Studio Saga…

As some of my loyal followers are aware, I’ve been in search of my own studio off and on for quite a while now…  Today I sadly report that I am no closer to having one than I was when I started…  I would love to lease some space on “main street” but the fact of the matter is – that will never happen. Living in a farming community, in a region of the state that’s already oversaturated with photographers, I just can’t justify spending 4 times the amount in rent than I would ever take in. Unless of course I raise my rates, and that’s something I do not want to do.  My business plan is to provide the best quality photography at the cheapest prices – period…  I’m not trying to get rich, but get by – doing something that I love to do…
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Lighting!!

A few days ago I ordered, and received, two of each.

  • Yongnuo RF-603NII wireless transmitters and receivers;
  • Yongnuo YN560-III Speedlites (with built in wireless receivers compatible with the above RF-603’s);
  • BAVA Speedlite and Umbrella light stand mounts;
  • Westcott 43 inch Umbrellas.

This past Saturday I had a chance to try them out with Alyson at her home! I had previously booked a session on Saturday with Alyson, and I was going to use just my hot shoe mounted Nikon SB-800 Speedlight to do the job, but the arrival of the remote lighting gear presented an opportunity that I couldn’t resist! The timing couldn’t have been more perfect either because it was really dark that day. Heavy overcast and rain – so ambient light was minimal.
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Post Processing Portraits

“A portrait that is post processed properly, won’t look like it’s been post processed at all.”  

Ok, I confess, that’s my own quote. But I think it’s a great philosophy to follow regarding post processing photos – portraits in particular.

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Long Time No Write!!

It’s been months since I’ve written anything here!  Don’t know why really, other than it’s been a very busy summer!!  Lot’s of photo sessions, and all but one of them successful!  Even the unsuccessful one was good in a way though – it made me realize I need to change my business practices so I don’t get stung!!  Lesson learned!   A small sample of what I’ve been shooting this summer!!  🙂

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After The Session Is Over…

One of the things that most “non photographer” people don’t understand, is just how much work that still needs to be done AFTER the session is over.  Mainly this extra work falls into one category – post processing.  Post processing can be the difference between a ho-hum snapshot and a breathtaking photograph, and depending on what needs to be done, it can take anywhere from just a few minutes to over an hour – for ONE photo. Thankfully there are a few tools available that make this job as easy as possible.  Two of my favorites are Adobe® Photoshop, and Adobe® Lightroom.

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Success in Photography

Fear… Doubts… Procrastination… Not working hard enough… Not taking risks… All these things, and more, sabotage our efforts to succeed…

This video is inspiring to me…  I keep reminding myself to work at it harder!!!

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Some revelations regarding the modeling industry…

Well… I’m halfway through my second week of my two week vacation, and really nothing has turned out the way that I had planned it.  With two weeks off, I was certain I could complete a few photo sessions and get them checked off my list, but as it turned out so far, I haven’t shot a single one!  The one that I was really looking forward to, something a little outside the norm for me and had been planning the longest – totally fell through.  My model was eager right up until a few days before the shoot, and then suddenly can’t be found…

Bad move there! [Read more…]

Studio Lighting

In my quest for my own studio, I have also been on the lookout for lighting. There are a lot of options out there to choose from – different types of strobes, light modifiers, etc… But the choice that I keep going back to, that seems the most appealing to me, is LED continuous lighting. [Read more…]

My Quest For A Studio…

As some of my friends know, I’ve been on the lookout for a cheap studio solution. My quest thus far has been disappointing to say the least.  Trying to lease or rent a location is prohibitively expensive, and I don’t have a suitable location to use in my home either.  That leaves building a structure on the property to use specifically for that purpose, which technically is the most ideal solution as I can then set it up precisely as I want it, but this option is also expensive…  I’m thinking a 2 car “garage kit” would be ideal.  One half to be used as the studio itself, and the other half to be used as storage for props, lighting, equipment, and a small dressing room…  Hopefully someday…

When your camera gets all the credit

“Wow!  Your camera sure takes incredible photos!”   Why do statements like this incite irritation in some photographers?  I mean as a photographer myself, I do understand the source of the frustration, there is more to a great shot than just having a great camera in hand, but then again I also have a “so what” attitude regarding statements like that too… If people like your photos, does it really matter? [Read more…]