I've been thinking up this blog post for a few months already. It's somewhat of a collaboration of all the little things I've learned to help improve my pictures along the way, and I wanted to share those with you!
1. Calibrate!!!
I can't stress this enough! Until you finally do, you have no idea how off your computer screen colours actually are! For the first 8 months of my business I edited all my pictures on my laptop. I always had to crank the warmth in the white balance. Thought it was just bad Auto White Balance in my camera. When I bought my Mac desktop in September I was shocked at how different the images on my blog looked on the new computer! I couldn't stand the idea of my clients looking at my photos online or on their computers and seeing something totally different than what I saw on my computer! Yikes! So, pretty much the day after I bought my desktop, I bought the Spyder 3 Express calibrater. It's a little thing that plugs into your USB port and hangs over your monitor and goes through all the colours and figures out what your screen needs to be at in order to be the right colour. Let me tell you, the difference was insane! Not as insane on my desktop, but my laptop was a HUGE difference (you can use the Spyder on as many computers as you want, and it's portable too!) So now at least I know that the colours I've edited my pictures to be are true, and that's why I highly recommend ordering prints through me because my lab also calibrates their monitors so the colours come out pretty much exactly the same! I can't tell you how many photographer's pictures I've looked at where the colours are so off. They're probably good on their own computer, like I thought mine were, but in actuality they're pretty off.
2. Check your background!
This is so important. Look at what's going on behind your subjects when you're taking their pictures. There are so many potentially distracting objects out there. Not buildings and other normal background stuff, but little things like purses and cups or cars or anything else that takes away from the moment of the picture. We tend to focus on our models, which is a good thing, but we still need to keep our backgrounds in mind. Move your body so that the couple's bodies hide that stray garbage can in the backdrop, or move the couple all together if there's too much distraction, or move the garbage can! Set your scene! I still have to constantly remind myself about this. Too often than I'd like I end up having to delete an image because I didn't make note of what was going on in the backdrop.
3. Line 'em up!
Another big thing of mine is having straight lines. I'm uber anal about it. I'm one of those people that will get a twitch if I see a picture frame that isn't hanging straight. The same goes for my pictures. I level out most of my pictures, at least any that have an obvious line in them. It's a small thing, but it makes a huge difference. There's nothing worse that looking through photos taken at the beach and in every picture the horizon goes off at a 45 degree angle. When I first got my camera last January I was so busy focusing on how to use the camera and on my subject that I didn't even think about the background. I had some pictures with buildings in the back that were all tilted and it's been ever since then that I take time to notice my lines. That's just my style. If you like the tilted look, heck, tilt away!
4. Filter!
When you're going through your images, don't keep any that don't "wow" you. And don't keep any that are even slightly blurry, no matter how great the couple/subjects look. This was one of the biggest things I learned at WPPI and I'm so grateful for it! Nobody but you knows that that image ever existed so the clients will never wonder what happened to it! Instead of giving them a blurry image that makes them unsatisfied, why not give them only your crispest images that make them gasp in awe! And, along with blurry images, get rid of any where someone in the picture looks funny, or where there's bad lighting, etc. You are representing yourself and your work in your images, and your clients will show these images to their friends and family... if they like them. And if they don't, they might show them and say negative things, which is SO not what we want! Aim to make your clients rant and rave about you your work and their experience with you!
Those are my rambling thoughts for the day! I have been there, done that, and this is what I've taken from my own personal experience! Hopefully it will help someone else out there!
Thanks for reading!
Showing posts with label FAQ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FAQ. Show all posts
6.03.2011
5.30.2011
FAQ / the importance of e-sessions
E for engagement, incase you were wondering what the e in e-session stands for! When I first saw the word e-session when I started my business I was so confused by it. I had no idea what it stood for! I thought it was e for electronic or something. Like email or evite, etc. So, don't be embarrassed if you didn't know what it meant either!
When I first started this wedding photography journey I didn't fully comprehend the importance of each couple having an engagement session before their wedding day. I include a complimentary engagement session with all of my packages for that reason. I've had a few couples opt out of having an e-session, and that's totally fine! Out of the 6 weddings I've photographed, half of them have had engagement sessions and the other half did not. I've noticed a few things from this.
First of all, whether or not you choose to go ahead with the e-session, your wedding day will still rock! I've had a blast at every wedding I've shot so far, so don't feel like your at a disadvantage if you choose not to have one! But, I can tell you for certain, the photo part of a wedding day goes a little bit smoother, and quicker, when the couple has had the engagement session.
What is the purpose of an e-session? Aside from getting some great shots of you and your fiance at such an exciting time in your life it also gives you a chance to get to know me better, as your wedding photographer. On most occasions, this will be the first time that we'll actually meet each other before the wedding day. So it gives us a chance to get to know each other better, and it helps you be more comfortable around me and in front of my camera. Of the weddings I've done where the couple had an engagement session, the photo part of the day tends to flow just a wee bit better than of those who did not have one. They already know where I want them to look, how the guy should put his hand in his pocket, how to walk so that it looks good in a picture, etc, etc.
And, it's free, so why not?! :) Like I said, I offer an e-session as a complimentary service to my couples because I really find it beneficial to everyone! Even if you don't plan to use any of these images for your wedding or invitations it's still a nice way to get professional pictures of you and your fiance.
That being said, how can you make the most of your engagement shoot? I love to encourage my couples to think outside of the box. Bring props that we can incorporate into the shoot, be as personal and as quirky as you want! If you and your fiance love going on picnics, then let's recreate a picnic in a field. If you both like to read, bring some books along, and some antique spectacles.
Also, allow yourself to feel beautiful. Let's be real here, it's terribly awkward having your picture taken. You feel like your smile looks funny and you don't know where to put your hands or if your eyes look creepy, or whatever. I've been on the other side of the camera and I can attest to this. It's awkward and you get all self conscious. Mostly us women, the guys tend to just show up, somewhat begrudgingly, but they're usually not too concerned about how they look! My job is to make you feel comfortable, relaxed and affirm you that you are doing a great job and that you do, in fact, look fabulous. But it really does help if you take that extra time to glamify yourself! Treat yourself by getting your make-up done professionally and get a stylist to style your hair the day of your session. Trust me, it will boost your confidence ten fold!
Along the same lines, think about the clothes that you'll wear. I love a pop of colour on my models. Cheerful, bright, fresh colours. But not too much. :) Bring a couple outfits if you'd like, one more dressy and one more casual. And dress the casual up just a touch as well. You won't regret it!
But the main thing is that you stay true to you. If you don't ever ever wear heels then please don't even think about wearing them to the session. I don't want you to look back on your photos and go "why did I wear those heels?!?! That's so not me!" (This is all true for your wedding day as well!) This session is meant to fully capture you and your fiance's personalities in their rawest form! Your wedding day will naturally be a little more formal, so take advantage of your engagement session to do those shots and poses and whatnot that you probably wouldn't do on your wedding day.
Does that make sense? I feel like I was a little all over the place in my thinking, which led to this post. I hope it makes sense and that you get where I'm going with this. And please don't feel bad if you've turned down an e-session with me! It's totally fine!!! I've loved every wedding I've done so far and the results have been great either way!
Just something to think about!
When I first started this wedding photography journey I didn't fully comprehend the importance of each couple having an engagement session before their wedding day. I include a complimentary engagement session with all of my packages for that reason. I've had a few couples opt out of having an e-session, and that's totally fine! Out of the 6 weddings I've photographed, half of them have had engagement sessions and the other half did not. I've noticed a few things from this.
First of all, whether or not you choose to go ahead with the e-session, your wedding day will still rock! I've had a blast at every wedding I've shot so far, so don't feel like your at a disadvantage if you choose not to have one! But, I can tell you for certain, the photo part of a wedding day goes a little bit smoother, and quicker, when the couple has had the engagement session.
What is the purpose of an e-session? Aside from getting some great shots of you and your fiance at such an exciting time in your life it also gives you a chance to get to know me better, as your wedding photographer. On most occasions, this will be the first time that we'll actually meet each other before the wedding day. So it gives us a chance to get to know each other better, and it helps you be more comfortable around me and in front of my camera. Of the weddings I've done where the couple had an engagement session, the photo part of the day tends to flow just a wee bit better than of those who did not have one. They already know where I want them to look, how the guy should put his hand in his pocket, how to walk so that it looks good in a picture, etc, etc.
And, it's free, so why not?! :) Like I said, I offer an e-session as a complimentary service to my couples because I really find it beneficial to everyone! Even if you don't plan to use any of these images for your wedding or invitations it's still a nice way to get professional pictures of you and your fiance.
That being said, how can you make the most of your engagement shoot? I love to encourage my couples to think outside of the box. Bring props that we can incorporate into the shoot, be as personal and as quirky as you want! If you and your fiance love going on picnics, then let's recreate a picnic in a field. If you both like to read, bring some books along, and some antique spectacles.
Also, allow yourself to feel beautiful. Let's be real here, it's terribly awkward having your picture taken. You feel like your smile looks funny and you don't know where to put your hands or if your eyes look creepy, or whatever. I've been on the other side of the camera and I can attest to this. It's awkward and you get all self conscious. Mostly us women, the guys tend to just show up, somewhat begrudgingly, but they're usually not too concerned about how they look! My job is to make you feel comfortable, relaxed and affirm you that you are doing a great job and that you do, in fact, look fabulous. But it really does help if you take that extra time to glamify yourself! Treat yourself by getting your make-up done professionally and get a stylist to style your hair the day of your session. Trust me, it will boost your confidence ten fold!
Along the same lines, think about the clothes that you'll wear. I love a pop of colour on my models. Cheerful, bright, fresh colours. But not too much. :) Bring a couple outfits if you'd like, one more dressy and one more casual. And dress the casual up just a touch as well. You won't regret it!
But the main thing is that you stay true to you. If you don't ever ever wear heels then please don't even think about wearing them to the session. I don't want you to look back on your photos and go "why did I wear those heels?!?! That's so not me!" (This is all true for your wedding day as well!) This session is meant to fully capture you and your fiance's personalities in their rawest form! Your wedding day will naturally be a little more formal, so take advantage of your engagement session to do those shots and poses and whatnot that you probably wouldn't do on your wedding day.
Does that make sense? I feel like I was a little all over the place in my thinking, which led to this post. I hope it makes sense and that you get where I'm going with this. And please don't feel bad if you've turned down an e-session with me! It's totally fine!!! I've loved every wedding I've done so far and the results have been great either way!
Just something to think about!
1.31.2011
FAQ /inspiration
This seems like a fitting post for today because I feel like I've been inspired from all directions lately! I'm not sure how to condense inspiration because for me I'm inspired by people, places and things, and they inspire me emotionally, spiritually and creatively. It's hard to separate these because when I'm inspired emotionally and spiritually it kind of flows into my creativity. So I'm just going to throw out all the different avenues of inspiration in my life, in random order.
1. Ikea. I love Ikea. More specifically, I like their catalogue and the rooms they have set up in their stores. "Fresh" is one of the words that I use to sum-up my photography style and I feel like everything in the Ikea store and catalogue fit into this style! I was browsing through their catalogue last night, coming up with so many new ideas of how to redecorate my house and that same inspiration comes out in my pictures and post processing. One day I will have an office that looks like this as far as organization goes. It's true. I've already made plans in my head!
2. Along those same lines, I love the brochures you get at the paint store with the different room colour ideas and stuff. Again, always fresh colours and decor! I'm currently thinking of re-painting my living room, something in a grey tone. We'll see what ends up happening! I got these rooms from Benjamin Moore.
3. My husband introduced me to a British show a few years ago that I actually quite enjoy. It's about cars. Yes, I enjoy it. It's quite humorous. It's called Top Gear UK. I just love the videography in it. The contrast, the angles, the lenses. It's all so beautiful.
4. I also get posing inspiration (as well as clothing inspiration) from magazines or clothing store ads, like Vogue and Banana Republic. Movies are actually good for posing ideas too.
5. My friend has a blog that is definitely uber inspiring. Her words, the imagery that her words evoke in my mind, her dreams and goals, her photos. I love reading her posts and think you should too!
6. I have a massive list of photographers that have and still do inspire me, but I'll keep it really short for right now. These two photographers were my biggest inspiration to start my own photography business. I could go on and on about all the things I love about them, their images, and their businesses but I'll let you just see for youselves... Jasmine Star and Jamie Delaine.
7. And last, but most certainly not least, I'm inspired by my family, and my daughter more specifically. I think having a baby and taking lots of pictures of her has definitely made me a better photographer. I can see life through her eyes, somewhat, and love trying to get that on camera. I don't know that I would have the same "eye" for my images if I wasn't a mom yet.
That's a brief summary of what inspires me. If you want to hear more you can take me out for coffee and I'll fill you in then! In the meantime, look for inspiration all around you.
Life has been a little non-stop for me lately, hence the lack of consistent blogging. Tomorrow I plan to take time to bring order and routine to my life so that this state of chaos and over-stress-edness will end and never return!
1. Ikea. I love Ikea. More specifically, I like their catalogue and the rooms they have set up in their stores. "Fresh" is one of the words that I use to sum-up my photography style and I feel like everything in the Ikea store and catalogue fit into this style! I was browsing through their catalogue last night, coming up with so many new ideas of how to redecorate my house and that same inspiration comes out in my pictures and post processing. One day I will have an office that looks like this as far as organization goes. It's true. I've already made plans in my head!
2. Along those same lines, I love the brochures you get at the paint store with the different room colour ideas and stuff. Again, always fresh colours and decor! I'm currently thinking of re-painting my living room, something in a grey tone. We'll see what ends up happening! I got these rooms from Benjamin Moore.
3. My husband introduced me to a British show a few years ago that I actually quite enjoy. It's about cars. Yes, I enjoy it. It's quite humorous. It's called Top Gear UK. I just love the videography in it. The contrast, the angles, the lenses. It's all so beautiful.
4. I also get posing inspiration (as well as clothing inspiration) from magazines or clothing store ads, like Vogue and Banana Republic. Movies are actually good for posing ideas too.
5. My friend has a blog that is definitely uber inspiring. Her words, the imagery that her words evoke in my mind, her dreams and goals, her photos. I love reading her posts and think you should too!
6. I have a massive list of photographers that have and still do inspire me, but I'll keep it really short for right now. These two photographers were my biggest inspiration to start my own photography business. I could go on and on about all the things I love about them, their images, and their businesses but I'll let you just see for youselves... Jasmine Star and Jamie Delaine.
7. And last, but most certainly not least, I'm inspired by my family, and my daughter more specifically. I think having a baby and taking lots of pictures of her has definitely made me a better photographer. I can see life through her eyes, somewhat, and love trying to get that on camera. I don't know that I would have the same "eye" for my images if I wasn't a mom yet.
That's a brief summary of what inspires me. If you want to hear more you can take me out for coffee and I'll fill you in then! In the meantime, look for inspiration all around you.
Life has been a little non-stop for me lately, hence the lack of consistent blogging. Tomorrow I plan to take time to bring order and routine to my life so that this state of chaos and over-stress-edness will end and never return!
11.25.2010
FAQ /post processing
This week I've had a few people ask me about my workflow/post processing (ie: editing). So I figured I may as well write a post about it in case anyone else is interested in knowing what goes on behind the scenes!
What is your workflow process like?
Here's a quick run-down of what I do:
1. Take pictures
2. Come home, upload pictures onto computer
3. Import pictures into Lightroom
4. Go through all pictures and purge, getting rid of any blurry ones, blinking eyes, funny faces, etc.
5. Edit all pictures in Lightroom
6. Export edited images into JPEGs
7. Go through JPEGs and fine tune any that need touch ups, and convert to Black and White - this is all done in Photoshop CS5
8. Pick favourites, enhance, add watermark, resize
9. Post pictures on Facebook and write blog post
That's the main gist of it.
What kinds of tinkering are you doing in post? Do you play with saturation or curves? It looks like you're adding some vignetting?
My goal is to do as little tinkering as possible. Ultimately I'd love to have my pictures as close to perfect as possible SOOC (straight out of camera) as possible. Since I'm just using a more basic, entry level DSLR I can't expect that right now. I take my pictures using Auto White Balance but it's always off. It might be easier if I explain what I do using pictures. So this is what this image looked like SOOC.
It's got potential but the colour is pretty dead. Not my style, AT ALL! I tend to like my colours slightly on the warm side too, no one likes to look sick in their pictures!
So, first off, I use my sliders and adjust the white balance (Side Note: I shoot in RAW all the time which allows more room for adjusting your images in post. And I shoot in Manual mode.) Once I've got my Colour right I move to the Brightness and Contrast sliders. I like to crank my contrast quite a bit. I like my images to pop. I'm not a fan of soft images. Then I slightly add a little "Light"ness to the image and drop the "Shadows" a fair bit using the sliders as well.
I don't touch the saturation. I decided that I want my pictures to look clean and fresh and not overly processed. It's either full colour, or black and white. No in between. And I want to stay consistent with that.
(And, no, I don't do any vignetting (making the corners darker) because it didn't go with the look and feel of the pictures that I wanted to have. Plus, it's extra time editing that I don't want to have!)
So, after doing all that, here's what we got...
Much better!!
Now I'll take that image and open it in Photoshop and add a few enhancements using my Kubota Actions, add my watermark, resize for the web, and VIOLA! Picture is done!
I hope that made sense. I do hate showing my pictures SOOC because they're not the quality that I am happy with! But I know how much I appreciate it when other photographers show their images SOAC so I'll do the same in hopes that somebody appreciates it!! haha.
Enjoy the rest of your Thursday. Happy Thanksgiving to all my American readers!!!
PS: I have no idea why it's making such ginormous spaces between my paragraphs! I swear it doesn't look like that when I'm actually writing!
What is your workflow process like?
Here's a quick run-down of what I do:
1. Take pictures
2. Come home, upload pictures onto computer
3. Import pictures into Lightroom
4. Go through all pictures and purge, getting rid of any blurry ones, blinking eyes, funny faces, etc.
5. Edit all pictures in Lightroom
6. Export edited images into JPEGs
7. Go through JPEGs and fine tune any that need touch ups, and convert to Black and White - this is all done in Photoshop CS5
8. Pick favourites, enhance, add watermark, resize
9. Post pictures on Facebook and write blog post
That's the main gist of it.
What kinds of tinkering are you doing in post? Do you play with saturation or curves? It looks like you're adding some vignetting?
My goal is to do as little tinkering as possible. Ultimately I'd love to have my pictures as close to perfect as possible SOOC (straight out of camera) as possible. Since I'm just using a more basic, entry level DSLR I can't expect that right now. I take my pictures using Auto White Balance but it's always off. It might be easier if I explain what I do using pictures. So this is what this image looked like SOOC.
It's got potential but the colour is pretty dead. Not my style, AT ALL! I tend to like my colours slightly on the warm side too, no one likes to look sick in their pictures!
So, first off, I use my sliders and adjust the white balance (Side Note: I shoot in RAW all the time which allows more room for adjusting your images in post. And I shoot in Manual mode.) Once I've got my Colour right I move to the Brightness and Contrast sliders. I like to crank my contrast quite a bit. I like my images to pop. I'm not a fan of soft images. Then I slightly add a little "Light"ness to the image and drop the "Shadows" a fair bit using the sliders as well.
I don't touch the saturation. I decided that I want my pictures to look clean and fresh and not overly processed. It's either full colour, or black and white. No in between. And I want to stay consistent with that.
(And, no, I don't do any vignetting (making the corners darker) because it didn't go with the look and feel of the pictures that I wanted to have. Plus, it's extra time editing that I don't want to have!)
So, after doing all that, here's what we got...
Much better!!
Now I'll take that image and open it in Photoshop and add a few enhancements using my Kubota Actions, add my watermark, resize for the web, and VIOLA! Picture is done!
I hope that made sense. I do hate showing my pictures SOOC because they're not the quality that I am happy with! But I know how much I appreciate it when other photographers show their images SOAC so I'll do the same in hopes that somebody appreciates it!! haha.
Enjoy the rest of your Thursday. Happy Thanksgiving to all my American readers!!!
PS: I have no idea why it's making such ginormous spaces between my paragraphs! I swear it doesn't look like that when I'm actually writing!
11.03.2010
FAQ / Equipment
Again, I'm going to start this FAQ post off by saying that this is only my opinion and these answers are based on what has worked for me up to this point in my business.
Reader Question:
What camera equipment do you have?
-Canon Rebel XSi camera body*
-Canon 18-55mm f/3.4 lens*
-Canon 50-250mm f/4 lens*
-Canon 35mm f/1.4 lens (Edited on 03.07.2011)
-Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens
-Macro lens/Wide angle lens*
-Canon 430 EX II flash
-Tripod*
-Reflector
-3 camera batteries
-4 8GB memory cards
The ones with a * beside them are from the original kit that I bought off Ebay. And I never have all of these things with me at the same time! (Except for weddings.) The flash has been lent to me from my mom and a few of the other smaller items I've purchased off Ebay for almost pennies.
Reader Question:
What lens do you use for Portrait Sessions?
My go-to lens right now is my 50mm f/1.8. I bought that lens off Craigslist about a week after I got my camera kit. I knew the style of photography that I wanted to do and the kit lenses just wouldn't get me the same result. The f/1.8 is very reasonably priced for a wide aperture prime lens. I've had a few issues with mine but I bought it used so there could be some damage to it that I don't know about. But overall it's been great! I also bring my 18-55mm f/3.5 lens with me incase I want some wider angle shots.
Reader Question:
For weddings, and any kind of shoot for that matter, do I need more then one camera?
I currently only have one camera body. There's no way I could afford to buy another camera right now (the next one I'm buying is over $2000! It' s the Canon 5D Mark II.) For weddings I can definitely see the plus side to having a second camera body on hand so that you can have 2 different lenses mounted at the same time and just switch back and forth (especially for during the ceremony). But that's not a feasible option for me right now.
For Portrait Sessions you would only really need one camera. At least for me. So I make the couple wait 30 seconds while I change my lens? No big deal. So far, none of my clients have rolled their eyes at me in annoyance for taking time to switch my lens!
One thing that has been great for me is renting lenses. I did this for the last 2 weddings that I shot and it was a great way to get a feel for the lens and to see if I like it or not before investing a large amount of money in buying one. I've rented from both Beau's and Leo's in Vancouver.
Having done this (renting lenses) I have now come to the conclusion that I love the Canon 35mm f/1.4 lens. That will be my next photography purchase for sure. I love the wider angle to it and the wide aperture. It was the main lens I used for the last wedding I did and I loved it. Perfect for low light situations. I'm not where I want to be in my camera/lens collection yet but I realize it takes time. This is not a cheap industry. But with time, and more bookings, I'll get there!
So, in conclusion, get what you can afford and practice as much as you can with what you've got until you can upgrade.
Reader Question:
What camera equipment do you have?
-Canon Rebel XSi camera body*
-Canon 18-55mm f/3.4 lens*
-Canon 50-250mm f/4 lens*
-Canon 35mm f/1.4 lens (Edited on 03.07.2011)
-Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens
-Macro lens/Wide angle lens*
-Canon 430 EX II flash
-Tripod*
-Reflector
-3 camera batteries
-4 8GB memory cards
The ones with a * beside them are from the original kit that I bought off Ebay. And I never have all of these things with me at the same time! (Except for weddings.) The flash has been lent to me from my mom and a few of the other smaller items I've purchased off Ebay for almost pennies.
Reader Question:
What lens do you use for Portrait Sessions?
My go-to lens right now is my 50mm f/1.8. I bought that lens off Craigslist about a week after I got my camera kit. I knew the style of photography that I wanted to do and the kit lenses just wouldn't get me the same result. The f/1.8 is very reasonably priced for a wide aperture prime lens. I've had a few issues with mine but I bought it used so there could be some damage to it that I don't know about. But overall it's been great! I also bring my 18-55mm f/3.5 lens with me incase I want some wider angle shots.
Reader Question:
For weddings, and any kind of shoot for that matter, do I need more then one camera?
I currently only have one camera body. There's no way I could afford to buy another camera right now (the next one I'm buying is over $2000! It' s the Canon 5D Mark II.) For weddings I can definitely see the plus side to having a second camera body on hand so that you can have 2 different lenses mounted at the same time and just switch back and forth (especially for during the ceremony). But that's not a feasible option for me right now.
For Portrait Sessions you would only really need one camera. At least for me. So I make the couple wait 30 seconds while I change my lens? No big deal. So far, none of my clients have rolled their eyes at me in annoyance for taking time to switch my lens!
One thing that has been great for me is renting lenses. I did this for the last 2 weddings that I shot and it was a great way to get a feel for the lens and to see if I like it or not before investing a large amount of money in buying one. I've rented from both Beau's and Leo's in Vancouver.
Having done this (renting lenses) I have now come to the conclusion that I love the Canon 35mm f/1.4 lens. That will be my next photography purchase for sure. I love the wider angle to it and the wide aperture. It was the main lens I used for the last wedding I did and I loved it. Perfect for low light situations. I'm not where I want to be in my camera/lens collection yet but I realize it takes time. This is not a cheap industry. But with time, and more bookings, I'll get there!
So, in conclusion, get what you can afford and practice as much as you can with what you've got until you can upgrade.
10.14.2010
FAQ /first look
There are two ways to schedule the portrait session of your wedding day (that being the bride and groom and bridal party pictures). One way is the more traditional way of taking the pictures right after the ceremony, the bride and groom seeing each other for the first time as the bride walks down the aisle. The second way is to take the picture before the ceremony, allowing the couple to have a First Look.
Each way has it's pros and cons. The traditional way of seeing the bride for the first time when she walks down the aisle is sweet because everyone gets to see the groom's expression as he takes in her beauty for the first time. There is so much anticipation for that moment when the doors open and the bride is revealed.
The First Look is my preference, as a photographer and as a bride. Here's why I think this. For one thing, you have so much more time for pictures, which makes it a more relaxed atmosphere and I can get all my ideas and inspirations into the photos because I'm not pressed for time. For the bride and groom it means that you get to have an intimate moment with each other on your wedding day, just the two of you and me taking pictures of the moment he first sees you and his honest and real reaction. You get to embrace and kiss and soak in each others beauty and handsomeness alone, without 200 people watching you. It also takes away some of those nerves that have been lingering in your stomachs all morning. You now get to fully enjoy each other and what the rest of the day will bring. You get to soak in the entire ceremony, all the guests and decorations, so much more. This was a huge reason why I chose to do a First Look when I got married (5 years ago tomorrow!). I'm a very emotional person (and that's an understatement!) and I knew that if I saw my groom for the first time as I walked down the aisle I would most definitely be crying the whole way down the aisle, and through the entire ceremony. Every picture would have my lip curled out and my eyes red as tomatoes and a kleenex glued to my nose. Pretty picture, no? =)
I loved the moment I first saw my husband. We met outside of the Vancouver Art Gallery. He waited with our photographer and faced the opposite direction that I was coming from. I walked alone along the sidewalk and came toward him, his back to me, the photographer taking pictures as I approached. When I neared my groom he turned around and we smiled. HUGE smiles. And tears. From me. And we embraced. We had time to tell each other how beautiful they were and how happy we were to be spending the rest of our lives with each other. When it came time for me to walk down the aisle at the ceremony I was composed and collected. I was able to look around and make eye contact with some of my guests and see their excitement for us. Of course I had to tear up at some point in the ceremony (during the vows) but that was about it. I fully enjoyed the ceremony and can remember so many moments from it which I wouldn't have been able to do had I not seen James before the wedding. Plus, the wedding day is already so busy and so full of people that you don't really get much time alone with your husband that day. The First Look gives you some time to be alone. To be a couple. To be husband and wife without people around you constantly.
That's why I prefer the First Look! Don't get me wrong, there is still beauty in waiting to see your groom for the first time at the ceremony, and I admit that I usually look at the groom when the bride is revealed because the look on his face when he sees his radiant wife-to-be for the first time is priceless.
Hope that made sense! And I'll still photograph your wedding if you don't do a First Look! =) Your wedding day is all about you and how you've envisioned the day to go. And if seeing your groom for the first time when you walk down the aisle is what you've always imagined it to be, then that's what we'll do and it will be fabulous!
This is what our First Look was like 5 years ago....
Ahhhhh the memories!!! I have a special blog post all ready to go for tomorrow. Tomorrow is a special day. A very special day. Much reflecting and reminiscing will be done!
Each way has it's pros and cons. The traditional way of seeing the bride for the first time when she walks down the aisle is sweet because everyone gets to see the groom's expression as he takes in her beauty for the first time. There is so much anticipation for that moment when the doors open and the bride is revealed.
The First Look is my preference, as a photographer and as a bride. Here's why I think this. For one thing, you have so much more time for pictures, which makes it a more relaxed atmosphere and I can get all my ideas and inspirations into the photos because I'm not pressed for time. For the bride and groom it means that you get to have an intimate moment with each other on your wedding day, just the two of you and me taking pictures of the moment he first sees you and his honest and real reaction. You get to embrace and kiss and soak in each others beauty and handsomeness alone, without 200 people watching you. It also takes away some of those nerves that have been lingering in your stomachs all morning. You now get to fully enjoy each other and what the rest of the day will bring. You get to soak in the entire ceremony, all the guests and decorations, so much more. This was a huge reason why I chose to do a First Look when I got married (5 years ago tomorrow!). I'm a very emotional person (and that's an understatement!) and I knew that if I saw my groom for the first time as I walked down the aisle I would most definitely be crying the whole way down the aisle, and through the entire ceremony. Every picture would have my lip curled out and my eyes red as tomatoes and a kleenex glued to my nose. Pretty picture, no? =)
I loved the moment I first saw my husband. We met outside of the Vancouver Art Gallery. He waited with our photographer and faced the opposite direction that I was coming from. I walked alone along the sidewalk and came toward him, his back to me, the photographer taking pictures as I approached. When I neared my groom he turned around and we smiled. HUGE smiles. And tears. From me. And we embraced. We had time to tell each other how beautiful they were and how happy we were to be spending the rest of our lives with each other. When it came time for me to walk down the aisle at the ceremony I was composed and collected. I was able to look around and make eye contact with some of my guests and see their excitement for us. Of course I had to tear up at some point in the ceremony (during the vows) but that was about it. I fully enjoyed the ceremony and can remember so many moments from it which I wouldn't have been able to do had I not seen James before the wedding. Plus, the wedding day is already so busy and so full of people that you don't really get much time alone with your husband that day. The First Look gives you some time to be alone. To be a couple. To be husband and wife without people around you constantly.
That's why I prefer the First Look! Don't get me wrong, there is still beauty in waiting to see your groom for the first time at the ceremony, and I admit that I usually look at the groom when the bride is revealed because the look on his face when he sees his radiant wife-to-be for the first time is priceless.
Hope that made sense! And I'll still photograph your wedding if you don't do a First Look! =) Your wedding day is all about you and how you've envisioned the day to go. And if seeing your groom for the first time when you walk down the aisle is what you've always imagined it to be, then that's what we'll do and it will be fabulous!
This is what our First Look was like 5 years ago....
Ahhhhh the memories!!! I have a special blog post all ready to go for tomorrow. Tomorrow is a special day. A very special day. Much reflecting and reminiscing will be done!
10.01.2010
FAQ /In The Beginning
Again, I'm probably not the most qualified person to write FAQ posts but I've been getting emails with questions so I thought I'd answer them in one big blog post! My answers are based on what has worked for me thus far in my business and if it helps you out in some way or another, then fabulous! If not, then you'll find some other way to find your answer.
Reader Question:
How did you get so many people in the beginning for your photo shoots when you were just starting out? Did you charge your first clients or did you use them as practice and then start charging once you had products to share?
When I felt comfortable enough with my camera I offered free photo sessions. Basically I put the word out on Facebook that I was looking for models to be willing to let me take their pictures for practice, for free. In return, as a thank you, I would give them a CD of the edited images (approx. 100 images). I got lots of responses from this and it definitely improved my confidence and my picture taking skills. I wasn't too picky at first about what type of shoots I did since I obviously needed experience with every genre of photo shoots. Later on I would pick the shoots that I wanted to either work on or just emphasize in my portfolio.
If someone specifically contacted me to do a photo shoot for them then I would charge them. I started out charging $50 for about an hour session and all images (approx. 100) on disc. I raised my rate for every 4 or so bookings. I think I went from $50 to $60 to $75 and so on, until I launched my website and my official business and now a portrait session starts at $120.
Reader Question:
Where do you print the pictures?
I've been getting my prints done through White House Custom Colour printers.
Reader Question:
How did you get the pictures in the beginning to showcase your work when you were just starting out and had no clients?
My 'portfolio' is all online. Mainly on this blog, and now also my website. The blog is what allows potential clients to see a whole session's images and to see consistency in that and what my overall style is, etc. After I've done a few more weddings then I'll put together my own Album to show potential brides and grooms what images they can expect and what the Albums look like and the quality of the printed images through a professional printer. I'm also planning on putting together a sort of album to compare different printers and the difference in quality clients would get by printing their pictures from Walmart versus printing through my Professional Printer. There really is a huge difference.
Reader Question:
How have you become more established? Do you think your Facebook page helped?
Honestly, most of my clients have found me by word of mouth. And most of my clients are all somehow connected to the very first paid photo shoots that I did! It's quite unreal, actually! But, yes, Facebook has been a huge Marketing tool that has worked to my advantage. I have traffic stats on my blog and website and Facebook is over and above the highest traffic source that brings viewers to my blog and website. Plus, on Facebook you can tag your clients which enables all their friends to see your work, and it keeps going from there! It's an upward spiral, really. That's why the free sessions really aren't that bad to do. You tag your friends in them on Facebook and you keep spreading the word.
Along that same note, you have to realize that you won't be making a profit within the first year of your business. At least that's true for most of us! I guess that's common for any business, though. My advice: Do the free photo shoots. I did my first wedding for free (I was the 2nd photographer, but not working for the main photographer) because I just wanted to have the opportunity to shoot a wedding and have some pictures to show that I can do weddings. People need proof that you're capable of doing a wedding before they hire you. I had quite a few wedding inquiries after I posted the pictures from that first wedding. So yes, you might not be making any money for your first few shoots, heck you might even be losing money, but in the end you'll more than make up for it because people will see what you're capable of and start booking you and before you know it you'll have more bookings than you know what to do with! (I'm definitely not at that point yet but I'm striving for it!)
It's important to have good equipment, it doesn't have to be the best, just something that will produce good quality images. And then you go from there. I started out with my Canon EOS Rebel XSi with 2 kit lenses and the next week I already bought a new lens (off Craigslist) because I knew the type of pictures and style that I wanted to achieve couldn't be done with the lenses that came with my kit. But you can rent lenses, too, which lets you play with them before you invest in them, and they're pretty cheap to rent.
Also, read read READ!!! I can't stress this enough! I spent hours and hours and HOURS, reading different forums and articles and so many blogs! I still do, actually! There is so much invaluable information out there and there really are a lot of photographers that love to help out other photographers with their FAQ posts (which is why I plan to do them myself! Give back to the community, kind of thing.) One of the forums I frequently visit and write on is OpenSourcePhoto. There are so many helpful photographers on there (and some who need to have an attitude check), and SO MANY topics that it's quite overwhelming! I look at magazines and other photographers blogs to get posing ideas and I have a scrapbook type of thing where I cut out and glue in any poses that inspire me and I want to remember to use one day. I also save pictures I find online into a folder and look through them before shoots sometimes.
Basically, it takes time to flourish in this industry, as I'm learning all the time. But if you have the heart and passion for it, you'll get to where you want to be eventually! There are still so many things that I don't understand or am still learning about. Keep taking pictures. Keep loving it. And keep being inspired! But most importantly, do it for you. Do it because you love the art. Don't let someone take away your passion. I had that happen to me at the beginning of my journey when I had some people (other photographers online) to critique some of my photos and I started doubting my abilities and stuff because they pointed out some technical faux-pas's with my photos. But then I realized I don't care what other people think about my pictures. I don't follow all the rules. I don't care if I don't follow all the rules. I take pictures as I see them unfold in my mind and in my viewfinder. And people are obviously liking what they see since I'm still getting bookings. Even if I never made any bookings I still wouldn't change the way I take pictures. It's my style and my interpretation of the world and my surroundings, and no one can tell me that my interpretation of something is wrong.
That got really long, but I hope it made sense! Feel free to email me with any more questions you might have! vanessa@vanessavoth.com
Reader Question:
How did you get so many people in the beginning for your photo shoots when you were just starting out? Did you charge your first clients or did you use them as practice and then start charging once you had products to share?
When I felt comfortable enough with my camera I offered free photo sessions. Basically I put the word out on Facebook that I was looking for models to be willing to let me take their pictures for practice, for free. In return, as a thank you, I would give them a CD of the edited images (approx. 100 images). I got lots of responses from this and it definitely improved my confidence and my picture taking skills. I wasn't too picky at first about what type of shoots I did since I obviously needed experience with every genre of photo shoots. Later on I would pick the shoots that I wanted to either work on or just emphasize in my portfolio.
If someone specifically contacted me to do a photo shoot for them then I would charge them. I started out charging $50 for about an hour session and all images (approx. 100) on disc. I raised my rate for every 4 or so bookings. I think I went from $50 to $60 to $75 and so on, until I launched my website and my official business and now a portrait session starts at $120.
Reader Question:
Where do you print the pictures?
I've been getting my prints done through White House Custom Colour printers.
Reader Question:
How did you get the pictures in the beginning to showcase your work when you were just starting out and had no clients?
My 'portfolio' is all online. Mainly on this blog, and now also my website. The blog is what allows potential clients to see a whole session's images and to see consistency in that and what my overall style is, etc. After I've done a few more weddings then I'll put together my own Album to show potential brides and grooms what images they can expect and what the Albums look like and the quality of the printed images through a professional printer. I'm also planning on putting together a sort of album to compare different printers and the difference in quality clients would get by printing their pictures from Walmart versus printing through my Professional Printer. There really is a huge difference.
Reader Question:
How have you become more established? Do you think your Facebook page helped?
Honestly, most of my clients have found me by word of mouth. And most of my clients are all somehow connected to the very first paid photo shoots that I did! It's quite unreal, actually! But, yes, Facebook has been a huge Marketing tool that has worked to my advantage. I have traffic stats on my blog and website and Facebook is over and above the highest traffic source that brings viewers to my blog and website. Plus, on Facebook you can tag your clients which enables all their friends to see your work, and it keeps going from there! It's an upward spiral, really. That's why the free sessions really aren't that bad to do. You tag your friends in them on Facebook and you keep spreading the word.
Along that same note, you have to realize that you won't be making a profit within the first year of your business. At least that's true for most of us! I guess that's common for any business, though. My advice: Do the free photo shoots. I did my first wedding for free (I was the 2nd photographer, but not working for the main photographer) because I just wanted to have the opportunity to shoot a wedding and have some pictures to show that I can do weddings. People need proof that you're capable of doing a wedding before they hire you. I had quite a few wedding inquiries after I posted the pictures from that first wedding. So yes, you might not be making any money for your first few shoots, heck you might even be losing money, but in the end you'll more than make up for it because people will see what you're capable of and start booking you and before you know it you'll have more bookings than you know what to do with! (I'm definitely not at that point yet but I'm striving for it!)
It's important to have good equipment, it doesn't have to be the best, just something that will produce good quality images. And then you go from there. I started out with my Canon EOS Rebel XSi with 2 kit lenses and the next week I already bought a new lens (off Craigslist) because I knew the type of pictures and style that I wanted to achieve couldn't be done with the lenses that came with my kit. But you can rent lenses, too, which lets you play with them before you invest in them, and they're pretty cheap to rent.
Also, read read READ!!! I can't stress this enough! I spent hours and hours and HOURS, reading different forums and articles and so many blogs! I still do, actually! There is so much invaluable information out there and there really are a lot of photographers that love to help out other photographers with their FAQ posts (which is why I plan to do them myself! Give back to the community, kind of thing.) One of the forums I frequently visit and write on is OpenSourcePhoto. There are so many helpful photographers on there (and some who need to have an attitude check), and SO MANY topics that it's quite overwhelming! I look at magazines and other photographers blogs to get posing ideas and I have a scrapbook type of thing where I cut out and glue in any poses that inspire me and I want to remember to use one day. I also save pictures I find online into a folder and look through them before shoots sometimes.
Basically, it takes time to flourish in this industry, as I'm learning all the time. But if you have the heart and passion for it, you'll get to where you want to be eventually! There are still so many things that I don't understand or am still learning about. Keep taking pictures. Keep loving it. And keep being inspired! But most importantly, do it for you. Do it because you love the art. Don't let someone take away your passion. I had that happen to me at the beginning of my journey when I had some people (other photographers online) to critique some of my photos and I started doubting my abilities and stuff because they pointed out some technical faux-pas's with my photos. But then I realized I don't care what other people think about my pictures. I don't follow all the rules. I don't care if I don't follow all the rules. I take pictures as I see them unfold in my mind and in my viewfinder. And people are obviously liking what they see since I'm still getting bookings. Even if I never made any bookings I still wouldn't change the way I take pictures. It's my style and my interpretation of the world and my surroundings, and no one can tell me that my interpretation of something is wrong.
That got really long, but I hope it made sense! Feel free to email me with any more questions you might have! vanessa@vanessavoth.com
9.24.2010
FAQ /Sparkling Eyes
This is my first FAQ post. I feel a little ineligible to write one of these. I don't have any real qualifications for what I do. No fancy certificate framed on my wall. No piece of ID that says 'Professional Photographer'. But I have my passion and my art and this is what works for me! So, if you like what you see then maybe this post can help YOU in some way or another and that would make me happy! I want to help other new photographers as much as possible since I know how invaluable all the tips were that I've received from other photographers.
I've had a few people email me and comment about the brightness of the eyes in my pictures of children. How do I do it? I'll tell you what I do to achieve the bright, sparkling eyes of little ones, but in no way am I saying this is the right way to do it, or even the best way! It's simply my way and it works for me!
I first edit my picture in Lightroom, using my sliders I adjust white balance (my camera isn't super accurate straight out of camera, or SOOC), and I adjust the brightness and contrast (which makes the biggest impact) and then a little of the Light and Shadows. Once that's done I export my RAW images into JPEGs. Here is what my original image looks like, SOOC (I'm a little embarrassed to actually show a picture SOOC as it's not to the quality that I like to showcase!) But here it is:
After I've converted it into a JPEG I then open the image in Photoshop CS5. If I have a close up picture of a baby or child I love to make the eyes shine just a little more than they already naturally do. So, I take my Dodge tool (solid circle with a little stick coming out of it, similar to the magnifying tool) and I slightly lighten the iris (coloured part) of the eye. Every picture that I put on the internet also gets enhanced with Kubota Image Tools Magic Sharpener for extra oomph! This is the final result:
Here are some of my other favourite shots where I've used this technique:
I hope that helped somebody out there! haha. If not, well it was fun to write!
I've had a few people email me and comment about the brightness of the eyes in my pictures of children. How do I do it? I'll tell you what I do to achieve the bright, sparkling eyes of little ones, but in no way am I saying this is the right way to do it, or even the best way! It's simply my way and it works for me!
I first edit my picture in Lightroom, using my sliders I adjust white balance (my camera isn't super accurate straight out of camera, or SOOC), and I adjust the brightness and contrast (which makes the biggest impact) and then a little of the Light and Shadows. Once that's done I export my RAW images into JPEGs. Here is what my original image looks like, SOOC (I'm a little embarrassed to actually show a picture SOOC as it's not to the quality that I like to showcase!) But here it is:
After I've converted it into a JPEG I then open the image in Photoshop CS5. If I have a close up picture of a baby or child I love to make the eyes shine just a little more than they already naturally do. So, I take my Dodge tool (solid circle with a little stick coming out of it, similar to the magnifying tool) and I slightly lighten the iris (coloured part) of the eye. Every picture that I put on the internet also gets enhanced with Kubota Image Tools Magic Sharpener for extra oomph! This is the final result:
Here are some of my other favourite shots where I've used this technique:
I hope that helped somebody out there! haha. If not, well it was fun to write!
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