Showing posts with label Photography.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Photography.. Show all posts
2.20.2012
new blogsite!
Hello everyone!!! You might be wondering why I have been MIA. Please click here, and you will know why! I have a new blogsite, so please update to the new web address and be sure to leave a little love in the comments section on the NEW BLOGSITE!!! Thank you.
1.13.2012
exposure, angles and determination
If you asked me if I knew what I was doing the first time I picked up a camera, I would have smiled, fibbed (ok, outright lied) and said yes. Because the truth is, I had NO idea what I was doing when I bought my first DSLR, a Canon Rebel. The manual was too wordy for my engineering brain. (Funny that I write this statement now since words, writing and reading are all a pieces of who I am today.) Seriously, the manual that came with the camera did not give me the information I wanted. If I had been patient and read through it like everyone advised, I would have learned a LOT more in the beginning. So, how did I learn how to use that lovely camera...I practiced, read books and practiced some more. And a LOT of determination. A lot. I wrote a post not too long ago about photographers who are starting from square one. I believe the focus of this blog post is step number eight: practice in manual. Now, I understand I do not know everything because really, I do not know everything there is about photography. But, I now understand my purpose in life (helping others in any way possible), so I intend on sharing my knowledge about this very subject to those who are learning either as photographers or hobbyists to use their camera. My approach may be wrong, but it is the way I learned. And, I am slowly learning much like anything in life, there is not a right or wrong way.
When I first picked up my Canon Rebel back in the summer of 2009, the first question I had was what everything on the dial represented. The abbreviations might be different from the different brands of cameras out there, but for the Canon these four modes were the ones I paid attention to and practiced in order from when I started into photography:
*P (portrait mode): the camera automatically selects the aperture and shutter speed
*A or Av (aperture priority): you select the aperture and the camera selects the ISO, white balance and shutter speed
*S or Tv (shutter speed priority): you select the shutter speed and the camera selects the aperture, ISO and white balance
*M (manual mode): you are in full control of the ISO, aperture and shutter speed
I had no idea what ISO, shutter speed and aperture to set in manual to make the photo come out, so I spent the first year only photographing in portrait mode. Yes, there were times where my photos were either under or overexposed, and I would spend hours editing my photographs adjusting all the settings losing sense of why I was photographing with such a nice camera. During the summer of 2010, I decided to start playing with the other modes and then finally turning the dial to manual. I had many days of frustration trying to learn how to photograph in manual mode. Then came that hot, VERY HOT summer day where I had a family of five (three of which were little ones under the age of five) to photograph. That same day is when Bryan asked me to turn the dial from portrait to manual mode. I'm pretty sure the heat was getting to him because surely he was out of his mind. But, my husband is my biggest cheerleader, coach and everything in between, so when he says in his "serious" tone a request as crazy as that, I respond with ok. Well, Bryan's request is how my style begun to be defined. Meaning, I was not spending hours in front of the computer in Photoshop fixing all my photos. Instead, I spent less than one minute on each photo to enhance the colors, make them pop, give them a little warmth and then turn the photo in black and white. Shooting in manual and never looking back has been the best decision I (Bryan too!) ever made!
I suggest playing with the other modes first when starting out because it will help you understand the settings more when you get to manual. Some tips when photographing in manual mode:
1. ISO: This is the speed of light that travels into your camera. It also controls how much noise (grain) you allow into your photos. Some photographers love grain while others do not care for the grain. Personally, depending on the emotions or mood you capture, the noise adds a little something to the photograph. As a rule of thumb when setting ISO, if I am outside on a sunny day, I keep my ISO at 100. If it is an overcast day, maybe turn it to 125 or 160. If I am inside (depending on the light source), I start my ISO at 1200+ until the photographs look how I want them to. Most of the time, depending on if I am inside or outside, my ISO is fixed.
2. Aperture: This is how the camera collects light into the lens and how depth of field is carried out in your photos. It depends if you want the background to be blurred out or in focus. If you want it blurred, keep the aperture at two to three f-stops from where you aperture begins. For instance, I photograph mostly with my 50 mm f/1.2. If I want my background blurred and my subject to pop from the background, I would set the aperture at 1.6 or 1.8. If you want the background to be in focus, set the aperture at 2.8+. For large groups, I would suggest 5.0+ so people in your photographs do not end up blurry (great for family photos during weddings!).
3. Shutter speed: This is how much time the shutter will remain open to let light travel from the camera lens to the sensor in your camera. For example, on a sunny day, I usually have the shutter speed ranging from 1/500 to 1/1600. For an overcast day, I would use a shutter speed of 1/300 to 1/600. My starting point with a shutter speed is usually 1/500. From there I can either increase or decrease. Keep in mind that your light will change from different spots or angles you use to create photographs, so your settings will constantly be changing. As another rule of thumb, I normally do not photograph lower than 1/125.
These three things are the ONLY things I manipulate when I photograph in manual. As I mentioned, my ISO is fixed, so the only two things I am adjusting are my aperture and shutter speed. Every time my camera makes its debut, I start with an aperture or f-stop at 2.0 and 1/500. From there I increase or decrease the shutter speed if the photograph is too light or dark. If I want more of the background to come in focus, then I increase the aperture or f-stop and adjust the shutter speed to its respective setting. It may be difficult to grasp in the beginning, but overtime it gets much easier with a LOT of practice!
Below, I have demonstrated what an underexposed to overexposed photo looks like. To keep it simple, I only increased or decreased the shutter speed. I wrote the settings I used for each photo. Please pay no attention to the fact that I used "Big L" (the teddy bear Bryan gave me as one of my Christmas gifts when we first started dating) or the ukulele or the picnic basket. Bryan was not around me to be my model, so I turned to these three things. We REALLY need to get a pup!!!
One angle:
It seems the photo with the best light and exposure was 1/3200.
A different angle:
In this angle, my favorite photo was 1/2000.
As for the other aspect when picking up your new camera is to get creative. Dig deep into that right side of your brain and start photographing objects and people from a new perspective. I always thought I was not allowed to cut off people's body parts or their faces, but then I discovered when I did that I created something far better with more emotion or mystery. My style became more and more refined when I started looking at people in a different light. Different angles. There is no right way to create an unique photograph. So, why not take a chance and let your creativity run wild. I challenge each of you with a new camera whether practicing to become a photographer or just learning for fun to take ten photographs of the same person or object in ten different yet creative ways. Trust your eye and let that right side of the brain run wild for a bit. You will be surprised with what you may come up with in the end!
Here are just a few examples of getting creative and/or photographing at a different angle:
Well, would you look at that. Another very long post, but my hope again is that at least one person walks away feeling inspired to tackle manual mode or ready to approach photographing in a new angle! Again, I am not saying that this is the right approach or that you have to do all of this to succeed. No, not at all. But, I have been asked numerous times these questions and could not think of a better place to help others understanding a very important piece of photographing and using those ever so beautiful DSLRs!
Here is to capturing beautiful memories and never losing determination to learn! Cheers and Happy Friday!
When I first picked up my Canon Rebel back in the summer of 2009, the first question I had was what everything on the dial represented. The abbreviations might be different from the different brands of cameras out there, but for the Canon these four modes were the ones I paid attention to and practiced in order from when I started into photography:
*P (portrait mode): the camera automatically selects the aperture and shutter speed
*A or Av (aperture priority): you select the aperture and the camera selects the ISO, white balance and shutter speed
*S or Tv (shutter speed priority): you select the shutter speed and the camera selects the aperture, ISO and white balance
*M (manual mode): you are in full control of the ISO, aperture and shutter speed
I had no idea what ISO, shutter speed and aperture to set in manual to make the photo come out, so I spent the first year only photographing in portrait mode. Yes, there were times where my photos were either under or overexposed, and I would spend hours editing my photographs adjusting all the settings losing sense of why I was photographing with such a nice camera. During the summer of 2010, I decided to start playing with the other modes and then finally turning the dial to manual. I had many days of frustration trying to learn how to photograph in manual mode. Then came that hot, VERY HOT summer day where I had a family of five (three of which were little ones under the age of five) to photograph. That same day is when Bryan asked me to turn the dial from portrait to manual mode. I'm pretty sure the heat was getting to him because surely he was out of his mind. But, my husband is my biggest cheerleader, coach and everything in between, so when he says in his "serious" tone a request as crazy as that, I respond with ok. Well, Bryan's request is how my style begun to be defined. Meaning, I was not spending hours in front of the computer in Photoshop fixing all my photos. Instead, I spent less than one minute on each photo to enhance the colors, make them pop, give them a little warmth and then turn the photo in black and white. Shooting in manual and never looking back has been the best decision I (Bryan too!) ever made!
I suggest playing with the other modes first when starting out because it will help you understand the settings more when you get to manual. Some tips when photographing in manual mode:
1. ISO: This is the speed of light that travels into your camera. It also controls how much noise (grain) you allow into your photos. Some photographers love grain while others do not care for the grain. Personally, depending on the emotions or mood you capture, the noise adds a little something to the photograph. As a rule of thumb when setting ISO, if I am outside on a sunny day, I keep my ISO at 100. If it is an overcast day, maybe turn it to 125 or 160. If I am inside (depending on the light source), I start my ISO at 1200+ until the photographs look how I want them to. Most of the time, depending on if I am inside or outside, my ISO is fixed.
2. Aperture: This is how the camera collects light into the lens and how depth of field is carried out in your photos. It depends if you want the background to be blurred out or in focus. If you want it blurred, keep the aperture at two to three f-stops from where you aperture begins. For instance, I photograph mostly with my 50 mm f/1.2. If I want my background blurred and my subject to pop from the background, I would set the aperture at 1.6 or 1.8. If you want the background to be in focus, set the aperture at 2.8+. For large groups, I would suggest 5.0+ so people in your photographs do not end up blurry (great for family photos during weddings!).
3. Shutter speed: This is how much time the shutter will remain open to let light travel from the camera lens to the sensor in your camera. For example, on a sunny day, I usually have the shutter speed ranging from 1/500 to 1/1600. For an overcast day, I would use a shutter speed of 1/300 to 1/600. My starting point with a shutter speed is usually 1/500. From there I can either increase or decrease. Keep in mind that your light will change from different spots or angles you use to create photographs, so your settings will constantly be changing. As another rule of thumb, I normally do not photograph lower than 1/125.
These three things are the ONLY things I manipulate when I photograph in manual. As I mentioned, my ISO is fixed, so the only two things I am adjusting are my aperture and shutter speed. Every time my camera makes its debut, I start with an aperture or f-stop at 2.0 and 1/500. From there I increase or decrease the shutter speed if the photograph is too light or dark. If I want more of the background to come in focus, then I increase the aperture or f-stop and adjust the shutter speed to its respective setting. It may be difficult to grasp in the beginning, but overtime it gets much easier with a LOT of practice!
Below, I have demonstrated what an underexposed to overexposed photo looks like. To keep it simple, I only increased or decreased the shutter speed. I wrote the settings I used for each photo. Please pay no attention to the fact that I used "Big L" (the teddy bear Bryan gave me as one of my Christmas gifts when we first started dating) or the ukulele or the picnic basket. Bryan was not around me to be my model, so I turned to these three things. We REALLY need to get a pup!!!
One angle:
It seems the photo with the best light and exposure was 1/3200.
A different angle:
In this angle, my favorite photo was 1/2000.
As for the other aspect when picking up your new camera is to get creative. Dig deep into that right side of your brain and start photographing objects and people from a new perspective. I always thought I was not allowed to cut off people's body parts or their faces, but then I discovered when I did that I created something far better with more emotion or mystery. My style became more and more refined when I started looking at people in a different light. Different angles. There is no right way to create an unique photograph. So, why not take a chance and let your creativity run wild. I challenge each of you with a new camera whether practicing to become a photographer or just learning for fun to take ten photographs of the same person or object in ten different yet creative ways. Trust your eye and let that right side of the brain run wild for a bit. You will be surprised with what you may come up with in the end!
Here are just a few examples of getting creative and/or photographing at a different angle:
Well, would you look at that. Another very long post, but my hope again is that at least one person walks away feeling inspired to tackle manual mode or ready to approach photographing in a new angle! Again, I am not saying that this is the right approach or that you have to do all of this to succeed. No, not at all. But, I have been asked numerous times these questions and could not think of a better place to help others understanding a very important piece of photographing and using those ever so beautiful DSLRs!
Here is to capturing beautiful memories and never losing determination to learn! Cheers and Happy Friday!
1.05.2012
mini photography sessions for adoption fundraiser!
You all might remember my good friends Jeremy and Stephanie. The amazing couple who are saving, fundraising and praying with every ounce of their heart to adopt a little one, in which they can love, teach and raise in their adorable home (seriously friends, it looks like a mix of Anthropology and Restoration Hardware!). Continuing from my post of helping others, my friend, Kristyn Antonucci, at Kristyn Marie Photography and I are partnering to host mini photo sessions on January 28th from 8:00-1:00 at Sarko Park in Lenexa, KS. They will be 20 minute sessions with either Kristyn or myself with a variety of backgrounds that will allow us to capture your family and freeze moments through our cameras. A donation of $75 will include the mini session and a CD with 5-10 edited images. All the proceeds we raise on that beautiful January 28th day will go towards bringing home a cute little one for Jeremy and Stephanie. If you are interested, please call Stephanie at 913.439.9289 as she will schedule the sessions. I would suggest taking advantage of this and fairly quick since she has booked quite a few sessions already. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at shefali.lindsey@yahoo.com. These two are doing an amazing thing that have moved Bryan and I. The patience, determination and unconditional love these two share for one another and their VERY near future child is unbelievable and one that makes my heart full. Read all about their astonishing journey here. I cannot wait to see what 2012 holds for the Brennemans!
1.04.2012
helping others + photography tips
Living, laughing, reading, designing, loving, helping, photographing, Shefy Shaking, praying, learning, traveling, cooking, writing, believing, dreaming...all of this composes who I am. Shefali. Shefy. For the longest time, I kept questioning my purpose. I never knew or maybe quite understood why I was brought into this world. I felt like I was living my life without a purpose. However, after many years, I realized my purpose has been staring at me in the face since I was 6 years old. It followed me well into my teenage years, and it was tapping me on the shoulder as I entered my 20s. Yet, I never quite saw it. Until now that is. My purpose above living, laughing, reading, designing, loving, photographing, Shefy Shakin', praying, learning, traveling, cooking, writing, believing and dreaming is to help others. Through words. Through photographs. Through a smile, laugh and random acts of kindness and love. It is what makes me whole.
Recently, I have received emails and messages through Facebook of people of all ages asking me for advice on starting their dream and their passion. Now, I am only two and half years into this (time is flying by!), and I still have a LOT more learning to do, but nothing makes me jump for joy than helping others especially those who are passionate about what they do and who dream with determination and persistence. I would like to share how I approached the photography journey. This is clearly based on my opinion, and by no means am I saying this is how it should be done or that this is the right way. But, if you are looking for a place to start, here is what I advise...
1. Invest in photography equipment ($700-2500+): I am a Canon girl through and through thanks to my dad who shares a love for photography with me! Right before I was laid-off in 2009, I had purchased a Canon Rebel, the kit lens, two 8GB cards and a little camera bag from B&H Photo with no intension of making my love for photography anything more than a hobby. As a gift from a co-worker from my old job, I received the entire Adobe Creative Suite for my MacBook. That is all I had to start, and that is all I used for the first year of this little adventure I set out on. I spent that year dreaming, wishing and hoping one day I can own the pretty camera body or those oh so wonderful lenses. I borrowed my Dad's Canon Speedlite and slowly managed to save everything I made from my sessions to invest into better equipment. I was one who never wanted to take a loan or borrow money, so I was fairly strict on myself to never use the money I earned from my sessions on anything more than photography related purchases. Today, I a proud owner of the Canon 5D Mark II, Canon 50 mm f/1.2, Canon 35 mm f/1.4, handfuls of SD cards and a Canon Speedlite. Since I am strictly a lifestyle photography, this is all that I need to create the images that I love so much! However, Bryan and I did rent equipment from LensProToGo for the weddings we shot in 2011, which is especially great if you are wanting to try out a lens. This is how my love affair with the Canon 35mm f/1.4 began. Bryan is quite understanding of our relationship!
2. Get a blog (FREE): Seriously, this is hands down the BEST thing I ever did. For me, writing is another creative outlet. So, to be able to use my blog as a digital scrapbook of my personal and professional life is indescribable. I understand not everyone is a writer, but I think blogging BOTH personally AND professionally is something that will open all kinds of avenues. I have met blogger friends, recorded memories and shared personal things about my life through this blog that has allowed me to connect with my clients. When I attended St. Louis Shot Party hosted by our amazing wedding photographer, Kelly Manno, in 2010, Jasmine Star was the key note speaker. She said something profound: anyone can pick a photographer who will most likely take great photos, but it is the photographer and their personality that draws a clients in. So, if you blog, blog being 100% authentic, real and you! You will not be sorry. I promise.
3. Get a website (FREE-$25/month): A blog is all about who you are as a person. What you love, your work and everything in between. A website is your professional staple. It is more official. And, it gives your clients a chance to glance at your work, find out a little more about you and fall in love with your photos and the person you are! Personally, I am going to be rebranding soon, and for the kind of work I do, I will be combining a blog and a website into a blogsite soon enough. Again, you have to do what works best for your business and you.
4. Build a portfolio (FREE): I will be honest when I say that this is almost what made me not want to be a photographer. I hear the word portfolio, and I think back to 6th grade art class. However, it was not all that difficult. I figured if I do not do well at building a portfolio, I would just fall back on photography as a hobby. What do I have to lose? I am SO glad I kept walking down this path. This is the foundation of what Shefali Lindsey Photography is built on! I started with offering three straight months of doing any lifestyle session for free. Yes, you read right, free. If I did it again, I probably would have charged a little something to allocate the cost of supplies and my time, but what I gained was something money would never buy! I gained loyal clients who are still with me to this day. I gained friends who spread the word and had my photography going through the roof in a matter of six months! At the end of the three months, I was left with gift cards, countless emails of thank yous and a heart full of joy.
5. Get a marketing strategy (FREE): With building a portfolio comes gaining clientele. There is no rhyme or reason way of spreading your name. Some people invest in advertisements. Some make flyers and post them on bulletin boards and in mailboxes. Others rely on word of mouth. For me, I will say it was the latter. I read about it all the time as I was starting out, but I never understood until one email turned into five emails turned into 20 emails in a matter of months. I suggest emailing friends and having them forward it on to their co-workers, neighbors and family members. Word of mouth is by far the best, most inexpensive way of everyone knowing who you are and what you do. I do not think you will be disappointed! Just have patience. Wonderful clients will follow.
6. Expand your knowledge (FREE): I have never stopped reading some of my favorite photography blogs. Not to gawk at their photos, but to read their words of encouragement, learn about their successes and failures and their own photography and business tips. These are the same photographers that motivate and inspire me to pass on what I have learned to photographers newer than I entering into this industry. Read blogs, visit photography forums (Open Source Photo is wonderful!), get together with other photographers in your area, network, read business and photography books...whatever you do, DO NOT STOP LEARNING!!! After all, knowledge is powerful!
7. Brand ($100+): This is an essential piece to setting yourself apart from the rest of the photographers out there. And, it is probably one of the harder pieces as well. In the beginning, I had a good friend of mine design a logo (which I still LOVE to this day) to give me a starting piece. My entire brand is built around a flower, which also happens to be the meaning of my name. (I spent so many years never knowing this until my mum told me one day what the true meaning of my name meant. All that flower doodling finally made sense!) From the flower is where I built my name and my brand. I am in process of rebranding, which I hear is normal since your style is always evolving. My advice here is to start with something that represents you and as time goes on, keep rebranding until you feel like your brand is a good representation of who you are today! I plan on talking more about branding in a separate post.
8. PRACTICE IN MANUAL (FREE): I write this in caps because aside from buying the equipment and blogging for me, this is what defined my style and my photography. I will be the first to say, I did not learn manual from the start. I actually spent the first six months photographing in...brace yourselves..."Auto." Horrible, I know. I cringe at that very sentence. I spent the next six months photographing in "Program" mode. Albeit not awful, still quite terrible. It was a hot summer day in which Bryan asked me to let go of the "Program" mode and switch the dial to "M." As in "Manual" mode. Surely, I had cotton balls in my ears because there is no way my husband just said that crazy thought. Did I mention that very day, it was 6:00 pm, 90+ degrees and three kids under the age of four? However, that very day was the start to my new photography style. The style that would later reveal vivid colors, light, candid photographs and in-between moments that so many of my clients rave about when they see their photos. Aside from photographing in manual, practice. Practice, practice, practice and then practice a LOT more. In time, you will see yourself fall into more of an ease in photographing people. You will learn how to start them in a pose, how to make them feel comfortable and how to get those natural, in-between moments that we are so blessed to capture as photographers.
If you have stayed with me this long, I want to say THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!! This was a long post, but one in which is much overdue. My hope is that at least one person walks away fired up and ready to jump heart first into their passion of photography or anything else their creative minds desire. If there are any additional questions you may have, feel free to leave a comment, and I will be sure to answer it in another post or personally! It's not easy, but I can say it is by far one of the best risks I have ever taken. Ever. I have met some incredible people. I have learned far more than I have ever dreamed. I have poured my heart, soul and countless nights of learning, working and being frustrated, but it was ALL worth it. Down to every last tear and smile. Photography is and always will be a part of who I am. The living, laughing, reading, designing, loving, helping, photographing, Shefy Shaking, praying, learning, traveling, cooking, writing, believing, dreaming me.
Recently, I have received emails and messages through Facebook of people of all ages asking me for advice on starting their dream and their passion. Now, I am only two and half years into this (time is flying by!), and I still have a LOT more learning to do, but nothing makes me jump for joy than helping others especially those who are passionate about what they do and who dream with determination and persistence. I would like to share how I approached the photography journey. This is clearly based on my opinion, and by no means am I saying this is how it should be done or that this is the right way. But, if you are looking for a place to start, here is what I advise...
1. Invest in photography equipment ($700-2500+): I am a Canon girl through and through thanks to my dad who shares a love for photography with me! Right before I was laid-off in 2009, I had purchased a Canon Rebel, the kit lens, two 8GB cards and a little camera bag from B&H Photo with no intension of making my love for photography anything more than a hobby. As a gift from a co-worker from my old job, I received the entire Adobe Creative Suite for my MacBook. That is all I had to start, and that is all I used for the first year of this little adventure I set out on. I spent that year dreaming, wishing and hoping one day I can own the pretty camera body or those oh so wonderful lenses. I borrowed my Dad's Canon Speedlite and slowly managed to save everything I made from my sessions to invest into better equipment. I was one who never wanted to take a loan or borrow money, so I was fairly strict on myself to never use the money I earned from my sessions on anything more than photography related purchases. Today, I a proud owner of the Canon 5D Mark II, Canon 50 mm f/1.2, Canon 35 mm f/1.4, handfuls of SD cards and a Canon Speedlite. Since I am strictly a lifestyle photography, this is all that I need to create the images that I love so much! However, Bryan and I did rent equipment from LensProToGo for the weddings we shot in 2011, which is especially great if you are wanting to try out a lens. This is how my love affair with the Canon 35mm f/1.4 began. Bryan is quite understanding of our relationship!
2. Get a blog (FREE): Seriously, this is hands down the BEST thing I ever did. For me, writing is another creative outlet. So, to be able to use my blog as a digital scrapbook of my personal and professional life is indescribable. I understand not everyone is a writer, but I think blogging BOTH personally AND professionally is something that will open all kinds of avenues. I have met blogger friends, recorded memories and shared personal things about my life through this blog that has allowed me to connect with my clients. When I attended St. Louis Shot Party hosted by our amazing wedding photographer, Kelly Manno, in 2010, Jasmine Star was the key note speaker. She said something profound: anyone can pick a photographer who will most likely take great photos, but it is the photographer and their personality that draws a clients in. So, if you blog, blog being 100% authentic, real and you! You will not be sorry. I promise.
3. Get a website (FREE-$25/month): A blog is all about who you are as a person. What you love, your work and everything in between. A website is your professional staple. It is more official. And, it gives your clients a chance to glance at your work, find out a little more about you and fall in love with your photos and the person you are! Personally, I am going to be rebranding soon, and for the kind of work I do, I will be combining a blog and a website into a blogsite soon enough. Again, you have to do what works best for your business and you.
4. Build a portfolio (FREE): I will be honest when I say that this is almost what made me not want to be a photographer. I hear the word portfolio, and I think back to 6th grade art class. However, it was not all that difficult. I figured if I do not do well at building a portfolio, I would just fall back on photography as a hobby. What do I have to lose? I am SO glad I kept walking down this path. This is the foundation of what Shefali Lindsey Photography is built on! I started with offering three straight months of doing any lifestyle session for free. Yes, you read right, free. If I did it again, I probably would have charged a little something to allocate the cost of supplies and my time, but what I gained was something money would never buy! I gained loyal clients who are still with me to this day. I gained friends who spread the word and had my photography going through the roof in a matter of six months! At the end of the three months, I was left with gift cards, countless emails of thank yous and a heart full of joy.
5. Get a marketing strategy (FREE): With building a portfolio comes gaining clientele. There is no rhyme or reason way of spreading your name. Some people invest in advertisements. Some make flyers and post them on bulletin boards and in mailboxes. Others rely on word of mouth. For me, I will say it was the latter. I read about it all the time as I was starting out, but I never understood until one email turned into five emails turned into 20 emails in a matter of months. I suggest emailing friends and having them forward it on to their co-workers, neighbors and family members. Word of mouth is by far the best, most inexpensive way of everyone knowing who you are and what you do. I do not think you will be disappointed! Just have patience. Wonderful clients will follow.
6. Expand your knowledge (FREE): I have never stopped reading some of my favorite photography blogs. Not to gawk at their photos, but to read their words of encouragement, learn about their successes and failures and their own photography and business tips. These are the same photographers that motivate and inspire me to pass on what I have learned to photographers newer than I entering into this industry. Read blogs, visit photography forums (Open Source Photo is wonderful!), get together with other photographers in your area, network, read business and photography books...whatever you do, DO NOT STOP LEARNING!!! After all, knowledge is powerful!
7. Brand ($100+): This is an essential piece to setting yourself apart from the rest of the photographers out there. And, it is probably one of the harder pieces as well. In the beginning, I had a good friend of mine design a logo (which I still LOVE to this day) to give me a starting piece. My entire brand is built around a flower, which also happens to be the meaning of my name. (I spent so many years never knowing this until my mum told me one day what the true meaning of my name meant. All that flower doodling finally made sense!) From the flower is where I built my name and my brand. I am in process of rebranding, which I hear is normal since your style is always evolving. My advice here is to start with something that represents you and as time goes on, keep rebranding until you feel like your brand is a good representation of who you are today! I plan on talking more about branding in a separate post.
8. PRACTICE IN MANUAL (FREE): I write this in caps because aside from buying the equipment and blogging for me, this is what defined my style and my photography. I will be the first to say, I did not learn manual from the start. I actually spent the first six months photographing in...brace yourselves..."Auto." Horrible, I know. I cringe at that very sentence. I spent the next six months photographing in "Program" mode. Albeit not awful, still quite terrible. It was a hot summer day in which Bryan asked me to let go of the "Program" mode and switch the dial to "M." As in "Manual" mode. Surely, I had cotton balls in my ears because there is no way my husband just said that crazy thought. Did I mention that very day, it was 6:00 pm, 90+ degrees and three kids under the age of four? However, that very day was the start to my new photography style. The style that would later reveal vivid colors, light, candid photographs and in-between moments that so many of my clients rave about when they see their photos. Aside from photographing in manual, practice. Practice, practice, practice and then practice a LOT more. In time, you will see yourself fall into more of an ease in photographing people. You will learn how to start them in a pose, how to make them feel comfortable and how to get those natural, in-between moments that we are so blessed to capture as photographers.
If you have stayed with me this long, I want to say THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!! This was a long post, but one in which is much overdue. My hope is that at least one person walks away fired up and ready to jump heart first into their passion of photography or anything else their creative minds desire. If there are any additional questions you may have, feel free to leave a comment, and I will be sure to answer it in another post or personally! It's not easy, but I can say it is by far one of the best risks I have ever taken. Ever. I have met some incredible people. I have learned far more than I have ever dreamed. I have poured my heart, soul and countless nights of learning, working and being frustrated, but it was ALL worth it. Down to every last tear and smile. Photography is and always will be a part of who I am. The living, laughing, reading, designing, loving, helping, photographing, Shefy Shaking, praying, learning, traveling, cooking, writing, believing, dreaming me.
8.23.2011
my journey...
It's been a whirlwind of two years. Two years exact. Two years in which I dove heart first, scared, excited and anxious. Two years in which I have never turned back missing the life I once had. Two years in which I have grown comfortable in my skin, discovered who I am (flaws, strengths and all) and learned that I cannot live a life without passion, drive and love. Two years ago, my story unfolded.
For those of you who do not know, I went to school to be a Structural Engineer. (I am slightly obsessed with architecture!) I spent a year after college working for an engineering firm in Kansas City as an engineer, however, I was not happy being behind a desk and calculating all day. 2009 was without a doubt a rollercoaster of a year. I was happy because I was engaged to my best friend. But, I felt lost professionally. I had too much on my plate. And, I grew very sick in the matter of six months and learned that I was to change my lifestyle. For good. This rocked my world. As if that was not enough to battle out, two days later, I lost my job due to the lovely recession. I had hit rock bottom. And, there I was. Scared. Frustrated. And, more lost than ever. But, I had no idea what a blessing it was to be diagnosed a Celiac and lose my job in the same week. Because, now that I think about it, I realized, it was all part of His plan. His ever so amazing plan.
Photography for me has always been a part of my soul. I thank my dad for this one. He LOVES everything about photography, and after the wait one more picture moments my dad did at Christmas or before I went to my Homecoming dance, he somehow imprinted my future with a camera in my hand, snapping life's little moments. But, it kicked in high gear when we met our wedding photographer, Kelly Manno. She gave us some of the MOST beautiful engagement photos we had ever seen. They were fun, colorful and us being...us. And, all my creative loving heart could think when glancing through the photos with Bryan was how I wanted to do this for others. This is where my journey began.
I was unemployed at the time, and to not fall asleep at the computer job hunting all day, I would catch a post here and there from my favorite photography and design blogs. Being by myself, thoughts of should I crept in my mind? Should I really do this? I could fail. Is that worth the risk? I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Then, there was that one night. The one night where I introduced my crazy idea to Bryan and my good friend, Martha. I want to be a photographer. Without missing a beat, they jumped on board. All I had was a Canon Rebel, the kit lens, a blog, my Macbook and Adobe Creative Suite (thanks to a very sweet co-worker). I had no idea how to use my machine of a camera, I was still learning a new operating system and let's just say when I opened Photoshop up for the first time, I got so scared, I did not open it for another week. Ok I lied...a month. But, I changed my attitude and started to do the one thing Bryan asked me to do from day one...I started to believe in myself.
I read the manual and read blog after blog becoming more inspired by others' stories. I emailed photographers near and far and asked questions and made friendships. I blogged and blogged about random things and life. I went to the library and checked out Scott Kelby's 7 Point System for Adobe Photoshop where I learned to not be afraid of Photoshop but fall more in love with it. And, I practiced photographing like there was no tomorrow thanks to my awesome husband. When the time came, I emailed some friends and asked them to spread the word about building my portfolio. In one week, my inbox was flooded with requests and people who also believed in me. Three months later, I was photographing five sessions a week and getting paid to do something I truly love. I realized I was living out an unknown dream.
Don't get me wrong. The past two years have not been cupcakes and cherry limeades. There are days when I want to kick my computer to the curb and not let it back in. There are days when work piles up and emails are unanswered, and I want to hide under our bed. There are days when I am up until midnight when I wish I was in bed snuggling and fast asleep with B. But, everyday, no matter how high that pile of work gets and the frustrations take over, I have never looked back. Because I could have chosen safe rather than risking everything. But, I didn't, and I am so grateful. For never looking back. Ever ever ever.
This journey has taught me so much about life. It has taught me to trust. Trust that there is a path. And, if you are willing to work hard, it will be SO worth it. I have learned to dream big. Bigger than my heart can understand. I have learned the true meaning of friendship. Through the ups and downs, the encouragement and keep up the awesomeness emails, I have chosen to surround myself with positive people. I know that I have a LOT of learning to still do. Trust me. I am still figuring the "how tos" out. I now understand that successful and accomplished does not mean making a big paycheck. It is being proud, fulfilled and happy, which cannot be measured by any paycheck. I have learned that I do not need expensive equipment or conjure up this misconception about myself to be a good photographer. I just need to be myself. And, somehow my style and brand spoke for itself. My loud, loving, kind, driven, silly, passionate and creative self.
Bryan has said on more than one occasion something that always makes me stop and smile. You did not find photography. Photography found you. I could not have said it any better! And, although my life is a crazy whirlwind right now, I am so happy to be doing everything I love and dreaming big with my best friend by my side. So, thank you to my friends who keep me going on some of my toughest days. Thank you to my clients turned friends who continuously believe in me and let me live out my passion. They are the ones who have encouraged me to take some big leaps of faith. Thank you to the amazing industry of photographers where I found mentors and friends who I can always turn to. Thank you to our families for making me smile daily. Especially my dad who gives me those Monday morning phone calls to say he is proud of me. Most of all, thank you to my amazing husband, B. It's one thing to encourage me. It's another thing to wake up every weekend at 7:30 in the morning to accompany me to sessions, be by my side to second shoot for weddings and to help me google how to write computer codes for my blog at one o'clock in the morning. Even more, thank you for peeling me off of my computer to relax, watch redbox movies and go on date nights with you. Without you, I probably would not be snapping beautiful people and be following my heart. And, in the words of one of my new favorite southern designers, Emily Ley, thank you God "for writing my story even though I always try to take the pen." My heart is full of gratitude today.
(A picture that reminds me of where I am today. Happy and healthy! Taken in Sonoma, CA.)
Happy Tuesday!!!
For those of you who do not know, I went to school to be a Structural Engineer. (I am slightly obsessed with architecture!) I spent a year after college working for an engineering firm in Kansas City as an engineer, however, I was not happy being behind a desk and calculating all day. 2009 was without a doubt a rollercoaster of a year. I was happy because I was engaged to my best friend. But, I felt lost professionally. I had too much on my plate. And, I grew very sick in the matter of six months and learned that I was to change my lifestyle. For good. This rocked my world. As if that was not enough to battle out, two days later, I lost my job due to the lovely recession. I had hit rock bottom. And, there I was. Scared. Frustrated. And, more lost than ever. But, I had no idea what a blessing it was to be diagnosed a Celiac and lose my job in the same week. Because, now that I think about it, I realized, it was all part of His plan. His ever so amazing plan.
Photography for me has always been a part of my soul. I thank my dad for this one. He LOVES everything about photography, and after the wait one more picture moments my dad did at Christmas or before I went to my Homecoming dance, he somehow imprinted my future with a camera in my hand, snapping life's little moments. But, it kicked in high gear when we met our wedding photographer, Kelly Manno. She gave us some of the MOST beautiful engagement photos we had ever seen. They were fun, colorful and us being...us. And, all my creative loving heart could think when glancing through the photos with Bryan was how I wanted to do this for others. This is where my journey began.
I was unemployed at the time, and to not fall asleep at the computer job hunting all day, I would catch a post here and there from my favorite photography and design blogs. Being by myself, thoughts of should I crept in my mind? Should I really do this? I could fail. Is that worth the risk? I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Then, there was that one night. The one night where I introduced my crazy idea to Bryan and my good friend, Martha. I want to be a photographer. Without missing a beat, they jumped on board. All I had was a Canon Rebel, the kit lens, a blog, my Macbook and Adobe Creative Suite (thanks to a very sweet co-worker). I had no idea how to use my machine of a camera, I was still learning a new operating system and let's just say when I opened Photoshop up for the first time, I got so scared, I did not open it for another week. Ok I lied...a month. But, I changed my attitude and started to do the one thing Bryan asked me to do from day one...I started to believe in myself.
I read the manual and read blog after blog becoming more inspired by others' stories. I emailed photographers near and far and asked questions and made friendships. I blogged and blogged about random things and life. I went to the library and checked out Scott Kelby's 7 Point System for Adobe Photoshop where I learned to not be afraid of Photoshop but fall more in love with it. And, I practiced photographing like there was no tomorrow thanks to my awesome husband. When the time came, I emailed some friends and asked them to spread the word about building my portfolio. In one week, my inbox was flooded with requests and people who also believed in me. Three months later, I was photographing five sessions a week and getting paid to do something I truly love. I realized I was living out an unknown dream.
Don't get me wrong. The past two years have not been cupcakes and cherry limeades. There are days when I want to kick my computer to the curb and not let it back in. There are days when work piles up and emails are unanswered, and I want to hide under our bed. There are days when I am up until midnight when I wish I was in bed snuggling and fast asleep with B. But, everyday, no matter how high that pile of work gets and the frustrations take over, I have never looked back. Because I could have chosen safe rather than risking everything. But, I didn't, and I am so grateful. For never looking back. Ever ever ever.
This journey has taught me so much about life. It has taught me to trust. Trust that there is a path. And, if you are willing to work hard, it will be SO worth it. I have learned to dream big. Bigger than my heart can understand. I have learned the true meaning of friendship. Through the ups and downs, the encouragement and keep up the awesomeness emails, I have chosen to surround myself with positive people. I know that I have a LOT of learning to still do. Trust me. I am still figuring the "how tos" out. I now understand that successful and accomplished does not mean making a big paycheck. It is being proud, fulfilled and happy, which cannot be measured by any paycheck. I have learned that I do not need expensive equipment or conjure up this misconception about myself to be a good photographer. I just need to be myself. And, somehow my style and brand spoke for itself. My loud, loving, kind, driven, silly, passionate and creative self.
Bryan has said on more than one occasion something that always makes me stop and smile. You did not find photography. Photography found you. I could not have said it any better! And, although my life is a crazy whirlwind right now, I am so happy to be doing everything I love and dreaming big with my best friend by my side. So, thank you to my friends who keep me going on some of my toughest days. Thank you to my clients turned friends who continuously believe in me and let me live out my passion. They are the ones who have encouraged me to take some big leaps of faith. Thank you to the amazing industry of photographers where I found mentors and friends who I can always turn to. Thank you to our families for making me smile daily. Especially my dad who gives me those Monday morning phone calls to say he is proud of me. Most of all, thank you to my amazing husband, B. It's one thing to encourage me. It's another thing to wake up every weekend at 7:30 in the morning to accompany me to sessions, be by my side to second shoot for weddings and to help me google how to write computer codes for my blog at one o'clock in the morning. Even more, thank you for peeling me off of my computer to relax, watch redbox movies and go on date nights with you. Without you, I probably would not be snapping beautiful people and be following my heart. And, in the words of one of my new favorite southern designers, Emily Ley, thank you God "for writing my story even though I always try to take the pen." My heart is full of gratitude today.
(A picture that reminds me of where I am today. Happy and healthy! Taken in Sonoma, CA.)
Happy Tuesday!!!
6.07.2011
st. louis shot party!
My ever so fabulous wedding photographer, Kelly Manno, is hosting an ever so fabulous photography workshop. The BEST part are the THREE speakers she has lined up: Becker AND Bobbi+Mike. So, if you have not done so, please head over to her website and sign up for what I think is going to be an AH-MAZING workshop.
Details...
What: St. Louis Shot Party Hosted by Kelly Manno
When: Sunday, August 21st from 2:00-8:00 pm
Where: Ameristar Casino in St. Charles, MO
Cost: $259 (includes dinner!)
Website: www.stlouisshotparty.com
Head over here to register. I promise you won't regret it. Afterall, photographers sure do know how to have a GOOD ol' time!
Details...
What: St. Louis Shot Party Hosted by Kelly Manno
When: Sunday, August 21st from 2:00-8:00 pm
Where: Ameristar Casino in St. Charles, MO
Cost: $259 (includes dinner!)
Website: www.stlouisshotparty.com
Head over here to register. I promise you won't regret it. Afterall, photographers sure do know how to have a GOOD ol' time!
9.16.2010
wishes and surprises
The other night, Bryan asked me what I wanted for my birthday. I sat for a moment and thought about it. I replied nothing. He gave me one of his yeah right looks. I told him I really wanted nothing. No flowers, no candlelit dinner and no over-the-top gifts. Not this year. This year, I want to keep it simple. So, I preceded to tell him what I wished for instead.
I wish for health and happiness. I wish for God to always protect you because you are my other half and without you, I would be lost. Really really lost. I wish for my mum to never lose her fabulous smile. I wish for my dad to always remain young in the heart. And to let his dreams come true. He definitely deserves it. I wish for my brother to get into the best medical school. He wants this. He needs to do this. I wish for your family to remain happy and never lose their ever so fun spirit. And to be surrounded by love always. I need them because they are my family now as well. I wish for our friends to be stronger than us because when times get tough, we will lean on them for support and love. I wish for the sick to be cured. I wish for the homeless to find homes. Filled with warmth and love. I wish for my photography business to keep growing so I can keep doing the thing I believe I was meant to do but never dreamt of doing. And, I wish for a long and happy marriage with you. Oh and a trip to Italy. That is all.
Every birthday, you get one wish. I do not believe in the one wish theory. Not this year at least. I believe in wishes. Plural. And this birthday, I am breaking all the rules and wishing for the above. Because it's my birthday, and I can break the rules. Just today.
And, since it is my birthday, I thought it would be the perfect day to reveal a surprise, in which, I have poured many sleepless nights, tears, sweat and hard work: MY WEBSITE! Please take a few moments to visit it and if you wish, leave me some love of your thoughts right here on my blog! (Make sure to have the volume on. The song is one of my favorite things about the website and is a perfect representation of my story.)
No post is complete without a picture, so I will leave you with what I woke up to this morning: Breakfast. In. Bed. It's official, I married one AH-MAZING man!
I wish for health and happiness. I wish for God to always protect you because you are my other half and without you, I would be lost. Really really lost. I wish for my mum to never lose her fabulous smile. I wish for my dad to always remain young in the heart. And to let his dreams come true. He definitely deserves it. I wish for my brother to get into the best medical school. He wants this. He needs to do this. I wish for your family to remain happy and never lose their ever so fun spirit. And to be surrounded by love always. I need them because they are my family now as well. I wish for our friends to be stronger than us because when times get tough, we will lean on them for support and love. I wish for the sick to be cured. I wish for the homeless to find homes. Filled with warmth and love. I wish for my photography business to keep growing so I can keep doing the thing I believe I was meant to do but never dreamt of doing. And, I wish for a long and happy marriage with you. Oh and a trip to Italy. That is all.
Every birthday, you get one wish. I do not believe in the one wish theory. Not this year at least. I believe in wishes. Plural. And this birthday, I am breaking all the rules and wishing for the above. Because it's my birthday, and I can break the rules. Just today.
And, since it is my birthday, I thought it would be the perfect day to reveal a surprise, in which, I have poured many sleepless nights, tears, sweat and hard work: MY WEBSITE! Please take a few moments to visit it and if you wish, leave me some love of your thoughts right here on my blog! (Make sure to have the volume on. The song is one of my favorite things about the website and is a perfect representation of my story.)
No post is complete without a picture, so I will leave you with what I woke up to this morning: Breakfast. In. Bed. It's official, I married one AH-MAZING man!