Saturday Morning Cartoons

Enjoy today's installment of Aaron Johnson's photocentric comic strip "What the Duck." I chose this strip to feature on Picture Your World because I think it pretty much explains how Aaron feels about clients offering so-called publicity for a photographer's image instead of paying for their use. I'm guessing he would disagree with me giving free images to Schmap and other companies like it. I think I need to just make a personal policy never to give my images away free again and leave it at that.

This Weekend: Preparing for my First Engagement Photo Session

Last night I booked my first engagement photo session! My contact who helped me secure shooting the National Brotherhood of Skiers summit conference in January referred me to Kim, my new client, who is getting married next year out-of-state. Kim and her fiancee Michael want to have an engagement pictures as well coverage of their engagement party next month here in Denver, and they have asked me to shoot both events.

I'm not worried about the party, as I've had plenty of experience shooting these type of gatherings. I have asked Kim to give me a shot list and assign someone to point out important people to make sure I get photos of all the family members who will be traveling to the party, but probably won't make it to the actual wedding.

But I need to spend this weekend researching how to take engagement photos. In my initial consultation, Kim told me that she and Mike met while skiing in a Slippers-n-Sliders club event. So I definitely loved her idea of trying to recreate the first time they met by dressing them up in ski gear and hoisting their skis. I wish there was some snow on the ground! I also like the idea of shooting them where Mike proposed. And I definitely want to capture the romance and fun of their relationship.

Know any examples of engagement shots you love? Please send them my way so I can check them out. I've also visited several Flickr E-session groups to get some ideas on posing. And I will be hitting my photography books to see what I can find about lighting this situation as well, since we will be holding the session outside.

Get the Job Done: I've been Schmap'ed

Ready for a Bouquet, originally uploaded by Sheba Wheeler.

I got an email today confirming that two of my images (one seen above) has been selected for inclusion in the newly released fifth edition of the Schmap Boulder Guide featuring Eldorado Canyon State Park. The second image featuring Denver street festivals can be seen here.


Schmap also created this widgetized version of the guide to include on my blog.

Several of my trusted colleagues say they have not gotten any exposure from having their photos featured in Schmap, while others on the Flickr forum say the inclusion has led more referrals to their account, although no royalties for using the photo. There also seems to be some controversy over whether anyone should allow Schmap to include their photos without payment as seen in these various Flickr discussions. The jury is still out for me, as this is the first image I've had accepted, and as of yet have not had any other inquiries for purchasing this image. It's also one of the images that is available for sale in the Heidi's Deli in downtown Denver.

What do you think? Is this an instance where a photography shouldn't allow usage of a photo unless they are being paid for it, or is the free exposure payment enough?

An Aside: Interpret this Dream

Last night I dreamt that I was shooting a wedding. The only thing is, I was taking photos with a disposable camera! Everyone kept coming up to me telling me how great the camera was. And they weren't being sarcastic! It was as if I was using some new technology that no one had ever seen before, and everyone was truly impressed. I kept thinking: "This can't be right. Where is my 5D?"

OK, have at it: what the heck does that mean? :)

Get the Job Done: Event Yields Stock Photography Images

I love mojitos!

I was pleasantly surprised after editing my images from the Denver Food and Wine Classic that the event yielded some great shots for my new stock photography portfolio. Even though I don't feel as if stock photography is something I'm very skilled at, I'm always up for the challenge of learning a new skill. I try to keep the concepts of this particular kind of photography in the back of my head at all times, taking advantage of shots when they present themselves. Here are some of my favorites from the event:


Lemons used for making alcoholic beverages


A tower of wine glasses

I don't think this shot would work as stock because you can clearly see the trade name of the wine bottles these stoppers were taken from. But I still love it for it's color and simplicity.

Get Out There: Join Flickr Groups to Improve Your Photography Skills

I happened upon this great Flickr group over the weekend that I wanted to share: "high school senior portraits-living on the creative edge." I joined this group, added several photos to the group pool and have left tons of comments on photos that have simply amazed me because of their quality and creativity. The photos are inspiring and really have great examples of some outstanding, non-traditional senior portraits. It's the kind of direction I want to go with my own senior portrait photography, and I think you can learn from seeing how the best do it better.

Flickr is fast becoming a key resource for advertisers to seek out (or troll, however you see it) new talent. But at it's heart of hearts, Flickr is still about connecting with other photographers, sharing your work with as many people as you can, earning accolades and constructive criticism, and getting ideas to make your own photography stand out. Take advantage of this resource by uploading your own photos and joining groups.

Get the Job Done: Client Pleased With Event Photos

I just sent Cheryl Carter, the marketing director at Auraria, an email linking to the final edited shots I took for the campus during the Denver Food and Wine Classic. She said I definitely had an eye for this type of photography, and that she was very pleased with the images.

I find it very hard to decide which photos I like the best, and I am very proud of these images. I think focusing my business on people and events was a good choice for me as I progress in my photography.

I will be giving Cheryl a CD with all the images as well as an invoice for payment tomorrow. I also asked Cheryl to share with me what her favorite images were so I would have a better idea of the kind of shots she needs to be able to promote the Auraria Higher Education Center as a new venue for hosting events such as the Denver Food and Wine Festival.

The shot above is one of my favorites because I think it nails the fun and decadence of this ultra swag event were attendees paid $55 for a lavish all-you-can-eat buffet of fine wines, food and alcoholic beverages. I just love seeing the excitement on the ladies' faces as they reach for the sweets. I captured one woman with licking her lips in anticipation. It will be interesting to see what Cheryl picks as her favorites, and I will be sure to share them with you so you can get a better understanding about what marketers are looking for photography.