Tips!

Tips!

Pricing Your Portrait Photography

Posted in: Guest Blogger, The Business Of, Tips!

The following is a guest post from Marianne Drenthe of Marmalade Photography and Professional Child Photographer FAQ. Marianne’s article is a tough but important examination of pricing for emerging professional photographers. I urge you to read the article, leave your comments and questions below and check out her workshop: See The Light.

Check Yourself : Profit Is Not A Four Letter Word

When I started the See the Light Workshop in 2008 I set out to create an all-inclusive program for photographers seeking to improve not only their art but their businesses. My main goal was to help photographers gain the insight to price themselves appropriately and run legitimate (and profitable!) businesses. Frequently I am quoted as saying “profit is not a dirty word” because it is my feeling
that too many people start out as photographers thinking it’s all fun, passion and do not structure themselves as having a business first.

However we all know the point of being in business is to do one thing and one thing only: generate PROFIT. So please, repeat after me:

“PROFIT IS NOT A DIRTY WORD!”

In the years since I started my photography business: Marmalade Photography , I admit that I’ve been pricing sensitive. I have seen talented photographers with SO MUCH to offer give away the farm for free or even, more heartachingly so, paying THEIR clients with their time, energy and talent.

I know that the costs of running a business vary from person to person and my deepest wish for everyone starting a photography business is for them to succeed in a way that produces profit for them and supports the industry in a positive way. To that end I have created a sort of self-evaluation checklist for you to use in determining what your costs of running a business are. In the following “fill in the blanks” checklist I ask that you use it over the course of several sessions and monitor the time you spend doing each of the following tasks. Then I ask you to consult your tax paperwork and figure in what you are paying in out of pocket/out-of-profit costs and take a good long look at how you are running your business. This is for self evaluation and this eye opening experience will help lead you to creating a profitable business that will succeed in the long term. This checklist is meant to be an inventory of your time so be explicit in what you include. It is available as a download from the See the Light Workshop site here:

I see a lot of the following: current pricing by new (upstart) photographers ranges from $250 (or less) CDs with all images retouched and finished to $50 Groupon Specials for session + disc of retouched images to shoot & burn photography that doesn’t include post processing. The excuses may range from “Well I’m new…”, “I don’t want to rip people off…” to “I think photographers are too expensive…”.

I’ll be frank, the types of pricing models as follow do not make business sense, especially when you take all the factors in that are associated with appropriate pricing.

Let me as you a question: are you running a business or a charity? If you run a business, defined as working to generate profit, WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO WORK FOR FREE? Read More | Comments
Backlighting Portrait Tips from Erica May

Posted in: Guest Blogger, Tips!

This week, please welcome guest blogger Erica May who shares her insight on backlighting.

Rock The Backlight

Backlighting makes a portrait come alive and creates so much emotion. Anyone who follows my work will know that I am a total backlighting junkie. It can add a little romance, create a soft haze, make images sharp as a tack, or deliver a powerful statement, all depending on how you use it. I think the hardest thing about backlighting is that no amount of instruction will make you “get it.” Like so many photography skills, you have to just get out there and practice to really nail it. That said, some helpful tips can go a long way.

Let’s go over a few things that will help you rock those backlighting shots. Disclaimer: I am not claiming to be a backlighting expert. These are just the tricks that work for me =P. I have included the technical settings with each photograph as a starting point when you are out there shooting. I use a Nikon d700 and I usually have either my 85mm or 50mm on my camera.

1. Ease into it
If you are new to backlighting, don’t set yourself up for failure by starting in an open field with nothing to diffuse the light. Even experienced backlighters are challenged in these conditions. The best way to start is to have the sun peeking through some trees or around buildings. Move around and experiment with the level of sunlight coming through.

Image Notes: Notice in this image the sun is being diffused by the trees behind my subject. I tried to find a nice little pocket of light (or a spotlight) for her to stand in.
Settings: f/2.5, 1/800s, ISO 200, 50mm

2. Haze or No Haze
You can set the mood by the amount of haze you allow in your pictures. I always like to create a variety of haze and no haze shots in case a client doesn’t like the “hazy” look. By allowing the sun’s rays to hit your sensor you will add haze to your images. If you block the sun with a lens hood or your hand (my personal choice), you will reduce the amount of sun hitting your sensor. You can eliminate the haze completely by shooting down on your subject. Having them sit on the ground and shooting from above prevents the sun from hitting your sensor and creates a super sharp backlit image. Some haze can be reduced in post-processing by increasing your blacks and your contrast; but getting it right in the camera is even better!

Image Notes: In this image the sun was setting and directly behind my subjects. I had to change my position several times to get just the right amount flare at the right place. If I would have been standing lower than my subjects the flare would most likely be under their chins and over their faces which would be distracting.
Settings: f/2.8, 1/800, ISO 200, 50mm

3.Watch your “blinkies”
You may be thinking, “What are blinkies?” This tip refers to paying attention to your highlights to make sure you don’t blow out your image too much. The “blink” method is just a quick way to make sure you haven’t over-exposed too much. In my camera, highlights are set to blink in the areas I have overexposed (meaning they won’t print). That way, I can make sure I haven’t blown any highlights on the face or skin. If you shoot RAW you can recover some of your blown highlights in post-processing; however, only so much can be recovered and these severely overexposed areas usually have a funky tone to them. Your camera meter is not a good gauge when shooting directly into the sun, so you should take a few test shots and review to see where your settings should be.

4. Use a reflector
I know reflectors can be cumbersome, (I’ve had a few reflectors fly away in high winds!) but if you practice with one you will notice a huge difference in your backlit images. For close-ups I always use a reflector to add fill light on my subject’s face, even out the exposures, and create those beautiful catch-lights in their eyes. The more you use a reflector, the more you will get used to it. You can use one by yourself, I promise. I never have an assistant with me on shoots. I usually just tuck the reflector under my arms and hold it against my body. It takes a little practice and I may look like a huge dork, but it works! I use a 5-in-1 reflector and almost always have the white side reflecting on to my subject.

The top image is straight out of the camera with no reflector. It is flat and she has no catchlights in her eyes. In the lower image the subject’s skin is brighter and has a better tone. She also has beautiful catchlights in her eyes.

In this image you can see my reflector in her sunglasses. This was at the end of the shoot and the sun was pretty harsh (morning session) so I was standing above my client to minimize haze and using a reflector to fill from the front.
Settings: f2.8, 1/1600, ISO 250, 50mm

5. Wear White
You can become a walking reflector if you wear a white shirt during your shoots. Often, the catch-lights you see in my subject’s eyes are actually me =). Wearing white also prevents you from casting any weird color casts on your subject’s face as the sun bounces off you and back onto them.

Conclusion
Unfortunately, there is no magic advice I can give you to master backlighting; but hopefully between using these tips and lots of practice you can achieve that yummy glow we all love! So get out there and shoot into the sun and don’t give up. Practice makes perfect!

Erica May is a portrait photographer based out of Dallas, TX specializing in seniors and newborns. For more examples of her work, check out her website and become a fan on Facebook.

// Erica May Photography // Follow Erica on Facebook //

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5 Things To Do Right Now If You Haven’t Already

Posted in: The Business Of, Tips!
For all you photographers, here are five things you should do right now if you haven’t already:

1. Label your CF/memory cards.

Label your memory cards with your name and phone number. You never know if (knock on wood) something might happen to them. If there’s an off chance that someone might pick them up, you’ll want them to be able to contact you.

The CF cards I have are difficult to write on, so I cut up an Avery label and just put them on the back of my card.

2. Back up your sessions.

Do you have a system for back up in case your computer ever breaks down? What will happen to the sessions that you’re currently working on that are no longer on your card? I have an external hard drive that I automatically back up to whenever I upload my cards as well as a smaller hard drive that I carry with me.

3. Back up your blog.

When is the last time you backed up your photography blog? The chance of losing your blog is small but things DO happen. I remember when I was looking at Inspire Me Baby one night, and ALL the content was gone. It turns out that the database for the WordPress blog got corrupted and my content disappeared. It was a very good lesson in backing up the blog. To back up your WordPress blog:
- Log into your WordPress admin area.
- Scroll down to “Tools” on the left hand side.
- Click on “Export.”
- Click on “Download Export File.”
4. Stop being uncomfortable.

Especially for those of you shooting weddings, if your back or feet are hurting by the end of the night, it’s time to find a new camera strap, or bag, or shoes. Photojojo sells the Split Strap or find one of your own at your local camera store. I know we tend to hesitate when it comes to buying things for ourselves, but being comfortable while shooting is a good investment.

5. Take a 5 minute guilt-free break.

When I mentioned #5 to my husband, he said, “Oh yea, that’s a good one – you guys are always working.” Take 5 minutes to write down what you’re grateful for. I read that showing gratitude helps improve your level of happiness… Or, you can watch funny videos. Here is a funny talking dog.
Guest Blogger: 5 Tips for Children’s Sessions by Summerland Photography

Posted in: Guest Blogger, Tips!

This week, please welcome guest blogger Summerland Photography who reveals some tips for photographing children.

Kids can be a challenge to capture, especially at a family session where you’ve got lots of people to photograph and parents stressed out about getting their money’s worth. Here’s a recent family session and a few tips I use to make these sessions natural and carefree.

Capturing Childhood One Family Session at a Time

I love it when everything you could hope for in a session comes true! I first photographed this family a year ago for the youngest daughter’s newborn session. I was overjoyed to discover the perfect barn and pasture right next to their home. Talk about a score! When I did their family photos this year, I knew I was going to have some fun taking full advantage of it.

Photography is much like real-estate; Location! Location! Location! But, even with the perfect location taken care of, there’s still plenty you need to do so you don’t waste a good opportunity.

1. Wardrobe is key. I tell my mom’s at their pre-session consultation to think about layers, textures, and accessories. At a newborn session I recommend keeping everyone in light, solid neutrals to not overwhelm the tiny baby, but at a child and family session they can incorporate more color and pattern. Just be sure to not make everybody matchy-matchy. Everyone wearing the same color and shirt is beyond 80’s and it’s a nightmare. I send them to websites like GAP and J.Crew Kids for inspiration.

2. Time of day. Yes the golden time of two hours before sunset is lovely, but little kids often can’t last that late. It’s better to have slightly less than ideal lighting and a happy kid. As a result I usually begin my sessions at about 5:30 p.m. That means I need to at least start the session in some open shade. I like to take them just to the edge of it, with the sun at their back which gives them just a little bit of rim light on their hair. Then I use a reflector to bounce the light back at them and brighten up the shadows. Once the sun gets a little lower then you can take them out of it and use either backlighting or direct lighting. I’m a big fan of the back lighting, though. You don’t have to worry about them squinting, and the light just exudes perfect summer day.

3. Keep them engaged. A little kid is only going to sit still for so long, and then they start looking surly and grumpy. You know the face I mean. When I need them to stay in place I use a fun chair or old crate for them to sit on. Then I get them to start telling me stories or knock-knock jokes. Need a really young child to smile? Have everyone sing the “Happy Birthday” song or even the alphabet. Then get everyone to start clapping. Babies love this and always start smiling.

4. Have the parents take a little walk. Kids can feel when mom or dad is stressed. If you have them standing over you barking at little Johnny to smile or look at the camera, not only will he not smile, but he won’t be looking at you either. I warn parents ahead of time that I’ll be doing this. Once the parents are out of the general area the child starts to relax and act more like himself.

5. A parent’s love. When it’s time to shoot pictures with just the parent and child, take you and your camera out of the equation. Get the parent to engage the child with kisses and tickles. Have them sing songs, tell stories, read a book, or just count all of their little chubby toes. Then just step back and capture it. Those will be the images they cherish, not the ones of them both looking at the camera.

Children grow and change so fast, and it’s an honor to be able to capture that. Go into your session with an open and cheerful heart and a child-like sense of wonder, and you’ll be sure to come back with pictures that reveal the magic that is childhood.

Sandy Summers Russell is a former metro newspaper photojournalist who fell in love with a small-town farm boy. She married him, moved to the middle of nowhere, became a mom, and started Summerland Photography in exactly that order. Now, instead of shooting breaking news, professional sporting events, and heartrending human interest features, she photographs brand new babies, fleet-footed toddlers, and jubilant weddings.

// By Summerland Photography // Follow on Facebook //
5 Tips to for Professional Photographers

Posted in: Tips!

As an extension of this article for new and budding photographers (opens in a new window), here are some tips for the photographer that has been shooting for a while.

If you have any more tips, please add them to the comments!

1. Avoid burnout.

From my honeymoon in Italy. Don’t forget to shoot for yourself.

At times it may feel as if you have photographed so many sessions and/or so many weddings that it feels like work after a while. Avoid the photography burnout by remembering why you loved photography in the first place. Remember to photograph things for yourself or do free sessions where you are able to experiment or do something new.

2. Get on the other side of the camera.

My own wedding helped shaped my approach to wedding photography.

A while ago, I attended a boudoir photography seminar at WPPI where the speaker encouraged boudoir photographers to get on the other side of the camera just to know what it felt like. If you’ve never been photographed yourself, consider booking a session for yourself or your family just so you know what your clients feel like when you photograph them. It may give you a better understanding of how to make your clients more comfortable.

3. Network.

I attended a Professional Photographers of America meeting with another photographer friend of mine once and I loved being in a room full of people who did the same thing and were just as passionate. It’s one thing to be online/in a photography forum, it’s a completely different experience being with other photographers in person. I’m definitely not the type of person who enjoys “networking” but love feeling the energy of other photographers learning. If you ever feel as if you need to feel re-energized, network with another photographer or photography group.

4. Second shoot.

I love second shooting. It allows you to see how other photographers shoot as well as allowing you the freedom to be completely creative without having to worry about getting THE shot. If you find opportunities to second shoot, take it. It helps you grow as a photographer.

5. Get outside of your comfort zone.

For me, something different than weddings.

Along with avoiding the photography burnout, getting outside your comfort zone helps you grow as a photographer as well as makes you feel excited for photography again. You want to be continuously challenging yourself and by doing so, you’ll only get better and better. For me, the moment I decided to learn more about my flash and off-camera flash was when I felt excited again after doing the same thing over and over for so long.

If you’re a natural light photographer, try off-camera flash. If you photograph children, second shoot a wedding. If you normally shoot in a studio, try going outside.

Being a professional photographer doesn’t mean we stop growing. If you have any more tips, please include them in the comments!