After yesterday's drab, gray rainy post, I thought I'd share more of the flower photos I took recently. I'm sharing this first one at Still Life Standouts.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
PICTURE OF THE DAY 8/29/11
I confess, our new back-to-school, waking up at 5:00 am, having 3 kids in 3 different schools routine is wearing me out. This is what happens when I'm feeling tired and uninspired. Frog statue lawn ornaments.
PROJECT 64: BLUE
Yes, I cheated this week and pulled one from the archives. I took lots of photos. Blue was even one of the colors at the my friend's wedding this weekend. Nothing I photographed seemed to be the right shade of blue. But this dress was.....
5 PHOTOGRAPHY FACTS: STARTING A PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS
Today I'm going to share a few things about starting a photography business. It's something I did a few years back, and then decided it wasn't for me. So I'm no expert, but I did learn some things a long the way. I guess you could call this a how to know if the photography business is right for you post.
{The right time to go pro}
How do you know if you're ready to open up shop as a professional photographer? That depends a great deal on you and your individual circumstances. Having said that, the best answer I've heard to this question comes from Jim Harmer at Improve Photography. His recommendation is "to wait until multiple non-friends and non-family members ask to buy your photos or ask to pay you to photograph them." You can read his full article on knowing when it's time to go pro here.
{Loving what you do}
I thought that because I loved photography, I would love the photography business. I didn't. I enjoy taking portraits for friends and family, and photographing the occasional wedding. But when I started my photography business, the hobby that I had once loved quickly started feeling like a job. All I ever did was photograph people. I never had time to photograph all the other things I love. I know it's a dream job for some, but portrait photography isn't my first love, and I quickly realized it wasn't for me. If you start a photography business, be prepared for the fact that your beloved hobby could become a not-so-beloved job.
{If you're going to do it, do it right}
If you decide to take the plunge into the photography business, take the time to do it right. Check with state and local authorities on the requirements for starting a business in your area. Don't forget about things like accounting, marketing, business cards, websites and taxes. Make sure you have the right equipment. For example, if you're going to start a wedding photography business, you really need a second camera body, and that's just for starters. Take the time to prepare up front, so that when you hang out your "open for business" sign, you can present a polished, professional looking product. You already know how to take fabulous pictures. Just don't leave yourself scrambling to get the business end of things in order when the clients start rolling in!
{What clients want}
One thing I've learned about taking portraits is that my favorite photos are rarely the client's favorite. Hopefully a client has chosen you because they like your style, but it can still be hard to figure out which pictures people will love enough to actually purchase. I tried to overcome this by presenting a variety of choices--some basic posed shots, some candid, some artsy and creative, always with plenty of smiles. I learned to included a few shots that I didn't love, but had a feeling the client would. While I might choose a straight faced shot of a child because of it's amazing lighting and perfect exposure, the parents will choose a smiling, not-so-well-lit shot of their child over technical perfection any day.
{Trust your instincts}
I started my photography business the year my youngest went off to kindergarten. "This will be great," I thought. "It will give me something to do while my kids are in school." And it did. It gave me editing. Hours and hours of editing. I rarely found myself out in the middle of the day photographing families and children, or high school seniors (they were all in school, of course). When my kids and husband were home in the evenings and on weekends, I was out doing photo shoots. I confess, I didn't really think this through. I've always chosen to be a stay-at-home mom, and I consider myself blessed to have the choice. Somehow I thought that starting a photography business wouldn't change my status as a stay-at-home mom.
I know that staying at home isn't for everyone. Some days, quite frankly, it isn't for me. But the notion that I should be home with my husband and children on evenings and weekends weighed on my mind. And even after I came to the realization that the photography business wasn't right for me, at least not right now, I still had trouble walking away. Nobody wants to be a quitter. And I felt an obligation to my clients. But besides my mixed emotions as a mother, I wasn't enjoying photography anymore. I finally decided to call it quits, and I'm so much happier now. That may not be the right decision for everyone, but if you've jumped into the photography business and are starting to realize that--for whatever reason--it's not for you, I'm here to tell you that it's okay to walk away.
Of course, if your instincts are telling you to go for it and never look back, that's just what you should do!
*For those of you who are interested in making money with non-portrait photography, I'm planning a future post on that topic. Please let me know if you have any ideas or suggestions for 5 Photography Facts.
{Loving what you do}
I thought that because I loved photography, I would love the photography business. I didn't. I enjoy taking portraits for friends and family, and photographing the occasional wedding. But when I started my photography business, the hobby that I had once loved quickly started feeling like a job. All I ever did was photograph people. I never had time to photograph all the other things I love. I know it's a dream job for some, but portrait photography isn't my first love, and I quickly realized it wasn't for me. If you start a photography business, be prepared for the fact that your beloved hobby could become a not-so-beloved job.
{If you're going to do it, do it right}
If you decide to take the plunge into the photography business, take the time to do it right. Check with state and local authorities on the requirements for starting a business in your area. Don't forget about things like accounting, marketing, business cards, websites and taxes. Make sure you have the right equipment. For example, if you're going to start a wedding photography business, you really need a second camera body, and that's just for starters. Take the time to prepare up front, so that when you hang out your "open for business" sign, you can present a polished, professional looking product. You already know how to take fabulous pictures. Just don't leave yourself scrambling to get the business end of things in order when the clients start rolling in!
{What clients want}
One thing I've learned about taking portraits is that my favorite photos are rarely the client's favorite. Hopefully a client has chosen you because they like your style, but it can still be hard to figure out which pictures people will love enough to actually purchase. I tried to overcome this by presenting a variety of choices--some basic posed shots, some candid, some artsy and creative, always with plenty of smiles. I learned to included a few shots that I didn't love, but had a feeling the client would. While I might choose a straight faced shot of a child because of it's amazing lighting and perfect exposure, the parents will choose a smiling, not-so-well-lit shot of their child over technical perfection any day.
{Trust your instincts}
I started my photography business the year my youngest went off to kindergarten. "This will be great," I thought. "It will give me something to do while my kids are in school." And it did. It gave me editing. Hours and hours of editing. I rarely found myself out in the middle of the day photographing families and children, or high school seniors (they were all in school, of course). When my kids and husband were home in the evenings and on weekends, I was out doing photo shoots. I confess, I didn't really think this through. I've always chosen to be a stay-at-home mom, and I consider myself blessed to have the choice. Somehow I thought that starting a photography business wouldn't change my status as a stay-at-home mom.
I know that staying at home isn't for everyone. Some days, quite frankly, it isn't for me. But the notion that I should be home with my husband and children on evenings and weekends weighed on my mind. And even after I came to the realization that the photography business wasn't right for me, at least not right now, I still had trouble walking away. Nobody wants to be a quitter. And I felt an obligation to my clients. But besides my mixed emotions as a mother, I wasn't enjoying photography anymore. I finally decided to call it quits, and I'm so much happier now. That may not be the right decision for everyone, but if you've jumped into the photography business and are starting to realize that--for whatever reason--it's not for you, I'm here to tell you that it's okay to walk away.
Of course, if your instincts are telling you to go for it and never look back, that's just what you should do!
*For those of you who are interested in making money with non-portrait photography, I'm planning a future post on that topic. Please let me know if you have any ideas or suggestions for 5 Photography Facts.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
PICTURE OF THE DAY 8/27/11: DERRICK & DEBBIE
Our friends Derrick and Debbie were married on Saturday. We've known Derrick since we moved to Colorado 12 years ago for my husband to attend grad school.
He and my husband have been working together since finishing their Masters degrees. When our oldest son was life-flighted after a seizure a few years back, Derrick and Drew (another grad school friend, and one of yesterday's groomsmen) were the first people to show up at the hospital. Derrick is a dear friend, and we are so happy for him and Debbie.
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| Picture of the Day 8/27/11 |
Besides being gorgeous, Debbie is an incredible cook. You should have seen the plate of goodies she brought us last Christmas. And she, along with her mother and mother-in-law, MADE all of the desserts for the reception!
Derrick and Debbie thought about having me photograph their wedding, but decided they wanted me there as a guest instead. And I must say, I really appreciated that thoughtful gesture. As I watched their photographer working throughout the evening (and it really is hard work) I knew I wouldn't have experienced their special day in quite the same way if I'd been in his shoes. Besides, it's not very often I get the chance to dress up and enjoy an evening out with my husband. But of course, I still brought my camera!
Congratulations Derrick & Debbie! We love you and are so happy for you!
SCAVENGER HUNT SUNDAY
Here are this week's finds for Scavenger Hunt Sunday.
{Old & New}
{Night Photography}
{Music}
{Cheesy}
{Sun}
Saturday, August 27, 2011
PICTURE OF THE DAY 8/26/11
Our good friend Derrick is getting married this weekend. We've known him since our oldest (who started high school this week) was 2 years old. We're so happy and excited for him and Debbie. Last night, they had a cook-out for all their friends and family. This is Debbie's adorable little niece.
Friday, August 26, 2011
FRIDAY FAVORITES: FLOWERS
I headed out to the local university's flower gardens this week, despite the nearly 100 degree heat. It's a grat place to take pictures. This is one of my favorites from my latest flower photo shoot. I love how you can see the bud, with the "in full bloom" version in the background.
I'm sharing this one at Live Every Moment, where this week's theme is bokeh.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
PROJECT 64: GREEN YELLOW
I confess, I have no idea what this is, but I though it was a perfect match for Green Yellow over at Project 64.
5 PHOTOGRAPHY FACTS: SHARP PHOTOS
I mentioned recently that I'd like to start sharing some photography tips on my blog. Although I'm calling these tips photography facts, I'm really just sharing what works for me. Photography opinions might be more accurate, but regardless, I hope you'll learn something new.
I received a question from a reader today, and I thought that would be a good place to start. The question was about getting sharp, crisp photos.
I received a question from a reader today, and I thought that would be a good place to start. The question was about getting sharp, crisp photos.
Here are five things I do to ensure my photos are as sharp as possible.
{Sharp photos start in camera}
While it's possible to sharpen a slightly un-sharp photo, it's really not possible to sharpen a blurry photo. When you're taking pictures, concentrate on being still and holding your camera properly. I find it helps to brace myself against a wall or another handy object. Push your shutter button as gently as possible. And in my opinion, image stabilization is always worth the extra cost.
While it's possible to sharpen a slightly un-sharp photo, it's really not possible to sharpen a blurry photo. When you're taking pictures, concentrate on being still and holding your camera properly. I find it helps to brace myself against a wall or another handy object. Push your shutter button as gently as possible. And in my opinion, image stabilization is always worth the extra cost.
{Use selective focus always, and manual focus sometimes}
Most DSLR's give you the ability to focus selectively. Sometimes I adjust my focus point and sometimes I use the center point, focus and then recompose my shot. Either way works. What's important is that you focus on whatever you'd like to be the center of attention in your photograph. I never let the camera decide where to focus for me. And while not all situations lend themselves to focusing manually (action shots and fast moving children come to mind) there are some situations, such as macro photography, where you'll get much better results using manual focus.
Most DSLR's give you the ability to focus selectively. Sometimes I adjust my focus point and sometimes I use the center point, focus and then recompose my shot. Either way works. What's important is that you focus on whatever you'd like to be the center of attention in your photograph. I never let the camera decide where to focus for me. And while not all situations lend themselves to focusing manually (action shots and fast moving children come to mind) there are some situations, such as macro photography, where you'll get much better results using manual focus.
{If you need to use a tripod, use a tripod}
It's so tempting to be lazy and skip the tripod when you really need to use one. Believe me, I've done it and I'm never happy with the results. I find that a tripod (along with a remote shutter release) is a must for macro and flower shots, wildlife, night photography and even some portraits. I always use a tripod for family portraits. First, family portraits usually require a smaller aperture to get everyone in focus. And using a tripod with a remote shutter release allows me to interact with the family and leaves one hand free. I have been known to use a googly-eyed monster hand puppet to get everyone's attention!
It's so tempting to be lazy and skip the tripod when you really need to use one. Believe me, I've done it and I'm never happy with the results. I find that a tripod (along with a remote shutter release) is a must for macro and flower shots, wildlife, night photography and even some portraits. I always use a tripod for family portraits. First, family portraits usually require a smaller aperture to get everyone in focus. And using a tripod with a remote shutter release allows me to interact with the family and leaves one hand free. I have been known to use a googly-eyed monster hand puppet to get everyone's attention!
Having said that, there are times where a tripod is probably necessary, but not practical. For example, I don't lug my tripod around on family vacations. Since I don't work for National Geographic, I'm not going to set my tripod up and sit around all day waiting for that perfect wildlife shot. And while I'd get better pictures at my son's orchestra concert if I set my tripod up in the middle of the auditorium, the other parents probably wouldn't appreciate it. You get the idea.
{Know your camera and lenses}
Most lenses have a sweet spot--an aperture where photos come out sharpest. Take some tests shots and figure out where the sweet spot is on your lens. Along the same lines, most zoom lenses are not as sharp at full zoom. For example, if you're shooting with a 70-300mm, try and stay away from the 300 end.
Most lenses have a sweet spot--an aperture where photos come out sharpest. Take some tests shots and figure out where the sweet spot is on your lens. Along the same lines, most zoom lenses are not as sharp at full zoom. For example, if you're shooting with a 70-300mm, try and stay away from the 300 end.
{Sharpen for output}
Once I've taken my picture and moved on to the editing phase, there are a few more things I do to get sharp photos. Sharpening is always the last thing I do, and I sharpen based on how the photo will be used (which means that I sometimes save more than one version of a photo). You want to sharpen differently for print than you do for the web. Here's a great article on the difference. I prefer to use the unsharp mask tool for sharpening, and Florabella's sharpen/defog actions is one of my favorites.
Once I've taken my picture and moved on to the editing phase, there are a few more things I do to get sharp photos. Sharpening is always the last thing I do, and I sharpen based on how the photo will be used (which means that I sometimes save more than one version of a photo). You want to sharpen differently for print than you do for the web. Here's a great article on the difference. I prefer to use the unsharp mask tool for sharpening, and Florabella's sharpen/defog actions is one of my favorites.
One more thing....and this is the hardest to do (and probably worthy of five tips on it's own). Think of your photography blog or website as your portfolio and only share your best work online for the world to see. Be prepared to delete a large percentage of the photos you take. That's the great thing about digital photography. You can take 27 pictures of the same thing, but you only need to keep the very best one.
No matter how much I want to enter a photo challenge, if I don't have a quality picture, I don't. Not every photo I take is sharp and crisp. I only show you the ones that are.
If you have more tips for getting sharp photos, please share them in the comments section.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Saturday, August 20, 2011
SCAVENGER HUNT SUNDAY
It's time for Scavenger Hunt Sunday again. The week seems to go by so fast....
{Geometry}
{Brush Strokes}
{Hanging by a Thread}
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| Picture of the Day 8/21/11 |
{Collage}
{On the Dotted Line}
Friday, August 19, 2011
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
First day of high school.
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| Picture of the Day 8/19/11 |
First day of....well, his first day of second grade isn't until Monday. But if I'm going to have three kids in three different schools, I'm going to start simplifying now. So we're going to pretend it was everyone's first day of school.
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