Saturday Morning Cartoons

Enjoy today's installment of Aaron Johnson's photocentric comic strip "What the Duck."The popular comic is celebrating it's 2nd year anniversary. Congratulations Aaron! And thank you for encouraging me and others to seek comfort in our sense of humor when the ebbs and flows of the photography business threaten to overwhelm us. The comic is available now for syndication as "W.T. Duck," appearing in a local newspaper near you!

This Weekend: On Assignment in Snowmass!

Image by ultimatetaxi.com

My boss at the Denver Post has allowed me to take vacation time next week so I can photograph the National Brotherhood of Skiers summit in Snowmass! Not only was she agreeable to the idea and understanding of the late notice, but she offered suggestions on where I could find cheaper hotel stays and appropriate ski clothing. Plus, she told me to concentrate on taking some stock photography shots so that I might be able to leverage more money from the event other than what the association is paying me.

I think I am truly blessed to have that kind of support for my photography efforts. The only thing she asked is that I finish everything I needed to get done this week so I can have an article run on Feb. 12.



I'm looking forward to this year's event because I think I'm better prepared. I feel more comfortable working with the organization's media relations director since last year's event was so successful, and the attendees will recognize me as their official event photographer from the previous summit.

Most of my equipment has been updated to models that will help me get the kind of shots I need. The Canon XTi was replaced by the Canon 5D which has proven to be an extremely sharp camera with excellent results. My new 70-200 2.8 lens will make capturing those ski races a breeze, while my 24-70 2.8 will make it easier to get great results even in low light while shooting dinner receptions, meetings and parties. A new MacBook Pro purchased last spring will help take my business mobile, allowing me to upload photos, edit them right after an event and load them to my website so attendees can view photos quicker. I've spent the year learning how to work with my Mac and I feel proficient. I also purchased an Epson P-4000 Hard Drive to upload and view photos, clearing out my memory cards.

To help make finding my photos easier for attendies, I'm going to use a tip from friend and photog Mark Hayes. Mark suggested that I create an empty gallery on my website labeled "NBS 2009" or something similar so I can have a URL that I can give to attendees. Here is the place where my photos from the event can be viewed. I will write that URL on the back of my business cards and make sure everyone has one before they leave.

I'm also planning on bringing my Alien Bee and Vagabond battery pack so I can set up some "photobooth" stations where attendes can get portraits of themselves shot. I even have warming packs to keep my batteries from freezing and shutting down on me like they did last year.

The only thing I wish I had that I wasn't able to purchase this year was a compact printer so I can make prints of edited photos on the spot. That will definitely be a purchase I need to make this year as I prepare for future assignments where I will be shooting on location away from my studio.

Can you think of anything I've forgotten or have any tips on shooting this assignment?

Growing Pains: The Call I Had Been Hoping For

Late last night, I got the call I had been hoping for: The National Brotherhood of Skiers would like to rehire me this year to cover their 2009 Summit in Snowmass. The NBS was pleased with the work I did for them last year during their 35th anniversary week in Breckenridge and wanted to give me the first chance to accept the assignment.

But there is a problem: the five day event starts THIS WEEKEND and runs through next Saturday, and I don't know if can get the time off from The Denver Post.



The organization only now received the clearance to have a budget for a photographer to cover their event, which explains the late notice. Like all nonprofits, the poor economy hit NBS hard and the organization has had to readjust its finances. However, it still believes in the importance of capturing images to preserve their social clubs activities, and they wanted to offer the opportunity to me first.



I'm not sure if my boss at the Post will be able to give me the time off at such short notice, but I will definitely ask. Perhaps there will be some way that I can combine my skills, shooting for the organization and writing an article for the Post.

But if I can't accept this assignment, then perhaps I can refer it to the new collective photographer and business strategist Jim Turley created this week.

In My Library: Magazine subscription in a digital format

Yesterday, I received my first issue of Photoshop User in a digital subscription format. It was very cool to be able to "flip" through the pages of the magazine exactly the way it appears in print. Links to specific articles on the contents page make it easy to navigate the issue. And you can even print hard copy pages if you need to keep them for references.



The magazine's "Down and Dirty Tricks" section will no doubt be a goldmine for developing my photoshop skills. This month's issue features creating custom picture frames. Zinio, the service I'm using to upload and store my digital subscrition also allows users to share articles by linking back to the page, including this one called "The Poor Man's HDR."



Right now, I'm going to be receiving both the print and the digital versions, but I think once I get used to this "green-friendly" format, I will likely switch permanently to it. It's interesting to note that the digital one made it much faster than the print one, so if you are pressed on time, this might be a way to get the information quicker. If you are anything like me, you end up reading your magazines and curling up pages and marking up things until they eventually just get worn down overtime. The digital format is a great way to access back issues and replace printed ones. I think I'm going to have fun playing with this.

Growing Pains: Referring Other Photographers For a Job

Last night, I attended a meeting set up by fellow photog and business management specialist Jim Turley. Jim wants to form a network of photographers who will refer business to each other when they can't do the assignments. In return, if a photographer in the network books the assignment, then he/she must give a 10 percent commission fee to the referrer up to $300. That takes into account that the profits might be higher if you are taking 10 percent off a $3,000 wedding than it would be if you were getting 10 percent off of a family portrait session (which I sell for $150)

I think it's a great idea, and I'm very pleased that Jim thought I had something to offer this group of talented photographers, including Richard Peterson, Brian Walski and Jason Hayes. This way, even if you can't take the assignment because you are already booked, you can still make a small profit. Plus, the client will hopefully be endeared to you, knowing that you helped them out instead of just sending them away empty handed. The next time they need some photographic services, they will think of you and remember the excellent customer service you gave them.

But I couldn't stop some old insecurities from rearing their ugly heads during the meeting. In April, I would have been shooting semi-professionally for two years, but Brian, for example, has been shooting for 20 years and can ask for and get $5,000 for a wedding assignment! Jason has secured destination weddings where clients will fly him to cool places and pay for his hotel fees just to get him to shoot their wedding. And Richard has been shooting major rock bands since he was 16 and he is now in his 50s!

I don't know how I fit into this group, and while I'm willing to work with them, I fear that I will be gaining more from the arrangement than giving. I think it's important for me to have this discussion with myself (and consequently with you, my readers, too) because it's important for us as professionals to honor and value ourselves without being arrogant. I don't know what I can bring to the table just yet, but being able to figure it out will be beneficial to my own growth and confidence as a professional photographer.

Jim says he thinks my boudoir photography could be an asset, especially since some clients may feel more comfortable working with a female photographer versus a male. Plus, the other photogs will possibly allow me be a 2nd shooter/assistant for them, which will help me improve. I need to be able to tell my clients exactly how I stand out from others and what I offer versus someone else. Once I figure it out, I need to start believing that too instead of allowing doubt to cloud my thoughts. Plus, networking is key to a successful business, and you can learn and lean on each other photographers too! Jason knows I've fallen in love with Photoshop actions, so he sent me some to play with. That will give me more opportunities to be creative in my post processing.

Instructor's Tip: Vary the Shutter Speed

I hope you enjoy this week's "Instructor's Tip" by one of my favorite instructors, award winning nature photographer Russ Burden. To learn more about how Russ captured this image, join him on one of his photo tours. Visit Russ Burden Photography to get more information.

VARY THE SHUTTER SPEED

"To attain a proper exposure, there are numerous shutter speed / f stop combinations to use. With this in mind, experiment with slower than normal and faster than normal speeds to create different effects from what would be considered normal capture. For instance, a race car travels at a high speed so the natural tendency is to use a fast shutter speed to freeze the action. As this is the case, many images of like subjects tend to look the same. Here’s where I encourage you to do some experimentation. If a subject shows movement, slow down your shutter speed and pan with the action. If you’re shooting digitally, check the LCD to see if what you created worked. If there’s too much movement, try panning more smoothly or bump up the shutter speed. Conversely, slow it down if there’s not enough. In the accompanying image of the sandhill crane in flight, rather than add to my images of sharply captured ones in flight, I slowed down my shutter to 1/25 of a second and followed the bird with a panning motion."

-Russ

To take a class with Russ or a fellow Digital Photo Academy instructor in your area, check out the Digital Photo Academy. I took Russ' intermediate and advanced courses last year, and he continues to be a strong source of knowledge and encouragement as I progress in my photography.

Don't forget to check Take Great Pictures for Russ' most recent tips. On the home page, click on the "Photo Tips And Techniques" button in the left hand column. Additionally, check out his "Digital Tip of the Month" found by clicking on the Digital Photography button.

VOTE NOW For January's Photo Assignment: "THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS"

The polls are now open for January's blog photo assignment: "THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS." The entries this month are wonderful, so have a good time choosing your favorite interpretation.

Besides bragging rights, the winner gets to choose next month's topic. Cast your VOTE NOW!

Saturday Morning Cartoons

Enjoy today's installment of Aaron Johnson's photocentric comic strip "What the Duck."The popular comic is celebrating it's 2nd year anniversary. Congratulations Aaron! And thank you for encouraging me and others to seek comfort in our sense of humor when the ebbs and flows of the photography business threaten to overwhelm us. The comic is available now for syndication as "W.T. Duck," appearing in a local newspaper near you!

This Weekend: Attending MHDPS photo session

Today I am very excited about attending a photo session with members of the Mile High Digital Photography School social group. I've been pleased with the photos and camaraderie that's resulted since I created this group last year. Our membership continues to grow and our planned meet-ups are becoming more detailed and well executed.



This afternoon, we will be shooting models, including the lovely Pinay Bella (seen above) and practicing our lighting techniques courtesy of my friend and colleague Tiffany Trott. Tiffany just became a member of the North Denver Photography Studio. As part of her membership, she pays for studio time, so the MHDPS members have agreed to divvy up payment for a share in her studio time this month.

Instead of feeling shaky and unsure about my equipment, I now feel confident that I can take my Alien Bees on location with me and know how to operate them since attending a Colorado Strobist off camera flash meetup. I am loving how everything I'm doing is building on itself to help me become a better photographer. I think I get just as much excitement from learning and educating myself in new techniques as I do from the actual act of photography.

Get Connected: Join National Photography Associations

Yesterday, I finally got to do something I had been saving up my pennies for: I joined the National Association of Photoshop Professionals! You might be wondering why I’m so happy about that. Since I’ve been doing photography seriously as a side business, I’ve grown to understand the importance of networking and how it can contribute to not only your business growth but your personal growth as well. Some people may say the monthly or yearly fees are not worth it, but I say they are every bit worth it to me!

Last year, I joined the Professional Photographers of America and the PhotoVision Educational DVDs, and I can’t tell you how vital they were for my success. Membership to the PPA gave me access to a wealth of information that you just can’t get otherwise, including connections with insurance companies, attornies and CPAs who specialize in the photo industry, business development strategies and a sounding board when something difficult happens and you need some expert advice. I find out about special seminars, tours and workshops (and get great discounts for them) before other photographers know about them. People wonder how I get all the information I post on my own blog as well as here….well, it’s because I’ve taken the time to get connected.

Meanwhile, the monthly DVDs I received from PhotoVision always seemed to come exactly when I needed them. Watching professionals work in studio and on location for various assignments such as weddings, senior portraits and maternity shoots gave me the education and the confidence I needed to get similar assignments done. It was great to see what equipment and techniques these nationally recognized photographers used while they were working, as well as to hear in interviews what drives their passions. Even though I’ve never met them, I feel like they are my buddies. And if I’m ever in doubt, those CDs are readily at my disposal to review over and over again helping me craft out strategies for my upcoming photo shoots.

I’m expecting the same from my new NAPP membership. I’ve already started receiving daily “Layer” tips to improve my Photoshop usage. The online tutorials are great, and the forums are helpful as well. The freebies section is amazing with tons of brushes, styles and shortcuts to make post processing easier whether you are using Photoshop or Lightroom. And I can’t wait to get my first issue of Photoshop Magazine.

Basically what I’m trying to say is this: You can’t do this all alone. You will notice that I champion joining photography social clubs and organizations that will help you stay in touch with like-minded people as well as get you out there shooting more often because I think it’s a necessity. Last week I joined the Mile High Photographers group and was invited to a special boudoir session being taught by a local photographer. Only 10 people were chosen, and I was one of the 10! I would never have known about this opportunity had I not joined. Sometimes your success really is about the people you know and the opportunities you get access too. Make it work for you!

On Deadline: Monthly Photo Assignment Due on Sunday

You are official On Deadline! Entries for the January Photo Assignment: Seven Deadly Sins, are due no later than Sunday by midnight. Please email your entires to shebawheeler@picture-yourworld.com.

The photos should be no larger than 800 on the longest side. Watermarks are optional but highly recommended. Also, please include a link to your website page, Flickr account, etc. where others can view more of your work. And have fun. This is a challenging topic, and I can't wait to see what people have come up with. The voting polls open on Monday.

From My Portfolio

One of my instructors drilled his favorite mandate into my skull during class: “Exhaust All Possibilities!” What Digital Photo Academy teacher Russ Burden usually does before he shoots a subject is walk 360 degrees around it, getting above the subject or shooting down at it’s level or lower, looking at every possible angle to capture it. He likes to use different lens too for the same subject to get different perspectives.

So I try to keep all of this in mind when I shoot, too. This photo is an example of using that technique. During a Colorado Strobist meetup, Model Pinay Bella was standing on a staircase with wrought iron railing and natural sunlight streaming down on her from a large window above. I and other photographers took turns using off-camera flash to shoot Pinay from above her and below her on the staircase.

When I remembered Russ’ recommendation, I started “walking” around the subject, as best I could given the circumstances of the location. That led me to standing in front of the railing. When I happened to catch a glimpse of Pinay through the railing, I knew I had to find a way to make my camera shoot what my eyes were naturally able to see. That’s easier said than done! In an autofocus setting, the lens refused to focus on Pinay, choosing to stick with the closer object, the rail, instead. Finally, I switched to manual mode (which I hardly ever shoot in) and was finally able to get the lens to “see” what I was seeing — a fabulous, moody shot with Pinay focused in the background and the railing blurred. The railing adds depth and symmetry. The lighting is natural and dramatic.

Thanks Russ….couldn’t have done it without you! I regularly run Russ’ “Instructor’s Tips” on my blog on Mondays. Stop by and check out the post or if you are in the area, check out one of Russ’ classes yourself. He focuses on landscape photography and hosts numerous nature photography tours to hot spots in the country. Join him and learn!

An Aside: I was so cute!

It's taken nearly four years after her death, but I can finally look through my Mom's belongings without bursting into tears. Now, I find myself smiling more and remembering without all the pain, anger and confusion about her loss. I found this photo of me when I was young and couldn't help but to scan it in. Wasn't I cute?

Instructor's Tip: Cold

Here is the latest "Instructor's Tip" from one of my favorite instructors, award winning nature photographer Russ Burden. To learn more about how Russ captured the above image, join him on one of his photo tours. Visit Russ Burden Photography to get more information. Until then, use this tip when you are shooting in the field:

COLD
"Unbelievable as it may sound, there are numerous advantages to shooting in the cold. During the winter, the sun stays at a lower angle providing better light. This low angle gives the subject dimensionality with more pleasing shadows than if the sun was directly overhead. Additionally, it skirts the horizon for a longer period of time thereby lengthening the duration of sweet light. The sun rises later in the day which translates to more sleep. In connection, the sun also sets earlier allowing normal dinner schedules to be maintained. Lastly, there are no bugs to eat you alive at both sunrise and sunset.

Most cameras handle the cold very well. When temperatures begin to dip into the extremes, special considerations are necessary. Always carry lots of spare batteries. After battery failure, the second biggest concern shooting in humid cold weather is the build up of condensation when bringing equipment indoors. Put the camera into a plastic bag and let the moisture form on the plastic. Let it sit for a few hours before removing it. An alternative is to put all gear into a camera bag which acts like an insulator and let it gradually warm up to room temperature.

When I’m cold and miserable, I stand about as good a chance of coming back with creative images as kids in the Sahara have of building a ten foot snowman. I dress in layers of breathable, moisture wicking fabrics starting with thermals. These fabrics lift away any perspiration from the skin lessening the chance of getting a chill caused by dampness. By dressing in layers, I peel one away if I get too hot to maintain a specific level of warmth. Most heat loss is through the head, therefore a hat is a must.

I also cover my hands and feet with waterproof, breathable materials. Blood can’t warm the toes and fingers as well as the trunk of the body making these parts more susceptible to the cold. At all costs avoid cotton socks. If your feet sweat, the cotton will trap it making them cold AND wet. I use gloves that have a retractable outer mitten layer. When I fold it back, it exposes just my fingertips allowing me to use all camera controls. If my fingertips get cold, I cover them up to thaw. "

-Russ

To take a class with Russ or a fellow Digital Photo Academy instructor in your area, check out the Digital Photo Academy. I took Russ' intermediate and advanced courses last year, and he continues to be a strong source of knowledge and encouragement as I progress in my photography.

Don't forget to check Take Great Pictures for Russ' most recent tips. On the home page, click on the "Photo Tips And Techniques" button in the left hand column. Additionally, check out his "Digital Tip of the Month" found by clicking on the Digital Photography button.

Growing Pains: Baby Steps with Quickbooks

Yesterday, I took my first baby steps in Intuit Quickbooks. I've had this software for several months and just didn't take the time to really get into it. I admit, I was intimidated after an initial poking around. But when I had to sort through all the paperwork I had collected last year such as invoices and purchase receipts for income tax season, I knew I had to have a better way of recording my business transactions. Those Quickbooks commercials seemed to be mocking me and ebbing me on at the same time....you know the ones where the guy supposedly has all his business information "in his head" instead of dutifully recorded in books. I wasn't that bad off, but I was close to it. :)

This year, as my business continues to grow and prosper, I've made a commitment to shoring up essentials including my business plan. I am just about finished with the plan and am ready to start implementing it. I watched a Quickbooks tutorial yesterday and was able to record the first transaction of the year: a print sale! Once I got started, it was actually very easy to learn and maneuver the work flow, from creating the invoice and the payment statement to reconciling my business checking account. If you are serious about having a photography business, you've got to get serious about managing your finances. I think I am on the right track!

An Aside: Had to Cancel My Session

What is it about me and maternity shoots? I woke up with a fever and a splinting headache. I thought I would be able to soothe those symptoms in time for my maternity photo session. My client even called to say she was going to be an hour late, so I thought that would give me more time to rest. But as the morning wore on and I was feeling worse instead of better inspite of the medication I had taken, I knew I had to make the call I hate having to make: I would have to cancel and reschedule our session.

I can't tell you how terrible I felt having to do that, both physically and mentally. I could hear the disappointment in her voice, but she could hear the congestion in mine. I couldn't imagine infecting a young expecting mother with whatever virus de jour I had picked up from the newsroom. Thankfully, she accepted my apologies, and we are rescheduling for later in the month. I will give her a free print for her inconvenience.

Saturday Morning Cartoons

Enjoy today's installment of Aaron Johnson's photocentric comic strip "What the Duck."The popular comic is celebrating it's 2nd year anniversary. Congratulations Aaron! And thank you for encouraging me and others to seek comfort in our sense of humor when the ebbs and flows of the photography business threaten to overwhelm us. The comic is available now for syndication as "W.T. Duck," appearing in a local newspaper near you!

Friday Funnay: He Got Stickied!

When chief copy editor Ken Beegle went on vacation for two weeks, his co-workers decided to play a prank on him.




A colleague stopped me and said, "Sheba why don't you have a camera when we need it!" I just smiled and said, "I ALWAYS have a camera on me!" and whipped out my little Canon G9.

Breaking News: Booked my first wedding of the year

I hope this great week will foreshadow an equally great coming year. Not only did I make a sale from the Heidi's exhibit, but I just got an email from a client saying she has chosen me to shoot her wedding in May!

I want to publically thank Illuminate Workshops Director Efrain Cruz for referring me along with several other of his students to the client. She had a wealth of talent to pull from, and I'm honored she choose me. We will be meeting next month for me to get a better idea of the kind of photos she wants as well as to hash out the contract details. Her photography budget is very small, but I told her we would work out something based on her needs, especially considering that she only wants a photographer for 2 hours shooting a 30 minute ceremony and then doing family and bridal party photos. I plan to ask one of my colleagues to be a second shooter for me so she can build her portfolio and gain location experience. Wish us both luck!

Get the Job Done: Another Sale!

I hate it when someone tells me the editor of the newspaper wants to speak with me. Just hearing that always makes my stomach drop as if I were being sent in to see the principal. With the state of the journalism industry as poor off as it is now, a meeting with a boss isn't likely to bring good news.

Boy, was I was worried for nothing!



The editor told me he wanted to buy one of my prints down in the Heidi's....not just the print, but the image framed and matted too for a whopping $125! I was speechless. He chose "Teri's Rose," making that image my single biggest seller of all time since I started shooting in April 2007. On top of that, there are some other images on my website that he has been meaning to order but hadn't gotten around to it until now, so I could expect some sales from that too! That's a wonderful show of support coming from someone whom I hold in such high esteem.



His administrative assistance let me sneak into his office to take pictures after she helped him hang it up.

Get Out There: Critique This!

The Denver Darkroom has created a great opportunity for photographers in the Denver metro area to get feedback on their work. The school is holding it's first open "Critique This Thursday!" event. Everyone is welcome to attend this new bi-weekly event. Each critique will be led by one of the school's instructors or advanced students.

This week's critique is being led by Jefferey Rupp at 7 p.m. I will have to check my schedule, but I would like to attend this session. Learning to accept constructive criticism and understand how different people view your work can broaden your own photographic perspectives. Not everyone is going to love everything you do. Any opportunity you have to understand why an image "works" or "doesn't work" offers great insight and can improve your skills, even if you disagree with the critique itself.

I remember when I took Digital Photography class with the Darkroom, a course which was then being taught by Efrain Cruz before he started his own Illuminate Photography Workshop program. The final day of class included a "wine and cheese" critique of our best images by the Darkroom director Standish Lawder. Because I was so new and unsure of my own abilities, I remember being overly sensitive and having a hard time getting critiqued. Standish didn't like what I thought was one of my best images, and I was very upset and put-off by the critique. I took it personally, which is something you should never do during a critique.

It wasn't until later when I had calmed down that I could think clearly about what Standish had pinpointed as being problems with the image -- namely that a busy background was distracting and pulled away from the main subject. I kept looking at the image and trying to figure out how I could make it better. I even asked other instructors what they might suggest. During my first Photoshop class, I learned about "burning and dodging" to either darken or lighten an area of image. So I decided to "burn" out the background in the image. I wasn't entirely happy with the result, but I decided to turn it in for a Digital Photo Academy monthly assignment called "The Allure of Water."



Not only was that image chosen for that month's assignment winner, but it will also be a part of a 20-city exhibition DPA is hosting throughout the country beginning next month. If Standish hadn't told the truth about how he saw my image, I would never have been able to perfect it.

So, if you are in the area, drop by the critique at the Denver Darkroom on Thursday. If you can check your sensitivity at the door, you are bound to come away with some great recommendations for making your work standout.

Get the Job Done: Finally Shooting a Maternity Session

ⓒ Image by Natalie Norton

I just booked a maternity photo session for this coming Saturday, and hopefully my client won't go into labor before the shoot! If you remember, last month, I was all set to shoot my boss and her belly bump....only to receive a text early that same day saying she had gone into labor -- several weeks early!

My client isn't due until April, so hopefully her little boy, Ronald II, should be taking it easy, allowing his mom to have some fun in her shoot. Her excitment was infectious!

What's also cool about landing this session that I think it is directly connected to the images I have hanging up in the Heidi's Deli. My client is married to a security guard that works in the building downtown that houses the deli. The security guard checked out the display and then told his wife that I was looking for someone to shoot my first maternity session with. I don't know if I would have gotten this gig had the guard not been exposed to my work hanging up in the deli where he often buys his lunch!

I am also considering that doing a good job on these images can help "wed" the family to me as their official and only photographer, allowing me to be present at special moments in their life, from newborn pictures to senior portraits and beyond! This will be an important session for helping me create and maintain this relationship.

Instructor's Tip: Let the Subject Compel and Intrigue You

Let the Subject Compel and Intrigue You:
Magic’s mystery and intrigue commands a natural curiosity that lures the discerning eyed observer into a magician’s world. Like a magnet, each trick draws the viewer closer, desiring to know how the feat was accomplished. Photography is analogous to magic. Photographers are lured into a scene and scrutinize it with discerning eyes. There are tricks to be learned to make the image more powerful. Photographers have a natural curiosity to know how and where other photographers perform their tricks.

Every time a shutter’s pressed, an underlying reason motivates the holder of the camera to make the image. Be it a spontaneous snap shot of a friend, the testing of a new lens, the first image of a newborn child or a wedding, something lures the photographer into the subject’s world prompting the creation of the image. The magic of the moment compels the photographer to raise the camera to eye level. What is encountered charms him with its intrigue.

Every time I go out photographing, I heed the call of my subject. I scan the area 360 degrees and figuratively listen for the subject to call my name. I wait for these reciprocated moments knowing a mutual connection has been made. Sometimes it’s but a whisper and I may not take the picture. Other times, a booming beckoning compels me to switch to motor drive. It may be the sweet light of early morning or the genuine laughter of a group of kids who enchant me, but at that moment, the magic is there. Let it happen to you.

I hope you enjoyed this week's "Instructor's Tip" by one of my favorite instructors, award winning nature photographer Russ Burden. To learn more about how Russ captured this image, join him on one of his photo tours. Visit Russ Burden Photography to get more information.

To take a class with Russ or a fellow Digital Photo Academy instructor in your area, check out the Digital Photo Academy. I took Russ' intermediate and advanced courses last year, and he continues to be a strong source of knowledge and encouragement as I progress in my photography.

Don't forget to check Take Great Pictures for Russ' most recent tips. On the home page, click on the "Photo Tips And Techniques" button in the left hand column. Additionally, check out his "Digital Tip of the Month" found by clicking on the Digital Photography button.

Growing Pains: A Photographer Pool

My instructor and colleague Efrain Cruz, director of Illuminate Workshops, has come up with a great idea helping photographers land paying gigs. If you remember, Efrain's kindness and sincere interest in helping his students succeed is what not only convinced me to continue pursuing photography but was also the reason why I got my first paid assignment. He sent out an email to his students letting them know that an opportunity existed that he couldn't shoot, and that he had referred our names to the contact instead. I was the only one reached out to the contact and thus, I got the job, which led to another job and another and another....well, I think you get it! :)

Now Efrain has developed a structured way to refer students and upcoming professionals who may be available to shoot a special event. He has created a web form for collecting names, experience level and interest of photographers who would like to know of such opportunities.

If you would like to be included, please fill out the form here at Efrain's Illuminate Workshops site. I have filled out the form, expressing my specialization in portraiture. Good luck!

Meanwhile, fellow photog and business management specialist Jim Turley wants to form a network of photographers who will refer business to each other, giving the referring photog a 10% commission. So far, he has five people in mind each with a little different set of skills/experience. He believes my portrait work sets me apart and has asked me to join. First off, I am honored Jim even thought to include me and very pleased that he believes I have the skills to make his idea a reality.

I want to thank Efrain and Jim for their continued support in my photographic efforts. Having and maintaining relationships like these are the bread and butter of any successful business. But I'm glad to know too that both of these talented men are also good friends, and I know that my progress and happiness is important to them, so it makes it easy to trust them and want to do your best for them as well.

Get Out There: The Biggest Full Moon of 2009

The biggest full moon of the year will be lighting up the dark skies tonight. A perigee moon, normally 14% wider and 30% brighter than lesser Moons seen before according to NASA, will be the perfect opportunity to practice your night photography. Last month, a similar moon graced the skies and helped me nail some wonderful cityscapes and holiday light coverage. Here's the best shot I got that night:

This Weekend: Attending Colorado Strobist Meetup

Shane, Kim and Branden shot at a Colorado Strobist Meetup

Tomorrow, I will be attending a Colorado Strobist meet-up. It's been a while since I've had the time to participate in one of these, and I've been looking forward to it. OpticPixelWarrior has arranged this great shoot in a new local salon called Voila. A dress designer will be letting us shoot her clothing line, while the salon plans to chip in with hair and makeup for the models in trade for photos. The studio in historic downtown Denver is housed in a cool brick building and has a great basement for interesting shots. Plus, the streets of the city should be great for shooting in as well if the weather cooperates.

Continuing my education in off-camera flash is a priority for me. While I have been learning more how to control my Alien Bees in my home studio, I still want to learn how to combine flash with ambient light on location shoots. Plus, I have the AB Vagabond battery pack but have never used it, and I've never taken my AB's outside of the comfort of my home studio.

These informal Strobist meet-ups are the perfect time for me to practice using my equipment without feeling pressure to have to satisfy anyone but myself and my own professional growth. My only hesitation is that this group is so large that it doesn't necessary lend itself to a good teaching environment. Having 35 or more photographers in the same space can be overwhelming and taxing. But my plan is to get there early and set up my equipment in a private station so I'm forced to use it!

Here is a link to my Flickr galleries showcasing photos taken during previous Colorado Strobist meetups.

Saturday Morning Cartoons

Enjoy today's installment of Aaron Johnson's photocentric comic strip "What the Duck."The popular comic is celebrating it's 2nd year anniversary. Congratulations Aaron! And thank you for encouraging me and others to seek comfort in our sense of humor when the ebbs and flows of the photography business threaten to overwhelm us. The comic is available now for syndication as "W.T. Duck," appearing in a local newspaper near you!

What the Duck is a finalist in the 2008 Weblog Awards. Visit the website and vote for it!

Get the Job Done: FREE Photography Services for Military Spouses

Picture Your World Photography is running a special offer just for MILITARY SPOUSES:

FREE -- 2 hour photo session, and (1) 8X10 (retail value: $150)

Purchase more print sizes and CDs for an additional fee. I am willing to travel to various points throughout the Denver metro for a modest fee.

While this offer will be continued throughout the year, now would be a great time to take advantage of this special just in time for Valentine's Day. Family portraits or maternity shots increase the bond even when loved ones are far away.



An artistic nude or boudoir glamour photo session is the perfect gift and sensual yet classy reminder of what's waiting for your military spouse when they return home!



During leaves, contact me for a quick impromptu family session to capture memories to help sustain you during times apart.



In order to qualify for special, spouses must show a valid Military Order of Deployment.

Get the Job Done: My Product Shots on the Web!

Several of the product shots I took of clothing and other merchandise for the Auraria Higher Education Center are now included in online catalogues. It's very cool to see my clients using so many of my images and to know the services I provided were worthwhile for them.

An Aside: A Cold Chill Down My Spine

OMG! Today, I discovered exactly how easy it is to copy one of my images online by taking a screenshot. I am still very new to learning how to use my Mac Book Pro, so I admit I didn't know how to take a screenshot until I was asked to do so in order to submit my blog to the Professional Photographer Magazine's "Freshest Photoblog 09 Contest." I did a quick Google search to explain to me how to do a screenshot of my blog, and the ease of it was astounding. That's when I felt that cold chill down my spine: I realized how it would be possible for someone to do the same thing with one of my photos, especially if it wasn't watermarked.

Up until now I'd always believed in the perspective that said "If anyone really wanted to take your image, they would." Somehow I never thought anyone would be interested in taking any of mine because somewhere down inside I feared my photos weren't good enough. But as my self-confidence grows in my own abilities and talents (and my sales and client base continues to grow); I'm realizing that someone may indeed desire one of my images. Am I making it easy for them when I link to an unwatermarked Flickr image? Yes, when you click on the image, it takes you back to the Flickr photostream where it appeared and once there, the image is right-clicked protected (when you upload the image, all you get is a blank black square). Many of my friends have created actions to help them more easily watermark their images when they are placed on public photography sharing sites such as Flickr or Photobucket.

How can I protect myself? If you take a screenshot of an image, can it be enlarged or can it only copied at the size it's viewed? Maybe I should start watermarking all of my images the same way I protect images on my business website. When I upload images there, SmugMug automatically watermarks them for them with a PNG file I created. I would appreciate it if someone could explain this to me, because to be quite honest, I'm still scared.




I turned to my friends on the Mile High DPS Social Group and asked them for tips to protect my work:

From Cuchalainn:

"Even easier than a screen shot are programs such as Grab. They let you capture a screenie, a selection of the screen or a time screen if you wanted to capture a slideshow. Programs like this may it way to easy for someone to grab your stuff, even bypassing the disabling left clicks as some web masters try to do. If you care about about protecting the image, be aware that there are programs like this out there.

Oh... and also be aware of programs such as Blue Crab as well. These programs allow people to download your entire website to their hard drive including images, pdf's, video etc."

From Dizzle:
"And there is the argument that if you do nothing to attempt to protect your image that you are in essence saying it is free to use. A watermark at least shows you have the intent of protecting your images and they are not free for use just because it is posted online."

Instructor's Tip: Snow

(Sorry this weeks Instructor's Tip is late. I've actually when working on putting one of Russ' tips into action. I will post about it later this week. For now, here is today's tip:)

Enjoy this week's "Instructor's Tip" by one of my favorite instructors, award winning nature photographer Russ Burden. To learn more about how Russ captured this image, join him on one of his photo tours. Visit Russ Burden Photography to get more information.

SNOW
Snow photography is broken down into two types of conditions. The first deals with making images while snow is falling or made while it’s gray and overcast with snow enveloping the landscape. The second deals with crisp clean sunlight reflecting off its surface. The light is so intense and bright it wreaks havoc with a camera’s metering system.

I love to exploit the beauty of a fallen snow. The setting becomes a monochromatic wonderland in its expanse or a miniature world of white on white if you work a macro. Subject wise, the possibilities are endless. The world takes on an entirely fresh look. Whether you look to the left, right, in front or behind you, there’s something new and different to shoot.

Use slow shutter speeds to exaggerate the streaking lines of falling snow. To arrest the descending flakes, use a shutter speed of 125th or faster. Avoid using flash. It will illuminate the flakes directly in front of the lens and appear as undesirable, bright white blobs. I do use fill flash when I’m close to my subject if the falling flakes are small and intermittent.

To take a class with Russ or a fellow Digital Photo Academy instructor in your area, check out the Digital Photo Academy. I took Russ' intermediate and advanced courses last year, and he continues to be a strong source of knowledge and encouragement as I progress in my photography.

Don't forget to check Take Great Pictures for Russ' most recent tips. On the home page, click on the "Photo Tips And Techniques" button in the left hand column. Additionally, check out his "Digital Tip of the Month" found by clicking on the Digital Photography button.

Get the Job Done: Finally a sale from Heidi's Exhibit!

Yesterday I made my first sale from the Heidi's exhibit! Several of my photos have been on display at a downtown Denver Heidi's Deli since August. Marty, the store owner, requested I hang landscape photos to get some exposure for my business. Oddly enough though, the only sale I've made is of the portrait shown above, "Teri's Rose." Guess that goes to show that my portrait specialization is what I should stick with. :)

Thank you Lolly for making my first official sale at the deli. Lolly works at the deli. When her husband came into the deli, he immediately fell in love with the image. He told Lolly that if she got him anything for Christmas, it HAD to be that print! Lolly purchased it and plans to get it framed for their anniversary. Some might argue that one sale in five months is hardly something to be celebrated, but I disagree.

I was grinning from ear to ear! A part of me still can't believe that someone would want to buy something I have photographed, especially when the economy is tight. I felt honored. And I noticed that nearly all of my business cards have disappeared, which means I may have potential clients call me later when they need photographic services. Lolly told me that she makes sure to tell all of the customers who pick up my card that I specialize in portraits. I even went down to the deli for lunch one day and saw a customer reading over my postcard while she was eating. With so many other photographers vying for customers in the Denver metro area (and believe me, there are hundreds), any positive exposure you can get gives you just that much of a leg up.

I've been thinking that I want to liven up the display by changing out the images with new Denver-centric landscapes I've taken since August. Participating in all of these group shoots has given me the chance to add some great new photos, including this lovely night shot of the Denver Art Museum.



My instructor and colleague Armando Martinez suggested, though, that if I want to let customers know I specialize in portraits, then I should be hanging up portraits in the deli. I will talk to Marty to see if he's interested in that.

Monthly Photo Assignment Announced: 7 Deadly Sins

(Image seen on this blog)


Amy Martin, December's photo assignment winner, has chosen the first topic for the new year. The assignment for January 2009 is: THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS, which are lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy and pride. "I hope people have fun with it," Amy said in her email to me announcing her topic. This one seems filled with photographic possibilities. I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with!

You have from NOW until Jan. 25 at midnight to turn in an entry. The photo must be taken during this time frame, as the goal of this assignment is to keep us all out shooting regularly and working on our conceptualization skills.

Please email entries to srwheelr@comcast.net

Entries should include EXIF data and be no larger than 800 on the longest side. Watermarks are optional to help protect your photo from unauthorized usage.

Congratulations December Monthly Photo Contest Winner: Amy Martin

Image by Amy Martin

Congratulations Amy for your winning blog entry for THE DECISIVE MOMENT. This month's assignment drew the most votes ever with 52 people casting for their favorite image. I'm very proud of the entries this month and want to personally thank everyone who took the time to shoot. You got the best compliment ever: numerous statements from people saying they had a hard time deciding whom to vote for because all of the entries were so great. Only three votes separated the to top entries shot by Amy and Armando Martinez!

Besides bragging rights, Amy gets to choose January's monthly assignment, which will be announced tomorrow! So make sure you come back to see what the topic will be!

Saturday Morning Cartoons

Happy New Year everyone! Here is wishing you and yours a more blessed, happy and prosperous year than the one you had before. I really got a great laugh this morning after reading my favorite What the Duck comic for the week. In such difficult and uncertain economic times, sometimes the only thing that will keep you from going crazy with all the fear and worry is a good laugh. So enjoy today's installment of Aaron Johnson's photocentric comic strip "What the Duck."

The popular comic is celebrating it's 2nd year anniversary. Congratulations Aaron! And thank you for encouraging me and others to seek comfort in our sense of humor when the ebbs and flows of the photography business threaten to overwhelm us. The comic is available now for syndication as "W.T. Duck," appearing in a local newspaper near you!