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Celebrity Mentor Guest Contributor

A Day In The Life {Shooting As A Husband and Wife} + Celebrity Mentors: Craig & Eva Sanders

We have an amazing story today! Have you always wanted to know what a full day wedding shoot is like? We have a step by step walk through of the entire day at an incredible wedding in Scotland by Craig & Eva Sanders Photography!

PLUS… we are so thrilled to welcome this talented photography couple to the Pretty Forum as “Celebrity Mentors” for the entire month of August – how SWEET is that?!

Thursday 25th July

Of course…work on a wedding day begins well before the big day itself. We’ll have done the initial client meeting then a pre-wedding meeting, plus all the email correspondence in-between. The day before the wedding we’ll go through the usual “pre-wedding routine” of cleaning all the gear, charging all the batteries and formatting all the cards. I like to take this to another level and iron my clothes, polish my shoes and lay out my socks! The night before a wedding, Eva and I will have a look at some of our favourite photographers’ websites and blogs. It’s almost like studying and we find it gets us in the right creative zone. Then it’s off to bed!

Thursday 25th July, Wedding Day, 8am: 

I wake up and the butterflies kick in instantly. I’ve been a photographer now for over 20 years but I still get butterflies each and every time. Unfortunately for Eva these butterflies go hand in hand with a tendency for grumpiness… We get our daughter, Lila, fed and dressed, pack the car and drop her off at Eva’s Mum and Dad’s. Waving goodbye to Lila is always hard (there have been tears, though not from me of course… ahem!) and if we could take her with us we would!

As soon as we set off to the wedding I begin to settle down. Well… down to level 8 on the manic scale. Eva, on the other hand, is the perfect picture of calm. She’s munching away on a packet of crisps, an apple, some nuts and a banana. We go through the days schedule, running order and group shots to get our heads focussed and up to date. I drop Eva off at Giuliana’s (the bride) for the bridal preparations at about 11.15am with a kiss and a reassuring hug (more for me than her). This is Eva in her element. Shooting all the gorgeous details, the finishing touches to make-up, flowers, shoes, she is in heaven.

Eva makes sure she also gets a portrait of the brides when their make-up is perfect and fresh.

Today’s ceremony is at the University of Glasgow Memorial Chapel. A stunning venue, only spoiled by some outdated rules and regulations, as well as the odd poster or banner placed in the most random of places…why?? But stunning all the same. Next, I make my second mistake of the day (the first is wearing a tweed waistcoat… I’m sweating already! Aaargh!!) I decide to take a walk down to the Art Galleries to get a wide shot of the University. I’ve slightly miscalculated the distance involved and have to jog back up to the Chapel to get started on my details… Damn you tweed waistcoat!

The sun is still shining and I get sucked into my detail shots. It would be hard not to get stunning photographs and my 50mm prime lens is capturing them beautifully.


12.45pm… Richy (the groom) arrives bang on time with his best man and ushers. No matter how many times I say to myself “don’t ask him if he’s nervous”, I do just that, Doh! They’re a great bunch of guys and we have a good laugh as we crack on with some shots. My aim is to make them look cool, like a rock band, and as soon as I’ve said that the guys get into character. Not too serious, not too cheerful, just a confidence. I’ll always do a nice ‘safe’ shot of the guys smiling too.

I take Richy away to get some portraits. There are some lovely old wooden doors at the university and they make for great backgrounds. Richy is a natural and is making my job easy. It’s one of those crazy days in Scotland though, where I’m having to under-expose by a good stop to prevent skin tones bleaching out. What a pain! A quick couple of shots with the best man and that’s my set-up stuff more or less done before the ceremony, excellent! I love getting off to a good start. It sets you up brilliantly for the rest of the day and I can feel the confidence growing. No sign of butterflies anymore!

I shoot the guests arriving, a wee shot with Richy and his parents and generally everything and anything in front of me. Then Giuliana arrives. (Hmmm… Is that the butterflies coming back?) Eva travels with the bridesmaids when she can as it takes away any stress from driving to a venue and means she’s always there for the bride arriving too. I can see her snapping away and get myself into position.

Unfortunately, photographers aren’t allowed at the front of the Chapel (although videographers are??) and there isn’t much we can do except both photograph her from the back as she walks the 100 feet down the beautiful aisle. I’m on a long lens and Eva a wide to get as many different perspectives as we can.

We then take a seat and for the next hour we shoot off what we can from our fixed positions ( very frustrating ). The priest gives me a wee wave to signal that we can go down the front to shoot the signing of the books. We generally always like to shoot these just as it happens but today it’s a more formal approach, but it’s lovely all the same. Whilst I’m doing this Eva shoots the parents looking on to get their reactions.

Back into position to get ready for walking up the aisle! Thankfully Giuliana and Richy don’t walk too fast like some couples do and we’re back outside. But hang on….The sun is gone and it’s pouring with rain, Nooooo!!!!

Guiliana and Richy don’t have an umbrella so as my car is parked only 20 yards away I sprint to get the couple of white parasols that we always carry for this very situation. The rain lets off slightly and I hurriedly get the 80 guests onto the steps for a very, very quick group shot. Then we head round to the cloisters of the university to do the family group shots. Right at this point the thunder cracks and the heavens open. Honestly, the rain was bouncing off the ground. This is heavy even for Scotland! The cloisters themselves are lovely but they swallow up light like a tunnel and I have to place everyone as close to the light as possible. The only problem with this is that I have to be out in the rain! Eva gets a white parasol and holds it over my head and thankfully they turn out perfectly (see attached picture)

Everyone then heads off to the next venue as we start our couple shots with Richy and Giuliana.

They are a gorgeous couple and it’s not going to be hard to get some cracking photographs, rain or no. Eva always takes the lead at this point. Her hours of trawling through Pinterest and photography blogs pay dividends and she quickly directs the guys into shot after shot. I just hold the reflector (and sometimes I don’t even do that right!). We carry a stepladder to every wedding, a totally essential piece of kit, along with a reflector. Richy is a good 6 foot 2 and without the ladders we’d be shooting up his nose! A pain to carry about, yes, but essential if you want to get the most flattering angles. (This hasn’t stopped us from accidentally leaving them at venues twice in as many weeks!)

20 minutes and we’re done. Time is ticking and of course we’d like more of it but we have to constantly remind ourselves that it’s a wedding and not a photoshoot. So it’s off to the reception…4.30pm.

The reception is at the Private Members Club, 29, right in the heart of Glasgow City Centre. A total nightmare to get to and we’re pushing it for time. I drop Eva off at traffic lights so she can run on ahead to get the guys arriving and start shooting the table settings. I park the car and sprint (ok… jog, I’m 44 you know!) with all our gear and I’m beginning to wilt. I quickly dump the gear in the corner and start photographing guests, details and general goings-on. Only speeches to go and we can have a seat… Phew!

The speeches are in a beautiful setting. A gilt edged mirror hangs on the bare brick wall directly behind the top table, reflecting fairy lights and candles. Not a fire exit sign in sight! If I’ve retouched out one fire exit sign I’ve done it a thousand times. I HATE them!

The speeches themselves are lovely, some of the best we’ve seen, and thankfully no tears from Eva today. I don’t know how many times I’ve looked at her during the speeches only to see her wiping away a bucket load of tears (I just hide behind the camera during the sad ones).

Speeches over, time for a seat and some food to recharge the batteries. Richy and Giuliana have very kindly arranged a meal for us and it’s hugely appreciated. We never ask or expect a meal from our couples but it is nice when we get one.Bang goes the diet, cheeseburger it is! This is our time to go through the cards, checking shots, sharpness and exposure. It’s a brilliant feeling when you know you have everything and you can finally relax, for now…6pm.

Richy & Giuliana had asked us if they could have a few more shots after the meal and we absolutely said yes. We love to get couples out for some photographs later in the day because the light is generally a lot nicer then, and so it proved to be again. Right outside the reception venue was a beautiful archway with the sun streaming through it. Perfection! Well, except for the homeless man and his wee dog sitting slap-bang in the middle of the shot. He was totally understanding and very kindly moved out of the way and we got some of our favourite shots of the day.

Next, we head round to some huge golden doors in front of the art galleries for a few more shots and we’re almost done. We always have a good laugh with our couples. It’s so important to us that they enjoy the whole experience and it definitely comes across in the shots…8.15pm.

Only the dancing to go so it’s time to set up our off-camera flash and get our exposures right. First it’s the cake cutting and then the first dance.

We generally stay until we know we’ve got a good number of shots of everyone on the dance floor. 5 or 6 dances is generally more than enough and then it’s time to go. Hooray!!! A quick goodbye to our amazing couple before heading out the door, they’ve been fantastic and literally haven’t stopped smiling all day! A real pleasure to work with …9.45pm.

Arrive home, dump the gear, crawl into bed, Good night…11.30pm, Zzzzzzzzzzz!!!!

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About the Artists:  Hello! We are Craig & Eva Sanders, a husband and wife photographic team who specialise in weddings and portraits. We are based in Kilmarnock, Scotland, and our approach is simple. We want to capture and tell the story of a wedding in the most natural, light and classically stylish way possible.

Visit their WEBSITE | FACEBOOK pages today!

And don’t forget, you can ask Craig & Eva anything you like in the Pretty Celebrity Mentor Forum for the entire month of  August!

 

Business & Marketing Guest Contributor

Save Time and Impress with these 3 Easy Tips!

by guest contributor Amy Fraughton

As photographers, we love the camera. We love to shoot and be creative. We love planning that perfect shot. We love the thrill getting everything just right, and most of all, we love it when our clients are simply blown away by our work. However, with so many fun aspects of being a photographer, I’ve noticed that it’s easy sometimes to neglect the more mundane parts of being a professional photographer: managing our client database, marketing consistently, client follow-up, and just the general demands of running an enterprise.

In all reality, the luxury of great clients, lots of work, and a full bank account—often depends on the very things we neglect. The secret? In my years as a professional photographer, I’ve learned that by getting organized and following systems, I get more done in less time, and have more freedom to pursue the truly rewarding creative work that I love. Here are some of my top tips that have helped me be more effective:

1. Get personal and take notes.
With each new client I get, I always take the time to get to know the client. Ask about their jobs, their family, each of the kids. But don’t stop there, write it down! Keeping notes about what is going on in your client’s life will help you to connect quickly with them the next year when they are ready for another session. Imagine how your client will feel when you ask how little Johnny’s soccer season ended up? Or if they ever took that summer trip back to D. C. they had mentioned. By keeping a record of your casual conversations, you will impress your clients on a whole new level. Remember, no one cares how much you know unless they know how much you care!

2. Stay organized.
Guess what? Your clients can tell if you are not organized. They can tell when your desk is a mess without coming to see it. When you have your systems in place and handle the entire client process with consistency and professionalism, they notice that too. Having a checklist of the systematical way you take your clients through your business is one fantastic way to keep on top of your client’s progress. This is especially helpful for the busy photographer that is balancing multiple jobs at once.

3. Develop shortcuts.
Do you find that you are coaching all of your clients about what to expect at their session. Do you ever feel that you are typing the same emails over and over? When you find yourself sending the same emails with each client, then save that email and reuse it with each client. Just like an action in Photoshop, this can save you ample time, and help you keep on top of the job from start to finish!

These are just a few quick tips that I have found not only make my life easier and give me more time out of my office, but also create quite an impression on my clients!

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About Amy: Amy Fraughton, photographer and entrepreneur, helps hundreds of women find more clients and grow their businesses through her site Photo Business Tools.

Visit Amy at her WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST pages today!

 

Business & Marketing Guest Contributor

Get Out of Your Own Way: How to Beat Common Insecurities that are Blocking Your Journey

by guest contributor Jennifer Tonetti-Spellman

{get past the noise, and watch what you will find- can you see her?}

If there is one constant ‘buzz’ I hear with my students and new photographers in general it’s the noise of insecurity.

I’m a believer in people. I’m a believer in mind over matter. Of putting something out there in the universe and it will ‘be’: be it negative or positive.

I’m here today to tell all you fine folk to GET OUT OF YOUR WAY. And just as important? Ignore all those that try to roadblock you- because you know they are doing that right? THEIR insecurity coupled with ego. A toxic combination and you don’t have time for that 🙂

The road to becoming a professional photographer be it business or hobbyist is filled with these insecurity land mines. You must go around them to save yourself from imploding.

Dramatic? Ask any photographer on any given day how crippling insecurities are, and I’d say I’m pretty right on with that analogy.

Here are common insecurities and ways to get around them:

1. There are too many photographers.

Yes, there are a ton of photographers. With the onset of technology and affordable dslrs, the landscape has drastically changed over the past 5 years alone. There’s also a lot of nail salons and coffee shops too now aren’t there?  But what makes you go to said nail shop/coffee spot of choice?

The service. The end result. The people. The location. There may be many photographers in your area, but as I always say, there’s only one you. You have a distinct way of looking at the world through your lens.  You have the power to demonstrate how you are different. You also have the power to not use this as a reason why you aren’t succeeding.  Point of difference is HUGE here.  What is yours? Do you have one? Find it.

For me I think people hire me for a mix of three reasons: my work, my personality, my customer service. Am I the best photographer in NY? Heck no. There will always be someone more skilled and someone less skilled. This is why I don’t let my mind go down that road. All I know is I deliver honest, personal images to my clients in a timely and professional manner.

That’s my point of difference over a lot of photographers who takes months to deliver on what is promised and who over air brush the heck out a child’s already perfect face.

Real. My point of difference which has become my life as well as my shooting mantra.

{shooting and living my ‘because real is awesome’ mantra in one of my point of differences.}

2. I’m not good enough to charge/I wasn’t trained/no schooling in photography.

When will I know I can charge?’ ‘When will I be good enough to charge?’  I hear this question probably more so than any other.  Do people want to hire you? If they are willing to pay for your art, you charge. Legally. And a decent amount please. You can portfolio build and charge 50% off what will be your ‘regular’ rates, but put those ‘regular’ rates out there so people realize you aren’t cheapening your work, you are just building your body of work and will eventually charge ‘x’ down the line.

I read this piece the other day from Design Aglow’s newsletter. I know many would disagree but I do not feel you need a degree to be a photographer. Do you have to work at it? Research? Read? Shoot yourself silly to learn? YES. But take a look here. This man photographed the most iconic woman that will ever grace planet earth- and he’s self taught.

Don’t limit yourself by thinking you ‘have’ to do anything other than study your craft in a way that suits you.  http://www.projectlife365.com/marilyn-monroes-last-sitting/

3. No one will hire me for the style I like to shoot in.

Hogwash. Pure, straight up hogwash. When I started out almost 5 years ago, this whole ‘lifestyle’ trend (which BTW has gotten way off track but that’s fodder for another post ;)) wasn’t really that big. In fact, I didn’t know what the heck to call my photography other than photojournalism. I only know I liked to shoot raw, candid images without overly processing them. Very much like I used to when film was truly the only option. There is a market/photographer for everyone.

TIP: Make sure you put out only what you want to be hired for. Example: want to be hired for documentary work? Then having a black backdrop with Dad holding baby’s head in his hands should NOT appear on your site. People will hire you for what you show them you are available for and what your style of art is… period. I never get contacted for posed/studio type work because anyone with one good eyeball can see that isn’t my style.  Again, don’t shut yourself down before even trying. When you say you can’t/you won’t, then you won’t!

{from a client shoot. I am always hired for the style I like to shoot in.}

4. I’m not original.

As of late, this whole ‘you stole my idea, image, concept etc.’ is on fire!  Though social media and sharing (pinterest, instagram etc.) is wonderful, this is one of the many pitfalls.  Whereas years ago it wasn’t all ‘out there’ for the world to see, everything is broadcast these days and it’s hard to separate ‘inspiration’ from flat out copying.

My motto is pretty simple. Everything has been done. EVERYTHING. Every teaching style, every pose, every location, every type of lighting, you name it, in history, it’s been DONE.

That is not to say that people KNOW everything has been done. Example: garage lighting. I have a film book back from 10 years ago that speaks to the fact this is an awesome light to shoot in. The phrase nothing new under the sun couldn’t be more true. So how do you not fall into the trap of flat out copying? You have to find a way to make it your own. It could be through perspective, processing, subject, whatever, but you CAN make it your own because there is no one that sees the world like you do. Be your own unique self as I say. That carries over into your eye. OR try being inspired by something OTHER than photography.  Find inspiration by the way the light hits the side of the child’s face, by music, by dance etc.

Said it before, will say it again, purge those ‘likes’ of yours and you will have a clearer head.

I know it’s all the rage to like every page out there, and lots of networking is going on, but inflated numbers based on ‘I like your page, please like mine?’ don’t make me excited. I don’t buy it. I want people to like my page because they like my work: be it what I shoot, or what I write, or what I  teach.  Quality versus quantity. My clients could care less how many people follow me on FB- they only care about their images.

That’s all.

5. Other photographers in my area won’t associate with me {aka the mean girls or guys- but honestly guys aren’t that petty- let’s be real}.

I laugh when people get territorial over certain things. They feel they cannot associate with other photographers for fear they will *gasp* steal their secrets and clients. I completely understand not sharing everything like your business plan/marketing strategy. But understand where this territorial  feeling is coming from… you guessed it. Insecurity. So next time you reach out to say ‘hey I love your work, what lens did you shoot that with?’ and you get crickets, well, chances are one of two things are happening. Either A. they are like me and get a good amount of offline questions as well as online and I just plain overlook it/have a brain freeze on it or B. they are insecure and don’t wish to share.

Some of the top photographers in the country obviously get a gazillion questions, and there’s no way they can answer them all, but you know the ones I am speaking of… the ones that don’t wish to see anyone succeed other than themselves. Those people can produce the prettiest pictures in the world, but there’s a whole lotta’ ugly going on there, so move on.

In regards to people being afraid you will ‘steal’ their clients. Sure there are some out there that try to undersell, but honestly, if one of my clients wanted to use someone else, more power to them. I look at it as I either didn’t do the job I had set out to do, we just didn’t mesh, or they have placed a lower value on photography and my work and I’m better off without them.

6. Don’t allow yourself to be bullied.

You are in control of how you react to situations. It’s that simple. If you allow yourself to be bullied by certain groups out there- that’s on you. You gave them power. Don’t give them power. Just don’t associate with them. Because really you are the company you keep. And who the heck wants to keep company with grown women acting as if they are in high school. I don’t care HOW talented you are, or how awesome your work is if you aren’t nice, I don’t want to know you. Move it along….

7. You will not be booked solid. For a while. Embrace it.

Overnight success in photography is rare. It may ‘feel’ like some photographers are overnight successes but that is just because of an explosion where suddenly you turn around and they are everywhere. Chances are, you go look at their portfolio and they started out just. like. you. That said, the lulls in business will be frequent. USE this time to

  • work on your branding
  • work on a personal project (365’s or 52 week projects do not have to start January 1st!)
  • work on a business plan
  • learn a new piece of equipment
  • breathe. We have busy seasons. We have times where we pull the hair straight out of our head because we haven’t showered yet.. and it’s um, 7pm at night. Remember those times and the lulls will be a welcome time to just refocus and chill.

{images from my personal work this winter when it was slow season. I explored shadows and light and OOF. And l loved every minute of it.}

8. Define what ‘success’ means to you and set out to achieve it.

OK so this isn’t an insecurity BUT once you define what ‘success’ in photography is to you, a ton of insecurities will evaporate. Success in this field can mean many things: a source of income, industry recognition, teacher of the craft/business, award winner  or hobbyist. And these are just a few off the top of my head. There is no one definition of success but you can find which one (or two) applies to you and work to achieve those successes.

If you are blessed to be a hobbyist and do not rely on photography to put food on the table and clothes on your kids backs, embrace it. You are STILL a photographer!  One of my most favorite photographers was never known until years after she passed away, Vivian Maier. By now I am sure you heard of her as she gets tons of play posthumous. I read about her early last year and was hooked. A nanny who took some of the best street photography back in the 1950’s and who never really divulged that she shot so much to anyone. You want to sit here and tell me she ISN’T a photographer? If you have a passion for photography and shoot as much as you breathe and hone those creative skills, you are a photographer in my book.  Define what success means to you and don’t get caught up in all the nonsense noise out there.

I think that about covers the top insecurities I keep hearing- but if it doesn’t- let me know. Write it on this post so others can see and feel less alone on their journey.

Remember, it’s 9.5/10 times YOU who is getting in your own way with these insecurities. So print this article out, hang it up, revisit it, write down ‘get out of your way’ on an index card and pin it to your wall, find supportive groups (they exist, I know, I have one for all my students) and keep your eye on your own prize, no one else’s.

Your journey. Your life. There is no time to waste it on pure, straight up NOISE.

Now, get moving and get out of your way. xx

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About the Author: Jennifer Tonetti-Spellman, owner of JellyBean Pictures is a die hard, natural light photographer based in NY. Her goal at every shoot is to capture awesome in a documentary style with little posing and props  work has appeared in Professional Photographer Magazine, New York Family Magazine, and on strollertraffic.com.  Her manual {don’t} say cheese was written to address the importance of capturing real smiles along with other tips + tricks she picked up along her journey thus far.

Visit Jennifer at her WEBSITE | BLOG |FACEBOOK pages today!

 

Photographer Spotlight

Photographer Spotlight : Stephanie Piscitelli of Bellini Portraits

Today, we are so pleased to share with you the beauty that is Bellini Portraits. Stephanie Piscitelli is the brain trust behind the creative and dreamy images of Bellini Portraits. Thank you so much Stephanie for sharing your work with us today!

Where did your inspiration for photography begin?
My inspiration started at a young age.  My mother always had her Pentax with her, which was evident from the overflow of pictures we had stacked in drawers in an antique bureau.  We, as children, were always encouraged to creative.  I remember the first time I really took her camera confidently and gathered the neighborhood kids for a group portrait.  I guess you could say that was my first real taste of photography love at the age of 10.

How would you describe your photography style?
Soft, airy, dreamy.

Did you study photography in school or are you self taught?
Self taught on my Pentax K-1000.  Although, after college I did work for a portrait photographer who taught me how to develop film and prints.  I believe it was at that point that I knew that I needed photography in my life–some way, some how.  Back then it wasn’t as common to jump into the field of photography.  The digital world has really helped people catapult themselves into this business.  I kept photography within arms reach while working in advertising and as an art producer but having been in the industry and seeing the thousands of commercial photographers out there I never thought it was something that *I* could do.  I finally listened to my heart and jumped in full force and it was the best decision of my life.

Do you shoot Canon or Nikon, and what is your favorite lens?
I’ve been Canon since the very beginning of my business (2007).  Before that I was a Pentax film girl!  Favorite lens?!  I always say my 50mm 1.2 but when I put that 85mm 1.2L on it *really* does create magic.  I am a very close shooter so the 85 doesn’t always work for every session.  I break that out for older kids or adults that take direction well and I’m not chasing after! 🙂

Do you have any tips for photographers on how to find the light?
Besides the obvious, CREATE it!  Not every session I have is in sun-filled rooms.  That’s the beauty of having wide aperture lenses that allow you to pull in as much light as possible!  Invest in a great lens!  You won’t be sorry!

What is the most challenging thing you’ve found in your photography business?
I think staying on top of marketing has been the most challenging.  I’m a one woman show and would really love to have an assistant who is really savvy in the marketing and social media world.  I just feel that once you get to figuring things out, Facebook changes and your visibility goes down the tubes, or Google changes things and your rankings takes a hit.  I find it overwhelming to figure out how to stay on top and visible to potential clients!

What is a good lesson you have learned this year in your photography or in your business?
The lesson I’ve learned is a mix of personal and business.  I have sometimes let my business dictate so much of my life. It has become all consuming.  Meanwhile my boys, ages 6 and 3, are getting older and they are missing a part of mom who is there for them 100%.  Even if I am here physically with them, my thoughts and worries are often directed back towards my business.  They feel it, they see it.  It’s not fair to them.  It’s now about finding the balance–truly–and being present for my children.  To close the office door and really keep it closed.  Emails can wait.  Their childhood cannot.

If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?
Educate yourself.  Really, really know your camera before jumping in to business.  Why the rush?  You will not thrive overnight.  It will take time to build your portfolio, to build your brand, to understand who you are as an artist.  There is fun in the learning process, so take your time and do it right.

What do you love most about being a photographer?
I love that I am always excited while I shoot every single session.  I literally get giddy on shoots when magic happens.  And no two shoots are the same–the light is different, your clients are different, YOU are different on that particular day.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
I definitely see myself shooting more kids fashion editorial and commercial work!  I also would love to have a really special studio, one with great architectural character.  A place that I can be inspired in without becoming bored being in an consistent setting.

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About the Artist:  My true passion in life is photography. My interest was sparked at a very young age, even before my teen years. My mother’s Pentax 35mm camera was my eye to a new world of seeing things. My very own Pentax K-1000 came around my 15th birthday and I never stopped from there. It followed me to college and after where I had the opportunity to work with a portrait photographer in New York who taught me how to develop my own film and prints. I remember that moment distinctly, 17 years ago, in the dark room with one red bulb glowing, watching my first print come to life that I literally felt my heart jump and I had to catch my breath….I knew this is what I wanted to do in my life.

Visit Stephanie at her WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM pages today!

Business & Marketing Guest Contributor

Industry Evolution

by Guest Contributor Jen Maunder Dreier

It’s time for some tough love.  The “Kick in the arse” you need.

  • Find your own style.
  • Find your own niche.
  • Be prepared to evolve.
  • Become a chameleon.

That is how to become a successful photographer!

Let me introduce a new term I have coined. PUPS. Pop Up Photographers. PUPS are easily identified as rebel wielding, kit lens holding, impostors who sell 100 images on a disc for $49.99. PUPS are to blame for the demise of the true professional photographer, right?

We are all well aware of the PUPS competing for our client’s but let me ask you this, why are the clients going to them? Are they actually your clients? If they are, why did you loose them? Many photographers are so quick to jump on the ANTI PUPS bandwagon without looking at themselves first when it comes to their business not progressing.

If the service you offer is unique and your clients are happy, let me tell you something: your clients will not leave and they will refer everyone they know to you. It is that simple!

I have my fair share of competition. I have PUPS who have copied my poses; set ups and tried to imitate my editing style. Heck, I have had one copy my business branding. Care factor? Zero! Effect on business? Zero! I have a style that I continuously evolve and grow.  I never settle. Never sit.

We as professional artists need to realise that if we want to run a successful photography business we need to get back to basics. Good service and unique products get clients. You cannot sit and continuously blame the PUPS when you have shot the same style for 5 years, edited the same for 5 years and not taken a development course since CS3.

Gone are the times where photographers were few and far between. The times we could take 3 months to develop images and frame them before returning them to the client with that “artist integrity” chip on our shoulders.  Now you need to have a marketable product, outstanding customer  service and a kick arse turn around time.

Instead of crying about the changes, stand up and say “You know what? I am better than my competitors and people need to see why” Then, show them!

In the words of Nicki Minaj, My haters are my motivators.

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About the Artist: Jen is a children’s and family photographer based in QLD, Australia.  Nationally recognised by being a full member of the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP), Jen is always trying to produce work that is fresh and exciting.  Her work is becoming internationally known for its  dreamy pallet, lighting and “fly on the wall” approach.  “The thing I love about this industry is the pace it changes. It is exciting and keeps you on your toes to learn and grow. I don’t think you can become bored” Jen is a mother of of two daughters who she says “Are my worst photo subjects. They hate having their images taken. They force me to learn new techniques to capture children”.

Visit Jen at her WEBSITE | FACEBOOK pages today!

 

Photographer Spotlight

Photographer Spotlight: Cris Passos Photography

We are so thrilled to feature Cris Passos Photography in our Photographer Spotlight this week!  Learn more about her whimsical and dreamy images and what inspires her.  Thank you so much Cris for sharing your work with us today!

Where did your inspiration for photography begin?

It seems a little cliche but my passion started when I got my first DSLR, by that time I was only a “mom with a camera” shooting my little kids laughing, running, playing, crying… Until one day a friend show me a whole new world by shooting manually, I got intrigued with all the new information and decided to learn everything about my camera. I Started to practice with my own kids, my friends’ kids and when I realized friends of friends started to ask me to do sessions for them and that’s how everything started.

How would you describe your photography style?

My photography style is whimsical and romantic.

Did you study photography in school or are you self taught?

I never went to a photography school in fact I never thought I would became a photographer, I attended some workshops and I can definitely say I am self taught, I have an eagerness to learn so I have always done lots of research and practice.

Do you shoot Canon or Nikon, and what is your favorite lens?

I am a Canon girl, my camera is a 5DMiii my favorite lens is 85mm 1.8

Do you have any tips for photographers on how to find the light?

Light is the Most important aspect of photography and being able to find it is the key to creating a beautiful image. I always shoot my sessions 1-2 hours before the sunset, but I know sometimes we need to shoot at different times of the day, I learned from a photographer friend to check how the light hits the palm of my hand; I place my palm upwards and move my hand to observe how the light is hitting there.

What is the most challenging thing you’ve found in your photography business?

Getting the business part organized, this is the most challenging thing for me.

What is a good lesson you have learned this year in photography or in your business?

To value myself and my work. I am this nice girl always willing to help everyone even if it inconveniences me. Because I have a really hard time saying no I often end up in certain situations that are not worth my while and I get burned. Although I still want to help my fellow photographers and appreciate the camaraderie within our group, I have been trying to be more honest with myself and rethink my actions.

If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?

Be true to yourself, work hard on finding your style and don’t follow trends as they will pass quickly.

What do you love most about being a photographer?

There are 2 things I love the most about being a photographer: first one is being able to be around babies again since my kids are growing fast and the second one is when I deliver a gallery to a client and see the joy and happiness in their faces when they see the results.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In a dream beautiful studio photographing lots of newborns, with the support of my lovely family!!!!

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About the Artist: My Name is Cris Passos and I am a natural light photographer based in South Florida. I am specializing in Maternity, Newborn and Babies but my HUGE passion are the newborns.  I always loved photography but never thought I would be a photographer. I’ve been in this business for almost two years and this has been my passion since then. I am married to my High-school sweetheart and we’ve been together for 19 years, we have two beautiful kids: Victor is 9 and Bella is 7. I am a Brazilian girl but I move to the US in 2001 and have already lived in 11 different addresses..I am a chocoholic and a coffee lover.

Visit Cris at her WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK  pages today!

Business & Marketing Guest Contributor

How to Find Your Picture-Perfect Style

by Guest Contributor Lily Miller

“My friend has a friend who knows the neighbor’s sister who is a photographer. They say that photography is easy money, so I have decided to become a photographer too because… photography is the new BIG THING!”

Sound familiar? Perhaps this is not your case. Perhaps you are a photographer because you really have a passion for it and you love creating art. Regardless of your drive, photography is therapy for the soul. It is the instrument that makes music you don’t hear but see. Photography is a book with a story to tell.

You can be a photographer with many years of experience and an extended portfolio to show, or you can be at the beginning or in the middle of your career. Either way, you have chosen a marvelous path. Not necessarily an easy one {for some} but a beautiful one indeed.

Despite the beauty of this fulfilling art we call photography, it’s easy let your worst critic get in the way of making photography a truly enjoyable experience. Instead of photography being therapy for the soul, it can transform itself into a constant torment as we compare ourselves to others. Although I don’t believe in comparisons anymore, sometimes they can be useful. Unfortunately most of times they usually prove to be very exhausting and totally unproductive.

My name is Lily and I am a shootaholic!

I started photography as a hobby {like many others} 8 years ago. I love what I do and I am happy with who I have become through all of these years of practicing photography.

But it wasn’t always this way. I haven’t always been content with my work, mostly because it is extremely difficult to be nice to ourselves. In fact, it is a lot easier to criticize and doubt everything we do, and that was my case.

Eight years ago I was surrounded by the most incredible locations any photographer could ever dream of, we were living in San Juan, Puerto Rico. You are probably thinking “OMG! What an amazing opportunity.” BUT I was too worried about wanting to be like someone else. Sadly, I didn’t get to enjoy the moment as much as I should have.

The urge to become “as good as” one of my favorite photographers was dragging me right into a deep dark hole of doubt and inconformity. I had to stop and think of a way to be authentic and to be happy being me. The very first thing I had to do to get myself out of that dark hole was to stop “borrowing” other photographers’ styles and think of the reasons why I liked what I was seeing and if I was honestly happy with the idea of becoming like them.


I was able to recognize what my internal struggle was all about; a trend I wanted to be part of. I was feeling more discouraged and less inspired. Now, I would like to emphasize how 8 years ago, photography WASN’T “the new thing” and photographers were not competing for recognition and prestige, in other words I did NOT have the pressure new photographers have to deal with nowadays. With that said, I even doubted my own capacity of creating art.

I did what I thought was the best thing for me and took drastic measures. I stopped visiting some photography websites. It may sound extreme but by not visiting those sites I was assuring myself some nice personal time for discovering my own style.

After some time of refocusing, I felt comfortable with myself and I started liking my personal photography touches. Now, I can visit any photography websites without feeling discouraged. I admire plenty of photographers bigger than me BUT I do not wish to be like them. I LOVE being me.


Now the question is, do you feel inspired or discouraged by other photographers?

If photography is causing you headaches, anxiety or if you find yourself carrying a heavy bag of jealousy; you are not alone!

What do you do to find your zen? Let me share some ideas on how to find your own picture-perfect style. Once you know exactly what you want, you will see how things {for some reason} seem smoother.

Ready? Take notes:

  • The most important rule: do not compare yourself to anyone. NO ONE!
  • Be kind to yourself.
  • Be more optimistic.
  • Work hard. Practice, practice, practice.
  • Don’t affiliate yourself with groups that talk trash or criticize other photographers.
  • Join forums or groups that will help you see the good side of things.
  • Be nice to your competition or avoid it them if you can’t be nice.
  • Make a list of things that you want to incorporate into your brand and style of photography. These things on your list should distinguish and set you apart from others in a unique way; props, colors {the ones you like and the ones you want to avoid}, places and locations.
  • Find your own processing method and stick to it!
  • Adjust to your environment and use it to your benefit.
  • Find the beauty in every location. Stop thinking you could or that you would be better if you had this and that. Use what you have!
  • Be creative.
  • Be crafty {or save money to buy props from vendors}
  • Tell your clients what you expect from them. Yes you can also tell them your expectations. If they don’t like them, you are not the right photographer for them.

I am in the middle of my photography career and I am very excited for all the years and experiences to come. As for now, I have found the joy in what I do and I am happy with it. Now, instead of being my worst critic, I am one of my biggest fans and I hope you will be your own biggest fan too.

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About the Artist:  Hi, I’m Lily Miller, owner of Blablah Bebe Photography.  I am a music lover , a huge fan of bright colors and I am a sucker for anything that takes me back to my origins. I have an amazing husband and 4 kids who I love with all my heart.  More than anything else, they’re my inspiration, not just in photography, but in life in general. Right now,  photography is not a full time job because my first priority is my family.  However, I do use a big chunk of my week carefully planning different photo shoots. I’m 100% an all natural light photographer and I believe in using cute props. Currently, we live in 29 Palms, California and before the end of 2013 we will be moving to Fort Wayne, Indiana.

“Everybody is beautiful in their own way and I feel grateful to be able to use a lens to capture my beautiful surroundings and save them on paper.”

Visit Lily at her WEBSITE | FACEBOOK pages today!

 

Photographer Spotlight

Photographer Spotlight: Andee Tate of Crave Photography

Today we have the absolutely AMAZING Andee Tate of Crave Photography. Visit her website and then learn a bit more about Andee below.   Thank you so much Andee for sharing your work with us today!

Where did your inspiration for photography begin?

I suppose it goes back to my own childhood. My father loved photography as a hobby and we had unique and beautiful light filled photographs throughout out our home. Perhaps it runs in the blood! But mostly my inspiration evolved from photographing and documenting my own children (even if it was with a point and shoot camera at first)!

How would you describe your photography style?

It’s hard to say because I have a very eclectic style. I don’t feel I fit any sort of mold and I like that about my photography. I do know that I’m obsessed with light and shadows and I strive for my photos to carry a lot of depth. I also tend to have a very up-close and personal shooting style. I like to “see” the person. Capturing great light and a beautiful portrait brings me a lot of satisfaction.

Did you study photography in school or are you self taught?

I do not have any formal education. My dad mentored me long distance through the internet. We would meet online and he would explain and teach me all about the exposure triangle, and I would go out and practice, practice, practice! I am a firm believer that with a good teacher and mentor anyone can learn the exposure triangle, shoot in manual, and take amazing portraits!

Do you shoot Canon or Nikon, and what is your favorite lens?

I started out with a Canon Rebel and loved it. It was a great entry level camera to learn on. But once I had the chance to upgrade, I decided to jump ship and go with Nikon. I’ve been really quite happy with my D700, although I think both brands are amazing! Sometimes I secretly salivate thinking about a Mark III! I am a lover of prime lenses. My all around favorite lens is the 85mm 1.4 The compression, bokeh, creamy tones, and sharpness that I achieve in my images from this lens are incredible! Can’t live without it!

Do you have any tips for photographers on how to find the light?

I love to observe light. Don’t you notice how the light during the golden hour just puts this magic glow on everything? You can see particles floating in the air and see the outline of leafs and weeds, etc… It’s exciting to me! Light is fun to experiment around with at different times of day and at different angles. However for getting great results I always personally look for a pocket of perfect open shade or some gorgeous backlighting. That is the light that I seek out. Also, learning how to meter your light will make such an impact on the exposure and light you record in your images. Don’t overlook or underestimate the importance of metering!

What is your favorite subject to photograph and why?

I love senior girls/adult women. Mainly because they can hold still and take direction! I feel really comfortable working with this age range, and connect easily with my subjects! I love the satisfaction of taking an image and turning it into a work of art through photoshop enhancements. The client/subject is always amazed at the outcome of their images and they feel so beautiful! I find a lot of joy in that!

What is a good lesson you have learned this year in photography or in your business?

Over the past few years I have learned A LOT of lessons! I made a decision to put my family first because you just CAN NOT get that time back. Now I always ask my self the questions “is it worth the time away from my family?” This has helped me to really scale down on my workload and be more realistic when making business decisions. I also made it a huge goal of mine to photograph my own children more. What’s the use in preserving memories for others if you are so busy that you aren’t preserving your own? It’s such a short window, so fleeting, so priceless to capture the sweet memories of your own children. Besides the typical planned out photo sessions with cute clothes and perfectly combed hair, we take a lot of random silly pictures and video clips with other devices as well ( I love my iPhone)!

If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?

Practice makes perfect, it makes you grow, it makes you better. Your skills will increase, your knowledge will increase, your learning experiences will begin to shape your photography journey. Don’t compare yourself to others, just do what makes YOU happy!

What do you love most about being a photographer?

Teaching. Hands down teaching others and sharing my passion for photography and photoshop has been the most rewarding aspect of my business. I love the connections I have made with so many incredible photographers from around the world online and in person. I have forged so many beautiful friendships through teaching.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I will still be chasing the light. Photography is such a passion and it will always be a part of me. I hope teaching and traveling to other parts of the country and world will be in my future too. There are a lot of places I would love to take pretty pictures and mentoring students who have been patiently waiting for me to come and put on a workshop!

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About the Artist: I’m Andee, a portrait photographer based out of Utah.  I specialize in teaching photoshop through my online mentoring class.  I am incredibly passionate about demystifying photoshop and teaching others how easy and simple it is to create stand out imagery!  I’m obsessed with watching light and the way it touches everything.  I have a very supportive husband and 3 incredible children who keep me on my toes!  I enjoy the outdoors, traveling, and spending time with my family.

Visit Andee at her WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK pages today!

 

Photographer Spotlight

Photographer Spotlight : Michelle Morris

Today, we have the incredible Michelle Morris on the blog! Take a moment to learn more about Michelle, and visit her website Michelle Morris Photography.  Thank you so much Michelle for taking the time to share your work with us today!

Where did your inspiration for photography begin?
Inside my heart. I was born a passionate, emotional and heartfelt person. From as far back as I can recollect, I have longed to preserve; moments, relationships, feelings, etc. Photography has been a very natural progression, sustaining my growing need to preserve. My sense of perfectionism thwarted my desire to learn and grow and become better at this (photographic) craft that allowed me to ‘pause’ moments in time. I wanted my frozen emotions to be as tangibly beautiful as they were inside my soul. Photography is a gift almost as close to my soul as my sweet baby blessings and my perfectly imperfect marriage. It is substantially meaningful to me and I whole heartedly believe I was born to do this. I always listen to my heart – and I say that with confidence. My inspiration for everything starts there.

How would you describe your photography style?
Fulfilling. Complete. Consistent. Explanatory. Fulfilling because it is the gift that makes my heart sing; it is (my most profound) expression of love in this life. Complete because I cannot think of a better descriptive word for the feeling that washes over me when I shoot, download, process and post a set of images. It feels solid to me. Consistent because I am who I am. I willingly yield to that. Explanatory because (as my goal) a story is told through my imagery. I sincerely believe in detail. Life is all about the big picture sprinkled with beautiful details. I rarely post an image alone. I always feel like it needs a partner in the story telling; the explanation of the moment that was captured.

Did you study photography in school or are you self taught?
I am not formally educated in the area of photography. I have always followed my gut and of course read countless books, articles, etc. I always want to be better, show growth and daily challenge myself. Although I often wonder what I would have learned studying photography formally (instead of elementary education in college) I still thrive on the thrill and spontaneity of ‘teaching myself’ and being in the pool of ‘un-educated’ photographers.

Do you shoot Canon or Nikon, and what is your favorite lens?
Canon. The 85mm f/1.2L is on my camera body most of the time. I also love the 50, 35 and 16-35.

Do you have any tips for photographers on how to find the light?
Just feel it. Stop thinking so much. Light lives inside of all of us. Look around and just trust yourself to go with your gut. I’m a bit of a pin ball on shoots – a little all over the place. I get to where we’re going and I just look around, take a deep breath and roll with it. In general the only rule-ish standard I tend to follow is shooting INTO the sun. I love how it spills over hair, shines in between legs and creates flare in the most magical ways. You can shoot anytime of day, it’s true. Let the sun work for you. Don’t be scared of it; it’s a gift. Bump up your shutter speed and go with it.

What is the most challenging thing you’ve found in your photography business?
If I am honest, the challenge is not giving everything away. I am in constant reminder mode that I am running a business. I have to be profitable and successful to justify the time and emotional involvement I have placed into this adventure. When I pass a completed image gallery to a client I am seriously invested. Emotionally and physically. I have spent hours looking at their family, their laughter, their love. And I fall in love with those emotions I was blessed enough to preserve. It is certainly a challenge for me to have a business model with high investments for my clients when it seems like we (the client and myself) have bonded so much; a demographic that feels like family. It is, however, important to remain profitable and professional – although it has presented challenges for me.

What is a good lesson you have learned this year in your photography or in your business?
This year; it’s just pictures. Meaning when the stress is mounting, the kids are yearning for attention, the house is needy, friendships must be attended to, emails are sounding off, etc… I tell myself, “Michelle, it is just pictures…. do what is important in this life… not what is urgent.” Seems a bit contradictory to my emotional outpouring about the importance of pictures – however, above preservation is living in the moment and enjoying each day we have with those we love. My clients, my word and my professionalism are important to me, but my family will always reign supreme.

If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?
Trust yourself. Go with your gut. Allow yourself to be happy with your work – at every juncture. Cut the noise and listen to your heart.

What do you love most about being a photographer?
Without a close second, the ability to artistically and meaningfully capture my children in the daily.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
Yielding the course lined out for my life and my family. Our life has been an adventure and an exercise in faith and I sincerely look forward to more life challenges of living, stepping and existing outside of the box. I hope to be on the continuous journey of growth as an artist and I pray I am always able to see my blessings – like I do now, in this amazing season of life.

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Michelle is a full time professional child and family photographer.  Her work has been published in print over 30 times and her imagery has appeared in more than 10 magazines, including editorial pieces as well as covers.  Michelle has been married to her high school sweetheart for 11 years and they have three small boys.

Visit Michelle at her WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM pages today!

Photographer Spotlight

Photographer Spotlight : Shannon Sewell

The amazingly talented Shannon Sewell is on the blog today! Learn why she is so highly sought after for commercial and family photographs in this interview and get lost in the worlds she creates for her clients.  Thank you so much Shannon for sharing your thoughts and beautiful work!

Where did your inspiration for photography begin?

It began with documenting my kids. I couldn’t get enough pictures of them. It then spread to documenting my friends kids… and a business began 🙂

How would you describe your photography style?

Playful, whimsical… I shoot editorial stories through the imagination of kids.

Did you study photography in school or are you self taught?

I am primarily self taught… I took some photography courses in the beginning to learn the basics and ran with it.

Do you shoot Canon or Nikon, and what is your favorite lens?

Canon. My go to lens is my 85 1.2L.

Do you have any tips for photographers on how to find the light?

Circle your subject and watch how the light plays- from bright twinkles in the eye to shadows that accentuate features, emotions… you do that enough times and you will learn what light brings out the feel you are looking for.

What is the most challenging part about being a photographer?

The whole business aspect is a challenge for me… I do well with the organization of it all, but I do horribly with the monetary part. Trying to put my value into a dollar amount and then asking people to agree with me by paying it? ah! So nerve wracking.

What is a good lesson you have learned this year in photography or in your business?

Letting some of the responsibilities go and letting the experts in their field help you, it will allow you to excel at what you do best and take you to a level you couldn’t get to on your own.

If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?

Don’t work yourself into begrudging your work… don’t let the work take on its own agenda. If you keep focused on why you started and keep true to what makes you happy in your work, you will never have to ‘work’ at all 🙂

What do you love most about being a photographer?

That I get to wake up each day and pick my adventure and that my adventure always involves my family. We get to travel to the most amazing places and I get to document it all…

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

That is the hardest question for me because I have found, through the years, that I never end up where I think I will so I’ve just quit guessing and just go with the flow 😉 The only place I care to be is with the people I love and happy…

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About the Artist:  I believe the most important thing we can do is love & be kind. I found my perfect muse for this (& all I do) in my children. I have made a career of taking pictures of them (and playing dress up). When they let me, I dress up other people’s kids & take pictures of them too.  I’ve got a hippy soul with a touch of OCD. I believe that animals are friends, not food & I probably won’t remember your name but I’ll always remember your smile.

Visit Shannon at her WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM pages today!

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