Studio Space
Well I am officially outgrowing my small little studio. Right now I am currently using a spare room upstairs. It's just not big enough. What to do? I'm not sure. Any suggestions?
Backdrop Stands
I just bought 3 new backdrops and I am now in need of an adjustable backdrop stand so I can use various sized backdrops instead of trying to hunt for only 1 size that will fit my current stand. I've looked around on Amazon and E bay. I want to make the best purchase in a reasonable price range. Anyone just love there stand? Let me know all about it so I can find a great one! Thanks!
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Photo Editing Tips-Snow Globe Templates
Have you seen the snow globe photos that are everywhere this year? They are just precious and so simple to make! Here are the instructions to make your own snow globe photos.
STEP 1
First you will need to purchase a snow globe template. The snow globe template found at rock my edits comes with 9 different templates for $5. They also have some single ones you can choose from for $1! I also LOVE the ones found at Dreamy Babies on Facebook. These feature Santa!
STEP 2
Now that you have a snow globe template. Open it up in Photoshop. Now click on "File" then "Place" and choose the photo you want to put in the snow globe.
STEP 3
Once the photo is placed accept it. Now go to your layers panel and lower the images Opacity to around 55%. This allows you to see the snow globe behind the image.
STEP 4
Now go to "Image" and then "Free Transform." Click on the corner of your image while holding down the shift key to re-size your image to fit in the snow globe. I find that horizontal images work best.
STEP 5
Once you have your image in place, raise the Opacity back up to a percentage that looks nice in the globe. Around 77%.
STEP 6
Now add a layer mask to the image.
STEP 7
Click on your paint brush. Make sure black is your foreground color. Click on the layer mask and begin painting away the edges until your image fits perfectly in the snowglobe. Dream Babies template users are done. Rock My Edits template user please go to Step 8.
STEP 8(Rock My Edits Templates ONLY)
Now open up the "Lay over Globe-change opacity.png" Drop this image into your snow globe photo and place it over your snow globe. You can lower the opacity to make the snow less obvious if you like. If you need to remove any of the snow from the edges or the faces in the photo simply make a layer mask and follow steps 6 and 7.
Here is a wonderful tutorial video done by Rock My Edits:
And here is a look at one of my finished edits from Dream Babies:
STEP 1
First you will need to purchase a snow globe template. The snow globe template found at rock my edits comes with 9 different templates for $5. They also have some single ones you can choose from for $1! I also LOVE the ones found at Dreamy Babies on Facebook. These feature Santa!
STEP 2
Now that you have a snow globe template. Open it up in Photoshop. Now click on "File" then "Place" and choose the photo you want to put in the snow globe.
STEP 3
Once the photo is placed accept it. Now go to your layers panel and lower the images Opacity to around 55%. This allows you to see the snow globe behind the image.
STEP 4
Now go to "Image" and then "Free Transform." Click on the corner of your image while holding down the shift key to re-size your image to fit in the snow globe. I find that horizontal images work best.
STEP 5
Once you have your image in place, raise the Opacity back up to a percentage that looks nice in the globe. Around 77%.
STEP 6
Now add a layer mask to the image.
STEP 7
Click on your paint brush. Make sure black is your foreground color. Click on the layer mask and begin painting away the edges until your image fits perfectly in the snowglobe. Dream Babies template users are done. Rock My Edits template user please go to Step 8.
STEP 8(Rock My Edits Templates ONLY)
Now open up the "Lay over Globe-change opacity.png" Drop this image into your snow globe photo and place it over your snow globe. You can lower the opacity to make the snow less obvious if you like. If you need to remove any of the snow from the edges or the faces in the photo simply make a layer mask and follow steps 6 and 7.
Here is a wonderful tutorial video done by Rock My Edits:
And here is a look at one of my finished edits from Dream Babies:
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Newborn Photography
Planning Your Newborn Session
My newborn sessions take a minimum of 2 hours to complete. This includes time for diaper changes, feedings, soothing, scene and outfit changes, and whatever else may come. One thing is to expect the unexpected with newborn sessions! Newborns are often unpredictable. Keep your camera ready at all times because you never know when that smile is going to come!
If the session is at my studio, I always make sure to have the room nice and warm(around 80 degrees) so the baby will be comfortable while photographed naked. This often means short sleeves and shorts for me even in the dead of winter. Although gloves are a good idea. Babies don't like cold hands!
I also have the first scene set up and ready before my appointment arrives. This helps to get things started smoothly. Make sure to let the parents know what to expect during there session. This will help a lot. It takes time and PATIENCE, PATIENCE, PATIENCE! You can not rush a newborn. I always tell my parents to expect 2 hours at least, bring extra diapers, wipes, spit up cloths, etc. and bring a friend or family member with them to help.
I make sure to have all scene changes ready and together that includes props, backgrounds, etc. so that I know where everything is and can change scenes as quickly as possible.
Here are 2 samples from my recent newborn sessions:
Little Miss Olivia Rose
Sweet Little Jensen
I hope you find this information useful in your sessions. More tips to come!
Monday, November 19, 2012
Custom Flash Drives!
Images on CD's
I offer my clients CD's with all the edited images from their session or special event. However, my CD-ROM drive decided to stop working! I was in a panic! I had wedding photos ready to deliver and I could not get a CD made. What to do? I visited http://www.pexagontech.com/photoflashdrive/. They offer custom flash drives with no minimum order! What a lifesaver! I got a nice custom designed flash drive with the wedding date and couples names engraved on it. I also purchased a box to present it to them, all for a really reasonable price! Turn around time was reasonable and I received my item in the time frame promised. Check them out!
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Lessons In Marketing-Business Cards
Lessons In Marketing
In an earlier post, I mentioned that I would be purchasing some nicer business cards (moo.com) and seeing if they brought in more business than the free ones offered at http://www.vistaprint.com/. So far, I have not seen any difference. The nicer cards featured samples of my work. I thought if people picked up the card and liked the photograph, they would be more likely to call me for an appointment than someone who just got a standard card with my information.
However, this has not proved true. My standard cards all disappeared from a local children's boutique. My nicer cards with sample works are still at the local antique store where I left them 2 weeks ago! So I have to say, it's not worth it to spend the extra money on the nicer business cards. Neither business card has produced any bookings. Although my Facebook page has grown, it's hard to say if this is from the business cards or not.
You can check out my Facebook page here: Shannon's Snapshots. Please take a second to like my page.
Facebook Advertisement
I try to update my Facebook page daily. I do monthly specials and giveaway frequently. My page has grown in likes and I have received a few bookings from it, but it seems the majority of Facebook fans are simply liking my page and then disregarding it or not seeing it again in their news feed. Facebook and my business cards are all I have to get the word out about my business.
How do I make these more successful?
How do I get the word out?
How do I get people to chose me over other area photographers?
It seems like the only way people are interested in my Facebook page is if I am giving something away for free which of course, means no profit for me. How do I turn my business into a successful one and not just a hobby? Now that is a good question. Any suggestions?
In an earlier post, I mentioned that I would be purchasing some nicer business cards (moo.com) and seeing if they brought in more business than the free ones offered at http://www.vistaprint.com/. So far, I have not seen any difference. The nicer cards featured samples of my work. I thought if people picked up the card and liked the photograph, they would be more likely to call me for an appointment than someone who just got a standard card with my information.
However, this has not proved true. My standard cards all disappeared from a local children's boutique. My nicer cards with sample works are still at the local antique store where I left them 2 weeks ago! So I have to say, it's not worth it to spend the extra money on the nicer business cards. Neither business card has produced any bookings. Although my Facebook page has grown, it's hard to say if this is from the business cards or not.
You can check out my Facebook page here: Shannon's Snapshots. Please take a second to like my page.
Facebook Advertisement
I try to update my Facebook page daily. I do monthly specials and giveaway frequently. My page has grown in likes and I have received a few bookings from it, but it seems the majority of Facebook fans are simply liking my page and then disregarding it or not seeing it again in their news feed. Facebook and my business cards are all I have to get the word out about my business.
How do I make these more successful?
How do I get the word out?
How do I get people to chose me over other area photographers?
It seems like the only way people are interested in my Facebook page is if I am giving something away for free which of course, means no profit for me. How do I turn my business into a successful one and not just a hobby? Now that is a good question. Any suggestions?
Monday, November 5, 2012
New Lenses Craze!
Okay, I can not wait to tell you all about Lensbaby! Check them out online at http://lensbaby.com/. From the website, "Lensbaby lenses mount directly onto your SLR or mirrorless camera body. Lensbaby lenses have interchangeable optics. Each Lensbaby lens comes with an optic installed. This optic can easily be removed and replaced with any of their 7 other optics. Each Lensbaby lens gives you access to our full line of creative effects. Choose the lens that fits your shooting style."
Flexibility and Creativity
These lenses can do so much more than your average lens! Depending on the lens you chose for your creative shooting style, you can bend them, squeeze them, and twist them. Here I will give you a run down of each lens and it's capabilities.
The Swivel Lens
Composer Pro-The Composer Pro is a refined version of the Composer with an upgraded swivel ball and focus mechanism that provide professional performance. You can learn more about the Composer Pro here: http://lensbaby.com/lenses-composer-pro
Composer-The award-winning Composer's design is based on a ball and socket configuration that delivers smooth creative effects photography with ease. You can learn more about the Composer(my personal favorite!) here: http://lensbaby.com/lenses-composer
The Squeeze Lens
Muse- Perfect for fast and loose, artistic photography. Squeeze the Muse to focus, hold it steady and shoot. The Muse does not lock in place. Learn more about Muse here: http://lensbaby.com/lenses-muse
Spark-Express your creativity and capture the magic of everyday moments with the Lensbaby Spark. Learn more about Spark at: http://lensbaby.com/lenses-spark
Straight Lens
Scout-The only unbending lens offered by Lensbaby. Scout is perfect for Fisheye photography because your image will always be perfectly centered.Learn more about Scout at: http://lensbaby.com/lenses-scout
Optics System
The optics system offered at Lensbaby makes creative photography fun, affordable, and easy! Lensbaby offers 8 interchangeable optics. Each optic produces a different creative effect. Start with a sweet spot of focus surrounded by dynamic blur or a fun fisheye, then swap your optic to experiment with a sharp slice of focus bordered by smooth blur, soft focus, or pinhole photography.
You can view videos, sign up for their newsletter, check out their blog, and more at http://lensbaby.com/.
Flexibility and Creativity
These lenses can do so much more than your average lens! Depending on the lens you chose for your creative shooting style, you can bend them, squeeze them, and twist them. Here I will give you a run down of each lens and it's capabilities.
The Swivel Lens
Composer Pro-The Composer Pro is a refined version of the Composer with an upgraded swivel ball and focus mechanism that provide professional performance. You can learn more about the Composer Pro here: http://lensbaby.com/lenses-composer-pro
Composer-The award-winning Composer's design is based on a ball and socket configuration that delivers smooth creative effects photography with ease. You can learn more about the Composer(my personal favorite!) here: http://lensbaby.com/lenses-composer
The Squeeze Lens
Muse- Perfect for fast and loose, artistic photography. Squeeze the Muse to focus, hold it steady and shoot. The Muse does not lock in place. Learn more about Muse here: http://lensbaby.com/lenses-muse
Spark-Express your creativity and capture the magic of everyday moments with the Lensbaby Spark. Learn more about Spark at: http://lensbaby.com/lenses-spark
Straight Lens
Scout-The only unbending lens offered by Lensbaby. Scout is perfect for Fisheye photography because your image will always be perfectly centered.Learn more about Scout at: http://lensbaby.com/lenses-scout
Optics System
The optics system offered at Lensbaby makes creative photography fun, affordable, and easy! Lensbaby offers 8 interchangeable optics. Each optic produces a different creative effect. Start with a sweet spot of focus surrounded by dynamic blur or a fun fisheye, then swap your optic to experiment with a sharp slice of focus bordered by smooth blur, soft focus, or pinhole photography.
You can view videos, sign up for their newsletter, check out their blog, and more at http://lensbaby.com/.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Standing Out In The Crowd
Getting Noticed
If you have read my previous posts, then you know I ordered the free business cards from vistaprint.com. They only cost me about $7 in shipping and handling and I got 250 one-sided cards. I still agree that this is a great way to get started and get your name out there. However, I have ran into some problems.
1. Do people perceive my business cards as cheap? All they have to do is flip them over to know I got them for free!
2. I recently set out some business cards at a children's boutique which already had 5 other photographers cards on the table! Mine was a generic card that did not stand out in the crowd. 2 of the photographers were well known in the community. If I was a customer, there is no way I'm picking up all 5 cards. Most likely, I am going with the name I know or the card that is the most appealing to me visually. So with that in mind, my cards didn't stand a chance
3. I set my cards out at the local antique store and someone had the same exact design as mine!
Testing the waters
So now what to do? The only advertisement I have going for me is my Facebook page and my business cards. But are my cards doing the job? I decided to experiment.
I went to http://us.moo.com/ and ordered a nicer business card. I bought the smallest pack available and have decided to put the nicer cards in one store and the generic ones in another and see which ones get picked up faster! I will put the same amount of cards at each store and then check back in a week to check the results. Check back with my blog next week to see the results!
If you have read my previous posts, then you know I ordered the free business cards from vistaprint.com. They only cost me about $7 in shipping and handling and I got 250 one-sided cards. I still agree that this is a great way to get started and get your name out there. However, I have ran into some problems.
1. Do people perceive my business cards as cheap? All they have to do is flip them over to know I got them for free!
2. I recently set out some business cards at a children's boutique which already had 5 other photographers cards on the table! Mine was a generic card that did not stand out in the crowd. 2 of the photographers were well known in the community. If I was a customer, there is no way I'm picking up all 5 cards. Most likely, I am going with the name I know or the card that is the most appealing to me visually. So with that in mind, my cards didn't stand a chance
3. I set my cards out at the local antique store and someone had the same exact design as mine!
Testing the waters
So now what to do? The only advertisement I have going for me is my Facebook page and my business cards. But are my cards doing the job? I decided to experiment.
I went to http://us.moo.com/ and ordered a nicer business card. I bought the smallest pack available and have decided to put the nicer cards in one store and the generic ones in another and see which ones get picked up faster! I will put the same amount of cards at each store and then check back in a week to check the results. Check back with my blog next week to see the results!
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Marketing Your Business
First Purchase
Obviously, your first purchase was a professional camera. Perhaps, you spent a couple of months or even a year, learning to operate it properly. Now you have it all figured out and you are ready to start your own photography business. Where do you go from here? What do you buy to get started? I have found this to be the HARDEST question when starting my own photography business. Getting started with photography is expensive! You could spend $1,000 of dollars and see very little return! So, what do you purchase? What do you pass up? Well here is what I know so far...
Marketing
Find ways to market yourself! You could spend thousands of dollars on the best equipment, but if customers don't know you are there you will not have any income. You have to get out there and let people know you are hard working and want to earn their business! There are so many photographers out there. You have to find a way to stand out and be noticed. Chances are, there is already an established photographer in your area. If you are just getting started, you may think, "How can I compete with that?" Sure, this photographer is good, but he/she's prices are probably higher than what you would charge starting out. Advertise this! People are skeptical to try a new photographer when they already have one they like, but if you can offer a better price more will be willing to give you a try!
How to save money in Marketing
Vistaprint offers 250 free business cards to help you get started! You pay shipping(about $7) and get a standard, one sided business card for free. You are limited to only a few designs and these will not help you to stand out in the market, but it's a good place to start when start-up budgets are tight! You can always order more, nicer cards down the road. Click the link below to get your free business cards:
http://www.vistaprint.com/freeprembcrs.aspx?GP=10%2f16%2f2012+12%3a58%3a36+PM&GPS=2592196704&GNF=1
Make sure to give a few extra cards to every client you photograph. Now when your clients show off their wonderful photographs, it's easy for them to send a friend or family member to you by simply giving them a card.
Word of Mouth Advertising
Word of mouth advertisement goes a long way! Do you know someone who owns a local business? Are you a frequent shopper or loyal customer at a business? Ask the store owner for help.Some will let you leave business cards for their customers to have. I actually have a local store that is displaying one of my framed photographs in their store along with my business cards so their customers can see a sample of my work! Now that is some awesome Marketing! You never know until you ask.
Social Media
I assume everyone has heard of https://www.facebook.com/. This is a very popular social media site. Set up a free business account there. This is a great way to get in some free advertisement for your business! You can show samples of your work, offer deals, etc. Also provide links to other social media sites you may maintain such as twitter, blogger, etc.
My Facebook business page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/snapshots.shannon. I try to offer a monthly free giveaway or promotion to create interest on my page and draw in new fans.
If you are not currently using any social media to market your business check out this video below to see why you should start now! You need to be seen by your customers and your customers are online.
Your Tips
If you know of any other clever, fun, or money saving ways to market your business, please let us know in the comments!
How do you let people know about your business?
What marketing challenges have you faced?
How did you overcome them?
What worked? What did not?
Let us know in the comments.
Obviously, your first purchase was a professional camera. Perhaps, you spent a couple of months or even a year, learning to operate it properly. Now you have it all figured out and you are ready to start your own photography business. Where do you go from here? What do you buy to get started? I have found this to be the HARDEST question when starting my own photography business. Getting started with photography is expensive! You could spend $1,000 of dollars and see very little return! So, what do you purchase? What do you pass up? Well here is what I know so far...
Marketing
Find ways to market yourself! You could spend thousands of dollars on the best equipment, but if customers don't know you are there you will not have any income. You have to get out there and let people know you are hard working and want to earn their business! There are so many photographers out there. You have to find a way to stand out and be noticed. Chances are, there is already an established photographer in your area. If you are just getting started, you may think, "How can I compete with that?" Sure, this photographer is good, but he/she's prices are probably higher than what you would charge starting out. Advertise this! People are skeptical to try a new photographer when they already have one they like, but if you can offer a better price more will be willing to give you a try!
How to save money in Marketing
Vistaprint offers 250 free business cards to help you get started! You pay shipping(about $7) and get a standard, one sided business card for free. You are limited to only a few designs and these will not help you to stand out in the market, but it's a good place to start when start-up budgets are tight! You can always order more, nicer cards down the road. Click the link below to get your free business cards:
http://www.vistaprint.com/freeprembcrs.aspx?GP=10%2f16%2f2012+12%3a58%3a36+PM&GPS=2592196704&GNF=1
Make sure to give a few extra cards to every client you photograph. Now when your clients show off their wonderful photographs, it's easy for them to send a friend or family member to you by simply giving them a card.
Word of Mouth Advertising
Word of mouth advertisement goes a long way! Do you know someone who owns a local business? Are you a frequent shopper or loyal customer at a business? Ask the store owner for help.Some will let you leave business cards for their customers to have. I actually have a local store that is displaying one of my framed photographs in their store along with my business cards so their customers can see a sample of my work! Now that is some awesome Marketing! You never know until you ask.
Social Media
I assume everyone has heard of https://www.facebook.com/. This is a very popular social media site. Set up a free business account there. This is a great way to get in some free advertisement for your business! You can show samples of your work, offer deals, etc. Also provide links to other social media sites you may maintain such as twitter, blogger, etc.
My Facebook business page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/snapshots.shannon. I try to offer a monthly free giveaway or promotion to create interest on my page and draw in new fans.
If you are not currently using any social media to market your business check out this video below to see why you should start now! You need to be seen by your customers and your customers are online.
If you know of any other clever, fun, or money saving ways to market your business, please let us know in the comments!
How do you let people know about your business?
What marketing challenges have you faced?
How did you overcome them?
What worked? What did not?
Let us know in the comments.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Money Saving Tips for the New Photographer
The Cost of Photography
If you are just getting started with your photography (be it just a hobby or business) then you know how expensive it can be. Most people don't realize photography is so expensive until they get started.
When you think of photography the first thing that you think of is, "I need a camera." Well okay, let's start there. A nice digital camera for a beginner can run between $600 to $900. This only includes the camera, battery, and 1 lens. Well now you need a camera bag, tripod, memory card, cleaning supplies, extra battery, etc. just to get started.
Well now that you have all that you have probably spent between $1,000 to $1,500 or more! I know it's depressing, but this isn't even the end of it. Still there are photography backdrop stands, backdrops, lighting systems, flashes, props, lens, and much more that you will need to start up.
Well if you are starting to second guess you passion, DON'T! Yes, photography is expensive, but it is so fun! Don't give up or quit. There are ways to save money and get your business or hobby started without spending a fortune! Read on for some money saving know how!
Money Saving Tip #1-Build Your Own Backdrop Stand
For a detailed list of materials needed and instructions visit, http://www.diyphotography.net/diy_studio_equipment_backdrop_stand
Along with the instructions to build your own backdrop stand, you will also find tips on types of fabrics to use and how to install the fabric onto your backdrop stand.
Money Saving Tip #2-Saving Money on Props
Props can really add up! Those cute little crochet hats for newborns run about $10 to $80 each. Blankets $70 and up. Are you experiencing sticker shock yet? Well you could learn to crochet yourself, but then you would have no time for your photography. So here are some tips on how to find props you can actually afford and when business starts booming you can come back and splurge on that $80 hat you really want.
Where to Find Affordable Props
If you have any tips or suggestions for saving money when starting your photography business, please leave them in the comments.
Do you know a great place to find bargain props?
Do you know how to make something that could save a new photographer money?
Share your tips and ideas here and help other photographers get off to a great start!
If you use my tips and suggestions to find props, please post what you found and how you plan to use it at your next photography session.
Thanks for reading and Happy Hunting!
If you are just getting started with your photography (be it just a hobby or business) then you know how expensive it can be. Most people don't realize photography is so expensive until they get started.
When you think of photography the first thing that you think of is, "I need a camera." Well okay, let's start there. A nice digital camera for a beginner can run between $600 to $900. This only includes the camera, battery, and 1 lens. Well now you need a camera bag, tripod, memory card, cleaning supplies, extra battery, etc. just to get started.
Well now that you have all that you have probably spent between $1,000 to $1,500 or more! I know it's depressing, but this isn't even the end of it. Still there are photography backdrop stands, backdrops, lighting systems, flashes, props, lens, and much more that you will need to start up.
Well if you are starting to second guess you passion, DON'T! Yes, photography is expensive, but it is so fun! Don't give up or quit. There are ways to save money and get your business or hobby started without spending a fortune! Read on for some money saving know how!
Money Saving Tip #1-Build Your Own Backdrop Stand
Learn how to build your own backdrop stand for $25! The cheapest one I found was on Amazon for $40, but a nice one can easily run up to $150. I promise you this stand is so easy to build that it's worth it to save the money!
For a detailed list of materials needed and instructions visit, http://www.diyphotography.net/diy_studio_equipment_backdrop_stand
Along with the instructions to build your own backdrop stand, you will also find tips on types of fabrics to use and how to install the fabric onto your backdrop stand.
Money Saving Tip #2-Saving Money on Props
Props can really add up! Those cute little crochet hats for newborns run about $10 to $80 each. Blankets $70 and up. Are you experiencing sticker shock yet? Well you could learn to crochet yourself, but then you would have no time for your photography. So here are some tips on how to find props you can actually afford and when business starts booming you can come back and splurge on that $80 hat you really want.
Where to Find Affordable Props
- Yard sales- One persons junk is another's treasure! Look for baskets, barrels, crates, large clocks, furniture you can repaint, etc. Be creative. Yard sales are always the best prices!
- Friends- I asked my Facebook friends for old tires and was blown away at how many I could get my hands on(you have to pay a fee to dump them so my friends were happy to give them). I cleaned the tire and spray painted it and had a FREE prop in no time! Look at the image below to see how I used my free prop.
- Clearance Racks- I always check the clearance racks at Hobby Lobby, Target, and Walmart. You never know what you might find! Today I got 2 square stools for $14. They were originally $20 each!
- Family, Church Members, or Members of the Community- Do you know someone who can knit or crochet? Ask them to make you some hats or blankets. Family or Friends are usually happy to help you get started and give you a better price than strangers!
- Goodwill- You can find some great pieces here! With a little imagination and some paint you can find some great photography props!
Any Tips?
If you have any tips or suggestions for saving money when starting your photography business, please leave them in the comments.
Do you know a great place to find bargain props?
Do you know how to make something that could save a new photographer money?
Share your tips and ideas here and help other photographers get off to a great start!
If you use my tips and suggestions to find props, please post what you found and how you plan to use it at your next photography session.
Thanks for reading and Happy Hunting!
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Getting Your Name Out There!
Fair Time In Middle Tennessee
Well it's Fair time in Lawrenceburg! The Middle Tennessee District Fair has begun. Each year within the exhibits portion of the fair is a photography contest. I have never entered before, but decided this year would be a great time to start. I was nervous and honestly had no idea what I was doing. This was my first photography contest ever! I hope to make it a little easier and less stressful on you, if you decide to enter. Here's what I did.
Tips for Success
All photographs had to be 8"x10" in size and matted or mounted to 11"x14". I had my prints made and mounted by a professional photography lab (Miller's). However, they were still 8"x10". So I went to Hobby Lobby and bought ready made mats at $2.99 each for my entries. There is not a large selection of ready made mats. However, they are cheaper than having custom mats made. Be flexible and save money. Especially when they are not being bought by clients.
I then purchased drafting tape(similar to masking tape in color) to secure my pictures to there mats. This tape is recommended for photos because it is acid-free. It is not a permanent bond. This is so you can easily remove the photos from the mats without leaving residue or damaging the photo or mat. I chose to use a tape that was removable so I could reuse the mats in other contests. DO NOT USE JUST ANY BRAND OF TAPE! Make sure the tape is acid-free and safe for use on pictures! You don't want the tape to ruin your pictures! Even if you don't see any damage today, you might in the future. Don't ruin your hard work and waste your money with just any tape.
Go to Hobby Lobby's website at http://hobbylobby.com/ and sign up for their Email newsletter in the top right hand corner of the site. They will send you 1 weekly newsletter(never more than that) with their weekly sales add and a coupon for one non-sale item at a discount. I use this every time I go! I've gotten as much as 40% off. That's a good deal and you can always find some wonderful props there. Think giant letters, mirrors, rugs, flowers, material, etc.
RESULTS
I was hoping for at least one of my pictures to get third place. I got pretty stressed out about it as more and more people found out I had entered.
And the results are.....
3rd Place in Child/Children Category
Wow! How awesome is that!?! My first time to enter in a photography contest and I got 1st place! Awesome! My advice is just do it! Don't procrastinate or doubt yourself! If you don't know what to do, just ask. There are many people who will help you find your way and wish you the best. Good Luck in your contest!!!
Well it's Fair time in Lawrenceburg! The Middle Tennessee District Fair has begun. Each year within the exhibits portion of the fair is a photography contest. I have never entered before, but decided this year would be a great time to start. I was nervous and honestly had no idea what I was doing. This was my first photography contest ever! I hope to make it a little easier and less stressful on you, if you decide to enter. Here's what I did.
Tips for Success
All photographs had to be 8"x10" in size and matted or mounted to 11"x14". I had my prints made and mounted by a professional photography lab (Miller's). However, they were still 8"x10". So I went to Hobby Lobby and bought ready made mats at $2.99 each for my entries. There is not a large selection of ready made mats. However, they are cheaper than having custom mats made. Be flexible and save money. Especially when they are not being bought by clients.
I then purchased drafting tape(similar to masking tape in color) to secure my pictures to there mats. This tape is recommended for photos because it is acid-free. It is not a permanent bond. This is so you can easily remove the photos from the mats without leaving residue or damaging the photo or mat. I chose to use a tape that was removable so I could reuse the mats in other contests. DO NOT USE JUST ANY BRAND OF TAPE! Make sure the tape is acid-free and safe for use on pictures! You don't want the tape to ruin your pictures! Even if you don't see any damage today, you might in the future. Don't ruin your hard work and waste your money with just any tape.
Go to Hobby Lobby's website at http://hobbylobby.com/ and sign up for their Email newsletter in the top right hand corner of the site. They will send you 1 weekly newsletter(never more than that) with their weekly sales add and a coupon for one non-sale item at a discount. I use this every time I go! I've gotten as much as 40% off. That's a good deal and you can always find some wonderful props there. Think giant letters, mirrors, rugs, flowers, material, etc.
RESULTS
I was hoping for at least one of my pictures to get third place. I got pretty stressed out about it as more and more people found out I had entered.
And the results are.....
3rd Place in Child/Children Category
3rd Place in People-Black & White
1st Place in Group(2 or more)
Wow! How awesome is that!?! My first time to enter in a photography contest and I got 1st place! Awesome! My advice is just do it! Don't procrastinate or doubt yourself! If you don't know what to do, just ask. There are many people who will help you find your way and wish you the best. Good Luck in your contest!!!
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Learning To Use A Camera In Manual Mode
OUT OF THE BOX
So you just got a new camera? You open up the box, in excited anticipation, and what do you find? A large machine with more buttons than you know what to do with!
Getting your first DSLR camera can be overwhelming. In this blog, I will give you tips and tricks to get you successfully started with your new camera. You will be surprised at how easy it can be!
HOW I GOT STARTED
I have been taking wonderful pictures my entire life. A friend of mine finally convinced me that I needed to buy a nice camera and go into business. So, off to the store I went and I bought a nice starter camera, the Canon EOS Rebel T3. When I opened it up and started to take my first picture, I was overwhelmed! There was so much I didn't know! With a point n shoot camera (which is what I had used up until this point), I didn't have to think about the shot before I took it! Now I needed to think about aperture, exposure, shutter speed, light, and much more.
As you are doing now, I quickly took to the internet for information. Well that can be very time consuming and there is a lot of hard to read and bad information out there. So I will put it all here in my blog to save you some time.
A BOOK TO GET YOU STARTED
The first and most important purchase I made was the book "Understanding Exposure" Revised Edition by Bryan Peterson. You can find this book on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Exposure-Photographs-Digital-Updated/dp/0817463003/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1347993961&sr=8-2&keywords=Understanding+Exposure I recommend this book to everyone I know. It's great for any beginner or even those who already know there way around the camera! The author explains everything in an easy to understand format and even includes hands-on exercises for you to go out and try for yourself.
So you just got a new camera? You open up the box, in excited anticipation, and what do you find? A large machine with more buttons than you know what to do with!
Getting your first DSLR camera can be overwhelming. In this blog, I will give you tips and tricks to get you successfully started with your new camera. You will be surprised at how easy it can be!
HOW I GOT STARTED
I have been taking wonderful pictures my entire life. A friend of mine finally convinced me that I needed to buy a nice camera and go into business. So, off to the store I went and I bought a nice starter camera, the Canon EOS Rebel T3. When I opened it up and started to take my first picture, I was overwhelmed! There was so much I didn't know! With a point n shoot camera (which is what I had used up until this point), I didn't have to think about the shot before I took it! Now I needed to think about aperture, exposure, shutter speed, light, and much more.
As you are doing now, I quickly took to the internet for information. Well that can be very time consuming and there is a lot of hard to read and bad information out there. So I will put it all here in my blog to save you some time.
A BOOK TO GET YOU STARTED
The first and most important purchase I made was the book "Understanding Exposure" Revised Edition by Bryan Peterson. You can find this book on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Exposure-Photographs-Digital-Updated/dp/0817463003/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1347993961&sr=8-2&keywords=Understanding+Exposure I recommend this book to everyone I know. It's great for any beginner or even those who already know there way around the camera! The author explains everything in an easy to understand format and even includes hands-on exercises for you to go out and try for yourself.
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