So how bad is your addiction?
I have been involved in photography for almost 40 years now and still find myself buying new gadgets almost weekly, thinking they are going to make my images really rock, when in fact, they dont. Continue reading “My Photography Equipment Addiction” »
I spoke to a business owner recently about his social media plan and his response was that its all just a bunch of hype. Yeah he has a Facebook page but thats it. He said once in a while his daughter will post something about the business, but nothing ever comes of it so whats the use. (this should be a famous quote). Continue reading “I have a Facebook business page, now what?” »
Since I started shooting head shots in offices, I have really come to appreciate the versatility of battery powered speed lights. Not only are they just as good as AC strobes, they are a heck of a lot easier to carry which is a really big deal for me. The less trips I make from my SUV to the clients office the better.
I have 3 Vivitar 285′s, and I pop the main with a Quantum radio transmitter and the other two with Wein hot shoes. ( I dont need 1000′ of range in an office)
I’m all set up now to start using my Photoflex FV-SODXS222KT Octodome nxt: Extra Small Kit with Octoconnector, Shoe Mount, Heavy Duty Aluminum Swivel
small lighting kit as my main light, and one 285 for backdrop and another 285 for separation.
I dont really remember when or how I got involved in wedding photography, but I do remember I was an unpaid assistant for approximately one year. Usually on Saturdays I would meet the photographer at his house and we would head out to the brides house to shoot some formal portraits and getting ready shots. Continue reading “Wedding Photography – The Brides House (part 1)” »
If you’re just getting started in photography and want to work with models, you will need to build a portfolio. But how do I do that you ask? This is a good question, and one that’s asked frequently. There’s a phrase in the industry called “Time For Prints”. Basically how this works is you photograph a model at no charge, in turn he/she models for you. The model gets free headshots for their book or website, and you get samples for your book or website. This is a very common technique. I highly recommend this avenue to building your portfolio. Shoot about a dozen models so you can have some samples to show future clients. Plus, it helps you become more comfortable with the process. The more experience you gain, the more comfortable you become. The more comfortable you become, the more you focus on the headshot session instead of fooling with equipment.
When I shot pageant style head shots, I used the same set up over and over, butterfly. Beauty dish on a boom directly overhead and the Tri-Reflector below for fill , plus my background and hair light. It was effective and simple. The pageant system had a zero shadow policy and that was fine with me. So basically I was not allowed to hide any flaws, or use any face thinning lighting styles. I loved the results and my clients were very happy. Continue reading “Portrait Lighting Styles in Offices” »
I had the opportunity to photograph Bruce this afternoon. He is a supervisor with the Criminal Investigations Unit in Queen Annes County MD. Bruce recently received “Detective of the Year” award from the States Attorney Office. The original shot was taken in the fire hall at the awards dinner. Unfortunately the hall did not present many ” background” opportunities, so the shot was recreated at the SAO office. Behind Bruce, on the wall was a light switch I had to Photoshop out because it was distracting.
Congratulations Bruce.
A photo session today with the States Attorney of Queen Anne’s County. Lance is using these new photos to update his Facebook and website.
Lance, thank you for the opportunity to work with you and your office.
Here is the lighting set up I used
After our headshot session using the background, we decided to do a few shots in the conference room with a little less formal feel.
I shot this for a dentist that wanted to add some of his cosmetic dental work to his website and brochures.
