Showing posts with label Featured. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Featured. Show all posts
Nov 1, 2012
Interview with Vladimir Zotov
Actually nowhere. A few years ago I noticed that I am not indifferent to the photography. I visited a lot of sites dedicated to this theme, first just looking and trying to understand. Then I bought my first camera, and studied just in that course. After a couple of years, I was invited to a photo studio in my town, and I worked there for 2 years. There was so much work, that I had no time to attend long trainings. It was pure shooting. Sometimes I asked questions to professional photographers through the Internet. Many responded willingly, and I am very grateful to them. Because of their example, I also always try to share my secrets and to answer any questions when I am asked.
What equipment do you use? Favorite lenses?
Actively I use three photo systems. At home Sony (a850). I dont have many expensive lenses at home, because I feel there is no need to take high-resolution photographs there. My favorite lens here is an old manual-focus Minolta Celtic 135mm f2.8.
At work I use Canon (7D and 5D Mark II) and Hasselblad (H4D-60). I won't tell you about the advantages or disadvantages of these systems, if anyone is interested in my personal opinion, please feel free to write me!
Generally I prefer telephoto lenses as you can see. As far as lighting — I use the Broncolor generator system, “Scoro a4s” and “Verso 2400", some of the of the best (if not the best) equipment in the world. I would take this opportunity to thank my chieves for it! Its really very important to use good equipment, especially in commercial photography. However, often I shoot with a film camera, worth about $100 (Minolta XG-1). The results suit me fine.
Any tips you'd like to share?
My advice is to shoot very-very often. This is a key to understanding what you like to shoot and what you are best at. Try. Shoot everything that comes to mind. You can truly begin to appreciate the photos after thousands of shots taken in a few days. Remember... "Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst. – Henri Cartier-Bresson. And he meant film images. Multiply by 50. :) The best practice is not only to shoot what you like, but execute orders.
For any special tips please contact me personally.
site - 100pcent.ru (this is my studio)500px- http://500px.com/VladimirZotov
email - zotov.vl@gmail.com
May 31, 2011
May 22, 2011
Rookie Photog Shares Her First Wedding Session
By Julianna Collett
Read more >>
Photography has been a part of my life since I had a job in college at a camera store, however I didn’t get serious about learning the technical side of imagery until about three years ago when I reluctantly decided I had to learn to use my digital camera. I am self- taught but by that I mean, with the internet all the resources and tips are out there for the reading. I began stalking the blogs of people who were generous with there knowledge and photo tips and as I learned and had specific questions I would simple google it! I still do, especially when it comes to computer related problems!
I am coming up on my first anniversary of taking paid clients and this was my first solo wedding ( with my daughter as my assistant). My camera bag is ever evolving, right now I shoot with a Nikon D700 with a battery grip, 50mm 1.4, 105 mm 2.8 macro and a Holga. I recently purchased a Minolta Maxxum 9000 film camera and I am looking forward to experimenting with that.
Although I am grateful for the immediate feedback digital photography gives me in enabling me to learn the technical side of the craft, computers make me cry! I am always striving to keep my editing as simple as possible. I use Elements 9 right now, I will upgrade soon, but it scares me (pathetic I know) Every photo shoot my goal is to get more exactly right in camera than I did the last time. I shoot raw so I will tweak in raw and then my edits usually include a levels adjustment if needed and then I go for softer tones so I will usually use the brighten/ contrast layer and take up the brighten slightly and take down the contrast. I quite often use a golden warming layer too. I often desaturate a bit too. On a limited number of images I will use a gradient layer.
This wedding was a great first experience for me. Ashley and Dan were so easy going and I knew a few members of the wedding party. The ladies gathered early in the morning to get ready at the brides home with lots of laughter, make-up and hair product, and a lovely breakfast. The bride gave her bridesmaids beautiful vintage teacups that photographed wonderfully against their yellow dresses [see cover]. After the ceremony, pictures were taken down by the river on the same spot they became engaged.
Apr 30, 2011
Mar 31, 2011
Mar 15, 2011
Feb 11, 2011
Jan 31, 2011
Feature :: High-end Photographer or Low-end Photographer
By Malea Ellet and Serena Martineau ~Of My Affection Photography
Something we have found to be quite wonderful is that we truly fall in love with all of our couples. The reason we think this is possible is because they have welcomed us into such a special and intimate time in their lives. Each session prior to the wedding enables a comfort level and a bond that we reach with each couple, so when the day of their nuptials finally arrives, we are there not as the hired help, but as two photographers and friends who care dearly for them. At the end of the journey our greatest hope is that our clients walk away feeling that they not only received the best documentation of their wedding experience, but they also walked away with a wonderful experience with us.
One of the most common questions we are asked from other photographers is how we are able to charge enough to cover both of our time and talents. The best answer we have is that we've really evaluated our worth as artists not just as photographers. We, meaning all photographers, are offering our talents. We are offering them one of a kind pieces of art.
Read more >>
The art behind Of My Affection photography is simple. It is just the two of us, and we have an unyielding passion to capture the story of modern day romance. Although our business is still in its infancy, we have already had the chance to encounter and document some of the most splendid love stories. Individually we both ran our own successful photography businesses for years and then one day we began to play with the idea of collaborating our talents to create and offer something unique to these couples who were vowing their lives to one another.
One of our biggest strengths is that we capture two different angles throughout the wedding day. For example, one of us will document the elegant bride ascending the aisle while the other is capturing the lovestruck face of the groom, as he sees his soon to be wife coming towards him. There are so many moments on a wedding day that should be captured from more than one angle, to truly depict the emotion of the moment.
The fact is, our consumers cannot go to any store and buy anything identical to what we offer. We are offering our own individual vision and style of whatever we specialize in as an artist. The question is, are you a bargain photographer who includes unlimited shooting coverage, all high resolution files, hours of editing for the price of $100 dollars or less? This may sound great to the client but unfortunately for you, they won't be hiring you for your talent but instead, they will be hiring you for your marked down pricing. Photographers like this can not be considered "high end" photographers, so does that make them "low end" photographers? If so, what category would you as an artist and photographer want to be in? Why disservice yourself and your time? A valued photographer is one who charges what they truly feel is worth their time and talents. Take into consideration the time you spend conversing with your clients prior to their session up until the end of the project. This is your time that you should charge for.
Remember to calculate your cost for not only the worth of your unique talent, but also your expenses that come with running a business. The cost of gas to and from location, the cost for products and marketing, the cost for studio rent, the cost to maintain equipment, business insurance, etc... all of these things need to be part of determining what the value is, for what you offer. In our experience, the clients who are looking only for a bargain are not the clients who appreciate quality art. The clients who sincerely value your work and feel you are validated in your pricing, are the clients who will continue to come back over and over again, as well as refer you to many people they know. If you charge what your worth, you can afford to give each client the time and experience they are paying for, and more! They will respect you for it and they will cherish even more, their heirlooms and the artwork they have invested in.
Never forget that you are an artist first, and not just a photographer.
Dec 31, 2010
Feature :: Creating Confidence
Creating Confidence
by Melissa Jacks
There are so many things I like about being a photographer. I like camera equipment. I’d rather have a new lens than diamonds…any day. I also like using a camera. I like being able to adjust the settings and change the lenses to create the exact image I want. I like being around people and interacting with them. I like post-processing. I like all of those things a whole lot. But what I love about photography is the way it makes people feel.
I love that moment during a shoot when I show someone a photo of themselves on the little LCD screen and they say, “I look so pretty!” and I watch them relax and blossom right before my eyes. I love when I am with a client and they are viewing their images for the first time and I get the exact same reaction. Those two moments are priceless to me. As a photographer I know that the only way to achieve those moments is to have a relaxed and confident client. I know that if they are feeling uncomfortable and awkward, they will look uncomfortable and awkward. If they feel relaxed and confident then that will be reflected in their images.
If you are like me, and I know most photographers are, I am a million times more comfortable behind the camera than in front of it. I know I feel insecure and worry about how “un-photogenic” I am. I think most of us struggle with the same insecurities, and that is what I try to keep in mind when I am with a client. There are many things you can do to ensure that your client is able to relax and feel good about themselves. I know that every client is different but here are a few things that work for me.
See the beauty in everyone.
I truly believe everyone is beautiful. Maybe it is their hair. Or their freckles. Or their smile. Or maybe their amazing personality. Everyone has something. Find it and make it shine.
Know your client.
Send them a questionnaire ahead of time. Meet for lunch. Chat on the phone. Know what they love about themselves, and also what they don’t like. Know what kind of images they are hoping for.
Be prepared.
Know the location. Make sure your equipment is organized. Have your paperwork organized. Bring extra items your client might need- a mirror, water, hairspray, etc.
Keep talking.
Silence is awkward in most situations. Have some funny stories ready or topics that you know your client is interested in. Laugh and joke…anything that takes the spotlight off of the client and the camera you have pointed in their face.
Tell them what you love about them.
Compliment them but be genuine in your praise. Show them a shot or two as the session progresses. This one thing does more than just about anything else you can do or say.
Be yourself.
If you are relaxed and confident, they will be too.
I know how I feel when I see a picture of myself and actually like it. My self confidence skyrockets. I absolutely love that I can do that for someone else. Remember the power you have as a photographer. You aren’t just creating beautiful images- you are making someone feel confident and beautiful, inside and out.
Melissa Jacks
Melissa Jacks Photography
http://www.melissajacksphotography.com/blog
702-375-3587
Read more >>
by Melissa Jacks
There are so many things I like about being a photographer. I like camera equipment. I’d rather have a new lens than diamonds…any day. I also like using a camera. I like being able to adjust the settings and change the lenses to create the exact image I want. I like being around people and interacting with them. I like post-processing. I like all of those things a whole lot. But what I love about photography is the way it makes people feel.
I love that moment during a shoot when I show someone a photo of themselves on the little LCD screen and they say, “I look so pretty!” and I watch them relax and blossom right before my eyes. I love when I am with a client and they are viewing their images for the first time and I get the exact same reaction. Those two moments are priceless to me. As a photographer I know that the only way to achieve those moments is to have a relaxed and confident client. I know that if they are feeling uncomfortable and awkward, they will look uncomfortable and awkward. If they feel relaxed and confident then that will be reflected in their images.
If you are like me, and I know most photographers are, I am a million times more comfortable behind the camera than in front of it. I know I feel insecure and worry about how “un-photogenic” I am. I think most of us struggle with the same insecurities, and that is what I try to keep in mind when I am with a client. There are many things you can do to ensure that your client is able to relax and feel good about themselves. I know that every client is different but here are a few things that work for me.
See the beauty in everyone.
I truly believe everyone is beautiful. Maybe it is their hair. Or their freckles. Or their smile. Or maybe their amazing personality. Everyone has something. Find it and make it shine.
Know your client.
Send them a questionnaire ahead of time. Meet for lunch. Chat on the phone. Know what they love about themselves, and also what they don’t like. Know what kind of images they are hoping for.
Be prepared.
Know the location. Make sure your equipment is organized. Have your paperwork organized. Bring extra items your client might need- a mirror, water, hairspray, etc.
Keep talking.
Silence is awkward in most situations. Have some funny stories ready or topics that you know your client is interested in. Laugh and joke…anything that takes the spotlight off of the client and the camera you have pointed in their face.
Tell them what you love about them.
Compliment them but be genuine in your praise. Show them a shot or two as the session progresses. This one thing does more than just about anything else you can do or say.
Be yourself.If you are relaxed and confident, they will be too.
I know how I feel when I see a picture of myself and actually like it. My self confidence skyrockets. I absolutely love that I can do that for someone else. Remember the power you have as a photographer. You aren’t just creating beautiful images- you are making someone feel confident and beautiful, inside and out.
Melissa Jacks
Melissa Jacks Photography
http://www.melissajacksphotography.com/blog
702-375-3587
Nov 30, 2010
Feature :: And, Don't Forget the Joy
by: Brooke WeidauerSix years ago my college professor asked me a question that became my ah-ha moment. “What do you really want to do with your life, whether it be in the field of social work or not”. My reply, “I am not sure exactly what I want to do but I know this, I want to create.” Four years passed before stumbling upon photography and like many who are JSO (just starting out), I was obsessed. I think this obsession extended far beyond what’s considered healthy. I stayed up researching, googling, and critiquing my images late into the next morning. Does this sound dramatic? Because it was. It was intense. But, the world of photography brought me joy. When I began photographing clients this happiness intensified. I relished in creating a beautiful image, relished in seeing the client’s joy when they visually comprehended how deeply their family loved each other. I found joy when clients saw how beautiful they themselves truly were and I’m not talking about physical beauty alone. This brought me joy.
And then sadly this joy gradually molded into work. All work with just a pinch of joy. At times I literally prayed for rain to postpone a session or threw my camera in time-out, promising to not pick it up, ever. I had lost the joy and I knew it. I was going to go find it. I began by doing some soul-searching. I knew I was a perfectionist to my detriment. This was a good starting point. I continued to mentally note all of the things that were taking away from this joy and then I did something about it.
Here are a few things I learned along the way, beginning with my obsession with perfection.
Do not strive for other’s perception of perfection:
Pretty catchy title, eh? What is perfection anyway? It’s an insatiable concept. If we continually reach for “perfection” in our photography we will be left unsatisfied. Why’s that you ask? Because perfection is in the eye of it’s beholder, which is you of course. I believe with art, perfection is how we interpret it. Imperfections often translate as perfection. Understandably we hope others will appreciate our work but we ought to first love, nah, embrace our own work even if it’s not considered perfect by others.
Shoot just for fun and invite some friends:
When I am in a funk, a rut or simply losing the joy, I shoot for fun. I shoot for me. Whenever I photograph who, what, and where I want, I return home rejuvenated. Arrange a shoot where you are in control, where you choose the models and the props and invite some photographer friends. I promise you will feel refreshed and anew.
Don’t get too down on yourself:
I like to compare photography to a roller coaster ride. We need to expect that with the highs, we will experience lows. We can’t be too hard on ourselves; photography is a journey. Learning takes time and mistakes are our biggest ally. And after all, don’t most of us love roller coasters?
Continue to learn and try new things:
If you notice your joy in photography slipping, it may be a matter of boredom. Try OCF (off-camera flash), experiment with compositions, black and white conversions, or attend a workshop, anything to challenge and educate yourself.
Don’t neglect what matters most:
Meaning our relationships. Hours quickly pass while sitting at the computer. Discipline yourself to work x amount of hours a day and dedicate the remaining hours to your loved ones. Some may not have the luxury of limiting sessions but for those of you who can and who feel they are neglecting their relationships, do it.
Take the time to enjoy your work:
Often times we are either too busy or we simply forget to appreciate our work. Choose a time to sit back in your computer chair, rest your hands behind your head, pull up your past work and enjoy.
Remember why you started:
Like I said, for me it was about creating a beautiful image and also basking in the subject’s own joy. Think of why you became a photographer and then remind yourself of those reasons when you feel you’ve lost hold of the joy.
And now my friends if you are ready to throw in the towel, if you’re praying for rain, and your camera is sitting in time out then maybe it’s a good time to make your own mental notes and rediscover your joy.
--
Brooke Weidauer
Brooke Ashley Photography
www.brookeashleyphotography.com
bashleyphotography@gmail.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)