photographing newborns in general, PLEASE include them in the comments.
March28th

Inspire: Orange Grove Session by Laura Winslow Photography

Posted in: Child, Inspire

We’ve featured another session that took place at an orange grove, so after you see this one by Laura Winslow Photography, you might want to think about finding an orange grove yourself to photograph at. With the great splash of color from the oranges, Laura includes a gumball machine, a red pail, and of course a wonderfully colorful outfit.

From Laura Winslow Photography: I shot this session in an orange grove and it was such a blast! I love photographing all subjects, but there is just something magical about getting to just giggle and have fun with just one kiddo. Her mom chose to have two separate sessions–one just for her sweet girl, and another for her two sons. What a way to make a girlie feel special! Both sessions were fabulous, but they naturally had two very different vibes. This sweets was such a natural in front of the camera, and she really opened up as the session went on. She twirled, jumped, danced, giggled and had a few ideas of her own, too! We went exploring a bit, and when we came upon this mountain of fallen oranges in the middle of the grove, I knew it would be the perfect spot for my gumball/marshmallow machine! This was a Goodwill find, and I felt that putting gumballs in it was too expected, so I decided to fill it with pink heart marshmallows–perfect! The candy lips on a stick was from good ol’ Target…I dare you to try not to laugh when you put it up to your mouth! It just feels the best kind of silly and fun–just how I want my clients to feel during a session with me.

// By Laura Winslow Photography // Follow on Facebook //
March25th

Inspiration of the Week: Expression by Kim Robbins

Posted in: Inspiration of the Week

The thing that stands out the most from this photograph by Kim Robbins is the look on both the mom and 3 month old baby’s face. You can’t help but to smile from looking at this photograph. It should remind us that it’s not ALL about styling and location – but a great photograph also comes from a great expression.

Be sure to read the fantastic tips Kim offers for photographing a three month old below.

From Kim Robbins: These are photos of cute baby Alyssa that I took at Red Hill Park in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. Alyssa’s mom purchased the One Year Photo Package from me when she was born which include: newborn, three month, six month, nine month and one year sessions. We decided to meet at the park because the weather has been nice and Alyssa’s newborn session was a studio session and we were looking for something different.

Three month sessions are the hardest session in the One Year Package in my opinion. The newborn session is very stylized with the baby asleep and in various poses, newborn props and backgrounds. At six and nine months, the baby is sitting up and laughing and moving around a lot so there is a lot to capture. By the time the one year session comes, the baby knows me and is ready to pose for the camera and have fun. At the three-month session, the baby cannot sit up or sometimes even hold his/her head up. Tummy shots can sometimes be impossible if the baby hates that position. Clothing is also an issue since things don’t fit around the neck area very well until the baby is older.

At Alyssa’s session, I decided to focus on the things she can do at three months such as make eye contact and smile. She also loved kicking her legs around and putting her fingers in her mouth.

I decided to go with a vintage look to match the suitcases with head bands made by me and The Darlin’ Daisy (http://www.thedarlindaisy.bigcartel.com/). I added some pearls and some leg warmers as well as some Easter and Saint Patrick’s Day props Mom brought to create a Vintage Spring Session. Actions from Florabella and Red Leaf added the vintage feel to my processing.

Some tips for photographing a three month session are:

1. Make sure the baby is happy and fed. Alyssa’s mom fed her about a half an hour before our session which was later in the day due to lighting. Three month olds are not eating solid foods yet so they get hungry every three or four hours and a hungry baby is not a happy baby.

2. Bring props to prop baby in. Wheather it’s a basket, suitcase or bucket and make sure you bring fabrics so that the props are soft and secure. Make sure you keep a parent within grabbing distance just in case something starts to tilt. Safety is always first.

3. Shoot fast. Have your props out and ready for the baby to change into as soon as you’re done shooting with each one. Three-month-olds have a very short “shooting” window.

4. Focus on what the baby can do. Is he/she a smiler or laugh-er? Do whatever you need to to capture that. Does he/she like to kick or roll over? Make sure you get that, too. Don’t forget those chubby legs and little fingers. Don’t force the baby into a pose he/she feels uncomfortable in. Once the wailing starts it rarely stops before all the lighting is gone.

Happy Shooting!

// By Kim Robbins // Follow on Facebook //