Take & Talk Pics

Light Painting with Harold Ross

Harold Ross (b 1956), is an American fine-art photographer who lives and works in southern Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Since 1979, Harold has been creating distinctive work in the studio as well as in the night landscape. For 27 years, he has specialized in light painting, a technique involving "painting" the light over a long time exposure. Harold actually refers to his process as “sculpting with light”. He also teaches workshops in his methods and regularly gives lectures on his work.

Born into a military family in 1956, Harold grew up in New Mexico and Germany. His parents were adventurous, and took the family on outings almost every weekend... hiking in the desert, horseback riding and camping in the mountains, exploring castles and old gardens in Germany and camping in Italy. These outings, of course, left many lasting impressions.

He earned a B.F.A from Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), after which he produced fine art and taught photography at the college level for several years.

His large scale color work has been exhibited, published and collected in the U.S. and internationally. Publications include Photo China Magazine, the Italian magazine Progresso Fotografico and the Ukrainian magazine Ukraine Photographer, among others. Here at home, his work has been featured in LensWork #93 and #121, The New York Times LENS blog, and Professional Photographer Magazine, and others.

In 2011, Harold was invited to participate in an exhibition of landscape photography in Inner Mongolia, China along with 10 other American and 20 Chinese photographers. He was also chosen as one of four photographers to exhibit in the inaugural FRESH 2011, at Klompching Gallery in Brooklyn, New York.

Happy Shooting!

w: haroldrossfineart.com

Blog: hharoldrossfineart.wordpress.com

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Make Changes

Photo World if you are learning and growing then you are changing. Often it can be difficult to make change and go along with them but it is a necessary practice to improve from where you are.

So here we are on the 250th episode on Take & Talk Pics! I have been so blessed to do this podcast and bring this content to you Photo World. However, I have been learning, growing, and yes, changing.

I have been finding there are so many things I have planned for my work and businesses and I need to make a few adjustments right here on the podcast and blog.

First, the show is going to be on a bit of a break. I can't bring myself to stop because I am far too passionate about what this show means to me and what I want to continue contributing to you Photo World.

So being somewhat on the back burner you can expect 2 episodes a month. Once every other week. Ideally these would be interviews with photographers from around the world, but I know there will be a few here and there where I need to share solo from time to time.

As I make changes, I would like consistency, and a space where Photo World can continue to learn from me. So I will maintain a weekly blog post right here on Take & Talk Pics.

Happy Shooting!

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Nikon Active D-Lighting

Photo World this episode is more proof that you need to know your gear to fully understand the potential you bring to every shoot. Knowing your gear is good but knowing when, where, and how to use the tools effectively is the real test of a pro photographer versus a hobbyist. The Active D-Lighting setting for Nikon cameras is another great example of why it can be important to fully understand your camera.

Active D-Lighting is really Active Dynamic Lighting... Dynamic being richer with tonality. Like HDR isn't High Definition Resolution HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. Active D-Lighting isn't nearly the tonal range of HDR but it is a step in that direction. Active D-Lighting is also a Nikon specific option. Canon has ALO or Auto Lighting Optimizer, but ALO is only a fraction of the influence as Active D-Lighting ends up being.

There are many reasons to use Active D-Lighting but understanding more about how it works will clear up much of the confusion. Active D-Lighting offers the photographer the option to under expose to crush the highlights so they remain intact in the final image. The Active D-Lighting opens the otherwise underexposed shadows in camera and embedded into the RAW file. This allows for more details in the shadows than usual.

With selective settings from Low all the way to Extra High, Active D-Lighting is an awesome tool to be used in making better pictures. However, listen to the episode to hear why I like Canon RAW files more than my own Nikon RAW images. Hint: it has to do with Active D-Lighting.

When you take the time to investigate the inter workings of your gear you have the freedom to raise the bar on your images and continue stepping in the right direction, not only for your images, but you and your business overall.

Happy Shooting!

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Dust Mapping

Photo World we work so hard to have beautiful, clean, well made photographs. We did this back in the film days too, but there was a battle going on against dust and scratches. We still see issues today when it comes to dust.

They make air blowers, sensor brushes, lens cleaner fluids, micro fiber cloths, lens tissue, sensor gels, or you can send your equipment out for professional cleaning... There are a lot of options today to ensure that we don't have one spec of dust in an image where we don't want it. However, most of these tools/devices/options are horrible and cause more damage than help solve problems. Often it is user error but I say why take the risk!

Now there are many things you can do that are low risk and may clear up those dust spots but every so often there is a spot we can't seem to shake. I give a couple cleaning examples I do but my favorite and most trusted is send it out to a pro who will also assume responsibility.

Photo World, if you really can't get the job done or can't get the right person to do it for you, you may want to consider Dust Mapping. This in camera software driven process will save you hours of editing.

Happy Shooting!

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Time-lapse Photography

Photo World I needed a break from all the business talk because at the end of the day my addiction to photography needs some attention as well as my passion for building businesses. Time-lapse Photography is a bit of its own practice. In fact it began mostly by accident and has slowly evolved into spectacular motion pictures.

Time-lapse Photography is more simplified than it used to be with the advent of digital. In short it's a series of images being complied into video, for a quick view of an extended time. Hence Time-lapse.

There are several ways to make a time-lapse video but the easiest is the automated feature found in most DSLRs and Mirrorless systems. However, the highest quality is making the final video by way of capturing each image individually and edit to your liking. Much more time consuming but the results are stunning.

Let's run some numbers:

1 picture every second for 1 minute straight would offer you 60 images to be used as 2 seconds of video at 30 frames per second.

10 minutes of time-lapse for 1 second of video when you shoot at an interval of 6 seconds between shots.

Say you want 30 seconds of video and you are shooting at an interval of 1 shot every minute… That would be a 15 hour long shoot to have a frame rate of 30 frames per second.

Time-lapse is an investment but the results can be stunning.

Check more from Edward Muybridge.

Happy Shooting!

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Savings Plan

Photo World when you run your own business it doesn't matter when it comes up or in what aspect the conversation takes place... most of us, when we start out, do not like to talk money. That could be one of the worst offsets to a secure savings plan for a infant business.

When I sit down with clients I have absolutely no fear to talk about how the money works. This confidence emerged after six years in business as a professional. Six years living in fear of that one five letter word. One thing we all want more of, feel we have too little, and can't seem to stretch far enough. Money.

There are literally dozens of episodes I could do in highlight money's role in a small business. I tango with several of the topics involved from taxes, to loss, paying your bills, and having a savings plan.

Regardless of your photographic genre or even your business for that matter... We must step back and look at the year as a whole before we begin understanding our fiance. This episode may just be the key.

Happy Shooting!

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Why Should You Blog

Photo World as you can tell by the title I am going to totally sell you on the idea of why should you blog. Okay, not really but I am going to talk about the purpose and operations behind how a blog works. The true conversation is about good business practice, showcasing your talent, and hoe to obtain a free or cheap marketing funnel.

It is a lot of information to be crammed in a 10 minute episode but when it comes to blogging it's pretty simple. There are many reasons why you should blog. However, and I know this first hand, there are countless reasons to give up on a blog. It isn't as exciting because the investment of time is greater than most people are willing to give and results are not as instant as most would like.

That being said... Blogging is a long term investment but the payoff can be amazing. Listen to the example story of a friend of mine I share in today's episode. She went from doing pictures as a hobby to a six figure business in only one year.

Happy Shooting!

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Build Your List

That's right Photo World, you need to build your list. That is your email list. Think of the countless emails you receive that are of little to no value for you, but there is one email every so often that keep you as a subscriber to that list.

Now, you don't have to bombard people with nonsensical emails day in and day out. However you may find a use for the list over time. Some will tell you to make a few lists that fit into categories like most likely to buy, least likely, and somewhere in the middle.

My view is collect all emails and compile a list of possible for sales. At the very least if you build your list you could always come back to it when the time is right. In this episode I discuss when the right time might be to use your list.

Anyone and everyone is a candidate to be considered. If you are able to acquire an email at any point then you are a step closer to a possible "yes" for your product or service. You have to consider any contact or inquiry is the halfway point to a "Yes". In other words gaining someone's email address is a "maybe" to buying your product or service.

You never know what you will do in the future so build your list in the present!

Happy Shooting!

All Work and No Play

We often feel like there's too much to do. To many things on our plate and we can't catch up; so much, that it seems our business, our career, our supposed passion is all work and no play. Just like anything else in life there is a time and place for everything. It's my belief that all work and no play should be observed from time to time. However, it's draining on the mind and the body to live life this way.

Happy Shooting!

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Giving Back

Photo World I offer a free coaching call. Scroll to the bottom of this page if you are interested. One thing I do for every call is get to know you and your business. Following the call I give a thank you gift for having done the call. I don't want to share everything, but highlight 1 point on the gift.

Giving back to your community. In the episode I read word for word how I view this point and what I include in this gift. In short I have found giving back to your community does many things and it is different for each of us. It can be for a feel goof feeling, maybe to help out for a cause you believe in, or just to show that you are motivated to be a part of your community.

Whatever the reason giving back is a beautiful thing. Take it one step further and incorporate your skill, talent, and passion for photography and creatively look for ways to overlap your photography work with community service. Perhaps you could do photos for a local animal shelter so they have quality images.

Happy Shooting!

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Cost of Doing Business

Photo World there is an old saying: It takes money to make money. That saying is so true and truer still when it comes to marketing. Marketing is one of the costs of doing business, in fact, it is the largest cost of doing business. In today's episode I break down three marketing strategies I have tried over the past few years. Admittedly, over one dozen attempts at marketing have taken place for Rob Krueger Photography and most have failed miserably. A few have been successful and have become the new standard for all future marketing.

Photo World you have everything to risk when you start marketing your business. It can be costly... at first. Hopefully, those trial and error tests of marketing will open up the opportunity your business needs. One marketing avenue I had used was Google ads. My experience wasn't typical but I confidently feel it is a valuable option for most photography businesses.

I have had my own ups and downs when it comes to marketing and today I only discuss the idea of paid marketing. a brief mention to word of mouth as well as social media marketing is worth remembering. The fact that we have a free (social media) option for marketing our businesses is brilliant. On the one hand that is part of the reason the market feels saturated at times. However, saturated markets is a myth.

Happy Shooting!

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Rule of Thirds Pricing

Photo World, making up what you do with your pricing is hard enough. I spent years, with trial and error, figuring out an efficient way to make life easier when it comes to talking money. I have created a rule of thirds pricing...

Have a set pricing for your customers Define who your customer is and how you would charge them Give appropriate breaks to the right people

I have broken my customer base into 3 main categories, hence the rule of thirds. One has three sub categories within it. You'll have to listen to get the who scoop.

If you have been having trouble determining your pricing for new customers, family, friends, referrals, or repeat clients maybe this episode will help you. I know when you’re starting out it seems more important to just book the work or sell the art just for the sake of doing so. Newer photographers often make the mistake of taking what they can get and breaking their own pricing rules. These simple rules I have laid out will help guide you to a more successful pricing structure and a good path to improving your own pricing model in the future.

Happy Shooting!

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People Person

There is no rule in business that says you must be a people person but I like to lean on logic when I question these types of things. In a truly logical sense, in every career or job, in every industry, there are people involved. Either you are getting something done/created for other people or you are having work done for you. Your business really revolves around the idea that someone is on the other end of just about everything your do. With that, being a people person could just be the most important skill you develop for your business. I will say when I got started as a photographer people were the one subject I never wanted to deal with. However, I had a benefit most don't get; I was able to watch a pro photographer in action. Not just a pro photographer but one who was already in business for 20 years when I started working for him, one who was an excellent people person, and one who genuinely knew how to interact with others. I learned how to be a people person.

Happy Shooting!

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Network Time

Photo World it is time to get back to business. Admittedly, the show has been struggling these past few weeks and the content has suffered. However, you still mean a great deal to me and I want you to know there are many great things to come. That being said it is time to get back in gear... it is time to talk business.

If you recall I had a few episodes focused on the startup of a photography business and how to go about doing that. This is a continuation of that track. When I started I would say my greatest failure was never networking in my industry. I always thought networking was about talking yourself up and trying to impress those around you with your successes. I know now that is a horrible way to network. If you don't believe me, try it. Talk yourself up to everyone around you and then star to listen for everyone talking about you. Not in a good way but talking about how annoyed they are with you. Or look at it from the other side. Think of those people who always have to one up you. Not a fan right?

Happy Shooting!

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Talk Yourself Up

Sometimes you need to talk yourself up. Photo World, the way we handle our internal reactions will often determine our external reality. I have spoken about mindset and maintaining professionalism in the past but what about those times when it seems like nothing is going your way? What about when you are feeling a creative block? How about times when rejection clouds your mood? There are plenty of things to think about when something doesn’t go our way. However, it is difficult to maintain a positive attitude. Start with a slight hesitation and replay this thought: When and if you are ever feeling down, do not listen to yourself; but instead, talk to yourself.

This isn’t some trick to get yourself feeling better or some roundabout way to talk yourself up. This is a simple statement to remind you of a better approach to improving your thought process. Next episode I will go over a few ways to rethink rejection and how to find the positive moment.

Photo World can you think of a time when you needed to talk yourself up? Share your story in the comments section below. We all learn from our own experiences but we can learn even more when we hear it from others. It helps to know we are not alone in all of this nor are we the only ones going through a rough time. Share to help talk one another up and not just ourselves. 

Happy Shooting!

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What They Did

I want to wrap up my thoughts from the last episode… I talks about starting out and there have been a few dedicated episodes with that same idea in mind, but it is really leading us to today’s topic. I had heard, and I don’t know if this is his quote, businessman Dave Ramsey  mention to one of h callers; “When you want to be thinner you talk to thin people, ask them what they did. When you want to be rich you talk to rich people, ask them what they did.” That ignited the exact same principal in me when concerning photography. When you want to be a more successful photographer you talk to successful photographers, ask them what they did. Directly asking someone who they became successful is not really the best strategy, but there are ways of learning the steps those, whose work you admire, did what they did to accomplish for where they are at now.

As a good start you should begin with who do you surround yourself with? What are they like? Do you wish you were in the same position they are in? If you are wanting what those around you have then you may be in the right crowd. If you would never want what those around you have, stop having those individuals around you. Remove yourself from instability and immerse yourself in opportunity. Opportunity is nothing more than being prepared and keeping a look out for it. You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. So it helps to know who they are, but more importantly, what they did. Choose your friends wisely.

Happy Shooting!

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Rocky Start

Photo World there are always so many things that come across my desk (screen) and I find once in a while, I see things that strike a chord with me. Recently, a story was shared withe me about another "photographer" who borrowed a few pictures to supplement their own portfolio in hopes to sell to new clients. They had said, once they were caught, that they would remove those borrowed images when they built a stronger portfolio. Photo World, if you were ever wondering how to get started in this industry there are hundreds of ways to do it. Some are better than others, but there are an oblivious few that should never be used.

On the other end of the spectrum, as a professional, I don't know if there is much I can do if and when I ever come across this situation with my images. Would I be mad, upset, or vengeful? Maybe all three, maybe none at all. This episode isn't meant to be some sort of anti-theft device and I do steer away from the topic a bit but just another one of those things where it has been brought to my attention.

Happy Shooting!

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Manual Mode

Photo World how could I go through each priority mode and not finally speak on Manual Mode. However, I don’t really do that much here. I should have called this episode Rob Mode because I selfishly only talk about how I shoot and how I couple Manual Mode with my Metering. Although, Manual Mode is really “insert name here” Mode every time. If you think about how we create images, and you will hear me speak to the topic of “Style” here today, we will find it all starts from our own understanding of our gear and how we use it to create our looks. Admittedly, some of the thoughts seem disconnected but I do tie up my point in the end and hopefully give you a rough outline to doing what you love for a living. Ultimately, this is a show to help the “enter your current photographic level here” photographer to gain knowledge and experience to move forward and grow toward the next level of their journey. Whatever that may be.

We will make our way back to the business stuff soon enough. I wanted to break for a few episodes to really break down some areas on the camera in hopes to offer insight or possibility in using those options. Sometimes we get so set in what is comfortable nothing great can happen anymore because the possible is so beyond the realm of comfort.

Happy Shooting!

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Program Mode

Photo World in my opinion Program mode is the transitional mode between auto and manual. Now if you have played with or made some understanding of how to effectively use the shutter priority and aperture priority modes then you are going to feel very comfortable with the Program Mode. Basically the camera will decide for you what the exposure will be with the exception of ISO. However, just like the other two priority modes you can enable that setting as well.

Program mode wants good safe exposure for the situation the camera is presented with. Offering you the cleanest images with everything being considered. Now this is where Program mode is actually kind of cool… you may change the shutter or the aperture depending on a sharpness, depth of filed, freezing or blurring motion, and even creative attributes. No matter what you change or how you decide to do so the camera will automatically come up with the equivalent exposure. This is the main feature to Program mode because it acts as an exposure safety net. There will be limitations because one setting will affect the other, those settings being shutter speed and aperture, but you have a lot of latitude especially when you are unsure.

A tip I had heard about but have never practiced myself, if you typically shoot in manual, put your camera in Program Mode when you pack your camera bag. This way when and if you come across something that needs to be captured at a moment’s notice you can easily open your bag, grab your camera, turn it on, and shoot with safe exposure settings to ensure capturing that photo. Then you may switch over to manual or where ever you would like and shoot like you normally would. I could see that being a good practice for many photographers who actively react when they see a picture worthy scene.

Happy Shooting!

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Aperture Priority Mode

Hey Photo World! I need to clear up one small detail from the last episode on Shutter Priority. I never mentioned that many of you may see is as "Tv" mode or "Time Value". This is the standard for Canon as well as a few other cameras out there. Today I go over the Aperture Priority Mode or as you Canon users will see "Av" or "Aperture Value". Let me cut to the chase because I am going to sound like a broken record if I don't just lay this out there now. These modes or any modes for that matter are useless, unless you try them out and see where they can benefit your photography and work. I still feel Manual it he best way to learn and shoot. You get to a point in your photography where complete control is necessary and extremely beneficial to your image making.

With that said,  Aperture Priority Mode is as restricting as the Shutter Priority Mode. You may engage the option to select your ISO or leave it to the camera, but this is only to get "correct exposure". That is a whole other topic itself.

Happy Shooting!

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Shutter Priority Mode

Photo World I am on this “what does every little thing in my camera do and how can it be helpful to me?” kick. I know that’s not really a thing but for me blabbing on like I do it is an important enough discussion to have. Also, it gets my attention because there are so many functions I almost never use and perhaps it is because I don’t know as much as I would like about it. It isn’t 100% of the time but I would say I shoot exclusively in Manual exposure. Today, and the rest of this week, I want to walk through other Priority Modes that most DSLR’s offer and maybe why it would be something worth using or at least trying out. Photo World, that brings me to today’s topic: Shutter Priority Mode. The Shutter Priority is exactly like it sounds… You choose the shutter and the camera will do the rest. This is a great little tool for things like Sports or something where you need the speed for really freezing the image. There is more to say about it so that’s where having a podcast comes in handy – free to listen and I don’t have to write more about it. Next time on Take & Talk Pics I will be going over Aperture Priority Mode.

Happy Shooting!

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Nikon CLS

There are specific sensor receptors to interact with the Creative Lighting System or CLS. The number one complaint is the flash wont fire because of too much sun or there isn’t enough power from the on camera flash. There are so many “reasons” people have for why they think it won’t work and the number one actual problem is user error. Not having the sensor aiming back at the camera or master flash and incorrect or insufficient power from the commander flash are also a big problem for an effective CLS.  If you know your gear and you practice how you plan on using it long before you actually put it to use on the job you have a much better chance at being successful with that gear. This has never been truer than when using CLS. It isn’t a complicated system however it can be a limiting system if you are not fully prepared.

Choose the Chanel, Choose the Group, You can shoot in TTL or Manual.

The coolest thing about the Creative Lighting System is: wireless wasn't always affordable and this function for off camera flash has been around for a number of years. TTL wireless is only just becoming affordable and I know many of my students starting out are still not able/willing to make the investment for that function, but CLS offers it. Lastly and the best one by far is High Speed Sync (HSS) with off camera lighting, especially in TTL, is still a bit pricey and the cheaper versions seem to have bad reviews across the board, but you guessed it CLS even includes that.

More info on Nikon CLS:

https://support.nikonusa.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/9520/~/nikon-creative-lighting-system-(cls)

Happy Shooting!

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AE-L/AF-L or AF-ON

AE-L/AF-L

AE-L

AF-ON

There are also other, detailed, options for these functions. AE Lock only, AE Lock (Reset on release), AE Lock (Hold) and AF Lock only.

You may have to set a function button for this same option but not have a dedicated AE-L or AF-L button.

AE-L stands for Automatic Exposure Lock or Auto Exposure Lock. AF-L stands for Automatic Focus Lock or Auto Focus Lock. The way this button works is you may compose an image, press the shutter release half way down to catch your focus, then press and hold the AE-L/AF-L, remove your finger from the shutter release, re-compose your image, and then release the shutter to take your picture.

As far as I can tell there is very little use for the AE-L (Auto Exposure Lock). The use of this function suggests you are shooting with an automated exposure mode; Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, or Program modes. Furthermore, this would indicate you are not shooting in Manual. Now I understand the Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, and Program modes, but these are specialty modes that should only be used under the right conditions. If you are like me and shoot in Manual just about all of the time this AE-L/AF-L or AF-ON function serves little to no purpose. In fact, I find it to be a much slower process to use the AE-L/AF-L button.

Happy Shooting!

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Question Assumptions with Nick Leung

Today’s featured guest is Nick Leung!

Nick is a wedding photographer based out of Seattle Washington for 8 months and then Hong Kong China the remaining 4 months of the year. He was named one of Seattle’s top 25 wedding photographers in 2015. His wedding photography career kicked off on a remote stretch of the Great Wall of China 4 years ago and that inspiring moment keeps Nick driven to continue the double fronted wedding business he runs.

Notes from Rob: Nick and I seemed to be on the same page as far as mindset and our approach to business. I was impressed with his outlook and understanding on both progress and opportunity. I can easily say we both continue to look forward and have a drive to see "what else" when it comes to our photography and our businesses. This will not be the last you see/hear from Nick.

Happy Shooting!

w: nickleungphotography.com

Blog: nickleungphotography.com/blog

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Pixel Binning

Hey Photo World! First, I would like to start off with the fact that I am no expert on the Pixel Binning subject bur more so I am an interested learner on all things photography. My latest endeavor has been studying up and testing out the sRAW option on my Nikon D810 and D750. For more information on my findings so far with sRAW you can listen to episode 226 here!

In my search on sRAW, there were many references to pixel binning and how it should be a much more effective down scaling of resolution to ¼ the size of a traditional full resolution RAW file. At face value, it sounded like a great solution to the speculated sRAW flaws. However, after investigating the difference between compressions with RAW files, sRAW images, and even the compression operations of JPEG images, there seemed to be little evidence that pixel binning offers substantial improvements. Then, I gathered much of my information by reading through multiple blogs and other writings on the subject and here is a list of the sites I read from.

http://www.cloudynights.com/topic/489187-understanding-binning/.

http://info.adimec.com/blogposts/bid/42336/Shot-noise-reduction-with-machine-vision-cameras-using-in-camera-processing.

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3922435.

http://www.photometrics.com/resources/learningzone/binning.php.

http://www.andor.com/learning-academy/ccd-binning-what-does-binning-mean.

http://www.olympusmicro.com/primer/digitalimaging/concepts/binning.html.

http://info.adimec.com/blogposts/bid/104547/Binning-to-increase-SNR-and-frame-rate-with-CCD-and-CMOS-industrial-cameras.

Although, the multitude of information on the subject it seems to be a very technical operation. After ingesting the information I have given thought to the entirety of the subject and feel there are little to no benefits to want to see pixel binning in a DSLR camera CMOS sensor. However, an improvement on the sRAW format or an allowance of an mRAW (medium RAW) equaling half resolution vs the quarter resolution of a sRAW image would be a more appropriate settlement on the RAW size options.

Finally, I would be pleased to see Nikon and Canon offer a sRAW and mRAW with a bit depth choice as well. That would benefit many photographers out there.

Happy Shooting!

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sRAW

I have been testing out the sRAW option in my Nikon D810 and wanted to know more about it. So like most people I turned to Google and got articles and blogs all about sRAW or small RAW. Furthermore, some bad press kept showing up on the subject. All these photographers out there complaining and ripping the idea of sRAW apart. They go on about how bad it is and how much you lose by skimping out and using sRAW to save a near useless amount of space. Well, it’s my turn to go off the deep end and rant about the sRAW options out there. Again, I did some testing on my Nikon D810 and I will do the same on my Nikon D750 to see how it compares.

Ultimately, and like a photographers work, the proof is in the pudding. What do you do with your images? What do you need your images to do for your specific customers and industry? Will you need all the resolution at a later date so why not do it all right now with the max RAW options? You will have to be the judge of all that. Like I say all the time: “know your gear”, and that also goes for know what your gear is being used for. I will admit, this is a fast paced and somewhat confusing subject with a lot of numbers and lingo being used throughout the episode. Bear with me and many even listen a couple times if you want to get all the details. The main 3 things to know are these:

14 bit uncompressed RAW – 73MB

12 bit compressed RAW – 30.5MB

sRAW – 11 bit compressed – 27MB

Finally, when talking about RAW compression options I love how Nikon states it in the user manual for the Nikon D810: “Uncompressed, images are not compressed; Lossless Compressed, no effect on image quality; Compressed, with almost no effect on image quality.” Makes compression look like a joke. Take it or leave it… everything will be fine.

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Nice To Employees

This is for all you photographers who have 1 or more employees. Heck you can apply this method to those of whom are flying solo. Also, I would like to clear up the word “employees” for you. Many would think it means you have individuals on payroll with an hourly or salary wage or someone who comes to work for the company at regular intervals. Well “employee” can mean a lot of things and I look at it as anyone who does work for someone else regardless of the interval, pay rate, or consistency. You could say they are temporary or sub-contractors as well. No matter how you define them you should be nice to your employees.

Nice seems like an obvious choice and an easy way to go but nice isn’t always the easiest to define. What you think could be nice may easily be blah or in some cases “not nice” to others. There is an attitude in how you treat them and that directly relates to an attitude in how they treat you/your business. Photo World you already know what I am talking about because just about each of you can go back to a time when you had a job and your attitude was reflected by how you felt you were treated. If you instill positivity to your employees, no matter their capacity, than you will see positivity from them. The opposite is true when there is negativity involved. Be positive! Be nice to your employees! Why do you think I always finish every episode with:

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Chase The Light

Photo World I was thinking about one of the turning points in my career as a photographer. Really it was before my career kicked off. This was happening while I was learning and working for other photographers. I used to spend hours and hours poring over photos, surfing the net, flipping through magazines, and even perusing a newspaper here and there. (Yes I used to read actual newspapers). I would look at how all those other photographs were taken and more specifically what kind of light was used to make the picture. I wanted to know what light source was used, guess the modifiers that were helping shape the light, figure out what the exposure must have been. I will say that it didn’t come easy but I do have a skill now for determining what lens is used for many of the photographs my students make just by investigating their images. I still find myself asking what kind of light is in play or what kind of modifiers were used here? I am continually seeking the answers… not to learn them and then emulate that practice but to see if my eye is good enough. I find myself critiquing many photographs with thoughts on how it could have been better with the right light. I’m no more gifted than any

Leadership

Photo World today's episode is more about personality development than running a business. Although, one does need the right personality to run a business. Specifically with small businesses you may be the boss but you must also show leadership. You must have a leader’s mindset.

In a quick google search I found a Leader is – The person who leads or commands a group, organization, or country. Or business (business was added by me).

There is a ton of information on leadership and how to go about gaining good leadership skills or how to operate in the work place but what about when you own your own business?

According to mindtools.com A leader can:

Owning your business, means your name is on it. So…

Don’t blame others for failure or setbacks. – busted wireless story

What kind of leader do you want to be? – panic while serving or casually under control

The kind that only chases the pay check or the one who is there for their passion and in turn their clients? – informative selling vs. pressure selling

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I Love Yes

I would have rather had the long title of "The day I met and photographed actor Colin Farrell" but that felt a bit long for a title. After all I'm not Panic At The Disco where I could get away with such lengthy titles. Even though I decided to write and record about how much I love yes the real story is the how behind my meeting a famous Hollywood actor and one of my favorite actors for that matter. Now I could go on and plot out the story of Yes Man for you Photo World and tell you why Yes can be so powerful, but I would be ruining a great movie for you (great may be a bit much but I did enjoy that one) and you wouldn't believe that is really how it works. To be honest I only Love Yes when it works out for me. You may recall I had once said I Love No. Both Yes and No can be powerful and helpful to a career it is just a matter of when and how. It usually leads to one thing in the end anyway... Any guesses where I am going with this?

Education! That's right Photo World I passionately believe in education and I don't think I will ever think otherwise. As in the words of the great John Michael Montgomery "Life's a dance you learn as you go. Sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow. Don't worry about what you don't know. Life's a dance you learn as you go."

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Even Sell

Ahh... Finally... The long awaited Even Sell. Back from when this all started I spoke of over selling then I moved to under selling and to be honest that is where most discussions stop. Is it taboo to speak of even selling or as I like to call it in this episode "niche selling"? I guess most people side step that portion of the discussion because when successful selling takes place it isn't worth talking about. The only incredibly major problem I have with that is WHY NOT? Why do so many blogs and podcasts avoid subject matter that revolves around the correct way of doing something. Niche selling is the most fun and has the least pressure involved but no one really talks about it. There is this horrible misconception that selling is a game or a trick and out have to accidentally get your clients to go along with it. Real even selling or niche selling doesn't work like that. It is all based on getting the right customer in front of you so by the time you are selling they are already 90% committed to the idea. Let your marketing "sell" for you, let your portfolio "sell" for you, have the social media "sell" for you, are we getting the idea here Photo World? Create a selling funnel that leads to you making the sale. This way most of the time when you attempt to sell to someone it is to a "someone" who is already susceptible to your specific sale.

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Distraction Kills

Distraction will kill your business. Wake up every day with three goals and attack them.

Some examples of how big or small the goals can be:

There is something about music in the background that just works. I have tried putting on Netflix with a show I know well and then minimizing the window so I can just get to work and before I know it I find myself wanting to just sit and watch. I love the internet and Google especially, but for some reason I have so many questions that must have an answer and before I know it, the only question I had was: “Where are the latest funny cat videos?”

Even our work can be a distraction! What if there was a way to consolidate the work we did in a more careful structure so we don’t have wasted time in between each task needing to be done. This goes back to having a system in place. A 30 minute timer so you can be FOCUSed in on one task and then move swiftly to the next. There are few who can maintain the endurance of just working countless hours on the same task over and over. However, society and our upbringing tell us this is exactly what we need to do to make it in our “careers”. I have a whole other episode to talk about that subject but for now just know that we can keep FOCUS and we can sidestep distraction so our business can be the living breathing machine it has to be. Get those systems in place and your mind in place. I for one enjoy focus or study music to keep my mind in the right place while I work.

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All Wrong

When everything goes wrong you have to keep strong. It’s not an easy task learning how to be professional. Time, practice, failure, education, trial, and error is what makes a professional a professional. For some it is an accelerated process and for others it is a life long journey. I know I still have trouble being professional all the time. Now I need to clear up a couple things first…

I am talking about your attitude. What happens when you have a decision to make, such as, blow up over a mishap or keep your cool and work the problem? Sticking to your guns when it come to your pricing or caving to book the job. I guess this has been on my mind because of one day where everything went wrong… However, I had to make some decisions about how to handle all of it. This is one of those, “I can’t believe this story is real”, kind of tales. So join me on one of the worst days in my career.

The worst of it was when my head started rushing through all the old memories of those big incidents Where I had to decide quickly, act appropriately, and make things work even though they weren’t supposed to. Lessor professional would let the problem win and walk away because the going got tough. Trust me I want to that too, but there is something inside saying: “you can get through this.”

A small declaimer for today’s episode:

The day I had recorded this episode was the same day where my first story I tell had happened. I also had a breakdown and put off recording until it was very late at night (1am). I sound like the emotions were fresh because they were. I sound tired in my voice because I was. I got through the episode because I am a professional and Photo World, you deserve the best I can offer… even when I am not at my best. Thank you for keeping me going.

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Ah-Ha Moment

“If you treat this business as a business you will get paid as a business. If you treat it as a hobby you will be paid as a hobby.”

I pulled this quote from a book I have been reading called Gameplan. It is a great quote and it refers to the idea that you get out of things what you put into them. I have interviewed many photographers who have suggested testing the waters and doing photography on the side without jumping in head first with the hopes that you can build a sustainable business. However, many new photographers or small businesses in general have a tough time making that transition from side-preneur to entrepreneur or part time to full time. It didn’t really hit home for me until recently when a bride told me something that changed my perspective. Not only my perspective of the day but my perspective of the wedding photography industry as a whole, and the way I will approach it moving forward. It was eye opening and gave me sight into the difference in effort from one photographer to the next and how that effort is reflected in the market they will work within. Listen to the episode to find out what she told me and how this ah-ha moment has given new life to my own wedding photography business. More importantly how it can breathe new life into your business regardless of your current focus or level.

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Make Lemonade

When life gives you lemons make Lemonade… I say: When life gives you nothing make Lemonade.

We have three currencies and each one effects the others.

Just a few examples on how I had to make more from an otherwise inopportune situation. More often than not I find knowledge is one of the easiest of the currencies to acquire but more often one of the easiest to miss. These examples, as explained in the episode, are proof of that very phenomenon.

Wedding with bad weather and an unflattering location. Photo Studio with nowhere to grow. Photo classes that seemingly had little to no value for me. However, I was able to find the opportunity within. I couldn’t learn anything new with photography itself but I could learn plenty about how I would instruct if I were in that role.

Photo World do you a story or example of a time when you felt there was very little or even nothing available for you in a given situation but made it work anyway? Share it with us on Twitter with #HeyPhotoWorld or write it on the Facebook Page.

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Fail Quitting

True failure exists only when we stop trying. An entrepreneur never gives up. Therefore, their “failures” are only learning moments and steps toward growth. (Fail vs Quit is very different) Did you want to be a fireman or police officer while growing up? Maybe a doctor or a lawyer… Did you not become that because you failed or because you stopped trying?

So a simple google search had yield me several results and a somewhat poor consistency of information. I searched for what percentage of small businesses fail and then I searched what percentage of businesses succeed. I figured if I could look up some information from both attitude perspectives (negative as well as positive) I would be left with a set of numbers that explained this idea from two sides. I had no idea what I would really find. From, let’s say, more trusted names I pulled information and gathered it into two groups and I am left here laughing at the results. I don’t trust much of what I read online even if the source seems credible I am a little weary.

The reality is the information out there is all based on the worst restrictions and qualifications. Unemployment is only based on the last 3 months. If someone is unemployed for more than 3 months it is viewed as a deliberate choice and no longer qualifies for the “hard numbers”. It is the same story here. These sources are all speaking about different time frames as well as different scales of businesses.

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Undersell

Photo World I have been on the "How To Sell" kick for a while now and I wanted to break down yet another approach. How, Why, and When to Undersell. I know, you hear undersell and think: "Why would I do that successfully?" or "How would that be a good strategy?" First off listen to the episode, I clear up a lot in a short amount of time. Secondly, open up to the idea that there is always a possible success in every approach. That being said I will say building a business with an undersell strategy is a slow rise to a stable business model. I will also add this can be one of the best ways to learning business and building a strong foundation to build from.

On a base level, Undersell is when you sell something at a lower cost than your competitors. I dive into the idea of competitors as well. I don't like the idea that we are all to be competing against one another. I don't see the value of being hung up on what others are doing when we should just be doing what is best for our businesses.

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Interesting vs Interested

Photo World, as we build our small businesses into a successful careers we come to many cross roads. Sometimes we get caught up learning and lose our focus when we should have been earning. Other times our social media falls by the way side and we seem to forget there is an audience there. It could just be difficult to maintain a positive habit like keeping up on a blog or it could be tough to stop a bad habit like staying up too late. In today’s episode I want to highlight another strategy for our selling techniques and hopefully offer you the chance to grow based on being honest with your business, as well as, yourself. There is a 100% chance you are not doing one of the following 6 things for your business and you need each of the 6 to achieve the goals of today’s topic.

Not updating your portfolio – You must update your portfolio. Every time you have an image that is worthy of your portfolio you need to set that aside for when you do make the changes to your website. At least then you do not need to search for the photographs you wish to showcase. Not aiming to increase your skill set – Staying the same may be easier to do for a week, a month, or maybe a year, but eventually your being the same will fall in comparison to those around you who kept current. Only working your niche – I am all about having a niche, a focused area within your business to give you the path to success. However, growth happens when you set yourself outside of your comfort level and approach what it is you do from a new angle. You are learning digitally – The web is a great resource, heck you are having one pumped into your ears as I speak. Action is the real learning… a YouTube video can only teach you so much. You say no – There are many gray areas in this business life… Should I try it because it is something different even though there is little or no pay? Maybe I should be assisting even when I feel confident in that skill already? Try saying yes every once in a while you never know who you could meet or what you could learn. Unwilling to risk – It is scary when we foresee risk within a situation and many people can’t see past that. Fear is only the negative outlook on excitement… you never know what may be worth the fear.

I am telling you these six points because I have already fallen victim to each of them time and time again. Years of failure have caught up with me and I know that the other end of the spectrum is the only reason to work as hard as I can. I have found often, both success and failure come with the same amount of work leading up to them. The ending is just a result of the work being put in. With today’s topic and keeping up on selling to your clients: “Focus on being interesting but more so focus on your potential clients being interested.” – A recent transition for me was my old web site last updated in 2013 vs my new web site updated in March of 2016. My skill set had changed and improved but my selling was based on an old ability. Hard to be paid properly when the clients think they are working with a past version of yourself.

Keep up everything, at least in small increments, to maintain increased interest over time.

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Follow-Up

Photo World, it is time for one of those episodes where I break down one simple thought and blow it up to show you that this “one simple tool” can be the game changer for your photography business. It isn’t a big secret nor is it hard to find sufficient evidence backing up my shared opinion. I say “shared opinion” because there are many sales specialists who agree. Furthermore, many business experts and entrepreneurs have done studies on the subject or at the very least expressed weighted opinions in favor of the idea. So what is this big tag line I want to investigate?

Well before I get there I have a small quiz for you to take. There are no right or wrong answers but there should be a theme. Just take a minute and jot down your honest answer to these 7 questions.

How many times a week do possible customers contact you? (Try for an average number) What is your first reaction to the customer reaching out? (What do you do first?) How fast do you respond to the potential customer? When do you consider them a customer? (Vs. an inquiry or possible customer) Do you do anything unique when first contact is made? Do you know where the customer found you? How many times do you follow up with your customer/business contacts? (Business contact could be a possible customer or a possible network colleague)

Like I said, there are no right or wrong answers here and everyone will have a slightly different response. However, I want to unveil the big secret and bring special attention to that last question… again, how many times do you follow up with your customer/business contacts? The point of highlighting question 7 was to get your head in the right frame of mind because: “The fortune is in the follow-up!” If you let a possible customer reach out to you and then you drop the ball on connecting with them, well I have news for you, their search continued and you are far behind. If you connect with them and find something meaningful to say, that could be a long list of examples, but let’s say “something” interesting; then the connection grows deeper. If you don’t think of them as a customer until money has changed hands, then you are going to have a tough time making any of it. If you can’t track where your customers are coming from, then your marketing is being done inefficiently and is a threat to your success. If you don’t follow up and follow up and follow up, then you have fallen down.

Here are few numbers I found really interesting!

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Earn While You Learn

Photo World, there are many occasions throughout a career where you feel a down slump in your business. You work hard and things are going well but for some reason you see the work thin out, the funds slow down, and your "style" just isn't making the cut any more...

Many photographers out there use this as their reason to get out of the biz. Especially those new photographers who couldn't get past it the first tie it happened to them. I can recall 2, maybe even 3, times when this happened for me and my business. However, as many photographers who fall apart from this issue there are many more who push past it. Education is a great way to re-invigorate your business or your "style" and put a fresh face on what you are already skilled at.

This episode speaks to this specific dilemma and hopefully reminds us to persevere. They key is openness to the future and looking ahead to see how you and your business will fit in. Making the money while adapting to the unstoppable changes that are always on the horizon. In short - how to  Earn While You Learn.

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Oversell 2

The topic is sales strategies. Not in their definition sense but their practical sense.

I see three main sales strategies: (1) Oversell, (2) Undersell, and (3) Even Sell. This episode I want to speak more about Oversell…

Photo World, I walked through some basic thoughts on overselling more than you need to for your clients. In some cases I have signals that work for me that let me feel comfortable trying to up-sell in certain areas of my services. True “Oversell” is to over promise and under deliver – that is the real definition of overselling. Where you say you can do something just to make the sale and then it turns out you can’t deliver on that. I knew I had to make this a 2 part episode because of how long a topic it was with the first portion but I should clear up that part 1 of this was oversell… when and where to up-sell your business. Rather, up-sell you to your clients. After all it doesn’t matter much what it is you’re selling… They are still buying into you.

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Oversell

Photo World, I see much as I continually learn about business, especially my own, and the businesses around me. So many things like: marketing strategies, sales techniques, skill techniques, social media strategies, etc. Well one area of my learning has been on my mind and I think it is more of a 3 part kind of topic so I will have two more episodes devoted to this topic. I have not planned when the other two will take place but over the next few weeks I think we will have all this info out there.

The topic is sales strategies. Not in their definition sense but their practical sense.

I see three main sales strategies: (1) Oversell, (2) Undersell, and (3) Even Sell. This episode I want to talk about Oversell… Now after recording this episode a slew of ideas and thoughts came rushing back into mind and my notepad filled up so I will tell you that Wednesday will be part two of this 1 sales strategies. Today I speak to the idea that overselling can be damaging toward your relationship with your clients and your longevity as a business. Again, Wednesday I will expand upon this episode because I went on much longer than I thought I should have and needed to split some ideas.

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Romanticize Your Business   F.O.C.U.S. Follow One Course Until Success. If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything. When you constantly focus on one thing you are romanticizing that thing. You need to romanticize your business because what we romanticize grows.   I feel we all know how to go after our passions and really push to get through to our goals but I see so many of us small business owners, photographers, and artists fearing the wrong turn or not knowing quite how to move forward in any one direction. We need to stay the course because you never know what that next door may be opening too. Like my national speaking for podcasting and photography... I had no idea how to move in that direction nor did I even know it was something I felt passionate about but once I saw an opportunity I took it and that experience blew me away. I can't help but feel driven to seek out more. Same thing with those first few weddings I photographed. It was like I found why photography was for me; even though I already had the passion and career was the direction, wedding photography was the destination. So on and so forth... I just love looking back on how I got where I am even though I didn't know where I was always headed. It's like driving at night... You can't see more than the 200 feet in front of you but somehow we can go a great distance just moving 200 feet at a time. Not to get too deep here but life works the same way. Just keep going Photo World!

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Act Your Wage

Photo World, Your income follows your personal development. That is a nice food for thought, especially if you have been overly stressed out. It's like: "thanks Rob now I have more to worry about." The great thing is we always have that small worry but we also have the power to change any time any where in life. I used to leave my part time job telling those I worked with "I'm going to go home and change my life." It would give them a chuckle but I can honestly say I no longer have a need for that part time job as my photography and teaching is what I get to do for a living. All the while many of them are still there at the same job. There is nothing wrong with that but we get stuck because many of us go Broke trying to look Rich when we should act our Wage. The real quote is: Don’t go Broke trying to look Rich act your Wage.

Take it a step further and learn through the bord game by Dave Ramsey called: Act Your Wage

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Listen Don't Speak

As a man I am all too familiar with the fact that women assume I do not know how to listen... okay not just women, my assistance always tell me I never listen. My parents have said I don't listen as well. There is no time like the present to change for the better. See, I thought I was doing fine listening, but hearing and listening are very different. I have found through my listen don't speak exercises I have booked more clients, turned out more work, gained more followers, and accomplished more work than I have in recent years where I couldn't listen. There are countless ways to speak on how helpful this can be for things like sales. Sitting with a possible client and listening before trying to push a sale.

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Business Overdrive

This day and age our businesses really are a 24 hours a day - 7 days a week - 365 days a year job. We have little to no excuse as to why we can't get back to an email, return a phone call, or at the very least text someone. I know we all prefer different forms of communication but we are to connected for excuses. What does this have to do with our business? Well, our business is connected 24/7 to everyone and anyone who could be directly or indirectly a possible or current client. That means we have the pressure of our business weighing on our shoulders and looming over our every move. In short... We are working all the time. If you remember my Better Branded Business episode I went into how your business should be working for you and not you for your business. Especially during those times when you can't or shouldn't be working. Like while you are asleep or when you're on vacation. (Thank you "out of the office" automated email). So how do we combat this habit to be working all the time or 24/7? I go over it in this rather short episode... Short because I have too much work to do to be bothered by this other work. :)

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NEVER SCOUT A LOCATION

To scout or not to scout a location for a photo shoot? That is a common question with 2 solid answer, one transitional option, and a few way to handle how you let your clients know your thought on the subject. You know Rob didn't hold back and he is fine telling you what he thinks as well as how he explains it to his clients.

"I find honesty is the best policy when it comes to your clients." Rob shares, "If you want clients than be a real person first with all the same positive and negative aspects. There is nothing worse than a sales pitch from someone telling you how amazing the whole experience is going to be and then you find out it was all sunshine and rainbows. There is comfort in real."

Rob Talking Here: Okay so that was fun to try with this post... act like someone important is really asking my opinion on the subject. The whole episode (like most) are my opinion. What I would like to hear is who disagrees with me. At this stage in my wedding photography career I say NEVER SCOUT A LOCATION! EVER! Just listen to find out why.

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BBB (Better Branded Business)

We hear about branding your business all the time, but what about your web brand? The one that 80% of your possible clientele is seeing first. Rob talk’s first impressions when you’re not even there and how to offer a more friendly hand shake that gives your clients a comfortable feeling to want to do business with you. If you can find a way to get possible clients to see your skill and personality while you are busy sleeping than wouldn't that be a better way to go for gaining more business. Setting aside time to meet with every possible client is a tall order but those first impressions can be mad through a better branded business online.

Business cards, posting flyers, and going door to door. What are the 3 new ways to be in front of more potential clients and gain business without the old sales techniques?

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Dixie Dixon - Nikon Ambassador

Dixie is a US Nikon Ambassador based out of Dallas Texas. To fill you in on how selective that group is… She is one of the sixteen original Nikon Ambassador for the US. She is a commercial, fashion, and editorial photographer who travels from Vancouver to Barcelona down to Miami and everywhere in between. She shoots for tv shows, commercial campaigns, editorial projects, and major brands such as: Nikon, Disney, Inside Edition, Profoto, and MAC Group just to name a few. Her works is seen in Rangefinder, PDN, Professional Photographers Magazine, Nikon World, and many more.

Full Bio:

Dixie Dixon is a Texas born and bred commercial fashion photographer. Just a few years out of college, this 20-something’s career is unfolding one adventure after another.

She was given her first Nikon Camera, the Nikon FG, at just 12 years old, which peaked her curiosity in the field and served as her sidekick in exploring the world. She would continually clock seven to ten hours in the darkroom without even realizing it. While in college she studied in London with a world-renowned fashion photographer and became deeply inspired by the beautiful illusion of fashion and commercial photography.

It has been said that her idealistic vision of the world is reflected into every single frame- full of life, beautiful energy, and most of all, Soul. Her passion has lead her to shoot internationally in places such as Cannes, Toronto, Vancouver, New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Ibiza, and Barcelona recently for various brands, tv shows, commercial campaigns and editorial projects.  She is one of the sixteen original Nikon Ambassadors of the United States.

Sensuous and polished, her images create a dream world in which romance is always alive. Her fresh vision has attracted clients such as Nikon, Disney, Virgin, Advanced Beauty, Florsheim Shoes, Ultherapy, Woodland Worldwide, Inside Edition, Gaylord Hotels, Spencer Fine Jewelry, G-Technology, Profoto, Eprouvage, MAC Group, Magpul, Billy Jealousy, Nha Khanh, Pipers Perfumery, and Macadamia Professional to name a few. Her work has been published in publications such as Rangefinder, PDN, Professional Photographers Magazine, Dapper Magazine, Living Magazine, Beverly Drive Magazine, Nikon World and many more.

Dixie's PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS:

2007 Fujifilm Award

2008 Hy Sheanin Photographic Award

2012 Graphistudio Award

2014 Addy Award for Ogle School Commercial

Dixie's SPONSORS/PARTNERS:

NIKON

G-TECHNOLOGY

BLACK RIVER IMAGING

LEXAR

MANFROTTO

TIFFEN

PROFOTO

X-RITE COLORATTI

GRAPHISTUDIO

Happy Shooting!

Recommended Resource: rggedu.com/

W: .dixiedixon.com

Blog: dixiedixonphotography.wordpress.com

Workshops: dixiedixon.com/forphotographers

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How To Get Your Foot In The Door

There is a question as old as time when it come to getting started... "How To Get Your Foot In The Door?" I think the worst part about this is so many people have no idea what door to go through or they attempt entering it but do it in the worst possible way. Today I am continuing what I look at as the planning stage for beginning your photography business and this bit is bullet point 3 of 4 or 5 when it comes to the planning of breaking into the photography industry. I have been having a lot of fun racking my brain from my start in the industry and there are thousands of small parts that have come together to make my journey what it was. How do we take that first step though? Well, there are literally hundreds of ways to start... I share a couple ways to avoid and the mindset you should be in to succeed. Although, assiting or getting your foot in the door is one part I really look at this as Building Your 2 Bags. 1 the knowledge and 2 the gear.

Happy Shooting!

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Greatest Game On Earth

Photo World last weeks Monday Message was all about having a social life... Well for me it was about not having a social life. I felt using my time for work now will pay off in the end and help me to find true success. There is nothing wrong with hard work nor long hours to keep focused in hopes to make your career advance or your business grow. However, we tend to over work and not actually achieve much.

For me I would not stop thinking about work, the emails I need to send, the images I must edit, the social media I need to update, or the marketing that needs to be done. That is just the short list when it comes to owning/running a small business. How do we find balance between our work and our social lives or time for the family? Well today's episode is all about how the Greatest Game On Earth saved me from myself and I still play today!

Happy Shooting!

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Harry Potter Gone Wrong

WARNING! Photo World Rob is mad today, or at least he starts out mad but anger can be a powerful tool. Let's see how this one wraps up. For now I can tell you why Harry Potter makes it into the episode and what is this ad for Nebraska all about. Well It started by accident more than anything else. A friend of mine who doesn't do much in the way of photography other than ask me to take the pictures for them from time to time, asked me "what is wrong with this picture". They were seriously wondering how a shot like this makes any sense and why it would be published. Well I don't know why or how it got published but I know my mind filled with rage over this Harry Potter sorting hat peaking in near center of the image take a Halloween spin in the midst of a camping trip. I do not know what magazine this was from, I have no idea who the photographer is, I can't tell you where they found their models, and I don't think this is a successful ad for Nebraska. However, I did learn a lot in a short time just letting the emotions run wild.

Happy Shooting!

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Show Me The Money

You have a business plan beginning but within that what about the money talk? What do you need for your new photography business? Are you a small operation and what would that really cost? How about buying used gear first to save a bundle? Is there a studio space needed or can this be done out of your home? What tax breaks are there for either the studio or even the home?

Knowing how much money you need for this endeavor is one thing, acquiring it is another. A recent study from the National Knowledge Commission shows that 63 percent of entrepreneurs “self-financed” (bplans.com). Not a bad deal... no loans to take out, maybe work and pay as you go, while building something bigger and better.

Start with the personal budget. How much do you need for your bills? The must haves vs the wants. Do you need all the cable channels? Will unlimited cell data be necessary in this wifi connected world? Driving a Mercedes may look good but would a Kia get you where you need to go with enough comfort? There is no shame is part time work on the side to help get things started. If a loan is right for you, what is the best way to go? Investors, a bank, credit bureau, private loan, family, friends, or will crowdfunding work? There are many of those I would steer clear of, almost all, but not all.

Happy Shooting!

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I Have No Social Life

Are you surprised by this title today Photo World? That I, mister: national speaker, podcaster, college instructor, wedding photographer, blogger, swimmer, and singer has no social life… something isn’t right in there. Well, this week I turn back to clock to a time where my future led my thinking and I didn’t see the point in living in the here and now. There are so many takeaways in this episode but a couple I didn’t mention deserved some focus here in the written word. My past was filled with the abnormal. What high schooler has no social life? I get to that but let me tell you… the one who was willing to lose every meaningful relationship. The one who felt the world was out to get him so why not be selfish now while I have the option. That same one who couldn’t accept change or cope well with his own fears. I have no social life when I look back but I have a ton in my past that shaped who I am today. In short I had no social life and now I love my social life.

Happy Shooting!

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All Eggs One Basket

This topic came to me in the form of an email I received asking about a particular memory card and a camera compatibility question as well. I took the liberty to question the memory card size and bring to light that you should not have all eggs one basket. They say to never place all of your eggs in one basket. Whoever "they" are... I feel the same way about not capturing all of your images on one memory card. There are a few things to consider when selecting your memory cards, price, Class, read speed, write speed, capacity, card type, version, etc. for instance: a common memory card type is an SDcard or Secured Digital Card, but there are SD cards, SDHC cards, SDXC cards; then you have Class 1, 2, 3, 4, ... 10. The higher the class the better the card (typically).

A short list of different memory cards:

Too many cards and too little time. Not really, just do your homework and research the card type and capacity your camera may support. Protecting your images should be a high priority and the cards these day are so stable you can get away with some crazy stuff but do yourself a favor and no not put all your eggs in one basket.

Happy Shooting!

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Business Plan

Make a clear path to the business

Summary – Business overview

Business Details – Brand, who, what, why, customer, location, key employees

Marketing & Sales Strategy – do your homework, target market and how you will sell to them

Management Team & Personnel – is it just you or are you building a team, your and their credentials

Setup – what space do you need? Store front, studio space, or can you run it out of your home. Management systems and IT

Financial Plan & Projections – translate the plan to numbers. Is this viable, will it grow and support growth?

K.I.S.S. – Keep It Super Simple. Be real and honest. Creative to set yourself apart. This happens over time however the earlier you address it the sooner you find sustainable business operations.

There is no rule on how to make a business plan and especially this falls apart for most new photographers because they just want to take pictures. However, if you can prepare yourself for a better beginning, imagine how well you will do toward your middle. A business plan is great way to get the thoughts onto paper and also bring those thoughts to others to review. If you think showing your work is a scary critique, make a business plan and show it around.

Happy Shooting!

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Is Hard Work Worth It

Photo World, I would like to straight forwardly ask you: Is Hard Work Worth It?

I don't know the best answer for this question but I did come across a quote I think offers an unclear and helpful answer...

"Hard work is only worth it in the right conditions." Francis Underwood - House of Cards writers would be a better credit here. Ever hear of the 80/20 rule? Now, that is a great example of the worth while portions of our work. The 80/20 rule is easy enough to understand and perhaps I will do an episode with my take on the rule, but for today I am more focused on mutual beneficial relationships and how we need to be careful with our business so our hard work is worth it and we are not taken for a ride being used because of our passion. In the early stages of business everyone is just trying to get their foot in the door and so many are taken advantage of because of this. We need to understand how free can be okay but only in the right conditions.

Happy Shooting!

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How to Charge

So you see "How to Charge" and many would assume I am trying to say how much to charge. I have touched upon that subject in the past and I am sure it will come up in the future. For now I am speaking about the actual payment transaction possibilities we see in our businesses today. Have you ever had a questions and then thought... "Maybe there is an app for that." a quick search later you find many apps out there filling in the blanks of your original question. Well, I had a similar question a couple years ago about payment options for my clients. I wanted to offer as many convenient choices as possible and most of all I wanted to retain as much of the money as possible. An easy way to go would be asking for a personal check. It is no additional coast for them do write a check and I do not need to accept less than the amount due because there are no fees for depositing and/or cashing a check. Credit Cards come at a cost but may be even easier for your clients. Listen to this episode for a more in depth look into this topic.

Happy Shooting!

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Giles Harrison - Chase The Fun

Giles is the Founder of London Entertainment Group based in Los Angeles, California. It is a full service agency focusing on News, Events, Celebrities, and Pop Culture. You may have seen him recently featured on the latest Jimmy Dean commercial. Since then the Blogosphere has been blowing up with Giles and his work. Being featured on TV is only a drop in the bucket from his over 17 years, as a journalist and the one million plus photos he has captured during that time.

Giles has taken over a million photos and had his pictures appear in hundreds major magazine, newspapers and web sites. London Entertainment, the agency he built from the ground up, has grown into one of the biggest producers of professional image in the world, syndicating over 1000 images each month. Giles himself is today one of the biggest earning photographers in the business.

Under Giles’ direction, London covers a wide range of events including: the Golden Globes, SAG Awards, Grammys, Cannes Film Festival, Venice Film Festival, World Music Awards, Coachella Music Festival, Stage Coach Music Festival and the Democratic National Convention. Sports is another specialty Giles is proud to cover through London with regular coverage of NFL, NBA, MLB, and Major League Soccer, in addition to World Cup and the Superbowl.

Giles was trained by Fleet Street veterans after studying photo journalism and political science at California State University Northridge. Starting out as a video photographer, he provided breaking news footage to top entertainment news shows like Hard Copy, Entertainment Tonight, Inside Edition, and Extra.

Giles has appeared as an expert on celebrities and pop culture on tv shows like Tyra Banks, Access Hollywood, GMTV (UK), and Today/Tonight (Australia). He has also been featured by Stuff Magazine, Radar, Venice Magazine, and in a popular series of ads for NBC News in Los Angeles called “I Am LA”.

London Entertainment is so revered amongst its peers that a rival agency head was once quoted in GQ saying of Giles “I hate his #@*% guts, but he’s the best celebrity spotter I’ve ever seen!.”

Happy Shooting!

W: londonentertainmentgroup.com

Blog: tmi.buzz

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Never Wrong - episode 192

Photo World "You are never wrong to do the right thing." - Mark Twain

That seems like a straight forward quote that wouldn't require much explaining. Come on Photo World what kind of podcaster would I be if I couldn't fill up at least 15 minutes over one seemingly simple quote. I can tell you it is the little things that count, therefore the most meaningful things come to us in a simple way; such as a 9 word phrase. In this episode I pull off of my experience as of today. That's right what I know and the many times I have been wrong to find and understand how to be right. Right is a hard word to understand sometimes and so many hot topics are blown out of proportion over the idea of "right". I like to say: logic will never fail me, so long as I am right. It is in my logic I try to do right by mu customers and right by my business.

Happy Shooting!

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Jay Dickman - The Electricity

My words would do little to introduce this man. I have seen many of his images over the years and hadn't know his name til recently. Photo World this is the episode to listen to... It will not disappoint. On a more personal note: This opportunity to speak to Jay as well as so many other great photographers I have interviewed is the reason I continue to do what I do, and bring a part of their stories to you Photo World! Jay Dickman A Pulitzer-Prize winner and National Geographic Photographer, Jay’s career has spanned a multitude of experiences, including three months living in a stone-age village in Papua New Guinea, a week under the Arctic ice in a nuclear attack sub (both these for National Geographic), and aboard a sinking boat on the Amazon. With more than twenty-five assignments for the National Geographic Society, Jay has taught workshops for Santa Fe Workshops, the Maine Media Workshops, Photography at the Summit and American Photo Mentor Series. Jay and his wife, Becky, are founders of the FirstLight Workshop series, having hosted workshops in Italy, Spain, Scotland, France, the Chesapeake, and Wyoming. Working with National Geographic Expeditions, Jay has been on more than 40 trips as the “National Geographic Expert.” These have included several of the" Around the World by Private Jet" Expeditions, Central & South America by Private Jet, trips to Svalbard and the High Arctic, Cape of Norway, British Isles, Dalmatian Coast, the West Coast of Africa along with multiple trips to South Georgia/Falklands/Antarctica, Baja and the Galapagos Islands. Jay has led the National Geographic "Wyoming's Cowboy Country" Photography Workshop since it's inception in 2013. His input and design for the workshop was critical to its success As a working pro, Jay is an Olympus Visionary, a Lexar Elite Photographer and an HP Prestigious Photographer, using the latest technology from these companies-for backup and storage, Jay uses state of the art equipment from CRU-Dataport. Jay is co-author of the best-selling book, “Perfect Digital Photography”, published by McGraw-Hill. Jay is proudly sponsored by: Happy Shooting!

W: jaydickman.net

Blog: firstlightworkshop.com/wheres-jay

Workshops: firstlightworkshop.com

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Battery Power

I sometime talk about gear like I had with the what's in my bag series and I even got specific about the AA and AAA batteries I prefer. Well camera batteries seem like a conversation most people just don't have all that much. I was thinking back over the cameras I had and currently have and looked over my choices for batteries. Name brand Nikon or third party like a trusted Promaster, or even the no name brand that fits and powers. This episode is not in depth on the tech side because I haven't done that much research on the subject other than for my own use. So that is the episode you get today; my experience and my thoughts as I reflect on this  quiet subject. Ultimately, this topic comes down to preference, reliability, price, and trial 'n' error. As I grow in my own career I find price becomes less of a deciding factor and reliability mixed with preference take the forefront of the decision making process. When I talked about the AA and AAA I mentioned there are too many options camera batteries, not so much.

Happy Shooting!

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Think Before You Speak

Life's a little easier when you Think Before You Speak... Photography is much better when you Think Before You Shoot. Basically I am saying Don't "RUN & GUN"! So many photographers new and seasoned over shoot and aim carelessly. Now I know I am not always capturing an amazing work of art every time I release the shutter but I can say with some confidence that I take that split second where a picture is made very seriously. I want my frame to be meaningful and thought out, regardless of the meter's suggestion I want my exposure to really count, and I want the moment I am capturing to matter. Some days I feel my brain on overload working hard to continually care about each image. However, this is totally worth it. So many photogs out there say "I can fix it in Photoshop"; isn't that just a waste of time? Fixing it in Photoshop is not a great solution. Spend the time (you already have) in creating a great image so you don't have to waste time "fixing" a bad one just to have something okay.

Happy Shooting!

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Shoot Some Video

We have such advanced tools in our hands and most of the photographers out there only use about 1/3 the amount of functions their cameras have. You could double your use if you just add some video work into the mix. Okay maybe not double because you wouldn't really use this function at 50% as our skill for stills is the main priority within our businesses. However, what if you could increase your business revenue by 10% with only adding 3-5% more work to your usual gigs? You would do that in a heart beat right? I know I would and now I do. By informing your clients why they need some B-roll video capture you can up-sell your products fast. I am not a videographer and I am not really interested in becoming one but if I can do just a tad more on a wedding day and squeeze another 10% that's not a bad day. Also it is a way for he client to save a bit because they may be satisfied with just some video and not the whole days worth. Besides Videograpohers are always stepping into my frame and bumping into me. Most seem to be ill mannered and I always stay professional. I know it sounds like I am telling you to cut into the videographer business out there but you really aren't... you are offering a bit more than what you normally do and a videographer could do the same with stills. No matter what people get what they pay for so I say practice then try to sell it. Don't learn on their money.

Happy Shooting!

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Mileage

When you run a small business every bit counts. It could be saving a buck on a few ting here and there or spotting a great deal on a new piece of gear. It is all about making money doing what we love and not spending too much trying to get there. Well there are many business tricks to consider for not spending as much as we could or saving once in a while. One way we get financial breaks it through our taxes. You and I can have very different views about taxes or the way the government performs taxation but the truth is there are options for us to save some money through tax breaks. One major saver is our Mileage. So many small business owners do not track their miles for every bit that goes into their small business. YOU NEED TO! Those miles add up. I did something like 12,000 miles last year for my business and the number climbs each year as more and more work comes my way. Just like almost everything else there is an app for that.

Here are a few to look into:

Auto Miles

Mileage Log+

klicks

Triplog

TrackMyDrive

MileGuru

BizXpenseTracker 

Easy Logbook

MileWiz

Hurdlr

MileBug 

Everlance

SherpaShare Mileage/Expense Tracker

MileIQ

GPS Mileage Tracker

Fuel buddy

Stride Drive

MetroMile’s

TaxMileage

Happy Shooting!

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FAIL

So the past few weeks have been focusing on acronyms such as: N.O. for Next Opportunity and E.N.D. for Effort Never Dies. This week is all about one of my favorite questions to ask in interviews and that is Fail! Now I did not come up with any of these three acronyms. Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam; 11th president of India, is quoted for each of these three. In the spirit of Failing I share a big failing story where I almost ruined someones wedding in 2014. I can honestly say this was the biggest failure I have ever encountered in my professional career. If I discuss my personal live this episode would never end. That's not sad at all...

There are enough horrible things going on in our lives and throughout the world that it is helpful to a shift your perspective form negative to positive and these acronyms have been a huge help to me over the past year or so. I know that even with all the failure I have plenty left to learn and I look forward to my future mistakes.

Happy Shooting!

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Davin Lavikka - The Alternative Processes

Davin is a Fine Art and Commercial Photographer based in Scottsdale Arizona. You may know Davin from his YouTube channel filled with instructional videos on all things photography. From understanding gear to learning on how to be better prepared on your next shoot.

Davin Lavikka is a photographer and artist in Scottsdale Arizona. Photography is his primary tool and has been for the last fifteen years. He is known for his architectural and commercial work but has become known for his fine art photography first. He is influenced by early masters like Eugene Atget, W. Eugene Smith, Diane Arbus, Walker Evens, Ansel Adams, Albert Renger-Patzsch, Horst P. Horst, Ernst Haas, Herbert Bayer, Jacques Henri Lartigue and Edward Weston. From the very beginning Davin has been a visionary translating his ideas into a physical form through drawing, painting, illustrating and photography. Davin's ultimate goal is to fully explore the artistic side of photography through alternative processes and ideas. He is fascinated with visual composition and how we react to it. "You can look at a master painter's work like Marcus Pierson, Philip Curtis or Van Gogh, see a painting they did and automatically know it was them. It's harder to do that with photography but that's the goal, to see identify me without knowing the work."

Happy Shooting!

W: http://www.lavikkaphotography.com/

http://www.dxomark.com/

http://www.photozone.de/

http://www.method-wedding-photography.com/ 

Blog: http://www.lavikkaphotography.com/blog 

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Mark Wallace - Change Humanity

A friend of mine introduced me to Mark's YouTube channel and his work in 2010 or so and I have been wanting to get him on the show for a long time now. after a couple quick emails he was game and I am so glad. I could not be more pleased with the conversation, the value, and the inspiration Mark has shared with me and you Photo World. Give it a listen but definitely watch his videos for Adorama TV

Mark Wallace is a photographer based in the United States. Best known for his web-based video series “Digital Photography One on One” and “Exploring Photography” sponsored by Adorama.

Millions of people have watched Mark’s videos on YouTube, and the numbers continue to grow. Mark has a strong social media following on Facebook and Twitter, where he spends time interacting with viewers and workshop attendees.

In 2014, Mark left the United States to embark on a 2 year worldwide adventure. He visited 28 countries and captured thousands of unique photographs across the globe.

In 2016 Mark decided to give up planes, trains, and automobiles and is now exploring the world on his motorcycle.

Happy Shooting!

Adorama: http://www.adorama.com/alc/tags/mark-wallace

W: http://www.markwallacephotography.com/

Blog: http://www.markonabike.com/

http://blog.snapfactory.com/

Workshops: http://classes.snapfactory.com/

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Overcoming END!

Job, relationships, projects, motivation, and power... thing end. Just like the ones listed here or maybe something you are thinking about, one way or another, there is an end to it. Sometimes and ending comes about when it is unexpected or inconvenient and we can feel lost or afraid about what we may need to do to overcome that end. It is amazing how our perspective can be a solution to most any problem and when we talk about the ends of things that same mind shift can be the help we are looking for. Rather than throwing in the towel and accepting the end, we can give the future a chance to thrive with the idea that E.N.D. is really "Effort Never Dies". There is something to be said about not giving up. However, before I get deep into this topic and the idea that we should always strive to keep going. Let me be clear that an ending may be the right solution to that job, relationship, project, motivation, etc.

My real thought process here is that we can think positively and take our learning with us. When I was younger with part time jobs I would see things coming to an end. It may have been the people were not great to be around or the money wasn't enough/I found a possible new job with higher pay, whatever it was, I always had a plan. I always made the effort to continue and move on, grow, and  in my mind continually succeed. I have mentioned in past episodes that I had something like 16 or more jobs before I finished college. I sound like a flake but it was just meticulous planning for what is next and how to always overcome the ends.

Happy Shooting!

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Whats In My Bag part 17

I'm still on this kick of photo gear and breaking down my equipment list. I have to say it is amazing what you can do even when you do not have all the gear you dream of. I have wants of an 85mm f1.5 prime as well as a 200-400mm f4. If I had an extra 9k laying around I would get those lenses. I have had a dream list of gear since the day I realized I love photography. After 7 years I am happy to say that list is almost completely checked off. However, with the advances in technology I find myself always adding and updating the list. I am sure many of you have this process of wants and building up your gear and then wanting something new. Well today's Whats In My Bag episode features the gear that puts the gear envy to rest.

LIGHTING! I'm talking about the Paul C. Buff AlienBees B1600. I have three of these studio strobes and a vagabond mini to give me power on the go. Having the right light will extend the life of any camera, automatically improve the possibility of any lens, and teach you to be a better photographer. I rave about my light because these are what make the shots.

Happy Shooting!

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Get It Right In Camera

Photo World, this fast paced digital age we live in has really been a great advantage to beginning a photography careers. However, many newer photographers depend on the LCD screen as a way of knowing their exposure adjustments rather than understanding their camera meter and how to make creative and/or specific choices to better an image before the even begin. I am all for making adjustments because thing look off on the LCD but I am more for knowing how to meter, understanding what you want, adjust beyond the better judgement of your camera meter, and creating something that looks great rather than something that looks average. It is so much more fun raising the bar from great to awesome rather than average to better. As a wonderfully difficult test I would urge every new photographer to get a hold of a film SLR and shoot a 36 exposure roll and see what it is like to take a picture. Not practice a picture like digital but actually capture and see later if you got what you wanted to take. I understand the power of instant gratification with digital but true knowledge is within. Honing in on your skills and real world practice will help you Get It Right In Camera. So many people rely on tools like Photoshop to solve the problems of their photography mistakes but Photoshop is just that, a tool. You can't really fix bad work with a tool like Photoshop or Lightroom. I know the latitude of RAW files are very rich and informative files however that is not a solution to an originally poor capture. I find it odd how many of my students are content with mediocre work when they were so close to the more appropriate choices for their work. Practice make progress.

Happy Shooting!

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Your Gifts as a Gift

Fist off, yesterday was Mother's Day. Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers out there. Do you ever approach a holiday or birthday thinking "Oh no... I have no idea what to get for them." This happens to me all the time. I found a simple and meaningful way around this annoying problem on what kind of gift to get for Mom or Dad, any friend on their birthday, a significant other, or when your a guest at a wedding.

1: know that this gift idea will not always be the perfect solution

2: understand that if this approach is over used you will look like a thoughtless idiot

3: this is not a work around to the traditional gift ideas that would fit "this" particular occasion in question

It's you. or your abilities rather... I am talking about giving your gifts as a gift. Using your photography to create something special for someone. Maybe offering your photography service as a gift itself. I get that this is a business and we need to make money but giving the service you place value on is often more than you would have spent anyway.

Happy Shooting!

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Whats In My Bag part 16

Continuing, but winding down, on the Friday Whats In My Bag episodes is a phenomenal light I use at every wedding, every portrait, engagement session, and family portraits. It is the Flashpoint Streaklight 360. This light has the compact feel of a speedlight, though it is sufficiently larger, and the power of a studio strobe. Not quite the power of your average 400-600 Watts studio light but near that being a 360 Watt light. Compare that to a top of the line speedlight at about 60-90 Watts and you have a portable powerful light source to be implemented anywhere you need it as you need it. The specific version I purchased is a Manual function only. Although they do make a Nikon Compatible version, as well as, Canon and Sony versions. Those have the option for TTL (Through The Lens) metering function. I could see the benefit in TTL with this power house that is so mobile. However I am a manual kind of guy. I only shoot in full Manual (M) exposure so unsurprisingly I like the same level of control with my lights as well. Plus you save the Green stuff with this lower function version.

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Exposed Photography Showcase

There are countless ways to get out there and network or show your work to others. One local event is the Exposed Photography Showcase at the College of DuPage. It was held last night (05/03/2016) with approximately 500 people in attendance. The Exposed Photography Showcase is a juried contest for both college students as well as surrounding area high school students. We had 11 high schools submit work and I was on the panel of judges for them. The COD student's work was looked at by three local professional photographers. Some of the prizes were subscriptions to the Adobe CC, subscription to ASMP, and even a Canon 70D kit was awarded. This was only the second year for the Exposed Photography Showcase and it was a huge success. Networking was fluent throughout the evening and I even heard a couple students landed internships. Other students were able to sell some work and even book a few sessions. The reality is, when you attend a networking event, any networking possible event, you never know who else may be there or what good can come of it.

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I Love NO!

No... There's a word we don't hear enough. Yeah right. Some times it feels like the only answer people know how to give. It can be upsetting hearing No over and over but maybe there is another way to look at it. In this episode I break down the word No and unfold a few ideas on how to handle hearing it. It isn't something we really ever get used to but most of us still seem to have a lot of trouble dealing with moving past No. In my personal life I have had a tough time moving past many NO's. However, I haven't really had much of an issue letting "No" go when it came to my work environments. Between the ages of 15-19 I had a dozen or so part time jobs. Two or Three at any given time to keep me overwhelmingly busy, though I had more opportunity than most learn and grow for all the No's in my life. On a personal note, I do find great value in looking back over the No's but I never spent much time indulging the idea of sadness or fear because of it. No is motivation.

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Whats In My Bag part 15

The last couple weeks were all about speedlights or at least the two I have in my bag for just about every job I go to. With this portable lighting any time I want I need the best way to power them. First off I don't know if the batteries I choose to use are the best choice but I know they have worked really well for me. Secondly you may find something that works better for you and your lights. If that is the case I would love to know what you use for your setup.

For me I go to the Eneloop AA and AAA batteries. They can withstand up to 2000+ charges and the hold their charge much longer than most other batteries. When they first came out they were developed by Sanyo however they were missing from shelves for a year or so after Panasonic bought them out and redeveloped them. It was a good thing too... when I first found out about the eneloop batteries they were $70 for 4 AA's and a charger. The price has come way down since then.

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What is HDR

It seems like every time we go to capture an image we have to choose between the highlights and the shadows. Traditionally with film you would expose for the shadows and then develop for the highlights. With Digital we must expose for the highlights and bring up the shadows. The problem is images are limited by the extreme ends and they don't match what we had seen at the time of capture. This is where High Dynamic Range (HDR) comes in. HDR is a technique to create an image with details from the deep shadows through the bright highlights. True HDR is a set of multiple captures of the same scene at different exposures and using software to composite elements from each image and overlaying separate elements to create one photograph containing highly detailed information from 0-255 in all shadows and all highlights as long as that information was available from any of the original images. There are many HDR-like photos being made from singular RAW files where the highlights are brought down, the shadows are pushed up, and the whites and blacks move similar directions. I find those types of "HDR" images are not true to the form of the multi photo HDR's. I have two images here one is from a single RAW file (the fake HDR-like edit) and then another made up from 11 RAW images at varying exposures. Can you tell which HDR is which?

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Perfect Picture Every Time

Hey Photo World so toady's Monday Message is about creating a Perfect Picture Every Time. Now we could argue the idea of perfect forever. 1, I don't have the time and 2, I don't like confrontation so let's skip past this part of the discussion. Today's episode is more so an introduction for a free PDF I am giving away. If you haven't subscribed then brows my site and the popup will appear and then you have the chance to get this free PDF as a thank you for joining the Take & Talk Pics community. I don't send many emails but when I do you always have the option to unsubscribe if you would like. This is more of a theoretical discussion on a very hot topic and that is how do we know if a photograph we create is good or not, let alone perfect. There are many ideas about correct exposure and even more about proper composition, but we also have that "X" Factor (for lack of a better term) where you just like or dislike something and you can't quite place why.

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Whats In My Bag Part 14

On to the big guns. Well... as far as speedlights go this is a big gun. The Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash is a power house of light in a compact system. A speedlight is a large flash unit that can be attached to the hot shoe of the camera or be used wirelessly. The biggest speedlight in my bag also has one of the biggest setbacks for a speedlight. The SB-900 has a tendency to overheat when used at high power for multiple shots and/or the zoom is at its widest of 17mm. Zoom that bad boy to 200mm and dial down the power and you have no overheat problem. I have a love hate relationship with this particular flash unit because it has a lot of power and then falls short for some shots needing a bit more; then it is too powerful for other shots where I wish I could bring it down to 1/256 power rather than the still awesomely low 1/128 power option. In the end though I do like the flash a whole lot.

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Side Projects

Photo World how often do you bring your camera with you? On your daily commute do you  leave time for each drive in case you stumble across a perfect picture waiting to be captured? How many times do you have an idea for a shot or even see a great scene and don't take the time to capture it? Annoying questions I know the answer to, because I have the same answers.

How often do I bring my camera: Sometimes - Almost Never

On my daily commute do I leave additional time: Rarely

Do I take the time to capture it: Once in a blue moon

If you are the type of person that always brings a camera with you then great! There are 171 other great episodes to listen to. If you are the type of person that wants their photography business to start or wants their current business to improve than listen up. This episode is for you; it is all about the side projects. Hopefully motivating you to never leave your camera at home again!

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Silence to Success

Photo World I almost feel stupid making an episode like this. From Silence to Success... What kind of joke is that? I suggest to you that being quiet will help you success (I stand behind that logic) and I spend 10 minutes or so talking on a podcast you regularly listen too. It seems as though I have no idea what I'm talking about here. Photo World, basically I want to ingrain this idea of quiet. You lean when you listen, you even lean by accident when you hear, and so many of us have more to say than we know what to do with. Just listen and see what I mean.

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Whats In My Bag Part 13

Finally the lenses and cameras are all accounted for and there really is more to talk about in my bag. Before I dive into this I need to go off on a small tangent and say Happy Tax Day! Okay "happy" feels out of place but it is important to remember that even the smallest of photography businesses need to think about their taxes. I have two small tips: do them on time and be 100% honest about everything. People try to cut corners and it is not worth it just like that one episode talked about. So back to the bag... Flash, Speedlight, Flashgun, Strobe, whatever you call it we are talking about the same idea; artificial lighting. We can shape it, direct it, modify it, and use it in just about any capacity under any shooting condition, maybe not the light I am talking about today but lighting in general. Today's featured gear is the Nikon SB-600 AF Speedlight. It's a helpful accessory but I have a few things to say about it. Listen to today's episode for the real thoughts.

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Inverse-Square Law

I don't want to get crazy technical and then lose half of my audience because this one episode feels more like a math class than a photography podcast. So I will keep this simple. However far your subject is to your light source that is your base, if you double the distance between your light source and subject you end up with one quarter the amount of light power reaching the subject. There are a couple reasons why the distance between your subject and light source would change and more often than not it is to adjust the softness (or hardness) of the light. When we talk about hard or soft light we are really talking about how sharp or blurred the shadows are. The closer your light to a subject the softer the shadows and vice versa, the farther your light to your subject the harder the shadows. Yes distance is playing a role in the softness or sharpness of the shadows but more so it is the size of the light source from the relative perspective of the subject itself. Listen to the episode I think it is more easily explained than writing it all out here.

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Whats In My Bag part 12

For the dozenth episode with Whats In My Bag I want to go over my last and final lens in my bag. The AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G Nikon lens, is a beautiful prime lens with that familiar focal length to match the way we see. 50mm on a Full Frame camera is the same perspective as the human eye without the peripherals. Some of you may have a cropped sensor and a 35mm lens to closely match this effect. If you want more info on sensor sizes check out my episode on that over subject over here. I will say the f1.4 + a FX sensor you get a crazy shallow Depth of Field and really bring out the subjects from the background. I love the soft backgrounds you get with such a huge aperture like f/1.4 or even larger like f/1.2, although the price difference between those may not be worth the jump. This is one of 2 prime lenses I have and I seem to forget to use it very often. With wedding photography I find zoom lenses to be more forgiving for the job.

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Monday Message - Ask The Question

Hey Photo World, what is on your mind? We all have questions but how often do you hold back from asking? There is a common fear that comes with appearing to be uninformed. It happens so often that we miss out of a step forward because we hold ourselves back. Today's episode is a camera buying experience that took a major turn because I asked a question. It kills me when my students have nothing to say in class and then one approaches me after our class meeting to ask a question. Sure it is great for them to seek out the answer but there are many times when another student makes a mistake that would have been corrected from that question being brought up during our class time. It is not the fault of either student but the fear of asking for information surrounded by others who may pass judgement. When I was in school I never asked anything. I didn't want to look stupid being the 1 who asked the question. By the time I got to ISU I could care less and I made so few mistakes because I had the guts to ask. Listen to this one no matter who you are, we all deal with this problem.

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Whats In My Bag part 11

Nikon has been on a role for the past 4-5 years. It seem like they are able to out do the last camera by a 75% increase of awesomeness over the previous. I have to say the fourth and final camera in my bag is a beast and an amazing addition to my setup. The Nikon D810 is a mind blowing 36 megapixels of clean 12,800 ISO with a solid weather sealed build hosting a comfortable fit that makes you feel at home. The ISO isn't as clean as the Nikon D4, D4s, or D5 but you have more than double the resolution of the D4 and D4s sitting at 16 megapixels. I know the vertical grip was great on the D4 I had (frown face) so I made sure to make up that problem with adding the grip to this D810. As a bonus with the vertical grip you can squeeze a few more frames per second out of it. I grew a custom to the 11 frames per second on the Nikon D4 but the D810 hovers around 4.5-5fps... that grip pushes you to almost 8fps. I can live with that; especially as a wedding photographer. I tendt to under shoot most other wedding photographers anyway. What could I really do with 8fps anyway.

I LOVE THIS CAMERA!- I feel like this is the camera to help me get over the loss of my Nikon D4

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Whats In My Bag part 10

First off know your purchase. Be sure about the gear being gray market or USA and research what that means for you. The prices will be dramatically different but that doesn’t mean one is better than the other, it is something to think about. That being said I am blown away by the Nikon D750. It is by far the best camera for the price on the market today. Yes someday soon it will be replaced and beaten but this camera has so much packed into it and a reasonable price to justify it. I am a pro photographer who wanted to have a solid second body in the bag and this one is my second for if I am ever in a bind. However the D750 makes an appearance at just about every job I do because I love this thing. I have been working my way into the video world and the D750 is an outstanding camera for video. The clarity of the image is beautiful and the colors render to what is true. I can co on about this camera and share samples all day long but I would say if you are interested in this camera listen to Take & Talk Pics episode 166 (April 9, 2016) for a full review of this camera. I have had it for only two weeks now and I am not missing my old cameras at all. If you are pro I would look at the D810 but you can easily run a pro level business with the D750. – TakeAndTalkPics.com photography blog/podcast

I LOVE THIS CAMERA! - VALUE! VALUE! VALUE!

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Whats In My Bag part 9

For today's equipment to discuss I have to offer a small warning: I may sound braggy because I am head over heels obsessed with the camera I have to talk about. I'm talking about my baby, my pride and joy, the Nikon D4. She is a perfect balance between beautiful and ferocious. This camera could hold up clean at 12,800 ISO and not miss a beat with those 11 frames per second in full 14 bit uncompressed RAW. Yeah there is no flash to have pop up but when you hold this beast you shouldn't even consider a pop up flash anyway. The D4 is rated for 400,000 shots and I hardly made a dent so far. On the one hand I would love to retire this camera when it is time and see it on a shelf greeting me as I enter my office but there is a lot of value ($) left in her and I can use that for future gear. Okay enough nonsense... listen to the episode for a real chat about this amazing camera.

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Whats In My Bag part 8

I'm finally moving on to the next section of my bag. THE CAMERAS! I still have some glass to go over but that is for another day. This first camera is not a pro level body but it serves it's purpose well. I originally purchased the camera to sell off an old Nikon D70s and have this new one as a backup to my Nikon D300 (also gone). I am talking about my Nikon D7000. I found myself mostly using it for the video function. Although, the video quality is nothing to write home about compared to the video capabilities of today's DSLRs. The D7000 is a cropped sensor camera (DX) with 16.2 megapixels. I wasn't opposed the the camera when I purchased it and it was perfect for what I needed at the time and the price was about $1200. That may seem like a lot of money for some but as a pro this camera was more than fair for what you got. I especially like the dual memory card slots. Great for shooting RAWs on one and backup JPEGs on the other.

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Eli Temchin

Today’s featured guest is Eli Temchin

Eli, is a fine art photographer who reached out to me for a free coaching call back on the 29th of January. Since that time Eli and I have done a segment of coaching for his business. I can fill you in on the experience but it would be better from Eli himself.

Artist Statement

My name is Eli Temchin. Welcome into the way I see the world. Nowadays, it seems like people are walking around in a haze. Or, glued to a smart phone and not paying attention to what's around them. What is all around you, no matter where you are? BEAUTY. What is beauty? Technically, beauty is the quality present in a thing or person: shape, color, sound, etc that gives intense pleasure or deep satisfaction to the mind.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So, behold. Here are a few images from everyday that show beauty in every way.“The more often we see things around us – even the beautiful and wonderful things – the more they become invisible to us. That is why we often take for granted the beauty of this world: the flowers, the trees, the birds, the clouds – even those we love. Because we things so often, we see them less and less.”- Joseph B. Wirthlin

Beauty isn't always what you see, but sometimes it's what you don't see. It's the scene within the scene that I look for. It's the depth of an image and the inner beauty that I challenge you to see.

SHOWINGS AND AWARDS

Multiple First Friday Showings in the Crossroads Arts District. Various galleries in Kansas City, MO.

E-Review: The Permanence of Change: Eli Temchin. Written by Steve Brisendine March 12th, 2011.

Writer’s Journal Magazine: 3rd Place Photography Contest winner. May/June 2005 issue.

w: elitemchin.com

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Rob Krueger

Today’s featured guest is Rob Krueger

He's a business coach, educator, speaker, blogger, photographer, and host to better understanding your business - Rob Krueger with the Take & Talk Pics photography podcast! That’s right Photo World it is time to learn more about the man behind the mic and hear a bit about his photographic journey. I’m Colleen Miniuk-Sperry and I will be interviewing your favorite entrepreneur Rob Krueger.

Rob Krueger is an award winning luxury and concierge wedding photographer who services Chicago to Orlando, New York to LA, and major cities throughout the world. His passion for photography can be heard first hand on this three day a week Podcast called Take & Talk Pics. Rob found a second calling within photography to educate others. He does this through the podcast, teaching photography at College of DuPage, and speaking nationally on the subject. He conducts workshops on many areas of photography but his favorite are his live wedding workshops.

I felt a bit out of place being on the other side of the questions this time around but I am so thankful Colleen Miniuk-Sperry suggested this. I had a blast and she was so awesome!

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1 Year of Take And Talk Pics

If I attempt to put into words everything I am feeling from 1 year of hosting Take & Talk Pics I would go on for hours describing my level of gratitude toward this blessing I have been given. This show has, and continues, to change my life every day. I urge you to listen to this brief episode. Also know that I am specifically Thanking each and every one of you! Photo World without you none of this would have been possible.

Josh Rossi, Colleen Miniuk-Sperry, Gavin John, Chad Griffith, Kareem Black, Perry Hagopian, Nancy Green, Guy Tal, Jack Graham, Ibarionex Perello, Tony Sweet, Kathleen Clemons, Lewis Kemper, Paul Audia, Bryan Peterson, Levi Sim, Chris Smith, Nick Page, Kevin Kuster, Juan Pons, Mike Boening, Jamie MacDonald, Angie McMonigal, Mike Moats, Skip Cohen, Jared Polin, Jim Harmer, Abby Grace, Natalie Probst, Lee Morris, Cris Duncan, Berit Bizjak, Dan Frievalt, Liz Banfield, Carl Caylor, John-Paul (JP) Teutonico, Michael Mowbray, Kenny Pang, Sherry Hagerman, Brian Morrison, and Andreea Radutoiu.

These are just a few names from an otherwise enormous list of amazing photographers I have interviewed and have given you a glimpse into their photography story. I wish I could thank each of you Photo World 1 on 1. If you give me a chance by signing up for the free coaching call, let me 30 minutes of free advice and guidance act as a small thanks for your support of this photography podcast.

This is a short episode today but a reminder of the abundant value throughout the Take & Talk Pics blog and podcast. The evolution over the past year is nothing short of inspiring and I expect to continue this consistent free value for a long time.

Thank you all for your continued support of this show!

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Cutting Corners

First of all I don't have the perfect formula to success nor is it my place to define success for you Photo World. We really all have to do the best we can with our own knowledge and resources. Those resources can be financial or not like personal relationships and calling upon our network. This podcast is designed to be a free resource to with as you please. After all I'm just one Chicago Wedding Photographer doing the best I can with my many failures to help shape my future.

This problem comes up with our 2 most valuable assets when running a small business. It leaves us to really have to think about our approach or it causes us to make quick and unhelpful decisions.

We have so much to think about in this business: Education, Gear, Branding, Web presence, Marketing, Customer relationships.

Even more detailed things like: Emails and phone calls, Balancing our time, How do we delegate the finances between what we earn and what the business has? Do we need to incorporate? How and when do we add our photography to our taxes?

We are often faced with a few possibilities when it comes to running a business or even improving our skills, and we have to decide to do what is right and more expensive or time consuming or cut a few corners and save a buck and save an hour here or there. It is hard to look ahead and see true cost in both time and money based on a shortcut “now”. It could cost more of our precious resources later. Furthermore, that difference could be greater than what we would have originally needed to invest and put in the right time or money in the first place.

Embrace failure and let those lessons propel you to a more sophisticated approach at the next fork in the road.

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Whats In My Bag

Today's episode is two fold: 1) it is the introduction to the first prime lens in my bag that I have discussed and 2) it is a specialty lens. If I were to give this particular lens one more main point, it would be that this was the first pro glass lens I ever purchased. I am talking about the Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED lens. Now, this lens would be considered a prime lens due to the fact that is has one fixed focal length or 105mm. The Nikon 105mm is also a true macro lens: being that it has a 1:1 reproduction ration. That would be like removing the sensor of your camera and picking a small flower from the ground. You could lay that flower on the sensor and that is the actual appearance you can get at a 1:1 reproduction ration. In this episode I go over Depth of Field and more so the 3 way you can affect it. Using a macro lens will almost always infringe upon two of the three factors for Depth of Field.

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White Balance

Auto, Cloudy, Shade, Tungsten, Florescent, Daylight, Flash, Underwater, Custom, and Kalvin; these are the main White Balance options you will find in most DSLR’s today. Photography is a wonderful tool but cameras are only able to operate based on algorithms and numeric values. Unlike our eyes and brain function, a camera is an unbiased interpretation to light color and how it is reflected off a given surface. Before I go off into the depths of mathematics I don’t understand or mislead those of you reading this. Know these few things about white balance: White balance is a color corrective setting with the goal of making sure white stays white, greens look green, and blues are true blues. The human eye is advanced and couple this with the brain you have a complexly engineered ability to compensate for distorted colors within a given scene. White balance is mostly designed as a corrective tool to untangle the cameras unbiased view of color temperature on the Kalvin scale. A typical mid-level or pro DSLR can run from about 2500K to 10000K. My Olympus can go as low as 2000K and as high as 14000K. What if you want to emphasis certain colors in an image? Using cloudy can warm up a scene. Using daylight or flash white balance can cool it down. I am a big proponent of getting it right in camera but sometimes we end up with happy accidents. Say you are photographing a landscape and you were to change up the white balance to see how it looks rather than holding off until the post production… you may just be surprised at what stands out to you once the colors shift. This could inspire you to recompose and begin making a whole new image. That you can’t do when you are in post.

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“Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” We have heard that one before. It may have been a co-worker, a family member, a friend, or even today on this podcast, but we hear that and often do little with it. There is a lot to be said about how people perceive you vs. what they know about you. I come from an upbringing that teaches to not pass judgement. However, and sadly, we all seem to do so. That should be an indicator that we are also being judged. It isn’t a good thing most of the time but it exists, and we should prepare to succeed because of it rather than wallow in our fear that others opinions will affect us negatively. This is where we have all of the control. Our appearance is a major reflection on our personalities and act as an indicator of our knowledge and ability as well. I would love to live in a world where this didn’t matter but I know when I have students show up in a hoodie and sweat pants I am not expecting much from them today and sure enough I spot them drifting off or hiding their phone trying to text the whole class. Carelessness is a lifestyle and we tend to have a snow ball effect from that.FIGHT this! We have the power to change and we also have the power to rise above that which we once were. If any of you follow me on twitter you will see the majority of my tweets contain #success, #perseverance, #business, and #photography. I want that reminder to be there for anyone and everyone who comes across my tweets. In the event someone decides to step up their own game as a result of it I am rising to the occasion by having tweeted that reminder.

No joke, I kind of free versed this writing here. The post hardly reflects the episode but I apparently needed to get a slew of thoughts on paper after having recorded and edited my episode today. The combination of the two makes for an interesting blogcast.

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Whats In My Bag

Last week I went over my Backup/travel lens... the 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 VR II and this week's What"s In My Bag episode is about the final zoom lens in my bag but it is also the newest lens added to my kit. Lastly, this lens is replacing that 18-200mm. The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Lens. I really dive into why this lens is being added to my bag and a few reasons why it is replacing the 18-200mm. I rate this lens at 5 stars for the value. The price for what you get and the many functions it can be used for are amazing. I don't consider it a pro level lens but more so a transition lens. For those of you who are ready for the heavy glass and want the faster lenses, take a look at what you are able to invest for new gear and consider the difference in cost when you are searching.  If you are on a tight budget but you are ready for a leap ahead in your lens quality something like this 24-120mm f/4 is perfect.

Check out how Vibration Reduction really works!

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Metering Modes

Today’s Photo Talk is about metering modes. Specifically the light meter in your camera. I touch upon the different modes you probably have in your camera and the function of them. Listen carefully because this one is tough to grasp at first. I don’t believe I fully understood how metering worked during the first couple years of my own photography. I understood the idea and the process but not why the meter does what it does and how to outsmart the meter with an in-depth understanding of its function. In short I like to use the phrase “your camera meter is lying to you.” Basically your meter wants everything to be a perfect middle gray, or neutral gray. In film we referred to that tone as 18% gray. In digital we can see this as 128R, 128G, and 128B (128 RGB) dead center on each color channel but lacking all saturation. I speak quickly on this because it is second nature for me now but it wasn’t always that way. I also talk about the zone system developed by Ansel Adams and Fred Archer. A bit confusing stuff but very helpful to know about. I strongly suggest brushing up on your photo history and learning about the zone system. Furthermore I highlight my go to metering mode. Every photographer has one I just explain why I choose the one I do. Hint: it is based on knowing the zone system in greater detail. The mode I use most often lets me take what the camera suggests (lies), my years of practice, the previsualization to know how a scene works, as well as my gear, and capture near perfect exposure every time. Just I have said on the show before, it is about finding your systems and putting them in place to better your productivity. This is just another system for when I release the shutter. I go in detail on my specific process back in Episode 081and you can download the free pdf on How To Meter In Ambient Light When You Don’t Know How To Meter.

Happy Shooting!

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Sign up for one of the last few spots here! 2015 © Take&TalkPics

Profit Margin

There are countless resources out there on the topic of profit margin. Just search Google and be instantly overwhelmed with 1 million great ideas to increase your profit margin. If I had to break it down into three parts I could easily do so. I am the kind of person that often only uses logic in many aspects of my life and when it comes to your profit margin I don’t change one bit. There are a lot of thing to think about within each of my three main points but definitely worth a quick read. At the very least worth a listen, maybe even twice.

Look at your current profit margins
What do you make from each job What do you pay out for each job What is it to pay yourself for each portion of every job Things you must have to do the job well Things you may be spending more than you need on Account for waste See the gross profit margin And prepare for change
Cut costs
Anywhere and everywhere you can cut cost, Do It! Save $5 a month on your internet service provider Eliminate your land line and go completely mobile Split a product with a fellow photographer Drink more water and less soda and beer – ANYTHING!!!
Raise prices
Be firm on your price If you take a cash discount that can help the sale Eliminate any specials/coupons Do not fold back to your old pricing to book a gig

Conserve your marketing budget!

                Only use what you know works for you

Increase productivity!

                You or an employee – make more of an effort to produce more from your time

Reevaluate often!

Happy Shooting!

Get your FREE business coaching call with Rob!

Sign up for one of the last few spots here! 2015 © Take&TalkPics