There are a couple reasons I want you to watch this video.
First, because Scott always adds something to the "photography" conversation.
Second, because Scott's video will add to what we are going to post tomorrow.
Here's a link where you can learn about (and hopefully buy) Scott's DVD.
Projecting your photography sales...
When we reviewed our "product of the year" we committed to writing about how/what we incorporated into our practice to improved our studio for us and our clients.
The first thing we added/changed was projection viewing, bringing each of our clients back into the studio to see their images.
Before I get too into it let me say a couple things:
First, if you don't have a studio, or your client is not local, projection viewing obviously would not work. For our long distant clients we use the sales guidelines from "How to Sell" by Joyce Smith.
Second, projection sales is not high pressure, it is not hard sell. It is showing your work in the best, "real world" setting. You are walking your clients through the images you took at their session, answering questions, offering suggestions, helping them to make an informed decision.
This blog has provided me the opportunity to talk with some very successful photographers and they will freely admit that one of the keys to their success is in studio projection viewing and the software they use is ProSelect from Time Exposure.
If you were buying some new flooring would you make a purchase from picture on the internet or would you go to their sales room and see what the different options were, look at it life size right in front of you, ask some questions, and make the most informed decision possible.
Too many photographers throw their clients images into an online gallery and then forward them the link. Chances are you uploaded a boat load of images to give your client a good selection, and you sat back and waited for the sales to roll in, and you waited... and you kept waiting. Then wondered why no sales are made. I know because that is exactly what I used to do.
The client has so many image options but they don't have anyone to guide them through the decision making process, no one is there when they view them to answer questions. So the client is confused, frustrated, and often will order an 8 x 10 and call it good.
But if you are sitting with them as the images go by, you talk (and laugh) about the images, about the session, about them. You start to get a feel for what images they like (and why), and how they want to use them (cards, wall hanging, etc.).
The first time I used ProSelect (the 30 day free trial) we were showing an image as a 16 x 20 framed print hanging on a wall behind a couch and I asked what size they had originally thought of purchasing and they responded "8x10" so I reduced the image to an 8x10 and they looked at each other with furrowed brows and the wife said "well, that's too small!".
They bought the 16x20 and it also ended up being the single largest print order I have ever made.
One of the (many cool) features is the ability to import a picture of the clients room so they can see their image hanging on their wall.
When I shot the session it was at their home so I grabbed some room/wall images without letting them know what I was up to, it was pretty darn impressive when they saw their family portrait hanging over their own fireplace.
You can read what other photographers have to say about ProSelect here and please check out the feature list here because it is so much more than just presentation software and has so many more features (like how seamlessly it integrates with Photoshop and Lightroom).
Better yet, download a fully functional copy of ProSelect and use it for 30 days.
To make it even easier they have posted about 40 instructional/tutorial videos that will not only show you how to use the software, but also show you how do others are using it in their presentations.
I promise you, using ProSelect is going to make your clients happier and your studio more profitable.
A true win/win.
Un-Freaking-Believable!...
It's a Kindle, iPhone, laptop, and more all wrapped up into one sweet little device that will cost under $500!
Nothing like cool technology to get me all a twitter.
I have to go wipe drool off my chin.
For a larger version of the video below follow this link.
Nothing like cool technology to get me all a twitter.
I have to go wipe drool off my chin.
For a larger version of the video below follow this link.
10 Resolutions every photographer should make...
I came across a blog post by Lisa Bettany "10 New Years Resolutions Every Photographer should make" and thought she hit the nail right on the head.
Here are the first three:
1. I will learn how to use my camera.
This seems like an obvious point, but we are all guilty of skipping our camera manual and just fiddling with settings. Ah, this one works right? Spot-metering? Why not. Hey, what does
that button do? Seems to make things darker. Hmm.
I’m going to admit something to you that I ask you to keep hush-hush. I haven’t actually read my 5DMKII manual. I know. Horrible! I’m guilty of arbitrary button pushing and royally messing up shots because I don’t really know how to use my camera. Let’s all become technical experts of our cameras this year. Deal?
2. I will not use the Auto setting on my camera.
Instead of relying on your camera’s dubious Auto settings, force yourself to learn how to use manual settings. Upgrade to Aperture priorty mode (AV) first. Once you understand Depth of Field, jump into Manual mode. You will make mistakes and feel frustrated when you completely blow-out a shot, but this is the way we learn. Don’t get discouraged by your mistakes. Learn from them and push on!
3. I will not use on-camera flash
The only photos you should take with an on-camera flash are ones that end up on your Facebook wall of shame. Tape down that pop-up flash if you have to. Instead rely on your skills as a photographer to capture shots in low-light.
Shoot with a wide-open aperture, as low as your lens will go. Decrease your shutter speed & increase your ISO. Steady your camera on a tripod, gorilla pod or table top. Invest in a good lens. I suggest the 50mm f/1.4 or the f/1.8 if you are on a budget.
Now you have to head over to her blog and read the entire article.
You'll find other good posts at "Mostly Lisa" and I bet you'll bookmark her site before you leave.
And they just keep coming...
It was just a month ago that we celebrated reaching 1,400 subscribers and in the blink of an eye we have crossed the 1,500 subscriber threshold!
Add to that the comments you have been leaving:
"You have a simply awesome blog! I love coming here for inspiration and practical tips that both help me take better pictures but also help me to stay inspired."
"I follow your blog daily because in many ways you make me think about photography in different ways than what I had before. You help to ground me, and keep me focused."
"I LOVE YOUR BLOG !!!!"
"I enjoy your humor and your style, and you come across as a genuinely nice guy, which I'm sure you are. Your "off topic" posts are often very heartfelt and leave me with a good feeling."
And I realize that I have more friends than I deserve.
Thanks for coming and thanks for taking the time to leave such kind and thoughtful comments.
Here are the contest details...
It's going to be a drawing. A random drawing.
I thought of (and had suggested) a bunch of different (and good) scenarios but it was important to me that everyone who entered had the same chance of winning and I was also looking for a bit of the unexpectedness, with some unpredictability thrown in.
No matter what the task there will be some people who can do it better than others, and then there would be those who might not enter because they didn't feel it was one of their strong points.
So with a random drawing everyone who enters has the same chance of walking away with this outstanding prize package.
It could not be easier, all you have to do is send an email with your name, email, and snail mail address (and if you wanted to jot down a small paragraph about why you read this blog, or one of your favorite posts from Weekly Photo Tips all the better but it won't change your chances), all entries will go into a bowl and the winner will be drawn on February 15th (2010).
The drawing will be videoed, posted here and also posted on our YouTube channel.
This contest is open to everyone, regardless of where you live, but if you do live outside the US you will need to pay shipping (see here for details).
You might want to get your friend(s) to enter, then you can have a better chance of winning by the two (or more of you) splitting the prize.
One entry per person and good luck to you!
Going to the dogs...
Not sure why but my readership has been sky rocketing the last several months, so I want to let the new folks know that on weekends it's not uncommon for me to "wander off the reservation" and post something (way) off the topic from photography.
Today is just such a day.
Someone sent me a "Dogs Ten Commandments" and it made me think about my dogs and how essentially it's their world and they let me live in it.
;)
It was not that long ago that I thought "dogs are stupid", you couldn't go away without either taking them with you or finding a sitter, get up in the middle of the night to let them out, take them on walks, and don't get me started in picking up their "little gifts".
So needless to say, I was NEVER going to be a dog owner.
But seven years ago our daughters REALLY wanted a dog, mind you we had gotten them every pet you can imagine in an effort to avoid that very thing, but gerbils won't fetch, cats are too cool for people and goats, well they just smell way too bad and hate it when you put ribbons in their hair.
I finally caved and got a miniature schnauzer as it's small and doesn't shed.
Well 30 seconds into dog ownership I realized the error of my ways. I loved my dog.
Two years later we got another schnauzer and just last year we rescued a third.
We put in a pellet stove and our first dog, Bonnie, can be found daily warmer her buns in front of the fire and has no problem letting me know when the pellets are getting low.
I got my wife this canvas (of Bonnie ~ Cali ~ Gracie) for Christmas because the last things she sees every time she leaves the house are these three little faces peering out from between the fence posts begging her to stay.
People who don't have dogs will think the following is goofy (no pun intended, well, maybe a little), dog owners will appreciate it though (unless of course you are Michael Vick):
A Dogs Ten Commandments.........
1. Before you take me home know that my life is likely to last 10-15 years, so please be sure you are in it for the long haul.
Today is just such a day.
Someone sent me a "Dogs Ten Commandments" and it made me think about my dogs and how essentially it's their world and they let me live in it.
;)
It was not that long ago that I thought "dogs are stupid", you couldn't go away without either taking them with you or finding a sitter, get up in the middle of the night to let them out, take them on walks, and don't get me started in picking up their "little gifts".
So needless to say, I was NEVER going to be a dog owner.
But seven years ago our daughters REALLY wanted a dog, mind you we had gotten them every pet you can imagine in an effort to avoid that very thing, but gerbils won't fetch, cats are too cool for people and goats, well they just smell way too bad and hate it when you put ribbons in their hair.
I finally caved and got a miniature schnauzer as it's small and doesn't shed.
Well 30 seconds into dog ownership I realized the error of my ways. I loved my dog.
Two years later we got another schnauzer and just last year we rescued a third.
We put in a pellet stove and our first dog, Bonnie, can be found daily warmer her buns in front of the fire and has no problem letting me know when the pellets are getting low.
I got my wife this canvas (of Bonnie ~ Cali ~ Gracie) for Christmas because the last things she sees every time she leaves the house are these three little faces peering out from between the fence posts begging her to stay.
People who don't have dogs will think the following is goofy (no pun intended, well, maybe a little), dog owners will appreciate it though (unless of course you are Michael Vick):
A Dogs Ten Commandments.........
1. Before you take me home know that my life is likely to last 10-15 years, so please be sure you are in it for the long haul.
2. Give me time to understand what you want from me
3. Place your trust in me. I will always trust you.
4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment.
5. You have your work, your entertainment, and your friends. I only have you and any separation from you is painful.
6. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
7. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be wrong. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I’ve been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old.
10. When it is time for me to “go on ahead”, please stay with me. Don’t say “I can't bear to watch” because I won’t want to face it alone. Everything is easier for ME if you are there, because I love you so.
A good question about our contest...
Yesterday we announced that we would be giving away the "Studio in a Box" from the good folks at VGallery.
A question came in asking if the contest was open to folks outside of the US and the answer is yes!
I am happy to open the contest worldwide, but as international shipping can be a bit pricey the winner will need to pay postage.
The winner would pay only the exact cost of shipping, no processing, no handling, no hidden charges, only the exact cost of moving the box from me to you.
Come back on Monday and we will have all the details on how you can enter.
A question came in asking if the contest was open to folks outside of the US and the answer is yes!
I am happy to open the contest worldwide, but as international shipping can be a bit pricey the winner will need to pay postage.
The winner would pay only the exact cost of shipping, no processing, no handling, no hidden charges, only the exact cost of moving the box from me to you.
Come back on Monday and we will have all the details on how you can enter.
An exciting big time announcement!...
This is blog post number 500 and I did not want such a milestone event to be just a ho-hum post, so here's the news.
We are giving away the 2009 Weekly Photo Tips product of the year!
That's right, the entire package could be yours, here's and excerpt from the original post:
"The Evolution Collection with FLO is the most complete "studio in a box" that you can get and contains enough information (16 gigabytes of how to videos, templates, actions, presets, edges, overlays, marketing tips, workflow techniques, forms, price lists, relationship building with vendors and clients, fund raisers, and so, so much more...) that if you use the information contained on the 4 DVD's you will be assured of success."
You can read the entire post here.
But there's a catch, I'm not quite sure how to give it away, I don't want to have another photo contest, been there done that, got the t-shirt.
Perhaps an essay of some sort?
This is where you come in, I hope you the readers will give me your input on what would be the most interesting, fairest way to give this studio changing product to one very lucky reader.
So leave a comment here or drop me an email with your idea of how to drop this into the lap of a deserving photographer.
We are giving away the 2009 Weekly Photo Tips product of the year!
That's right, the entire package could be yours, here's and excerpt from the original post:
"The Evolution Collection with FLO is the most complete "studio in a box" that you can get and contains enough information (16 gigabytes of how to videos, templates, actions, presets, edges, overlays, marketing tips, workflow techniques, forms, price lists, relationship building with vendors and clients, fund raisers, and so, so much more...) that if you use the information contained on the 4 DVD's you will be assured of success."
You can read the entire post here.
But there's a catch, I'm not quite sure how to give it away, I don't want to have another photo contest, been there done that, got the t-shirt.
Perhaps an essay of some sort?
This is where you come in, I hope you the readers will give me your input on what would be the most interesting, fairest way to give this studio changing product to one very lucky reader.
So leave a comment here or drop me an email with your idea of how to drop this into the lap of a deserving photographer.
Another great memory card sale!...
Adorama is having another outstanding memory card sale.
All of the cards come with free shipping and the sale price reflects rebates (you can get the rebate form here).
Last time they ran a sale (mid November) I had my rebate before Christmas!
The sale (and rebates) end January 31.
SanDisk 8GB Extreme III Compact Flash Memory - 3 Pack
Regular Price $149.95
Sale Price $69.95
SanDisk 16GB Extreme III Compact Flash Memory
Regular Price $84.95
Sale Price $64.95
SanDisk 32GB Extreme III Compact Flash Memory
Regular Price $159.95
Sale Price $119.95
SanDisk 32GB Extreme III Compact Flash Memory - 3 Pack
Regular Price $459.95
Sale Price $259.95
SanDisk 8GB Extreme IV Compact Flash Memory
Regular Price e $114.95
Sale Price $54.95
SanDisk 8GB Extreme IV Compact Flash Memory - 3 Pack
Regular Price $324.95
Sale Price $124.95
SanDisk 16 GB Extreme IV Compact Flash Memory
Regular Price $199
Sale Price $139
SanDisk 16GB Extreme IV Compact Flash Memory - 3 Pack
Regular Price $569.95
Sale Price $369.95
SanDisk 4GB Extreme III SDHC Memory
Regular Price $44.95
Sale Price $34.95
SanDisk 4GB Extreme III SDHC Memory 3 Pack
Regular Price $134.95
Sale Price $74.95
SanDisk 8GB Extreme III SDHC Memory
Regular Price $74.95
Sale Price $54.95
SanDisk 8GB Extreme III SDHC Memory - 3 Pack
Regular Price $129.95
Sale Price $219.95
SanDisk 16GB Extreme III SDHC Memory
Regular Price $108.95
Sale Price $88.95
SanDisk 16GB Extreme III SDHC Memory - 3 Pack
Regular Price $324.95
Sale Price $234.95
All of the cards come with free shipping and the sale price reflects rebates (you can get the rebate form here).
Last time they ran a sale (mid November) I had my rebate before Christmas!
The sale (and rebates) end January 31.
SanDisk 8GB Extreme III Compact Flash Memory - 3 Pack
Regular Price $149.95
Sale Price $69.95
SanDisk 16GB Extreme III Compact Flash Memory
Regular Price $84.95
Sale Price $64.95
SanDisk 32GB Extreme III Compact Flash Memory
Regular Price $159.95
Sale Price $119.95
SanDisk 32GB Extreme III Compact Flash Memory - 3 Pack
Regular Price $459.95
Sale Price $259.95
SanDisk 8GB Extreme IV Compact Flash Memory
Regular Price e $114.95
Sale Price $54.95
SanDisk 8GB Extreme IV Compact Flash Memory - 3 Pack
Regular Price $324.95
Sale Price $124.95
SanDisk 16 GB Extreme IV Compact Flash Memory
Regular Price $199
Sale Price $139
SanDisk 16GB Extreme IV Compact Flash Memory - 3 Pack
Regular Price $569.95
Sale Price $369.95
SanDisk 4GB Extreme III SDHC Memory
Regular Price $44.95
Sale Price $34.95
SanDisk 4GB Extreme III SDHC Memory 3 Pack
Regular Price $134.95
Sale Price $74.95
SanDisk 8GB Extreme III SDHC Memory
Regular Price $74.95
Sale Price $54.95
SanDisk 8GB Extreme III SDHC Memory - 3 Pack
Regular Price $129.95
Sale Price $219.95
SanDisk 16GB Extreme III SDHC Memory
Regular Price $108.95
Sale Price $88.95
SanDisk 16GB Extreme III SDHC Memory - 3 Pack
Regular Price $324.95
Sale Price $234.95
Easy 2 & 3 light portrait setups...
These are images recently taken for a model portfolio and were shot using just 2 and 3 SB-800s, each flash was set to manual and all fired with Pocket Wizards.
Click on any of the images to view larger and in a new window.
These first images were done with two Nikon SB-800's. The primary/key light was bare bulb with a snoot on it and the fill light had on a LiteDome xs.
The next group of images were done with three Nikon SB-800's. We used a LiteDome xs on each of the primary (front) lights, the rear hair light had a snoot on it and even at it's lowest setting the light was still a bit hot so we stuffed the snoot with a little cheese cloth.
Click on any of the images to view larger and in a new window.
These first images were done with two Nikon SB-800's. The primary/key light was bare bulb with a snoot on it and the fill light had on a LiteDome xs.
The next group of images were done with three Nikon SB-800's. We used a LiteDome xs on each of the primary (front) lights, the rear hair light had a snoot on it and even at it's lowest setting the light was still a bit hot so we stuffed the snoot with a little cheese cloth.
Run, don't walk, over to DTown!...
The Second season of DTown TV with hosts Scott Kelby and Matt Kloskowski is underway and you don't want to miss it.
Unlike last year when the focus was strictly on Nikon gear, this year it is "all things DSLR". So if you shoot digital, there is something there for you.
Shooting tips, techniques, and great guest appearances by folks like Moose Peterson and Joe McNally.
Last season shows are still available on the site so you Nikon shooters (and you know who you are) should head over and watch them. I learned something new on each episode, be it lens information, hardware tips, or camera body Easter eggs.
So head on over and I'll see ya at DTown.
Definitions of friendship…
I was listening to a podcast the other day and they were talking about what it means to be a true friend and definitions of friendship.
“A friend is one who multiplies our joys and divides our grief.”
“A friend is one who understands our silence.”
“A friend is one who knows us, but loves us anyway.”
And my favorite is…
“A friends is one who comes in when all the world has gone out”
It made me think about who my friends were, what they meant to me, and how empty my life would be without them.
I hope it does the same for you.
“A friend is one who multiplies our joys and divides our grief.”
“A friend is one who understands our silence.”
“A friend is one who knows us, but loves us anyway.”
And my favorite is…
“A friends is one who comes in when all the world has gone out”
It made me think about who my friends were, what they meant to me, and how empty my life would be without them.
I hope it does the same for you.
DIY Beauty Dish...
Below is our latest video showing the DIY beauty dish I made for well under $20.
The link to my original post on making your own beauty dish can be found here.
Here are some links to some other plans as well that you may find helpful:
1. David Tejada plans
2. Plans from Light & Pixels
3. One I found in Flickr
4. From Isaac Lane Koval
5. Plastic Bucket Beauty Dish
6. Turkey Pan Beauty Dish
7. Turkey Pan Beauty Dish II (the return of the Gobbler!)
8. DIY Beauty Dish For Alien Bees
Here's the video, if you can not view it just follow this link to watch it on YouTube.
Here are two sample images I took this morning to demonstrate the kind of light I got from my DIY beauty dish. Click on either image to view larger and in a new window.
The first image was shot with an SB-800 using the Sto-Fen style diffuser that comes standard with it. Notice the harshness of the light and the sharp distinct shadows.
This image was shot with my beauty dish, the light is more diffuse, the shadows much softer, resulting in a better picutre.
The link to my original post on making your own beauty dish can be found here.
Here are some links to some other plans as well that you may find helpful:
1. David Tejada plans
2. Plans from Light & Pixels
3. One I found in Flickr
4. From Isaac Lane Koval
5. Plastic Bucket Beauty Dish
6. Turkey Pan Beauty Dish
7. Turkey Pan Beauty Dish II (the return of the Gobbler!)
8. DIY Beauty Dish For Alien Bees
Here's the video, if you can not view it just follow this link to watch it on YouTube.
Here are two sample images I took this morning to demonstrate the kind of light I got from my DIY beauty dish. Click on either image to view larger and in a new window.
The first image was shot with an SB-800 using the Sto-Fen style diffuser that comes standard with it. Notice the harshness of the light and the sharp distinct shadows.
This image was shot with my beauty dish, the light is more diffuse, the shadows much softer, resulting in a better picutre.
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