Inspiring Photographers
I have been asked to present my documentary wedding photography at Global Adjustments in Chennai, India.
If you are in Chennai on February 5 and would like to attend, please RSVP the organizers. Let Bindu Menon know you heard about the lecture-demonstration through Tiffinbox!
Meanwhile if you have any questions for me, please feel free to ask in the comments section below!
As a documentary wedding photographer, each November as the wedding season in the US winds down, my thoughts swing to the next season and whether I will meet my target of 25 weddings per year.
One of the best books ever written about being booked solid is by Michael Port, called Book Yourself Solid. I recall reading it cover to cover, taking notes along the way and paying attention to the steps Michael outlines to have a thriving business. In addition to being an author, Michael is a speaker and educator.
So, when Michael speaks or emails me something, I sit up and take notice. A recent note from him introduced me to his new Booked Solid University. It's his “entire lead generating, client producing, business building, book writing, product creation, book yourself solid (and beyond) systems and programs” as a business coaching program online.
I signed up as an affiliate because I feel his message, his methodology and his means are all sync with how I would like to learn about creating, sustaining and elevating my photography business in Connecticut. And I bet you will enjoy his course as well.
Please come back here and let me know what you think about the course in the comments section. Your feedback is always valuable not only to me but to others who may be reading this blog regularly as well. Thank you!
That's right, I am an Apple lifer. Over the last 20 years, I have bought a number of Apple computers. I am a huge fan of their operating system, their user interface, their attention to design and packaging … well, essentially, everything that Apple has produced. Nearly everything. For the record, I did not buy those multi-colored iMacs when they came out. They looked like igloos on drugs. When the iPhone came out three years ago, I stood there salivating and watching my watch as the seconds ticked down on my Sprint contract. When I finally got an iPhone, I wasn't disappointed, save for the battery consumption issue which still leaves me smarting.
In about 10 hours, Apple is set to launch a tablet-like device. Will it do for book authors and newspaper publishers what the iPod did for the music world? How will the new Apple tablet (iSlate, iPad or iTablet as it may be called) revolutionize your life? Comment below to let me know.
I am visiting India at the moment, but the new Apple device will be one of the first things I will check out when I get back to the US. I look forward to reading your thoughts on this potential game-changer.
If you are really intrigued by this launch, point your browser to Mashable and watch for their commentary.
In 1999 Rick Wenner purchased his first digital SLR, a Canon 20D. After 6 years of shooting as a hobbyist, creating mainly landscapes and abstract images, he found that creating portraits was what he wanted for a career. Since that time Rick has been developing his skills as a photographer while continuing to work as a graphic designer. His future plans are to soon leave his graphic design job and go full time with his true creative passion in photography. Rick is specializing his work in entertainment and portrait photography on Long Island, NY.
Read his blog. This is his first guest blog post on Tiffinbox. Please be sure to comment below after you have read his article. Thank you!
How do I make the career change to become a full time photographer? Where do I start? Who do I work with and how do I get in touch with them? How much do I charge? Do I need a studio? What do I do?
These are some (definitely not all) of the questions I’ve asked myself in the past few years. I am currently a full time graphic designer who wants … no … who NEEDS to make a career change to what I really love, photography.
This used to be just a hobby to me 10 years ago. Every now and then I’d go out with camera in hand and create a few landscapes and abstract images, process the crap out of them in Photoshop and post it on Facebook and Myspace. Then I started photographing people and loved the connections I was making with my subjects.
After a few years I had two photos on display in a museum in the Hamptons. Got an editorial job from that exhibit. From that point on I knew that this is what I need to be doing with my life. Since then I’ve been working hard to make it happen and am FINALLY seeing some results from my efforts. More and more people are noticing my work and I’m getting meetings with potential clients and agencies. I know that there is still a lot more work to be done before I can drop the design gig and go full time with my photography though. It’s worth it.
So, how do I go about dropping graphic design and moving ahead with photography? I get inspired. I recently attended workshops that Zack Arias hosts (Photo 101 and OneLight) and left with my brain in a frenzy. Not only did I learn technical aspects of lighting, composition, gear, and business, I also had a fire lit under my ass that has got me heading in the right direction. Since Zack has been working with the same kind of clients that I would like to eventually be working with, I took his advice and ran with it as hard as I could.
People need to know that you are a photographer. They won’t have a clue of what you do if you’re just sitting in front of a computer reading blogs all day. Get in front of the people you want to be working with, show them what you do and build a relationship with them. If you want to be working with musicians, go to their shows. You’ll see that even the small “no name” bands are selling T-shirts, stickers, and CD’s. So, obviously they are willing to invest in themselves.
People won’t know who you are and what you do unless you put it in front of their faces. Use social media to get your work seen by friends and family. When you are creating high quality photos, people will talk about you when someone asks if they know a good photographer. Word-of-mouth is the best advertising for your photography business. The kind of work that I want is in the entertainment industry. Musicians, bands, actors, etc. I have always loved the portraits that I’ve seen by photographers such as Mark Seliger, Platon, Nigel Parry and David LaChapelle.
So, how do I create images that will one day be seen in the big magazines that are read by thousands? Practice, practice, practice and keep practicing. Ask any pro the same question and they’ll tell you the same. Photography is a learned skill with many aspects that need to be mastered. You can read hundreds of blogs, tutorials and magazines about photography but you won’t really learn a single thing without that camera in your hand. It’s great to get tips and tricks from all those resources but you’re not going to get better at creating images by sitting in front of a computer. When you’re done reading this blog post, go take a few pictures of something … anything! You are not gaining experience by reading what I have to say.
If this is what you really love, then go after it and don’t give up. You will make mistakes. Tons of them. But you will learn from those mistakes and become a better photographer from them. Go to workshops and learn from the masters of our craft. Read David duChemin's book, VisionMongers, and if you're not inspired by that book, then this probably isn't for you.
My advice: Step away from the blogs and pick up that camera!
Selina Maitreya is a a photo consultant. She has been one for the last 30 years. Want to know how to approach your business? She's got answers. Ever had trouble editing your images down and showing your clients the very best? Yes, she can help. Are you looking for a mentor who can guide you through some murky business waters? She's the one.
Selina has authored two very popular books: Portfolios That Sell: Professional Techniques for Presenting and Marketing Your Photographs and How to Succeed in Commercial Photography: Insights from a Leading Consultant
She charges $300 an hour and for good reason, too. She is good. No, very good at what she does. But for a photographer who is just starting to set up her or his business, her consulting fees can add up fast. So, Selina brainstormed and came up with The View From Here, a nine-hour, 12-chapter series of MP3 recordings that covers all that you may be looking for and more.
As I listened to her, I found myself furiously taking notes as she gently outlined for me (and yes, it does sound like she is speaking with and not to me) the steps any photographer must take to be successful in this industry. Let me correct that … steps any photographer must take to THRIVE in this industry. Now, as a documentary wedding photographer, I have certain take-aways that may differ from someone who is a photojournalist or a commercial photographer. I say, make it your own. However, the business foundation for all genres of photography is nearly identical. Start by setting specific goals, have an incredible product to offer and create honest and meaningful relationships with your clients.
“The View From Here – it's priceless! I am getting the real time coaching from Selina in whatever topic I select to consult or learn how to continue growing my photography business.” Raymundo, Ohio
In full disclosure, Selina generously gifted the entire set of MP3 audio files for me to check out and review here on Tiffinbox. But as I have said before, if a product I am writing about doesn't meet my high standards for quality or it will not elevate my business (and subsequently yours), I won't review or even mention it.
Selina has clearly put her heart and soul into this project and I know you will get tremendous value out of it. I know it is the beginning of a new year. Do yourself and your business a favor and consider buying The View From Here today! Use the code: FOSSES to get it for only $99 (original price is $199). See, I am also committed to finding you the very best offers out there that will help your bottom line!
Still not sure? Then download this free chapter from The View From Here
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to post them below. I would love to hear from other photographers who have bought the program from Selina, listened to it and can share what they have learned from her.
On December 13, India lost one of her preeminent photojournalists – T. S. Satyan. You may recall that I had the honor of meeting him, his wife and son over a very yummy lunch at their modest home in Mysore. I treasure his books, Alive and Clicking and In Love with Life (not available on Amazon), both lovingly autographed for me. I will miss his emails, his wit and his curiosity for the world around him. The one image I would have liked to buy from him is this one you see to the top left – so full of life, right? Love it!
And here is a portrait of T. S. Satyan:
Today I received news through Twitter that Asheem Chakravarthy, a musician with the Indian rock band Indian Ocean, had died of a heart attack. I recall photographing the band when they came to Connecticut. I am deeply saddened to hear this bit of news as well.
Here are two images I posted to my wedding photography blog:
Get 25% off before midnight on 12/31 when you order all 5 of e-books. Use code: seshu25
I have been following David duChemin's blog, PixelatedImage for quite some time. In my mind, it's a “must-read” blog for photographers. Period.
David has recently been on a writing binge outside of his blog – conceptualizing and expressing himself about the art and approach to photography through e-books.
These are no doubt beautifully illustrated and designed. Yet, it's the thoughtfully conceived notes, each a page or so long, that make these so easy to read and absorb. Reading them feels like a friend saying it like it is. The first two have creative exercises that urge you to try out what David has just taught you.
Here's the thing – you could sit in a stuffy room and get lectured at or you can choose to be gently led into the art and science of photography. Which would you go for? No brainer!
Now, in full disclosure, other than the first e-book, David made sure I received the others for review here. I can't thank him enough for his gifts, but the high-praise I reserve for him or his e-books are in no way connected to his generosity. The e-books are simply a terrific investment at $5 each. If you are serious about your photography and want a little guidance, these are your tickets to get on the journey. I have learned a great deal from them and I know that when I am out photographing a wedding, I'll have these valuable lessons by my side.
And today, yes, December 24, happens to be David's birthday … so show him some love and buy all five of his e-books (more coming, says he) today! It would make for one heckuva Christmas gift to your favorite photographer, too!
Zubin Pastakia is a documentary photographer and urban researcher living and working in Mumbai.
In 2006 he began working on a series looking at single-screen cinema halls in Mumbai. The project was initially supported by a fellowship from SARAI-CSDS and was awarded the TOTO Funds the Arts Award for Photography in 2008. The intention is to exhibit and compile the work into a photobook in the near future.
His other photographic project looks at the built environment of Mumbai. Focusing on slum rehabilitation projects, housing colonies of different social classes, peripheries of new business centers, suburban townships, sites of environmental degradation and open spaces that are pending development, the project takes a critical look at the forces that are shaping the city's constant metamorphosis. Still in progress, the series has been supported by a grant from the India Habitat Centre. Some of the work from this project has been exhibited in group shows by Tasveer Gallery.
Zubin freelances for various publications and also photographs for architects and interior designers.
And, yes, the prints are for sale. Contact Zubin for more information.
If you have questions for Zubin, post them in the comments section below. I am sure he looks forward to hearing from you.
You've got literally 7 seconds to capture your audience on your website. Do you hook 'em or do you flick 'em?
Tyler Garns heads up Think Big Art, a company that's sole goal is to help photographers like myself market our services better to our clients. He is currently developing a photography marketing course called OVER[Exposure].
To be fair and open, I must tell you that I have entered into a partnership with him because what he has developed so far is rock solid information that I have found to be very useful for my documentary wedding photography business. What I am about to present to you has affiliate links but let that not deter you into at least checking this out. I think it is amazing that Tyler has come up with a tool to assess your website.
The tool allows visitors to look at your site for 7 seconds only and then give you feedback on the message that you're conveying. I think you'll be shocked at the results! Try it now!
Every time someone takes the 7 Second Test and reviews your site, you'll get an email with their feedback (the emails will be slightly delayed). Review them carefully and consider changing your homepage so the message that is received is the message you want to convey.
You're missing out big time on capturing the attention of your visitors and getting them to engage if you don't nail the first 7 seconds of their visit. Use this tool to test your site. You can submit up to 3 websites if you desire.
Check out the 7 Second Test now.
Like so many photographers I “meet” today, Matt Brandon and I came to know of each other thanks to Twitter. His passion for photography, people and travel intrigued me. Scanning his blog one day, I stumbled upon the beautiful multimedia show you see below on Bangla Sahib. What I liked most about this slideshow was Matt's use of ambient sound and interviews as we are taken through the lives of those who visit this beautiful Gurudwara (a Sikh temple).
Matt Brandon has a special eye for portraits of people set in their natural environment. He photographs images of the forgotten, the unknown and the helpless. He shoots beauty and sees it everywhere. The beauty in the eyes of a seven year old street girl of Old Delhi, an eighty year old shepherdess in the Himalaya. He sees the beauty in the face of the over worked 60 year old Indonesian farmer or the Buddhist monk Cambodia. He sees value in telling their story. These are stories that most people would over look. The cultures of the “other part” of the world have a special draw for him, ever since he was a child in Alaska.
Matt spent over thirteen years living in India and now resides with his family in Malaysia. He shoots often for international faith based NGOs and non-profits. He takes assignments regularly. Matt's images have been used by international clients such as Partner Aid International, NeighborWorks, the BBC, Honda Motor Corporation, and the Bombadier Transport Corporation. If you are looking for a photographer for your next assignment, no matter where, please give Matt a call or email him.
