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Photographer Spotlight

Photographer Spotlight: Jeff Rojas

We are so excited to welcome the fabulously talented Jeff Rojas to the Blog! Take a moment to learn more about his gorgeous men’s fashion photography, and be sure to visit his website SAJORFFEJ (which is his name spelt backwards). Thank you so much Jeff for taking the time to share your work with us today!

Where did your inspiration for photography begin?
To be completely honest, I never thought I’d be a photographer. It wasn’t a childhood dream and I didn’t have friends or family that were photographers. It sort of fell in my lap. I was a car enthusiast and wanted to showcase the work I’d put into my car in a creative way. I picked up my first DSLR to do just that. Somewhere around that time, I decided to attend a meetup photography group in New York that was put together to showcase lighting. It was from that day forward that I was hooked. 🙂

How would you describe your photography style?
Simple, Clean and attention to detail. I try my best not to over-complicate things these days.

Did you study photography in school or are you self taught?
I don’t have a formal photography education. In fact I started college want to be an aerospace engineer. That’s a story for another day. I attended workshops early on with photographers like Lou Freeman and Steve Prue and picked up little tricks along the way.

Do brand/model camera do you shoot, and what is your favorite lens?
I currently shoot with a Canon 5D Mark ii/iii on set and you’ll find the Sigma 35mm f/1.4, 24-105mm f/4.0, 70-200mm f/2.8, and Sigma 150mm f/2.8, although my current favorite lens is the Sigma 35mm f/1.4.

Do you have any tips for photographers on how to find the light?
Yes! Switch your Picture Style (Profile) to Monochrome while you’re shooting in RAW. Your eye will instead focus on exposure instead of color, which makes lighting a million times easier. You’ll also want to be sure to use a color checker when you’re using this method. 🙂

What is the most challenging thing about photographing men and fashion?
Not fitting into most of the clothes I’m photographing… no samples for me. lol I’m kidding. I would have to say that working with guys is relatively easy, but learning how to work with Alpha Male complexes when you have one is an art. 😉

What is a good lesson you have learned this year in photography or in your business?
Focus on keeping it simple. That goes with everything in life. The more you complicate things, the longer it takes and the less you’ll be productive. The less time it takes you to shoot, edit and deliver, the faster you can find your next client.

If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?
I would encourage them to work for someone else (even retail) before they ever decide to do this as a business. It’s so much cheaper to make mistakes when it’s not on your dime.


What do you love most about being photographer?
The freedom, which is also my biggest fear. I’m free to do ANYTHING I want as a sole propriety (within reason), but there aren’t any restrictions. This can be a great thing if you’re focused or detrimental if you can’t find your focus.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I’d love to write a couple of books in the next couple of years and work with larger clients. I also love being able to work with smaller clients these days and I hope to grow alongside them in the next 5 years.

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About the Artist: Jeff Rojas is an American Photographer based in New York City. His primary body of work includes Portrait and Fashion Photography, although he’s directed misc. fashion films and commercials. Rojas also frequents as a photography instructor and has taught on various photographic platforms including: CreativeLIVE, WPPI, PhotoPlus Expo, Gulf Photo Plus and APA.

Visit Jeff at his WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST pages

Celebrity Mentor Photographer Spotlight

Photographer Spotlight + Celebrity Mentor: Katie Andelman

We are so excited to welcome the fabulously talented Katie Andelman to the Blog! Take a moment to learn more about her beautiful children’s photography, and be sure to visit her website Katie Andelman Photography.

The best news… Katie will be featured as our “Celebrity Mentor” in the Pretty Forum for the entire month of February so come on over and ask her anything you like. Thank you so much Katie for sharing your work with us today!

Where did your inspiration for photography begin?
It began when I was a child with my love of fairytales. I would spend hours reading, immersed in their magical worlds. Striving to create my own enchanted images, I started styling my dolls and taking photos of them with my parent’s camera. In middle school, I transitioned to my reluctant friends, who were forced to be my involuntary models.

How would you describe your photography style?
Whimsical, ethereal, dream like, and technically accurate.

Did you study photography in school or are you self taught?
My first photography class was in high school, back then we still shot with film. I wanted to study photography in Collage, but I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to make a career out of it. I did however spend a semester studying abroad at the University of London, where I shot and developed color film. After graduation, I photographed weddings part time, but continued with school and completed a Masters in educational psychology in 2012. Afterwards, taking the biggest trust fall of my life, I decided to follow my heart and peruse portrait and commercial photography full time. I am still constantly learning, I never want to become stagnant; there is always room for growth.

Do brand/model camera do you shoot, and what is your favorite lens?
The Canon 5D Mark iii is my go to camera. I shoot primarily with the 85mm 1.2L, and recently with the 200mm f/2L. However, the 200mm is a VERY heavy lens.

Do you have any tips for photographers on how to find the light?
Light is one of the most difficult and rewarding elements in photography. Once you discover how to find the light your images will transform. I recommend going out during different times of the day and looking at how the light falls on your subject. I believe the best time to shoot is golden hour.

What is the most challenging thing about photographing children?
For me, kids 4 and under are the most challenging age group to work with. However, it’s also very rewarding. When you get those wow shots of kiddos this age, the effort is worth it!

What is a good lesson you have learned this year in photography or in your business?
There is a quote by Conan O’Brien, “If you work really hard, and you’re kind, amazing things will happen.” That’s my daily motto for life and for running my business.

If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?
I would encourage him/her to learn how to shoot in full manual. I cannot stress this enough. I believe that as professional photographers, we have a responsibility to our clients. Knowing how to shoot correctly, in any light, in full manual is one of those responsibilities. Only start shooting clients when you have mastered your camera, and can find the light at any time of day.

What do you love most about being photographer?
Everything! I love that I get to capture the beauty of this world, and do it as my career. The possibilities are endless. I am so motivated and excited for what comes next.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years, I plan to be dedicated to the creation of my visions, and the education of future visionaries.

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About the Artist: Katie Andelman is an internationally published award-winning photographer, specializing in unique whimsical photo shoots. Her stylized children’s portraits have been published and featured in multiple magazines, international blogs and websites. An observer of tiny moments and a collector of memories, Katie strives to capture the whimsical magic of childhood.

Visit Katie at her WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | 500px pages

And don’t forget, you can ask Katie anything you like in the Pretty Celebrity Mentor Forum for the entire month of February!!

Guest Contributor

Some Advice on Taking Your Own Baby’s Pictures

by Guest Contributor Jimmy Bui

I’m a professional wedding photographer based in Riverside, California, and by no means do I consider myself a newborn photographer. It’s a tough job and something that I won’t consider trying professionally. As a new father, I found a new love for the genre, and although I won’t be shooting other couples’ babies anytime soon, my experience so far has opened up a whole new world of creative photography for me. Here are some advice that may help you capture some amazing pictures of your baby.

Capture Baby’s First Experiences Creatively

A baby experiences new things every day, and to witness her reaction is something truly special, especially when that baby is your own. When I’m capturing my daughter’s first experiences with things, I like to really think about the composition and take the pictures creatively rather than just plainly documenting the experience. It’s as simple as shooting above the crib through the rotating mobile and capturing her first reaction to it, or playing around with depth of field during sunset while she’s witnessing bubbles for the first time.

Anticipate Milestones

I like to setup shots, but there’s nothing like a truly candid moment, especially when it’s a milestone like first steps or first words. To be ready with those moments, I always have a camera either on me or within arm’s reach. It’s pretty easy, nowadays, to have a camera on you at all times with smart phones, and just the other day I was able to film my daughter’s first laugh with my phone.  One of her first milestones that I captured was the bonding experience between her and my wife during their first moments together. I shot this particular image with a Canon 6D paired with a Sigma 50mm f1.4 prime lens  through an empty glass cup to create a cool lighting effect around them. I love using this camera set up since it can handle low light really well and the ISO performance is amazing. Beautiful moments can happen at any given time, and it’s great if you can use a camera that can handle any lighting situation.

Exercise Patience and Learn From Your Mistakes

Posed shots with babies take a lot of patience, and it can be often times be frustrating. If you’re prepared in your set up and props, and if you can accept the fact that your initial shoot may fail and you would have to try again another time, then you’ll do fine. These are some of the concepts I took  of Kayla, and these were done over the course of a month. When we first tried doing the moon shot, it was a complete failure. The props weren’t great, the posing was awkward, and Kayla was in a fussy mood. We tried it again another day, simplified the set up, and it went much better.



Look for the Light

As a professional wedding photographer, I’m always looking for great light to shoot amazing bridal portraits. I apply the same mentality when I’m photographing our baby. I love the look of natural light, especially when it’s diffused through white curtains. I also love shooting in open shade and into the sun at sunset. When the ambient light is just not cutting it, I like to use a speedlight and bounce the light off a wall. For really extravagant concepts, I sometimes use multiple speedlights paired with umbrellas.

blog_separatorAbout the Author: A former elementary school teacher, Jimmy Bui switched his career after 10 years working in public education to pursue his dreams in photography. He specializes in wedding photography and conceptual fine art portraiture, and is based in Riverside, California. When he’s not shooting or spending hours in the editing room, you may find him exploring a National Park and spending time with his beautiful wife and daughter.

 

 

 

Photographer Spotlight

Photographer Spotlight: Courtney Bowlden

We are so excited to welcome the fabulously talented Courtney Bowlden to the Blog! Take a moment to learn more about her beautiful portrait and wedding photography, and be sure to visit her website Courtney Bowlden Photography.  Thanks so much Courtney for sharing your work with us today!

Where did your inspiration for photography begin?
Growing up I always had a camera with me, but it wasn’t to take amazing pictures or create any kind of art. I simply wanted to capture moments and create memories that I could remember with the prints. I had no intention on ever being a photographer when I was younger, but when my second baby was born, I was frustrated that I wasn’t able to get the pictures of him that I had envisioned in my head. I got my first DSLR camera (Nikon D60) and had some friends who were professional photographers teach me what I needed to know. The funny thing now is that my kids wont ever let me take pictures of them.

How would you describe your photography style?
Bright, fun, colorful, warm, and timeless. I specialize in photojournalism.

Did you study photography in school or are you self taught?
I was taught by some friends of mine who had gone to school, but for me I wouldn’t have lasted in a classroom. I am a hands on kind of person and prefer learning on my own.

What brand/model camera do you shoot, and what is your favorite lens?
I started with the Nikon, but switched to Canon because I loved their colors and skin tones better. I use only prime lenses because I feel they get the best color and sharpness. I recently upgraded to a 5D Mark3. My favorite lens has to be the Canon 85mm 1.2. The color and depth of field is outstanding. Its sharp and easy to focus. I don’t always use that lens, though. When I shoot weddings, I usually use the Canon 35mm 1.2 or the Canon 50mm 1.2 and have my assistant on the 85.

Do you have any tips for photographers on how to find the light?
I don’t use flash unless I have to, and I also like to use a lot of backlight from the sun. When my clients book with me, I tell them either morning or late afternoon sessions are best for lighting. When I am shooting a wedding, I try and show up a little earlier to scout out any places with good lighting (or shade if its in the middle of the day). I also try to look for natural reflectors, like cement or walls that bounce light back up to my clients faces.

What is your favorite subject to photograph?
This is a hard one. I really love Seniors and I love weddings. It would have to be a tie.

What is a good lesson you have learned this year in photography or in your business?
Take time off. Last year I over worked myself and never gave myself days off or vacations. This year I forced myself to take at least one or two days off a week and spend time with my family. It’s helped me to not get stressed out. The other lesson I have learned this year is to not rely on your external hard drive for backup. Backup your images to the Cloud (I use Backblaze). Hard drives can fail, and that was something I have never had happen to me in all my years of business. It was painful and so scary, but a lesson that I had to learn.

If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?
Find your niche. When I first started, I did everything. But I didn’t always enjoy doing it all. I got to the point where I don’t accept just any job, but the ones I am confident in and ones that I enjoy. I think it’s great to specialize in something, not just for clients, but for yourself.

What do you love most about being a photographer?
The people I meet and the opportunities I get. Next year, I will be able to live out my longest dream of shooting a wedding in Paris, France.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I have no idea! I believe that God blessed me with this gift and He has provided me with all of these opportunities. I am leaving it up to Him.

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About the Artist: Wife, mother of 2 and lover all of things art. I am passionate about music, making friends, watching good movies and going to concerts, traveling and love to sing. My family is the most important thing in my life.

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

Business & Marketing Guest Contributor

5 Tips For Maintaining A Better Work Life Balance

by Guest Contributor Veronica Gillas

When I first started out in the photography business, I jumped in with both feet and then forgot how to swim. I went from treading water to drowning in a matter of only months. I was priced too low for the custom portraiture market, overbooked and of course, overworked. My relationship with my children began to suffer, my marriage begin to suffer and I, of course, began to suffer.

I quickly realized that I was devoid of what I had spent a decade teaching other people; work life balance. I had to take a good long look at my business model and make some pretty serious changes. The changes prompted me to write this article about why I had to slow down. In the months following my turnaround, my quality of life has improved drastically. I meet new photographers regularly who talk about the same trials and tribulations that I faced starting out, and have shared my thoughts with them. That being said, I felt the advice deserved a larger audience, and so I’ve put together 5 easy ways that you can start today and maintain the (almost) perfect work life balance.

1. Work Smarter, Not Harder

For someone who prides themselves on being a workaholic, working smarter was a tough one. When I worked in the corporate world, putting in extra hours and moving up the chain quickly was a surefire way to success, or so I thought. Editing through the night eventually meant that I was missing movie nights with my family. Scouting locations for my fourth family session in a weekend meant that I was canceling date nights with my husband. Taking six client consults in a day meant that my kids were spending more time with Curious George than they were with their mother. I was a cranky mess.

Re-branding and changing my pricing structure (see #2) was an integral part of learning to work smarter. I started doing my consults by phone and developed a streamlined process for workflow. Working smarter had benefits for me as well as for my clients. I was able to spend more time with families individually, which meant that the relationship I have with my clients is incredibly close. In fact, I regularly have play dates, coffee and lunch dates with several of my clients and these are friendships that I keep close to my heart. My families are some of the most wonderful people I have ever met.

Ask yourself what you’re doing that is eating away at time that you could spend being more productive. Are you stuck trying to figure out post-processing? Hire a professional that you admire (like me!) to run you through their post-processing to help you perfect the process. Are you beating your head against a brick wall trying to market yourself? Talk to colleagues and join professional organizations (and forums like Rock The Shot) to bounce some new ideas around with other togs. Think outside the box and move outside of your comfort zone!

2. Price Yourself Right

This was probably the most difficult change I made. Starting out in the portfolio building phase, clients were paying very little for my work. When I sat down with my husband to re-draft my business plan (as a photographer, you should absolutely have one!) we calculated that I was losing money on every single session that I did. By the time I had figured my time, gas, mileage and expenses into the equation, I was seriously in the red. Increasing my prices was met with a great deal of resistance from about half of my existing client base. These clients were very value-driven as a lot of people are, and that is okay. When you raise your prices and charge what you are worth, there will still be people who will go elsewhere. What I found however, was that half of my clients stayed. I can’t even tell you how wonderful it felt to have a client tell me that I was worth every single penny, and then book their third family session with me in as many years.

I could dedicate an entire article to pricing alone (and I have), but the truth is that you have to price yourself based on your cost of goods and services and how much you’d like your business to be making. I worked backwards when I did my business plan. I work on-location with little overhead and so I set out a dollar amount that I wanted my business to hit every year (before expenses). I then figured out how many sessions I could do per month (it is five, in case you are wondering) and divided that by the income I wanted to generate. That figure determined my goal average sale, and I adjust my marketing efforts to reflect that. It meant marketing to a higher end market, but that in turn resulted in a higher transaction with fewer clients per month. What’s your magic number?

3. Reignite Your Passion

It is easy to forget the reasons that you became a photographer when the business side of things consumes you. My husband made a comment in passing a few months ago about him not remembering the last time I took the camera out when it wasn’t for work. I was shocked (and a bit offended) but realized he was right.

There was a time where I used my photography as a creative outlet for my artistic side. I used to be an artist and I had quickly just become a photographer. A few days later, I was struck by a concept for a shoot right after dinner (about 14 minutes before sunset, go figure), so I grabbed our 6 year old and took off to one of my favorite places. The end result was the image below. To date, it is absolutely my most favorite image of her.

What did you stop doing when you became a business owner? Never stop creating. Never stop learning. Remember what it was that drove you to pick up the camera to begin with. Get back to being the artist again.
4. Take A Time Out

As a mother, wife, daughter, small business owner, friend and sister, we often put the needs of the other important people in our lives before our own. This will inevitably lead to disaster. Please trust me when I say it will.

We use time outs on our kids when really, we need to start using them on ourselves. A part of being more successful in every facet of my life meant being more self-aware, and one of the exercises that I practice regularly involves putting myself in time-out. I had to vocalize when I needed help. This means asking my husband to come home early every once in awhile so that I can go for a run when I have had a rough day with the kids and hiring help one day a week so I can dedicate myself to tasks at the office.

I learned so quickly that if I don’t put myself first and attend to my needs, I can’t really take care of the people around me very well either. Putting yourself first will make you more successful in your photography business, and in every single other role that you play.
5. Family Day

Many photographers are mothers who have a family, husband and home to look after. While we spend time with each other throughout the week, the truth is that we were not spending quality time together. I am not at a point where I can completely block off one day per week for family, but we do make sure to book time out every single week for just us. It can be something as simple as a hike in the park or a trip to OMSI. We also make sure that we have one meal a day together, usually dinner, and occasionally go out to eat.

Commit to your family and you are committing to a better you. Time with your family will make you feel less guilty about those times when you have to scoot out for a last minute booking or have a newborn session that runs longer than you expected. You will feel more confident about how things are going in your life and in even in your marriage, I know I did! Family time for me also meant time away from my children and just with my husband. I soon found that we were using date nights to bounce creative ideas off of each other. Some of my most amazing creations have come as a result of conversations I have had with my very best friend!

So, let’s hear it. Will you take the plunge and make changes for the better? I promise if you follow these easy tips your photography business will change so dramatically, and so will your quality of life.

How about it pros, was there anything you’d add to my list?

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About the Author: I am a natural and studio light photographer based out of Portland, Oregon.  I specialize in the fine art portraiture of newborns, families and children.  I love playing ring around the rosy with our 6-year-old, re-enacting the epic light saber battle between Darth and Luke with our 9-year-old, chasing our one-year-old with a camera and holding hands while watching the stars with my amazing husband.

 

Business & Marketing Guest Contributor

Three Things Taylor Swift Can Teach Us About Photography Marketing

Love her or hate her, you can’t deny that Taylor Swift and her team are marketing machines.

As photographers, we need to do the same.  We need to market well if we want to make any sales at all. I’ve been jotting down notes since the release of Swift’s first single “Shake it Off.”

Here are 3 things that Taylor Swift can teach us about marketing to our photography clients.

1. Go above and beyond for VIP clients

Just like how Taylor Swift rewarded her fervent followers with The Secret Sessions, we need to do the same with our best clients.  Every year, do something special for your VIP clients: the repeat clients, the clients that keep referring you to everyone, and the clients that are just dying to be photographed by you again.

You can send a gift or even a thoughtful card.  I have found that sending thank you cards that include a discount to be applied towards a future session is not only appreciated, but it is also valuable to my VIP clients.  The cards show them that I’m grateful for their support, and it entices them to book another session with me.  A handful of VIP clients always book after receiving the discount, which is great, because I can count on those sales, and I get to work with wonderful clients again.

Simple suggestion: The holiday season and birthdays are a great time to send those cards. However, don’t forget to include an expiration date for your discounts.  It creates the urgency to book.

2. Not everyone will like you, but it is important your market knows who you are

When clients search for photographers, they look at price, style, talent, testimonials, accolades, and these days, how many blog/print publications the photographer has been in.  Anyone ready to make an investment in photography will thoroughly research of you before he or she makes an inquiry.  You have to serve potential clients a big platter of Y-O-U so they have plenty to investigate.

Here’s why…Every client wants to trust their photographer.  In order for them to trust you, they have to find common grounds to relate to you.

Swift does this so well.  She is seen photographed with her cats often, and that resonates with cat lovers. She’s outspoken about shaking off haters, and that’s a message that anyone who’s ever been bullied can get behind.  She loves New York, and so do a lot folks.

However, there are as many people who dislike Taylor Swift and her brand.  Does that prevent her from selling 1.287 million albums in the first week?  Not really.  Swift’s sales come from her supporters.  Her haters don’t add to her bottom line.

That’s why you shouldn’t focus on the people who may not be a good fit for your photography brand. Share your personality and personal interests on social media and website.  Give potential clients a taste of who you are, so the right clients who are drawn to you can hire you, and the wrong clients don’t take up your time.

 

3. Surprises are the best advertisements

When I bought Swift’s 1989 Album from Target, I had no idea I would get 13 Polaroids with the CD.  That was a good surprise.

Surprises are the very things that get clients talking to their friends, so go the extra mile.

Here’s an example: have you ever shown up to a session and given a client flowers?  I have, and it completely changed the mood of our client interaction.  This particular client felt slightly neglected during our client communications, and it was my fault.  I was drowning in work during my busy season, and I didn’t spend as much time with her during the planning process of her photoshoot.  In order to make up for it, I showed up early when she was getting her makeup done to give her a bouquet of flowers she could use for her session.  It was my gesture of saying “I care.”  Whether it was the beauty of the flowers or the surprise element of it all, her face immediately lit up with delight.

In the aftermath of the photoshoot, not only has this client referred many of her friends to me, she also purchased $2000+ worth of prints and products. A mere $15 surprise helped achieve that – so worth it!

Here’s what I know about the photography business.  The photographs are important, but how you make someone feel is just as important, if not more important.  An unhappy client who had a bad experience won’t buy from you no matter how much they love the photos you took of them.  Even if they do buy, they buy begrudgingly.  The little effort it takes to surprise someone is well worth it, and it is the best marketing for your photography business.

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About the Artist: Ling Wang is a nationally-published senior portrait photographer and founder of Project Relaunch workshops based in Houston, TX.

Visit Ling at her WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST pages today!

 

 

Celebrity Mentor Photographer Spotlight

Photographer Spotlight + Celebrity Mentor: Megan Alisa Photography

We are so excited to welcome the amazing Megan Alisa Photography to the Blog. Learn more about Megan’s creative custom portraiture and editorial fashion photography in our Photographer Spotlight, then visit her at her website.

The best news… Megan will be featured as our “Celebrity Mentor” in the Pretty Forum for the entire month of January so come on over and ask her anything you like. Thank you so much Megan for sharing your work with us today!

Where did your inspiration for photography begin?
I have never really sat down and thought about it before. I have always loved art and beauty. I started with taking photos of my first child in 2006, on auto with bad white balance, blurry and loved them anyway because I didn’t know the difference. I look back at those photos now and cringe a bit but I have to look passed all the technical errors I see now and just see the love and beauty of my children instead.

I think photography really started fascinating me when I first saw photos from Florabella and Paint the Moon and discovered actions and how you could make photos much more fun and colorful in photoshop back when my oldest was a toddler. I never really thought much about that aspect of photography until then.

After that, I bought my first prime lens – 35 1.8g and put my mode on aperture priority mode and went for it. I loved the difference between a prime and the kit lens. Back then I had a Nikon D3000, which is a cropped sensor so the 35 different came in handy. I didn’t make myself learn manual mode until I decided I wanted to attempt to do this as a profession. So I forced myself to learn and practiced practiced practiced until it was in me and apart of me, to the point where I didn’t really have to think about what I was doing when I was changing settings. I suppose I am going beyond inspiration for photography at this point though. 🙂

How would you describe your photography style?
I often wonder how to describe my style. I feel like it is a mix of different kinds of photography. I think I would say it is a mix of fine art, editorial, lifestyle and portraiture. It is whimsical, colorful, and hopefully, mood provoking.

Did you study photography in school or are you self taught?
I never went to photography school. I am all self taught when it comes to the technical aspects of photography. I am still learning and a student of life.

What camera do you shoot with and what is your favorite lens?
I shoot with a Nikon D800 currently and I love to shoot with my Nikkor 24-70 2.8g, Nikkor 85 1.8g, Nikkor 70-200 2.8g and LensBaby Edge 80. I cannot stick to just one lens. I am a multi-lens lover kind of gal.

Do you have any tips for photographers on how to find the light?
I think I would tell other photographers do not be afraid of the light. Seek it out. Experiment with it. See what works and what doesn’t work for you. Move from side to side as you are taking your photos and see what is happening in camera with the light. Turn your subject until you feel the light works with them. Experiment with the mood the light brings. Just try and do not be afraid of failing.

What is your favorite subject to photograph and why?
I love photographing children. I feel like I have a special kinship with them. I am not sure why but I just love finding the magic of childhood. I also love capturing the love of children and their families together.

What is a good lesson you have learned this year in photography or in your business?
Only take on what you actually have time for and put your family first.

If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?
I would encourage a new photographer to experiment with finding their own style and with really going for it. Do not be swayed by what is popular right now if that isn’t what you are interested in doing. Find your own voice in photography and do not be afraid to tell people no if you are not interested in doing weddings, parties, etc. I knew from the beginning what I wanted to photograph and what I didn’t and felt fine telling people that I do not do x y z and I think it really helped me feel good about what I was doing.

What do you love most about being a photographer?
I love every aspect of photography, from thinking up the concept, to picking out all of the styling and props, to actually taking the photos and then the editing process. I love it all. I also love the relationships I have made with clients as well as other photographers.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself teaching, pushing myself further and in new ways, and continuing the love I have right now for photography.

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About the Artist: Megan lives in Orange County, Ca with her husband, two children and bunny. She has been published in several children’s fashion magazines and specializes in children’s commercial & editorial fashion photography, as well as creative custom portraiture for her wonderful clients. She is a lover of pink, turquoise, vintage, cute animals, singing loudly, and sushi. She spends her time with her family, annoying them endlessly by taking photos of them constantly.  She is a lover of the light, the clouds, and beauty around us.

Visit Megan at her WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | GOOGLE+ pages here

And don’t forget, you can ask Megan anything you like in the Pretty Celebrity Mentor Forum for the entire month of January!!

Photographer Spotlight

Photographer Spotlight: Nichole Burnett

We are so excited to welcome the fabulous Nichole Burnett of Nichole Burnett Photography to the Blog! Take a moment to learn more about her beautiful family photography, and be sure to visit her website. Thank you so much Nichole for taking the time to share your work with us today!

Where did your inspiration for photography begin?
My inspiration for photography began in my early teens.  I would have my friends come over and we would have photo shoots in my room.  I’d take my comforter off of my bed and hang it from my curtain rod as my backdrop, then I’d use my bedroom lamps as my light.  My mom was a hobbyist so I would steal her camera and play with it.  I was terrible.  I didn’t even know what a shutter was at that point, but I knew I was intrigued.  After I had my first child that intrigue grew.  I bought my first DSLR and things went from there.

How would you describe your photography style?
My style is light and airy.  Sweet and thoughtful.  Happy and serene.  Modern and whimsical.

Did you study photography in school or are you self taught?
I consider myself self taught.  I was an art major in college and I did take a few digital photography courses, but I had already taught myself the basics of photography at that point.

What brand/model camera do you shoot, and what is your favorite lens?
I actually just switched from Nikon to Canon.  I have the Canon 5d MkIII and the Canon 5d MkII as backup and for underwater photography.  My favorite lens is my 45mm tilt shift.  There is just something special about that lens that I just love.

Do you have any tips for photographers on how to find the light?
Just challenge yourself.  Make it a point to see the light everywhere.  Try to shoot in light that isn’t desirable and try to make it work.  Push yourself and don’t forget to experiment.  The shot might not work out the way you hoped or it could work out better than you had thought.  Just keep learning and experimenting.
What is the most challenging thing about photographing families?
Honestly, I don’t find much challenging about photographing families.  It’s one of the reasons why I love it so much. 🙂  I am always saying that some of my favorite images are “perfectly imperfect” and that’s just something I embrace.   
What is a good lesson you have learned this year in photography or in your business?
I have learned that it takes a village sometimes in order to succeed.  I let go of a lot of things that I was trying to do myself and outsourced them.  I, in turn, have more time and less stress.  It’s amazing.  I should have done that sooner.

If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?
It would be to just be themselves.  Explore all areas of Photography and specialize in what makes you happy.  Even if it is something obscure.  When you love doing what you do, it shows.

What do you love most about being a photographer?
I love documenting children and families.  Children grow so fast and families do too.  Freezing those moments in time makes me incredibly happy.  Also, being my own boss and setting my own hours is pretty nice too. 🙂

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself living in my dream home, still documenting children and families and hopefully teaching more.

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About the Artist: Nichole Burnett is an award winning Santa Rosa Beach photographer located in Florida.  Her magnetic personality helps her subjects open up and feel at ease in front of the camera.  She has the innate ability to tell a story from a mother’s heart.  With Nichole’s soft pastel tones and the hazy nature of her images, her work is bound to take you to a magical place.  Nichole’s style is a bit unconventional, you’ll find that with Nichole Burnett Photography life is your fairytale.

Visit Nichole at her WEBSITE | FACEBOOK |  TWITTER | SHOP

Guest Contributor

Tips for Capturing the Perfect Silhouette

by Guest Contributor Hunter McRae

Any wedding and portrait photographer can tell you: there are times when the day’s light is running out, but you still need to squeeze one more dramatic shot out of the session. Silhouettes are the perfect solution.

Silhouettes are when your subject appears as a dark shape in front of a bright background, and can be an excellent way to add drama or a bit of mystery to a scene. It’s a fairly simple technique and really, it’s all about being in the right place at the right time with the right gear and knowledge of how to use it.

Whether you are squeaking out one last shot with the remaining light of the evening or you want to know how to convey drama any time of day, here are a few things I have learned to help capture the perfect silhouette:

Choosing Your Subject and Positioning
You want your subject to be fairly simple and easily recognizable in shape. When working with people, it’s usually best to have them turn to the side so you can see their profile and the viewer can recognize features such as the face or a pregnant belly.

When photographing couples, it’s romantic to have them kissing (but not if they turn into one giant blob). Be aware that when two figures come together in a silhouette, “the blob” can often happen, so you want to make sure there is just enough space between the two people to show each person’s individual features. I like to capture couples in the moments just before their lips touch, or as their foreheads barely press together. Walking, holding hands while looking at each other, a dip, or a twirl are always fun, too!

What really makes a silhouette stand out is the light and framing. When preparing for a shoot, think of locations that will present a good silhouette opportunity when the light is right. You’ll want to place your subject in front of a wide-open, brightly lit background. Ideally, the brightest source of light is going to be directly behind your subject.

Look for the Light
The best times of day to capture a silhouette are just before sunrise or around sunset. The light at these times will create a situation where your subject is strongly backlit and there will be contrast between the sky and your subject. You want to make sure that your subjects don’t have much light bouncing on the front of them and that the brightest light source is directly behind. You may get lucky with fabulous clouds and beautiful rich colors in the sky, which will add even more interest to the image.

Camera Settings

For silhouettes, open yourself up to breaking the ‘lighting rules.’ Instead of exposing correctly for the light on your subject’s face in the foreground, like usual, you’re going to need to expose correctly for the light in the background. You will need a camera that allows you to change the aperture, ISO and shutter speed. Shoot in manual mode and underexpose the shot just slightly. Shooting manually allows you to control these settings to achieve the look you want.

When possible, use a small aperture (high number) so that your subject and the majority of anything else showing in the image will be in focus. You want a large depth of field. Try not to go lower than f/8, however. If you are using a larger aperture, ensure that your subject is in focus — that’s absolutely critical for silhouette shots.

Start with your ISO low for the best quality but increase as needed and as light decreases when the sun goes down.

And lastly, set your shutter speed to match the exposure you’re aiming for. In general, you will need to use a tripod if the shutter speed is slower than the length of the lens you are using. Otherwise, your picture will be blurry with camera shake.

Selecting Your Gear
As mentioned earlier, you need a camera that shoots manually so that you can control your aperture, ISO, and shutter speed. You can capture silhouettes with just about any lens, but it helps to have a fixed low-light lens such as a 50mm f/1.2 or a 35mm f/1.4. These lenses will help you capture light even when your eye barely sees it anymore, but be aware that when you use the larger aperture (smaller number) you risk your subject being out of focus. You’ll lose depth of field, so do everything you can to try and make sure your subject stays sharp.

If your camera has an on-camera flash, turn it off. Additionally, it’ll be handy to carry a tripod with you in case you need to dial down your shutter speed as you lose light for the shot.

Post Processing
It’s always best to try and get your shot right in camera, but there are ways to enhance a near-perfect image. I usually add ‘pop’ to a shot by darkening the blacks, brightening the lights, adding some contrast, and using just a hint of saturation.

If you didn’t have enough light to work with, or if your settings were off, you can also brighten the entire image completely.

Using an Off-Camera Remote Flash
Lastly, there are times when it’s just impossible to place your subject above the horizon line and use a bright sky as the backdrop. Fortunately, there is another way to create a silhouette. You need an assistant or a light stand and an off-camera flash with a remote trigger. I use Canon Speedlites and Pocket Wizards. Have your assistant hold the flash behind your subject or place your light stand directly behind your subject, and fire away. This technique creates a beautiful rim light behind your subject, separating them from the dark background. This technique is fun and creative. With the right tools and just the right amount of practice you’ll be on your way!

These are just my suggestions and there are no cut-and-dry rules to capturing a perfect silhouette image. Practice and experiment and take your camera everywhere! The beauty of using digital cameras is that you can take as many pictures as you need to get it right. Don’t be afraid to experiment and shoot a lot! I’d love to see some of your great silhouettes!

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About the Artist: Hunter McRae is an award-winning photojournalist and wedding photographer based in Charleston, S.C. She has been featured in the New York Times and Weddings Unveiled and is a frequent blogger for BorrowLenses.com.

Visit Hunter at her WEBSITE | FACEBOOK pages today!

 

 

Photographer Spotlight

Photographer Spotlight: Lexia Frank

We are so excited to welcome the wonderfully talented Lexia Frank of Lexia Frank Photography to the Blog! Take a moment to learn more about her beautiful wedding photography, and be sure to visit her website. Thank you so much Lexia for taking the time to share your work with us today!


Where did your inspiration for photography begin?
I’ve always known I would be an artist in some capacity, even when i was a child. i have a diary from when I was six that had a little questionnaire in the beginning that posed the question: “what do you want to do when you grow up?”  and I answered: “a dancer and an artist” and am happy to say I grew up to be both. It’s not often adults take children seriously when they express their desires of what they want to be when they grow up, but luckily for me, my parents did.  They put me in special art classes, and when I was serious about ballet, they drove me an hour and a half both ways to classes every night of the week. It was really a massive sacrifice for my parents as well as myself.

When I was in high school my dad (an incredible hobbyist photographer in his own right) showed me how to use his Nikon film camera. He loaned it to me on the premise that it must ALWAYS stay in Manual mode. If he ever caught me with it on automatic, it would no longer be available to me. He wanted me to fully understand the camera and the science behind how to create the image I had in my mind, and never let the camera do the thinking for me. There was also a bit of luck involved. My first darkroom printing class I had in high school, the first image i developed actually turned out (a picture of a corn husk- I’m from a small town in the midwest!), which spurred a little bit of confidence in myself and gave me the momentum to keep working at the craft.

How would you describe your photography style?
Quietly emotive. Sometimes I find myself taking my clients away from the hustle and bustle, bringing them down to a more peaceful place and actually whispering!  Then again, the ruckus of real life is also a favorite of mine to capture unobtrusively!

Did you study photography in school or are you self taught?
I did study specifically photography. I went to the university of wisconsin in Madison and majored in fine art.  There was a lot of photography involved, and history of art and photography as well.  It gave me a really great base to build upon.  However, the photography I did and studied in school was fine art based, not portrait based, so I really had a lot of learning to do in my field. I was TERRIBLE in the beginning!

What brand/model camera do you shoot, and what is your favorite lens?
I am not a brand specific photographer. I shoot with the medium/brand/lens that best fits the given situation.  I am 99% film based, and shoot with a Contax 645 medium format camera with an 80mm lens or a 35mm lens, a Rolleiflex sl66, a Nikon f4, a Polaroid 66SE… the list could go on.   If the rare occurance happens where i need to shoot digital (for a commercial shoot and they need to see the images on set for instance), I shoot with my Nikon d3S and whatever lens is required for the shoot, or a Canon 7d, etc.

Do you have any tips for photographers on how to find the light?
I have a pretty strong opinion on this one.  A lot of photographers talk about ‘good light’. ‘find the light’, etc.  I think, personally, it’s kind of a load of crap.  There is good light ALL THE TIME when there is light. You just have to know how to use it, and what sort of feeling it is going to emote in the photograph.  Shooting at sunset is pretty, and will give that soft sort of magical feel to a photograph, but sometimes it’s not an option or sometimes, frankly, you’re just sick of it. Noon-time full sun can be GORGEOUS! This shot was done at noon in Jamaica.
Harsh light can be gorgeous when you use shadows and geometry:
or after the sun has already set:
or when there is almost no light at all:

I think it’s important to fail, and fail often – preferrably not with clients. Which means that you need to be doing personal work, and carrying your camera with you EVERY.DAY.  It’s also important to get comfortable shooting in all different kinds of light so that when you’re put in (what you feel is) a less-than-ideal situation with a client, you know how to comfortably handle it and be confident you’re going to deliver killer imagery. Versatility is a tool not many photographers carry in their back pocket. It’s a tool gained through massive amounts of failure and trial and error.

What is the most challenging thing about photographing weddings?
It has changed for me over the years. At first, it was very close to what we were discussing above- the versatility of the day. There are so many changes and scenarios that you have to be comfortable handling (especially with lighting), and there is only so much control over you have over it. Meeting client expectations – they want sunset pictures, but it’s raining outside.  Once I was comfortable shooting in every lighting situation and felt like a ninja, the hardest thing was managing client expectations and educating my clients beforehand so there were no bumps in the road or unachievable expectations. Now, I think my biggest challenge is balancing the need to shoot both stunning portraits and beautiful details but also giving the same amount of care and attention to the photojournalist aspect of wedding photography. Many times, after shooting the portraits and details, photographers (myself included) breathe a sigh of relief and sort of let down in a way… and just shoot casually the on-goings of the day. I’m working on making this a focus of mine and giving it the same care as the rest of my work.
 
What is a good lesson you have learned this year in photography or in your business?
This has been the year of lessons for myself. I’ve been in business 6 years, and the 6-year-slump did indeed happen. I burnt out a bit and took on some personal work instead. Ryan Weeger and Zalmy Berkowitz were kind enough to let me tag along at one of their weddings to photograph photojournalistic moments without any pressure of delivering the standard photographs (ie- safety shots) that I feel like my clients need/expect. Having that pressure lifted, I was free to try unusual angles, shoot in all black and white if I wanted, free to fail and mess up and step out of my comfort zone.  Failing is important.
In terms of business, if we’re being all too real here, I learned that you can not just ‘get to a point’ in your business where you no longer need to network and reach out. Last year, I felt like my business would sort of run itself, people would find me, I wouldnt need to market or network. I was busy buying a house and renovating it, getting my kids in school, and moving across the country.  It turns out, no matter how successful you may be in your field, you still need to hit the pavement and hustle, otherwise you’ll see the affects of that decision a year later with slow bookings.  Now in a new area, it’s like I’m starting from scratch, and it takes a LOT of effort, hurts the ego, and puts you right back in your place!

If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?
To fail and grow all the time. I think it’s important to distinguish here that when I say ‘fail’, I concurrently mean ‘grow’.  If you’re failing all the time and you’re also not growing – it’s a sign that maybe you shouldn’t quit your day job and perhaps you should find a different creative outlet.   But if you are failing all the time while at the same time growing, that means you are constantly stepping out of your safe zone and working. I also always encourage photographers to stay with one camera body, one lens, and one film stock, one lab until they know it like the back of their hand. THEN switch one of those things out. You don’t need a lot of equipment- you need equipment that you KNOW. Also, if everyone’s shooting backlit f/2, shoot direct sun f/8.  Make it your own.

What do you love most about being a photographer?
I love the people. The people in the industry, the people I get to meet and take a peek at the most intimate moments of their life, telling their stories, and treating them with love.  I also am a sensitive soul that hates confrontation or uncomfortable situations, so I think I’ve successfully surrounded myself with people who are experiencing the most happy moments of their entire life.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
If it’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you can’t predict the future, and it’s futile to try to do so. I’m not saying don’t have goals, but I’m saying be open to the doors that present themselves to you. I actually NEVER thought I’d be doing wedding photography, but it was a door I sort of accidentally stepped through without realizing it. My only goal is to be focused on doing the best work I possibly can in the here-and-now, and be mindful of opportunities that come knocking.

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About the Artist: Lexia Frank is a highly sought after fine art wedding and portrait film photographer, who regularly shoots throughout the continental US as well as internationally. As a former ballet dancer with the Madison Ballet, she attributes her love for the human form and the arts from her years in training, and she translates this beautifully into her photography. While obtaining her degree in Fine Art from the University of Wisconsin, she fell in love with the traditional practices of film photography, and continues to use these methods of image making in her business, which helps to set her apart from the slew of digital media in this current age. In her work, she aspires to create honest, raw, quietly emotional imagery. In 2011, Lexia won the prestigious Canon Project Imagin8ion Contest chosen by Ron Howard as the winner from amongst almost 100,000 photographs. The Chosen photograph went on to inspire the award winning film, “When You Find Me”, directed by Academy Award winning director Ron Howard and Bryce Dallas Howard. Ron Howard says about Lexia’s work: “It’s dramatic, it’s utterly human, powerfully relatable. (her work) Spoke so pointedly, powerfully, to a very relatable set of human emotions.”
She, as well as her work, have graced the cover of many national magazines such as BabyTalk, Rangefinder, and Veil magazine; exhibited in galleries; and authored many articles on photography. She has been interviewed for magazines and news programs alike, and as an industry leader she also teaches master classes at the world’s largest photography convention- WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International). Her work has taken her all over the world- to Africa, the Middle East, Europe, South America, the Caribbean, and beyond. In the future she hopes to continue to tell people’s stories photographically here in the US and beyond, and to teach her two young boys the art of slowing down to appreciate the beauty that is this life.

Visit Lexia at her WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | TUMBLR | GOOGLE+ pages

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