January 13, 2010

Picking Out a Good Photo Shoot Location

Filed under: Photo Shoots, Tips and Suggestions — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 6:09 pm

Location, Location, Location.  There are a lot of elements that go into a photo shoot and picking a good location is probably one of the biggest (unless you are shooting in a studio of course).  So here are a few things to consider when you are deciding on a good location for your shoot.

One of the coolest parts about doing a professional photo shoot is to pick a location that suites your personality (or your family’s personality).  Start taking inventory of some the unique traits that you display and think of places that you would consider “fun” and that you can envision some of the shots you could take there.  Think outside the box a little and start taking a look around you a couple days before you even call your photographer with ideas.  Most of us don’t take the time to simply look around while we are on our way to work or to go just down the street to your favorite café.  Usually there are a ton of venues right under your nose.  Don’t rule out urban areas either…a classic movie theater or a tight alley way with graffiti make fore great backgrounds.  Make a list of at least 3 different options and take a second to notice what time it was when you checked it out.  Lastly, it is nice to find a spot that compliments you and your personality…but it can be super FUN to find a place that directly contrasts (ie. Formal shots in an industrial area, etc).  San Diego is a big place…take some time to check it out a little.

Before you get too attached to any shot in particular, run them by the photographer you would like to take the photos.  Often times, the photographer may know of the location you are refereeing to and any sort of hiccups associated with it like permits (Quail Gardens requires one), parking, and most importantly (from their perspective) lighting issues.  They are a great resource themselves and may come up with an idea that expands on what you are looking for.  Either way, it is always a good idea to communicate with the photographer as much as possible.  That being said, coming to him or her with ideas of your own will simply add to the artistic synergy.  Get invested in the shoot and you will be amazed by the results.

Below are a few examples of a fun shoot with a unique location (click on thumbnails to see full image)

Net Profit from Networking

Filed under: Business Tips — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 4:44 pm

More than ever, I have been receiving the awkward…almost skeptical look out of the corner of people’s eyes when I say, “business is great…different, but great.”  Most respond with a long list of reasons as to why I am LUCKY to be in the photography business because other types of businesses (which includes theirs of course) are really struggling.  All right, so there is some truth to what they say to me and to quote Samuel Goldwyn, “the harder I work, the luckier I get!”

I have decided to take this opportunity to talk about what I have been doing differently to not only survive…but to prosper in this “down market.”  This blog was initially intended for other photographers who are looking for new ways to promote themselves, but it applies to almost anyone.

The irony is that what I have been doing differently than other photographers in my field is the same thing I have done since I started my company.  I am a part of a Business Networking Group called BNI.  As my business has grown, so has my marketing strategies…and yet I still have not found a more simple and effective way to promote myself than to meet with other business professionals on a weekly basis.  The idea is rather simple: I do my best to help their businesses grow…and they return the favor. One major factor to making this work is to find the right group…because let’s be honest, I am not going to go out of my way to promote someone I don’t trust (and visa versa).  There are all kinds of networking opportunities around you and networking groups like BNI effectively train you to get the most out of them all.

Many new photographers assume that “if only I had a great website or better equipment, my sales would surely go up.”  For the aspiring photographer, however, the paradox is that in order to have a great website, they need to have great images…and in order to have great images they need to have great photo shoots.  And unless they are willing (and can afford) to just shoot things for free in order to build their portfolio, initial sales comes before everything else (including top of the line equipment).  My initial sales came exclusively from the networking group I joined years ago.

More than ever, business is all about building relationships.  It takes time and a lot of work, but in this period of economic uncertainty do you think I regret going the extra mile to build lasting relationships with my business partners (from all fields, including other photographers) and their referrals?  Hell no…it’s the best investment I ever made in my company!  I am certain that as long as I keep building those relationships, the dividends will continue to pay off with unparalleled opportunity. My relationships are the reason I am still doing well when others are struggling.  The best part is that all you need to get started is a business card and firm handshake!

Check out these sites for some good sales/networking information:
www.BNI.com
www.gitomer.com
www.mortgageproconsulting.com

These are not photography sites…and that is exactly why I mention them.  They all have a wealth of free information that will help you become better networkers.

January 12, 2010

What exactly am I paying for when I hire a Pro photographer?

Filed under: Purchasing, Tips and Suggestions — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 6:58 pm

Obviously this is a vague question, but one worth exploring a little bit.  Pricing structures for photography are literally all over the place and vary by the photographer…that being said, there are some consistencies and things you as the consumer should be aware of.

Probably the biggest misconception and the largest source of confusion is who owns the photos.  Most people (consumers at least) don’t like to hear it, but typically the photographer retains all rights to the image….and that includes all associated fees and costs are paid.  Think of it like you would a Musician…when you buy a song on iTunes you don’t actually own the song, in effect you are paying simply for the right to listen to it (definitely not reproduce it or sell it)….even if they wrote it about you J.  The same holds true for a photograph…especially with everything going digital.  Unless you have specified in a contract that you are purchasing exclusive rights to the photo and, the odds are, that you have paid a pretty substantial fee…you don’t actually own the image.  Now if you understand this concept, you will save yourself (and the photographer) a great deal of aggravation.  Sure a photographer is offering a service and the photos are of you, but they hopefully (for your sake) do consider themselves artists and you are ultimately paying for a product of their vision and skill.

Now this is just referring to the actual photographs…what about sitting fees?

Sitting fees are usually separate from the image fees and are the associated cost of a variety of things (some tangible and some not).  You are paying for experience, artistic vision, time, and of course overhead (equipment, studio space, ect.).  Out of pocket expenses are typically assessed separately from the sitting fee.

As a consumer it is really important to read your contracts carefully and make sure that you are being granted the appropriate rights for what you want to do with the photos.  If they don’t have one, consider what it implies about their professionalism/experience.  The contract is there to protect you as well.  Clear communication is key and a basic understanding of what to expect  (as far as what you are getting for your money) when hiring a photographer makes everything easier for both of you.

Spice Up Your Photos With a Simple Prop

Filed under: Photo Shoots, Tips and Suggestions — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 6:33 pm

I just recently did a fun photoshoot at the studio and it occurred to me just how fun it is to add a prop to mix.  In this case I had my buddy Gonzo bring his welding goggles for a funshop I was hosting at The Light Loft.  I had seen him working in his backyard with them and instantly I wanted to take a picture.  The results were super fun.  I think props serve a couple purposes.  One is the obvious, which is that they just add that little something extra to the shot.  Two is that it gives the subject something to actually use to help them go outside of their comfort zone (and Gonzo’s comfort zone is already pretty broad).  Behind the goggles, Gonzo could act anyway he likes…almost like he is “in character” and what that character does is completely up to him.  So the next time that you are in front of a camera or behind one, consider adding a prop to the mix and I think you will be surprised with how fun the shooting will become.

April 24, 2009

Net Profits from Networking

Filed under: Business Tips, Tips and Suggestions — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 9:53 am

More than ever, I have been receiving the awkward…almost skeptical look out of the corner of people’s eyes when I say, “business is great…different, but great.”  Most respond with a long list of reasons as to why I am LUCKY to be in the photography business because other types of businesses (which includes theirs of course) are really struggling.  All right, so there is some truth to what they say to me and to quote Samuel Goldwyn, “the harder I work, the luckier I get!”

I have decided to take this opportunity to talk about what I have been doing differently to not only survive…but to prosper in this “down market.”  This blog was initially intended for other photographers who are looking for new ways to promote themselves, but it applies to almost anyone.

The irony is that what I have been doing differently than other photographers in my field is the same thing I have done since I started my company.  I am a part of a Business Networking Group called BNI.  As my business has grown, so has my marketing strategies…and yet I still have not found a more simple and effective way to promote myself than to meet with other business professionals on a weekly basis.  The idea is rather simple: I do my best to help their businesses grow…and they return the favor. One major factor to making this work is to find the right group…because let’s be honest, I am not going to go out of my way to promote someone I don’t trust (and visa versa).  There are all kinds of networking opportunities around you and networking groups like BNI effectively train you to get the most out of them all.

bni-visitors-day

Many new photographers assume that “if only I had a great website or better equipment, my sales would surely go up.”  For the aspiring photographer, however, the paradox is that in order to have a great website, they need to have great images…and in order to have great images they need to have great photo shoots.  And unless they are willing (and can afford) to just shoot things for free in order to build their portfolio, initial sales comes before everything else (including top of the line equipment).  My initial sales came exclusively from the networking group I joined years ago.

More than ever, business is all about building relationships.  It takes time and a lot of work, but in this period of economic uncertainty do you think I regret going the extra mile to build lasting relationships with my business partners (from all fields, including other photographers) and their referrals?  Hell no…it’s the best investment I ever made in my company!  I am certain that as long as I keep building those relationships, the dividends will continue to pay off with unparalleled opportunity. My relationships are the reason I am still doing well when others are struggling.  The best part is that all you need to get started is a business card and firm handshake!

bni-visitors-day-3
Check out these sites for some good sales/networking information:
www.BNI.com
www.gitomer.com
www.mortgageproconsulting.com

These are not photography sites…and that is exactly why I mention them.  They all have a wealth of free information that will help you become better networkers.

April 8, 2009

If a picture says 1,000 words…make sure they are good ones!

Filed under: Business Tips, Head Shots, Photo Shoots, Tips and Suggestions — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 10:03 am

With the economy shifting every day, the only option we seem to have is to evolve and shift with it.  For many businessmen and businesswomen that means creating or completely revamping their marketing strategies and a large part of that marketing strategy is having a decent photo of themselves.  This is especially true for those in sales positions…and if you own your own business you are in a sales position whether you realize it or not.  The interesting thing, however, is that the mass majority does not put much stock in the importance of a good headshot.  My question to you is, how effective is your headshot?

Whether it is in business or personal life, most of you work very hard to create a good first impression.  Everything from the way you dress to the firmness of your handshake to what cologne or perfume you wear…it all serves a similar purpose.  A headshot is an extension of that first impression and in some cases it is the only impression (at least visually) that someone may have of you and your respective business.  Your goal as businessperson, and my goal as a photographer, should be to make sure your headshot is congruent with the way you portray yourself to your current and potential clients.  That is assuming, of course, that you are already putting in the effort to make those first impressions count…good luck with that if you aren’t; because, I can assure you that your competition is!

So let’s discuss what makes a good headshot great?  Beyond all other factors, the key to an effective headshot is YOU.  It does not matter how amazing a photographer is…or how much photoshopping is done after the shoot.  If you don’t see the value in a good photo of yourself and or you hate the thought of having your picture taken, you will absolutely fulfill your own thoughts and end up with a bad shot.  Granted, a good photographer may be able to come up with something better than what you expected, but your goal should be more than just “better than bad.”  Trust me when I tell you, everyone has a great shot in him or her…and the most common thing that gets in the way is someone’s mindset.

Once my clients are committed to getting a great shot of themselves, the process can begin.  We can work together to get a shot that is harmonious with who they really are and what they are selling.  They have done their homework and have determined what they want to get out of their photos.  They show up comfortable, confident, and prepared…and so do I.  They are less focused on what everyone else is doing in their industry and more focused on what they want to portray.  All of a sudden we are both shooting with intention and our intention is the same…to get the best and most effective shot possible.  The result is that we end up with a photo that they love (yes you can love a headshot) and are proud to put on all of their marketing material.

They have a photo that says 1,000 words…and yes, they are all good words.

Here are 5 things you should consider BEFORE you have your photo taken:

  1. What are you planning on using this image for?
  2. What would you like to portray to someone seeing the image for the first time?
  3. What do I find appealing in a headshot?
  4. Do you enjoy having your picture taken? If not, please think about why.
  5. What are 4 positive qualities about yourself (write them down!).

March 22, 2009

Urban Yoga

Filed under: Photo Shoots — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 12:46 pm

How often do we sabotage ourselves through rationalization and doubt?  I recently had a photo shoot that was truly fun and creative…and as a result, some really nice shots were produced.  The irony is that the shoot almost did not happen.

I had some yoga shots in mind that I have always wanted to take and for whatever reason the shoot kept getting pushed further and further away.  When the day finally came that everyone was available, the weather was simply not cooperating with sudden downpours and ridiculous wind.  My good friend Chris Baugh, who is an amazing yoga instructor at Yoga Tropics in Encinitas, gave me a call that morning and we talked about rescheduling.  Anyone who is a photographer knows that the more times you reschedule a photo shoot, the less likely it is ever going to happen.   I had all kinds of reasons and rationales as to why we should not take pictures that day and nearing the end of our conversation we had all but resigned to the fact that the photo shoot was going to get cancelled.

The conditions were not perfect for what I had envisioned…and those of you who have worked with me know that I am a bit of a perfectionist.  But putting my anal retentiveness aside, if I have learned one thing as a professional photographer, it is that there are ALWAYS things you cannot control…and you can ALWAYS get a photo worth keeping regardless of circumstance.  Granted, it may not be the images you envisioned, but keepers nonetheless.

Needless to say we decided to shoot and the conditions worked out amazingly well.  Clouds opened and gave us sunshine one moment and then we would have light rain another…and my favorite condition of all, both sun and sprinkles.  We all had a great time and we got shots that we could never have gotten on your typical Southern Californian day.  The day was a total success.

The moral of this story…you’ll never know what could have been unless you give it a go.  It is a life lesson I keep learning over and over again.