Shutterbug Life podcast: Recent Episodes
Lynford Morton
Shutterbug Life is a weekly podcast for enthusiast and aspiring professional photographers. Through a series of discussions, expert interviews, and photo challenges, the podcast helps photographers through every stage of their photography journey.
When you spend years teaching photography, you start to spot trends. And there was one frustration so many photographers used to bring to me. Well, maybe two.
First, when they saw something interesting and pressed the camera shutter, what showed up on the back LCD screen looked nothing like they imagined. And as a result, their pictures were lackluster.
The other — they didn't think they were naturally creative. They knew others who were naturally creative, but they knew they weren't in that number.
I don't know if you see yourself in any of those situations, but if you do, give me a week and I'll help you fix it.
Learn more here https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/composition
Taking better photos sometimes boils down to choosing better subjects. It should seem obvious but a boring subject often leads to a boring photo. But how do you choose better subjects? That's what we'll discuss today.
If you are wondering which lens you should buy next, I have an ebook that walks you through everything you need to know about camera lenses to find your next lens and best lens. I call it the Ultimate Guide to Camera Lenses — 55 pages with lots of photos and examples. You can download it free at https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/lenses
Don't miss another episode. Subscribe here to get an email reminder whenever I drop new content https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/youtube Every month, I also hold free webinars where we go deep on photography topics. You can join our Free Photo Webinars at https://www.shutterbuglife.com/freephotowebinars
Join Project Momentum, our free photography challenge where we support and encourage each other to take a daily or weekly photography commitment. https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/momentum
One-on-One Private Coaching — If you find yourself in a rut with your photography or struggling to grasp photography concepts and principles, one-on-one coaching is a fast and efficient way to get the help you need to break through. You can use your session to get answers to questions, to get tutorials on specific principles, to learn your camera, or get feedback on your images. In your session, you can tailor it to help you master any of the issues that might have been holding you back. https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/one-on-one-coaching
You already have everything you need to be a photographer Note: This is a replay from episode 32. I thought it was worth a revisit.
Jim didn't want to admit what his girlfriend already knew.
I met them both last week, and early in the conversation they asked what I did. When I told them I taught photography, Nancy exclaimed. "Jim is a photographer. He takes great pictures!"
"Is that so?" I asked Jim. "Wait a minute," he cautioned. "Let's not go too fast here..."
Nancy looked shocked. "You are a photographer. You take great pictures!"
Jim was clearly uncomfortable. We've all been there before. Someone asks the direct question, "are you a photographer?" and we hesitate. How should I answer that question? Am I an amateur photographer? Am I an aspiring photographer? What kind of photographer am I?
I'm going to make the case that you don't need the qualifiers. You already have everything you need to answer that question. "Yes. I am a photographer."
Why is this important? Because as Jeff Goins writes, 'activity follows identity. If we believe something, we generally act in a way that is consistent with that belief.'
If you tell yourself that you are not a photographer, you will pass up opportunities. You will shy away from challenges. You will act like a pretender. If you allow yourself to own the title, you will act very differently. Words and labels matter.
Are you a photographer?
10 ways to improve your photography skills with the gear you already own If you are out looking for new gear thinking it will help you improve your photography, I'm here to tell you stop! Save your money. I'm willing to bet that you already have all the gear you need to improve your skills and create great images. So today I'll share 10ish ways to improve your photography skills with the gear you already own.
If you are wondering which lens you should buy next, I have an ebook that walks you through everything you need to know about camera lenses to find your next lens and best lens. I call it the Ultimate Guide to Camera Lenses — 55 pages with lots of photos and examples. You can download it free at https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/lenses
Every month, I also hold free webinars where we go deep on photography topics. You can join our Free Photo Webinars at https://www.shutterbuglife.com/freephotowebinars
Join Project Momentum, our free photography challenge where we support and encourage each other to take a daily or weekly photography commitment. https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/momentum
One-on-One Private Coaching — If you find yourself in a rut with your photography or struggling to grasp photography concepts and principles, one-on-one coaching is a fast and efficient way to get the help you need to break through. You can use your session to get answers to questions, to get tutorials on specific principles, to learn your camera, or get feedback on your images. In your session, you can tailor it to help you master any of the issues that might have been holding you back. https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/one-on-one-coaching
In the world according to Lyn, there is one lens that should be in every camera bag. Today I'll tell you about it, and why I think it is such a good deal for you.
If you are wondering which lens you should buy next, I have an ebook that walks you through everything you need to know about camera lenses to find your next lens and best lens. I call it the Ultimate Guide to Camera Lenses — 55 pages with lots of photos and examples. You can download it free at https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/lenses
Free Photo Webinars —Every month, I also hold free webinars where we go deep on photography topics. Sign up to get notified of our next Free Photo Webinar.
https://www.shutterbuglife.com/freephotowebinars
Join Project Momentum, our free photography challenge where we support and encourage each other to take a daily or weekly photography commitment.
https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/momentum
One-on-One Private Coaching — If you find yourself in a rut with your photography or struggling to grasp photography concepts and principles, one-on-one coaching is a fast and efficient way to get the help you need to break through. You can use your session to get answers to questions, to get tutorials on specific principles, to learn your camera, or get feedback on your images. In your session, you can tailor it to help you master any of the issues that might have been holding you back.
https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/one-on-one-coaching
Preparing for a photo walk With the World Wide Photo Walk approaching, I thought I'd share some tips on preparing for a photo walk. Whether you are going out on World Wide Photo Walk or doing another photo walk, try these tips for a great experience.
Ultimate Guide to Camera Lenses — If you are wondering which lens you should buy next, I have an ebook that walks you through everything you need to know about camera lenses to find your next lens and best lens. I call it the Ultimate Guide to Camera Lenses — 55 pages with lots of photos and examples. You can download it free at https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/lenses
Free Photo Webinars — Every month, I also hold free webinars where we go deep on photography topics. You can join our Free Photo Webinars at https://www.shutterbuglife.com/freephotowebinars
Join Project Momentum, our free photography challenge where we support and encourage each other to take a daily or weekly photography commitment. https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/momentum
One-on-One Private Coaching — If you find yourself in a rut with your photography or struggling to grasp photography concepts and principles, one-on-one coaching is a fast and efficient way to get the help you need to break through. You can use your session to get answers to questions, to get tutorials on specific principles, to learn your camera, or get feedback on your images. In your session, you can tailor it to help you master any of the issues that might have been holding you back. https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/one-on-one-coaching
8 Questions for great photos Can you walk into any situation and find the best photo and create something interesting?
In today's video, I have eight questions, or eight decisions, that will lead you that point. These questions take you from reading the light, to composition, choosing the right settings, to storytelling. Take them all in order or just answer the ones where you are struggling. Wherever you are, the answer is in these eight questions.
If you are wondering which lens you should buy next, I have an ebook that walks you through everything you need to know about camera lenses to find your next lens and best lens. I call it the Ultimate Guide to Camera Lenses — 55 pages with lots of photos and examples.
You can download it free at https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/lenses
Every month, I also hold free webinars where we go deep on photography topics. You can join our Free Photo Webinars at https://www.shutterbuglife.com/freephotowebinars
Join Project Momentum, our free photography challenge where we support and encourage each other to take a daily or weekly photography commitment. https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/momentum
One-on-One Private Coaching — If you find yourself in a rut with your photography or struggling to grasp photography concepts and principles, one-on-one coaching is a fast and efficient way to get the help you need to break through. You can use your session to get answers to questions, to get tutorials on specific principles, to learn your camera, or get feedback on your images. In your session, you can tailor it to help you master any of the issues that might have been holding you back. https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/one-on-one-coaching
Hi there Shutterbugs, guess who is back?! After a hiatus, I'm reviving this podcast feed with a reboot of the Shutterbug Life podcast.
This time you are getting the audio version of a new YouTube channel I launched, so you can follow me here and at the YouTube link below.
As before, I will be teaching and sharing helpful photography tips for enthusiasts and aspiring pros. I've also rebooted the community, so I'm including some more helpful links to other content and community items.
Finally, you can always reach out with any suggestions or ideas for the podcast. https://www.shutterbuglife.com/feedback
Here are more helpful links: If you are wondering which lens you should buy next, I have an ebook that walks you through everything you need to know about camera lenses to find your next lens and best lens. I call it the Ultimate Guide to Camera Lenses — 55 pages with lots of photos and examples.
You can download it free at https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/lenses
Don't miss another episode. Subscribe here to get an email reminder whenever I drop new content https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/youtube
Every month, I also hold free webinars where we go deep on photography topics. You can join our Free Photo Webinars at https://www.shutterbuglife.com/freephotowebinars
Join Project Momentum, our free photography challenge where we support and encourage each other to take a daily or weekly photography commitment. https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/momentum
One-on-One Private Coaching — If you find yourself in a rut with your photography or struggling to grasp photography concepts and principles, one-on-one coaching is a fast and efficient way to get the help you need to break through. You can use your session to get answers to questions, to get tutorials on specific principles, to learn your camera, or get feedback on your images. In your session, you can tailor it to help you master any of the issues that might have been holding you back. https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/one-on-one-coaching
Hi there, this is Lyn from the Shutterbug Life podcast, and you must be thinking…this is a blast from the past. Well I’m back to let you know that I’ve launched a new podcast and invite you to join us. It’s called the EOS Photographer podcast and we will cover a lot of the same kinds of topics we did here in Shutterbug Life. The main difference is that all my examples will be focused on Canon gear. As you might know, I spent the last two years working with Canon USA leading their Live Learning workshop program. I’d like to put that experience to its best use, so I’m focusing the podcast. Our episodes will feature: * Interviews with great photography instructors * Q&A with technical experts * Photo Challenges; and * Real world gear reviews
This podcast first and foremost is about photography. It is for creators. People who go out with your cameras in your hand and try to create amazing art from the world in front of you. We’ll help you sharpen your skills and reach your goals faster — on the gear we all own and love. If you’re not a Canon shooter, you’ll likely find helpful information in our expert interviews and photography teaching, but Canon photographers will get the most value. With that, please subscribe to the EOS Photographer podcast. Hope to talk with you there. Listen on iTunes | Listen on the website Lyn
Several months ago, I got a call from a potential client. She worked in the marketing department of a camera manufacturer and wanted help creating a marketing plan for them. We talked about a coaching program that would help her conduct the market research for her plan.
"Have you done this kind of thing before," she asked?
Of course. I gave her some highlights of my resume and pointed her to some links. One of the links was to the work we have done together on Shutterbug Life.
On her next call to me, she was so excited. "I looked at your work, and you seem perfect for this!"
I had another situation with a big camera retailer. They were struggling to create an educational program for their customers. After a reviewing some of my ideas and links, they invited me in to talk about how I could help them. They were excited to get started, they said.
You all know how this one ends. I saw that Canon was looking for someone to lead their workshop and learning program. Canon must already know who they want for this, I thought. I sent them my stuff anyway.
I recount these three experiences for one reason. They could never have happened six years ago. These opportunities were available to me because I created and worked the marketing system I want to explain today. If you use it properly, it will help you show, share, or sell your images more efficiently. If you are are an emerging photography enthusiast, entrepreneur, or freelance photographer, it can help you cut through the clutter and attract the right people to your work.
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Sitting on the floor in a room full of pictures, I let out a heavy sigh and began the tedious job of sorting the image packages into envelopes.
My Dad and I had just picked up the prints from a high school prom shoot we completed, and now we had to prepare them for our clients. There was no simple way of doing this. Fill each envelope, cross reference it against the names, and make sure they had paid. Then Dad would deliver the photos to the parents.
I wish we had today's solutions back then. Today, I've completed much more complex jobs without ever touching a print or wading through envelopes.
How? The technical part of selling your photography has never been easier than it is these days. You have a range of solutions to help you promote, sell, and collect for your images. None of them require any technical knowledge or ability.
I've got some more advice for you that doesn't have anything to do with f-stops or apertures. I'm not weighing in on DSLRs vs mirrorless or Canon vs Nikon. Today we are ignoring all the typical photography topics yet sharing some timeless advice.
Here are three decision points that all photographers face. If we can choose right at each intersection, I think we can improve our work considerably.
With all due respect, we know that churches and cathedrals are places of worship, but they also are incredible structures to photograph. The architecture, light, and history all provide opportunities for you to photograph. Those same characteristics also create challenges for many photographers.
If you want to create memorable images in your cathedral or church, follow these tips.
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Several years ago, I followed up on what I thought was a great lead for my photography business. I crafted a warm introductory email and requested that we schedule a phone conversation.
Then came the response that totally deflated me.
"Just send your prices."
Like many photographers, that was the very last thing I wanted to do. I didn't want to talk about prices before I had an opportunity to have a conversation. I didn't want to quote a price before I had a chance to understand the full scope of their needs. After all, once he knew my prices, he could just leave.
After going back and forth a few times by email, I sent some prices. As I suspected, he disappeared.
The moral of the story is not what you might expect. Just show your prices on your website.
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He had a different reason for asking, but we were looking for the same result.
"How do you keep photographers motivated to keep shooting?" asked a camera industry salesperson. "It seems photographers aren't shooting as much. "How do we address that?"
This got me thinking about a problem we are all encounter. There is so much noise, so much distraction. It's tough for even the most dedicated photographers to find the motivation to keep shooting.
Here are a half dozen ideas, from easy to hard.
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In the Squarespace Super Bowl ad, John Malkovich is screaming into the phone at his namesake.
John wants to launch a website, but the hard part is not in creating a website. It is in getting his name. You know the message coming will be this...The easy part in creating a website will be creating a website.
If you are a photographer, by now you know you should have a website. The easy part in creating a website is in creating a website. The difficult part is in creating a website - that works.
It doesn't matter if you have been shooting for two weeks or 20 years, most photographers are constantly mulling the question, 'which lens should I buy next?'
Your frustration only gets worse when you find that there seems to be an endless supply of options. Even within the same brand, you can get lost in a sea of f-stops and millimeters.
Here is an approach to help you understand and simplify the lens selection process.
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When do you need a model release? That's the latest question I received from one of our listeners:
"What guidance can you give us regarding releases? Both for people (for instance, if they are potentially identifiable) and locations (for instance, trademarked property, federal property)? I seem to recall this gets complicated. What if it’s a crowd such as demonstrators in DC? Assuming a release is required, as a practical matter do you obtain it during the shoot?"
If you are learning photography now, I have good news and bad news. The good news is…you have a wealth of information availability to your in just about every form. Here’s the bad news. You have a wealth of information available to you in just about every form.
How do you sort through it all? When do you seek formal training? And how do you know what workshop to take next? I discuss all these topics with Joe Edelman.
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Peering out the window of a coffee shop, I saw a very familiar process unfolding. People were arriving with big signs. I saw what looked like costumes, and over time a small crowd started assembling. In Washington, DC, that usually means a protest is about to start. It also means prime photography opportunities.
No time to finish my coffee, I grabbed my DSLR and headed out to the park to start my shoot.
Whether you happen upon a protest demonstration or even a parade, you have a perfect opportunity to practice street photography that tells stories.
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It’s always cool seeing your best images on your blog or social media, but for a real rush, imagine seeing them in the glossy pages of a national travel publication. Even better, imagine getting paid to place them there.
I'll tell you how your can publish your travel photos in this episode.
Listen to the podcast.
If there was ever such a thing as a photography impresario, Heather Goss would be it.
She curates images.
She creates photo gallery shows.
She runs an online photography community.
She just celebrated 10 years organizing a citywide photo contest.
She edits a major photography blog.
She organizes monthly photography Meetups.
All this from someone who doesn't even consider herself a photographer. Why?
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Did Santa bring you a new camera body for Christmas? Maybe you want to take advantage of some down time to reacquaint yourself with your existing camera. You’ll want to listen to this episode and take some notes. We are setting up your new camera or resetting your old one.
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I was struggling through Christmas portraits, but I did not have the Christmas spirit. My boys were young then, between 2 to 10 years old. I thought I would have them take Christmas portraits, but just as I was getting started, one of them got a giggle fit. Then just like a virus it spread. Before I knew it, we had spent way too much time shooting, and I had not one good portrait to show for it.
They continued taking turns giggling and being serious until I decided to get over myself and photograph them in all their goofiness.
Maybe your holiday photography challenges are much simpler than mine. Whatever they are, you will want to capture the best of your holiday traditions and decorations. Here are some tips to help you this season.
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What's it like to be on the first and only photography reality show? There are only five people who can answer that question, and today I am talking with one of them.
Roxy Rodgriguez made a splash on Top Photographer with her unique point of view and signature shooting style. In fact, by the end of the show both the host, Nigel Barker, and guest judges were gushing about the "Roxy photo."
If you watched any of the Top Photographer episodes, you might wonder what really went on before the camera started and after it stopped. Roxy gives us a peek into the creation of Top Photographer.
Listen to the episode.
The world is overflowing with boring pictures, and if you don't want to contribute another one to the pile, ask one more question. So what?
You took another picture. So what? Why should we care? Why should we stop what we are doing to look at it? Is it just another boring collection of pixels?
Today's question is the last one you ask before you release your photo to the wild. Use it to decide if your photo goes or stays. "I created another photo. So what?"
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Top Photographer wrapped up their first season and crowned a winner last week, and it wasn't who I would have expected.
In the final episodes, the photographers got to go anywhere they wanted and shoot anything they wanted. Even better, they got to load up a backpack with their dream Canon gear for the shoot.
With all this freedom and flexibility, what did they choose? Let's review the final episodes and look at nine ways they can improve season 2.
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In episode 3, Top Photographer challenged contestants to create a landscape photograph from the tip top of the Empire State Building. The photographers started at sunrise with this charge - how do you make your photo stand out from the masses -- and each other.
That's a challenge you can probably relate to if you have ever done a photo walk. How do you make your photos stand out from everyone else.
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Dave didn't want to hear what I had to say.
He struck up a conversation at the PhotoPlus Expo that ended with him asking me which camera he should buy.
"How much do you want to spend?" I asked.
"Maybe a few hundred dollars," he responded.
"You need to move a decimal point over. For what you just told me about yourself Dave, you should plan to spend at least $2,000."
His mouth almost hit the floor. That's not what he wanted to hear.
In many instances, I might tell you that you don't need the most expensive camera to create great photos. But not in all instances. There are times when you really should plan to buy the more expensive camera.
Here's why and when.
In episode 2, Top Photographer challenged contestants to create a fashion photography image. How did they do?
Let's talk about how each photographer interpreted the challenge and what we might learn from this episode.
Photographers have officially arrived. Photographers join cops, lawyers, and doctors as professions who can see themselves on the big screen. With Top Photographer, we have our own glitzy reality TV show, even if it isn’t technically on TV.
I watched the first episode a few times to dissect it for you. Is it worth your time? And if so, what will you learn?
In the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy and her friends embark on a magical journey to the Wizard of Oz, searching for qualities they thought they lacked. As it turns out, they had them all along. This weekend, photographers will journey to a big camera show in New York City and camera stores all around the world, searching for abilities they think the lack. Just like the crew searching for Oz, many of the photographers already have the potential they seek. If you want to improve your images, you don't need the magical powers of new cameras or lenses. Here are 10 ways to improve your photography with the gear you already own.
When I ambled onto the Tidal Basin one fall day, I faced what many photographers confront every day — a view that millions of people will recognize immediately and the challenge of how I could make it look interesting.
In photography, as in life, the results we get are often a result of the decisions we make. At the Tidal Basin, or wherever you happen to be shooting, your decisions make the difference. Try these 12 composition decisions can help you improve your odds of capturing more interesting photos.
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What will you really see, photograph and learn at the Fall Photography Weekend in the Big Apple? How is it different from the photo tours and Meetups we have been doing in New York City?
Steve Rosenbach and I recently chatted by Skype call to talk about the workshops in detail. If you have been wondering about the details of this weekend workshop, just listen in.
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When I was growing up, you could always find stacks of photo albums under our coffee table. You know the albums where you stuck your photos under that thin film of plastic? We had more than 20 of them, full of photos that documented every facet of our lives.
Today’s photographer has a more sophisticated option — a finished book that goes on top the coffee table.
Is it time for you to publish your own photo book for your coffee table? Here are the many options you should consider.
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If you want to get the low down on latest new cameras hitting the shelves, you need to find your way to a launch event.
Launch events are where camera stores invite reps from the camera manufacturers to come out and answer your questions while you play with the store models.
I got an invite to a launch event for the Canon 5D Mark IV and Fujifilm X-T2, and I decided to take you along. While we are in launch mode, I'll share some new photo tours as well.
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If you want to have your photography stand out from the millions of picture takers flooding the internet, Levar Burton has a message for you.
You will have to do more than be the artist and creator. You will have to be your own advocate. You will have to learn how to promote and distribute your work. You will have to hustle.
And only when you are willing to hustle, will you demonstrate your commitment to getting the job done. That's what Levar says. What will that mean for you? We unpack the quote in this episode.
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What should you be doing now if you are trying to get to the next level with your photography? That depends on what stage you are currently in. Stages of Platform Growth and share some details of the first stage.
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When 6-year-old Desiree took my microphone to sing a song, she unwittingly belted out the theme of the day.
"You are so beautiful to me..." she sang out with all the emotion she could muster.
I couldn't help but think that was the theme of the day. We assembled 21 volunteer photographers and photo editors to create portraits of homeless families in Washington, DC. More than that, we wanted to share Desiree's message. You are beautiful and special to us.
You don't have to take my word for it. I share interviews with our volunteers and the Edgewood Brookland Family Support Collaborative staff.
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Have you ever tried to make sense of the Auto Focus alphabet soup on the back of your camera? You aren’t alone. This frustrates so many DSLR shooters, yet it is something we need to master. Very often, the right setting here is the difference between getting blurry images and sharp images.
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It's time to talk gear again. Where were some of the most interesting industry announcements in the past month or two?
Let's talk about the new gear and technology and what we think about them.
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You'd think that storytelling is natural and obvious skill. We all grow up listening to stories and even falling asleep to them. You might have even been wrapped up in the dramatic stories of the big screen.
Storytelling with your camera can be just as engaging and can be an effective way to create images with impact. Not all great photographs need to tell a story, but the ones that do tell a story often stand out.
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So you decided to create your photography blog, but something still isn't right. Maybe you only hear crickets when you post. Maybe you aren't getting the feedback you'd hoped from your visitors. You're not sure exactly what is going wrong, but something needs to change.
Here are 13 common mistakes photographers make when starting blogs. Let's see where we all measure up with our efforts.
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I was catching up with an old friend in a crowded coffee shop in Washington, DC, when she asked a question many of us wonder privately but don't say out loud.
"Why do you think one person will get so many likes and great comments on a photo when another person with photos just as good gets nothing? How do some people get so popular and others don't?
"Seriously? I don't get it."
I know it can seem arbitrary, but often it can come down to your personal branding choices.
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By her own admission, Emily Carter Mitchell was just a girl with a camera who loved to go shoot.
"I got my new DSLR about six years ago, and I was trying to find out what was going to be my passion," she said. "It took a couple years to start down the road I'm on now, which is nature and wildlife photography."
Emily's journey of self-discovery took her down the path of creating a photography blog, Bella Remy Photography. "Short of putting my photos on my computer or maybe on Facebook, I wanted to have a platform where I could share your experiences. That's where the idea of starting a blog came from. It gave me a creative way to share my work when I'm out exploring."
Along the way, Emily's blog has opened many doors — to get published, create a Meetup, and lead workshops. Oh yeah, it helped her find who she was as an artist.
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Let's start with the end first. When I asked Parish Kohanim what advice he would give to a photographer who aspires to make a real impact, his advice was succinct.
"Listen to your own voice... Don't listen to people. They will give you a hundred different opinions that don't speak your voice."
That might seem like easy advice to dispense from a photographer with a resume like Parish has — a commercial photographer for more than 30 years and a Canon Explorer of Light, one of only 40 people in the world with that designation.
But there were other voices — a famous fashion designer who told him to give up photography because he had no future in it. And his first college instructors who never liked anything he created.
That kind of feedback could give even the most confident photographers second thoughts.
You know how the story ends. He proved them all wrong, but how did he get there?
Now let's take the journey.
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Like so many photographers, I was introduced to photography in a home where cameras were commonplace.
Credit it to nature or nurture, when a child grows up in a home of a photographer, it seems photography comes naturally.
For Father's Day weekend, I wanted to tell the stories of photographers and their fathers.
In part II, I interview Emily Carter, a nature photographer in our community. Emily's dad was a Latin American anthropologist who used his camera to document the lives of Indians in the Andes Mountains. I share the story of Sheldon Katz, who remembers his early life with his dad. Finally, I interview my three boys to see how the third generation of photographers is faring.
Listen to part II.
Like so many photographers, I was introduced to photography in a home where cameras were commonplace.
Credit it to nature or nurture, when a child grows up in a home of a photographer, it seems photography comes naturally.
For Father's Day weekend, I wanted to tell the stories of photographers and their fathers. My selfish reason, of course, is that I get to interview my dad and share his story.
Listen to Part I
“What’d you do today?" “Excuse me?” I responded. This wasn’t an innocent or idle question. I’d been fretting to a colleague that I didn’t reach a goal I’d set for myself. Her response was curt and dispassionate. “What’d you do today? What did you do yesterday?” She never said anything else but just let me live with my own responses. If you want to make a difference with your photography, your degree of success is often found in the actions you took today. And yesterday. It’s your level of effort. It’s your hustle. I was listening to Chase Jarvis interview Levar Burton on the 30 Days of Genius series when Levar dropped this truth bomb. You have to not only be the artist and creator, you have to be the promoter, too. The distributor. The chief bottle washer. You have to sweep up. You have to hustle. You have to hustle. And I believe one’s hustle is a sign of the degree to which one is really passionate about getting it done. So where is your hustle game? Let’s unpack that quote because in it Levar Burton gave us the opportunity, the prescription, and the challenge. Listen to the episode
Karen said she needed to call me with some exciting news, but what she told me broke my heart.
She had an exciting opportunity — a request from a national TV publication to use her photo — and she planned to give her photo away. Karen decided that her photo wasn't worth any money because of her lack of experience and because she shot it with an entry level camera.
I know the feeling because I have thought that myself. This photo can't be worth much because I didn't really work that hard to get it. I don't deserve payment. Fill in your own reasons.
If you have ever nursed one of these seeming innocent untruths, I have three messages for you.
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When Mike Bowen ran through Constitution Gardens and down to Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, he completed his goal of running 58,282 miles — one mile for each name on the wall.
And that is where I will begin my personal photography project, Warriors at the Wall.
In today’s episode, I practice what I preach. We will talk about how you can create a personal photo project, but it won't be just theory. I will use the framework to create on a photo project for myself.
Create your photo project, too. Let's build them together.
I dreamed I bumped into a younger version of myself.
It was me from college, the guy taking his first photography class. I saw the younger me in the French Quarter working on a photo assignment, so I stopped to say hello.
I wanted to tell him to stick with that photography thing. It works out in the end. You'll end up teaching right here. But before I could say that, younger me asked a question.
"Based on what you know now, what helpful advice can you share?"
Good question. Here's what I told younger me. Come to think of it, this advice is just as useful for me, the old guy, too.
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As a bonus, I am also sharing a selection of an interview with gallery owner Cory Woods. I interviewed Cory several years ago during a photography webinar. Many of his insights back then are valuable in this context.
Listen to the bonus interview
It took almost a year for Bridget Murray Law to finally agree that it was time to hang her photos.
It's not like she shouldn't have known. Bridget is an accomplished Washington, DC street photographer who loves to document the transformation in many of the local neighborhoods. She has even attracted an Instagram following of more than 5,000 fans.
But she didn't think she was ready.
"As a photographer, you’re always going after the perfect shot. A lot of times I don’t think of my photos as a collection. I’m always going after the next perfect shot."
Her fiancee, Gary Nabors, knew better.
He said, "why don’t you look at what you have already done?"
After a year of pushing Bridget to do a show, she relented.
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Some people might go to their local bookstore to find books. Others might go to read magazines or sip coffee.
Steve Rosenbach went to his local bookstore to hang a photography show. But he didn't stop there. He hung shows at a local library, a city hall, and a camera club.
In fact, after more than six photography shows, he has learned a few tricks. In our interview, he shares what works and doesn't and how you might hang a photography show in one of your neighborhood businesses.
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I have a big ole hug for thehanterman1. He says my video put him to sleep. I also have a big ole hug for snapjockey. He said my video sound was "crap".
You ought to save some hugs for your haters, too.
I just read the book "Hug Your Haters," by Jay Baer. With his subtitle, "how to embrace your complaints and keep your customers," Jay is clearly speaking to business owners and marketing professionals.
But I wondered, doesn't this message apply to photographers as well?
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Part of my ritual when I return from my weekend workshop is to do an After Action Report. It’s an old habit from my Army days where you document what you learned after each exercise, and more importantly, what you can improve. After my most recent trip, I also thought about some random photography principles as part of my lessons re-learned. Here are five lessons that occurred to me in New Orleans that will work for you anywhere you travel. You can even use them in your home city. Listen to the podcast
What's it like to pack up all your photography gear and drive across the country photographing anything that looks good?
That's what Mike Lennett hopes to find out. He recently embarked on a two-month bucket list photo trip. He was one day into his excursion when he stopped to chat about his expectations.
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In a rooftop graveyard overlooking Flemington, NJ, Matt Hill created a ghost with his camera — and was hooked on night photography.
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Let's get the easy answer out of the way first. No Steve Heiner is not giving away free Nikon DSLRs.
As Nikon's senior technical manager, Steve has answers on just about every other question you might have about Nikon cameras and lenses.
If you have ever wondered how Nikon decides what technology to include in the upcoming DSLRs, why you should spend more money on Nikon lenses rather than off brand options, or what Nikon was thinking with their mirrorless line, Steve answers all these questions and more.
In this episode of the podcast, I wove your questions and mine into a very interesting 45-minute conversation. Canon shooters might even find it interesting.
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She said I created more work for her.
That's what one of our listeners told me after she launched her new blog.
"I made the blog like you said. Now I don't know what to put on it. You just made more work for me," she said.
I get it. The empty canvas can be so intimidating. You created this living thing that you now need to feed. Did we just create more work?
Here's the good news. If you can write an email or a Facebook post, you have the skills you need to publish a blog. And it's a lot easier than you think.
Here are some ideas on blog topics. Use these to attract more viewers for your photography.
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Whether you travel to an exotic location or scoot around the corner in your neighborhood, here is a simple formula for creating your next great photo.The answer is in the questions.
The answer is in the questions.
You can work through the process of identifying your photo and choosing your camera settings with this simple format.
Answer these eight questions. In fact, use them as a checklist to create great images consistently.
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Have you ever tried to take a photo of a beautiful scene only to find that the image looked nothing like you saw or expected? In photography, what you see isn't always what you get.
Why is that? Your camera sees differently than you do. Here's the good news. Once you learn how the camera sees, you will find it much easier to create great photos anywhere. Listen to the podcast
A lot of photographers were really ticked with Brooklyn Beckham.
Brooklyn, the 16-year-old son of David Beckham, is considering a photography career rather than following in his father's footsteps.
Here's what really upset many photographers. Burberry commissioned the photographer to shoot its the company's fragrance campaign, passing over so many established and professional photographers.
What those photographers missed is that Brooklyn is using the new rules of photography. With the new rules anyone can make an impact with their photography and photographers still employing the new rules will always be left behind.
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By now most of us are trained to resist the salesperson’s final question. “Do you need any bags, batteries, filters to go with that camera?"
We know it is the equivalent of “do you need fries with that that?”
Before you politely reply, “no thank you. I’ll take that Canon 5D Mark III to go,” consider purchasing these useful accessories.
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You know that great photo you took? The one you really love? You shared it on Facebook and on your blog. I think you might have even won some awards for it. That one.
It's easier than ever for someone to steal it and share it as their own. Some people will even sell it as if they created it. It can and probably will happen to you.
What are you going to do about it? Here are 13 suggestions and one radical one for good measure.
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If you are surfing between Instagram, Facebook, Flickr and other social media platforms wondering what is the best way to use social media for your photography, then Jenna Martin has some advice for you.
Jenna Martin built a successful photography business promoting her underwater photography using largely online platforms.
Social media can be an effective tool for photographers. In this episode, Jenna shares her favorite platforms, how she uses each differently, and what strategies work best for photographers.
I interviewed Jenna while she was holding her new four-month-old baby, Leila. They both have plenty to say. :-)
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In episode 52, I spoke with Joe Newman about his experience creating a photography Meetup and community for DC Focused. Joe gave me so much good information about the Meetup, but we also talked about his experience creating the DC Focused photography blog. You can hear that part of the interview in this bonus to episode 52. Here is Joe Newman on the DC Focused blog.
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By any objective standard, Joe Newman is not the kind of guy you expect to see leading a photography Meetup. He describes himself as a shy introvert and is very uncomfortable describing himself as a photographer.
Yet, in the last year, Joe has built a fast growing and very engaged group of photographers around his Meetup group and blog, DC Focused.
The DC Focused photography community lives on Meetup, Facebook, Instagram and Flickr. Their Meetups are not just photo walks but challenges and an opportunity to be published.
A funny thing happened on Joe's journey to leading the new photography community, he became known as a photographer and became better at his craft.
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It started in in 1941 after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and continues today — the idea of a debutante photographer in New York City to combine her passion for photography and her desire to serve and change her world.
Sometimes the biggest changes start with the smallest acts.
Maureen McNeill, executive director of the Josephine Herrick Project, shares how the volunteerism of a photographer 75 years ago has impacted more than 100,000 americans and how you can use your talents to make a difference as well.
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Art Silverglate gave me a software education on the PhotoPlus Expo show floor, so I invited him to share his knowledge with you.
When it comes to software, I am a simple guy. I was an early adopter to Apple's Aperture software, the software created for photo professionals. I have also been using Adobe Photoshop since the early days. Between the two programs, most of my needs were met. Or so I thought.
In an idle moment at the show, I mentioned to Art that I will need to change to LightRoom since Apple announced it would no longer support Aperture.
The lesson I got on LightRoom and all the other major photography software options was so extensive that I thought he should share it with you.
If you are wondering about which photo software is right for you, listen to my interview with Art Silverglate.
Listen to part two of the interview.
Art Silverglate gave me a software education on the PhotoPlus Expo show floor, so I invited him to share his knowledge with you.
When it comes to software, I am a simple guy. I was an early adopter to Apple's Aperture software, the software created for photo professionals. I have also been using Adobe Photoshop since the early days. Between the two programs, most of my needs were met. Or so I thought.
In an idle moment at the show, I mentioned to Art that I will need to change to LightRoom since Apple announced it would no longer support Aperture.
The lesson I got on LightRoom and all the other major photography software options was so extensive that I thought he should share it with you.
If you are wondering about which photo software is right for you, listen to my interview with Art Silverglate.
Listen to part one of the interview.
I wasn't sure what to expect when my 16-year-old son texted me that he wanted to talk. That can go so many ways. The talk ended up being more like a photography coaching session. He wanted to know how he could improve his photography, so that he could position himself better for a career in video.
Many of us have variations of the same question. How can I create photography that will make an impact, even if I don't think my skills are there yet.
I'll share what I told him because it might help someone else.
In a conversation this past weekend — and so many more over the years — I have held back from strongly making the case. No more.
If you are a photographer, you need a photo blog.
This needs to be said because on my latest survey, more than 88 percent of you admitted that you had no photo blog.
I’ve hinted and suggested. Now I’ll just tell you. Here’s why you need a photo blog in 2016.
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It’s always interesting to hear what other people think about you.
Most of us go about our lives — doing our work — with the intention of giving our best. Every now and then when you hear how someone else interprets your actions, it can make you pause. It might even make you change.
Your feedback made me pause and change. This episode focuses on what you said, what I heard, and what changes you can expect as a result.
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I knew something was wrong with the deal, but I wasn't quite sure what. And to be honest, part of me didn't really want to know. I just wanted the sale to work — and quickly.
A while back, I was shopping for a video camera for my office. Strapped with a $2,500 budget, I searched for creative ways to get the $3,000 model I really wanted. Just as I was about to give up, I found a website that promised the same exact model for $2,499. Could it really be true? What's wrong with it?
I decided it was worth the risk and plunked down the credit card, feeling smug about my savings. Three weeks later when the camera hadn't arrived, guess who was in a mild panic. Did I really lose $2,500 trying to save $500?
That's the seduction of gray market cameras. The deals promise brand new cameras at hundreds of dollars less than you know they should cost.
Are gray market cameras too good to be true? What's really wrong with them?
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When should you use Auto ISO?
When Darren asked me this question on our last photo tour, the answer I gave was very different than my standard answer when I started leading photo tours in 2009 - 2010.
It's not so much that times have changed but that technology has evolved significantly.
Just five or six years ago, most digital cameras topped out at ISO 1600 - ISO 3200. With that narrow range, noise started to be visible at as low as ISO 800 in many cameras. It was downright distracting by ISO 1600.
When your camera can't be trusted to create clean images north of ISO 1600, you shouldn't leave the ISO decision to chance.
Back then, I counseled that you should change your ISO deliberately, so you can ensure you are always getting the sharpest image possible.
ISO performance in 2015 is incredibly better. It is not uncommon for entry level DSLRs to top out at ISO 128,000. With such a wide range, a DSLR can create noise-free images at much higher DSLR levels. With that increased performance, Auto ISO is not as risky.
Here are a few scenarios when Auto ISO might be helpful.
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As I scrolled through the day's photographs, I knew that something was missing.
I had just returned from a Meetup where I had a great time photographing Annapolis Harbor. We went there frequently because I really enjoyed shooting the quaint town.
But this time was different. I was underwhelmed with what I photographed that day. The pictures were okay, but I wasn't excited. I had been in a creative rut for a very long time.
As I would learn a couple years later, it was because I was making one big mistake. Once I found that mistake and corrected it, my energy levels and creativity increased dramatically.
What is it?
Scott Kelby shared a rare moment of honesty you don’t normally hear from professional photographers.
“Do you know how you can take better pictures? Go somewhere interesting!” he joked during a presentation at PhotoPlus Expo. “Do you see this photo?” he said of a spectacular sunset image. “I just showed up and pressed the button.”
Of course Scott is simplifying his role quite a bit. He’s right that travel photography is a great way to create photographs, but it requires more than showing up and pushing a button. Follow these 5 Ps for great travel photographs and travel photography experiences.
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If you are looking for a bit of overwhelm, try picking a Mirrorless camera from the booths at PhotoPlus Expo. Wander up to any camera manufacturer booth, and you are sure to see a long line of camera bodies and lenses in their Mirrorless options.
Many photographers are still trying to decide if you need a Mirrorless camera, and if so, which one is right for you.
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Last week, I was one of more than 21,000 professional photographers, photography enthusiasts, filmmakers, students and educators from around the world who attended PhotoPlus Expo in New York City.
PhotoPlus features over 100 educational seminars, Photo Walks and Master Classes, and over 225 exhibitors displaying thousands of the latest products and services to touch, try and compare.
I use the trip as my opportunity to get caught up on the trends in the photography industry and speak directly to the manufacturers about their products and plans.
This year, I found five areas that are noteworthy for us.
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In Ms. Van Horn's kindergarten class, we were all creative.
I was part of a circle of 4 and 5 year olds who differed in many ways — not all of us could read or identify colors or numbers. But when it was time to color, draw or build something cool, we all rushed to the play area at full speed. We were all creative.
These days, I'm sure if I could arrange a reunion of my kindergarten classmates, we might all feel differently about our natural creativity. I know because I hear the same uncertainty when I talk with any group of photographers, who I'm sure were all once kindergartners.
My standard question, "what are you struggling with these days?" generates a lot of "I'm just not that creative" responses. Tom Kelley says that's just not true. Tom is an innovation consultant and author of the book, Creative Confidence, and I have fallen for his thesis.
We are long past kindergarten, but if we buy in to the premise that anyone can be creative, and I do, how do we go about relearning the steps?
I have six strategies that anyone can use to learn creativity. Listen to the podcast
If you have listened to any of my podcast episodes, I'd love to hear from you. Please take my 2015 Shutterbug Life listener/reader survey.
I know everyone is crazy busy these days, but if you listen to the podcast or follow the blog, completing the survey will benefit you in two ways.
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When we begin contemplating adding to our arsenal of camera gear, one of the of the trickier areas to navigate are lenses. You have to understand elements and groups; lens mounts and formats; new vs. used and so much more.
Let's talk about all the decision points in buying a lens and break them up into the seven questions I'm asked most often.
- Should I invest more in the lens or camera?
- Which lens should I buy next?
- What are the key features you should look for when evaluating a lens?
- Should I only buy lenses from the same manufacturer as my camera?
- Should I buy a used lens?
- What should I look for when I am buying a used lens?
- Why are lenses so flipping expensive?!
Somewhere in this list, I hope I have the questions and answers that you might have about lenses.
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Whether you are attending a World Wide Photo Walk, a photography Meetup or some other gathering for photographers, the last thing you want to do is show up unprepared.
I often get questions from potential attendees.
"What lens should I bring?"
"What camera should I bring?"
"What should I expect?
In this episode, I answer everything from the legal to the logistics.
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10 years ago, Adam Levner was alarmed when he saw the difference between the education that wealthy students and those from low-income schools received. As a former 5th-grade teacher turned community organizer, he often struggled trying to convey the magnitude of the problems he witnessed.
Then he realized his camera was the tool he needed to make a difference. Even better, empowering the students to tell their own stories through pictures could be even more effective.
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You gotta love the Allen Iverson rant. The former NBA all star was so incensed that a reporter asked him to describe his practice habits, he went on a five-minute rant. What was most memorable was Iverson repeating the word almost 24 times — "practice?!"
"We're talking about practice?!"
Now while we might all chuckle at Allen's indignation, are our attitudes as photographers any better about practice? Let's say that we agree practice is important, how should we practice?
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I had a lens once that just wouldn't take sharp photos. In photos, my subject always looked a little soft, especially around the eyes.
I was so frustrated, I bought a new lens -- and the new one had the same problem.
This was weird because online everyone was saying that this was such a sharp lens.
I made some adjustments to the way I was shooting and was astounded to see how much the lens improved. Who knew?
These days I regularly hear some version of the question "Why aren't my photos tack sharp?"
In this episode, I break down all the reasons you might not be getting the tack sharp images you want.
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How do you create the perfect photograph? The question recently came up during a discussion with a client about his camera club and their photo contests.
"What kinds of subjects do you all shoot," I asked?
"Mostly landscapes," he replied. "but the members are obsessed with being perfect."
Inside I scoffed. What is a perfect photo? I've seen too many so-called perfect photos that bored me. They were technically perfect but had no life.
For me the perfect image is about more than just pixels.
I have expanded the perfect paradigm to mean the balance of three ideals. I call it the perfection triangle.
Listen to the podcast and view the show notes at bit.ly/shutterbuglife035.
I felt the way you do when you walk into a pop quiz at school and haven't studied — unprepared. I should have known better.
On a day trip to Niagara Falls this summer, I was looking forward to checking another iconic location off my bucket list. I was so excited in fact, that I did absolutely nothing to prepare. I only threw my camera bag and tripod into the car.
When we arrived at the falls, it dawned on me. I didn't research the best places to shoot. I didn't have a shot list of things I wanted to photograph. I didn't know where the best vantage points should be. I didn't know when the light would be best.
I just showed up — like a tourist, not a photographer. I should have known better.
Mike Randolph knows better. As a professional travel photographer, his work has appeared in all the magazines we love. He shares some of the lessons he's learned in today's episode. He tells us how to prepare; what to bring; and what to photograph.
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The Steines family pool must have looked like a bonafide Hollywood set -- lights, models, make up artists, and of course, cameras.
It was no movie blockbuster in the works, however. This was Mark Steines at play.
Mark is a veteran Hollywood journalist who fills his time inbetween his work in front the camera making magic behind it.
What photography lessons can we learned from a journalist and producer at heart?
Listen to the podcast of view the show notes at bit.ly/shutterbuglife033.
Jim didn't want to admit what his girlfriend already knew.
I met them both last week, and early in the conversation they asked what I did.
When I told them I taught photography, Nancy exclaimed. "Jim is a photographer. He takes great pictures!"
"Is that so?" I asked Jim.
"Wait a minute," he cautioned. "Let's not go too fast here..."
Nancy looked shocked. "You are a photographer. You take great pictures!"
Jim was clearly uncomfortable.
We've all been there before.
Someone asks the direct question, "are you a photographer?" and we hesitate.
How should I answer that question? Am I an amateur photographer? Am I an aspiring photographer? What kind of photographer am I?
I'm going to make the case that you don't need the qualifiers. You already have everything you need to answer that question.
"Yes. I am a photographer."
Why is this important? Because as Jeff Goins writes, activity follows identity.
If we believe something, we generally act in a way that is consistent with that belief. If you tell yourself that you are not a photographer, you will pass up opportunities. You will shy away from challenges. You will act like a pretender.
If you allow yourself to own the title, you will act very differently. Words and labels matter.
Are you a photographer?
Listen to the podcast and read the show notes at bit.ly/shutterbuglife032.
If there was any joy shooting broadcast video in the 1990s, it wasn't in the equipment.
In the Army, I was recruited to be a broadcast news journalist. My commander handed me this huge video camera that I had to hoist onto my shoulder just to shoot. When I wasn't taping, I had to drag the camera around in this huge anvil case. When we arrive at our location, unpack, mic the subject, grab some video.
It was a cumbersome process, but we did it because it was the only way to ensure professional broadcast quality video.
That was then. Today, most of us can create HD professional quality video straight from our cameras.
But it's not as simple as pointing and shooting. Let's talk about some of the things you'll need to consider to get great video. In another episode, I'll talk about principles for shooting videos.
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Last week I brought the good news: Pick yourself. Now is the best time to do something significant with your photography. It's never been easier to get started.
Today is the flip side of the coin. Because it's never been easier, it's never been more challenging.
And with the advances in technology, it will only get worse.
If you want to make money with your photography, the rigor you use to create your business is even more important now.
It's simple. You'll never make money taking pictures if you make any one of these 10 mistakes.
Listen to the podcast and find the show notes at bit.ly/shutterbuglife030.
"Do you have any in-depth notes on macro photography?"
- Ruth
That's a great question from Ruth. Surely I have something prepared on macro photography, right? Wrong!
Ruth's question provides a great opportunity to discuss all the things you will need to know for successful macro photography. It's also great time for me, as I've been playing around with macro lately.
By the time he finished his impromptu lecture I was so annoyed I could barely stand it.
I walked into a small gallery to see if there were any opportunities to organize a show for our Meetup group.
The gallery owner began by describing his long and tedious jurying process. He then proceeded to lecture me on the kind of art they select. As if I didn't have enough, he closed his 'rant' by explaining his idea of 'real' photography.
The whole experience reminded me of a Seth Godin mantra — pick yourself.
In the old days, we needed to impress a guy like that if we ever wanted to do something significant with our photography. I'm not sure if he knows, but those days are long gone.
We no longer need permission from the gatekeepers of the world to make our impact. Technology and access to publishing tools make it easy for you to make a difference whenever you choose.
Rather than asking a blogger, gallery owner, boss, or anyone else to pick you. Pick yourself first.
This week is a double feature. I knew if I stopped the conversation right there, many of you would walk away thinking I was asking something impossible. You would hear a voice telling you that I was being impractical. I was selling a pie in the sky that just wasn't real. For that reason, I also added a replay of my webinar, Silencing your inner critic.
In that discussion, we confront the internal and external voices that rob us of the opportunity to do our best work. We identify them and provide strategies to deal with them.
Listen to the podcast and see the show notes at bit.ly/shutterbuglife029.
There are so many lists. Five ways to do this. Ten ways to do that.
Today I’m going to share an essential principle of street photography, and there will be only one.
BEFORE WE DELVE INTO THE LIST OF ONE
We all want to take the kind of great photos that people will look at 50 years from now and marvel. How did she take that? What was he thinking? How did she happen to be there? And see that?!
That’s what we want the greats of tomorrow to wonder about our work, yet I fear that too much of what we upload will be forgotten before our viewer even logs off.
So how do we ensure our images are remembered? If we study the work of the great street photographers of the past, as well as today’s artists, there is one essential ingredient that you will find consistent in their work. If you can learn to use it effectively, you will join their ranks.
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Should you only shoot in manual mode? That's the question Rod sent me this week.
I can understand how this issue can be confusing. Many internet photography "gurus" proclaim that you should only shoot in manual mode, and their disciples cling to that advice. Should you?
The unsatisfying answer will be ... it depends.
I'll tell you what it depends on in this Ask Lyn episode.
I've been a bit of a DSLR snob.
You might have noticed that I published a camera buying guide that focused exclusively on DSLRs. It's not that I have anything against Mirrorless cameras. I've been watching cautiously as all the cool kids and internet celebrities sold their DSLRS and moved tomirrorless.
Good for them, but why would I do that? Why would you?
In this episode, we discuss choosing a mirrorless camera:
- What exactly do we mean by Mirrorless?
- What makes them different from DSLRs?
- What kinds of photographer would best benefit from a Mirrorless camera?
- What are the entry level and professional level options?
- What features set the best Mirrorless camera apart from the other options?
- What is the best option for your money?
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You can take spectacular fireworks photos with the right tools and settings.
In this special podcast episode, I show you how to photograph fireworks. We'll talk about the settings, composition, and tools you will need for success.
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"Red circles?!" I could barely disguise my confusion and skepticism.
"Yeah... I want to photograph red circles," she replied confidently.
We were working on our Abstracts in Adams Photo Tour, and I'd asked our attendees to come up with a theme or project they could shoot for the day.
Most attendees usually pick things like bicycles, a color, texture or even graffiti. But I wasn't prepared for the ultra-specific answer, red circles.
"How many red circles is she going to find in Adams Morgan. I don't want her to be disappointed," I thought as I searched for a way to gently redirect her to a more 'attainable' goal."
Nope. Red circles. The decision had been made.
I learned a thing or two about selecting photo projects. that day The process need not be complicated nor the subject obvious. You just need something for which you can be passionate and dedicated.
WHY IS THIS EVEN IMPORTANT?
"A Personal Photography project is a way for a photographer to showcase their passion for something," writes Neha Singh, of ShutterMonks.com in Digital Photography School. "Or it can just be a way to bring structure to one’s photography hobby. It can be a great way to challenge the limits of one’s skills. Or it can be a great way to bring focus to one’s photography efforts.
"A Personal Photography project is just a commitment to self."
Now that we have great weather and maybe some free time, this summer might be a good time to launch your own personal photo project. Here are 51 other ideas to consider shooting.
My inspiration was Craft & Vision's book, Vision 365, but I thought we could have more fun with it.
A Digital Photography School guest post by Neha Singh from ShutterMonks.com.
- A Personal Photography project is just a commitment to self
- A Personal Photography project is a way for a photographer to showcase their passion
for something. * Or it can just be a way to bring structure to one’s photography hobby. * It can be a great way to challenge the limits of one’s skills. * Or it can be a great way to bring focus to one’s photography efforts. * It can be a unique way to build an awesome portfolio. * It can be a truly rejuvenating experience. * It can take you places and make an impact. * Most of all, they can be a lot of fun.
Organized into four sections
• Photo techniques - set up complex, conceptual photo shoot ideas
• Photo skill - learn a specific skill that will help improve your abilities
• Ongoing - An organized approach that keeps you shooting over a long period of time • Thematic or subject-based
How to use these ideas
• Pick one
• Mix & match them
• Work through the list
51 Photo Project Ideas
Photo technique - conceptual
1. Lightbulbsmoketutorial
2. Recreateafairytale
3. Recreateafamousphotograph
4. Createyourownmagazineassignments
5. Productphotographcommercial-ishphotos
Photo skill
1. Nature/funmacros
2. Backlighting
3. Composition
4. Portraits(people,pets) 5. HDR
- Timelapse
- Photographlight&shadow
- Camerabag(Learnyourtools) 9. Unusualperspectives
Ongoing 1. Project365 2. Project52 3. 30Days(tolearnaskillortellastory) 4. 100Strangers 5. 10on10 6. Singlelens(50mm) 7. FlatStanley-ish(JamesDoernbergandKaiJordaneveryManhattansubway
station) 8. Locationovertime(NationalsStadiummissedopportunity) 9. Timeofday(samelocationduringthedayasthelightchanges,everydayatsame
time)
10.Photojournalism -- news events happening around us 11. Create a documentary
Thematic or subject focused
1. Creativeselfportraits
2. Portraitsof...Ideas:50yearanniversary,Futurepresidents
3. Environmentalportraits—Thesearethepeopleinyourneighborhood
4. Nightphotography—Mycityatnight
5. Onmyplate—anapproachtofoodphotography
6. Cityguideofyourhometown—Famouslandmarkspersonalized
7. Rain,rain...
8. Favoritelocations—Ideas:40on40byIraSilverberg,StatestreetsinDC
9. Doorsand/orwindows
10.Pick a color — dominant color, contrasting colors, complementary colors, and b&w 11. Composition elements — patterns, shadows, texture, negative space 12.Photograph something that belongs to someone special - pay a tribute
13. A cause or a (social) issue
14. A day in the life of... — you, another person, or a group project
15.Bowl of nouns — shoes, flags, windows, chairs
16. ABC or 123 project
17.Shapely — Geometric shapes
18.Musical festival performances or county fairs
19.Gratitude project — Something or someone for whom you are thankful
20.I spy a.... — Pick one location and see how many different things you can photograph. Also known as the hula hoop project
21.Illustrate a poem or Haiku
22.Reflections & silhouettes
23. An imperfect object - Wabi-Sabi is an ancient Japanese concept derived from Zen Buddhism. It honors all things that are old, weathered, and imperfect. - Vision 365 24.The Wall -- Graffiti & poster billboards
25.Odd numbered subjects
26.Religious symbols or sacred places / of worship
Remember to...
• Make it fun
• Make it challenging
• Make it easy to do
• Know what works for you
I'll share first.
I've lost far too much money buying the wrong cameras and lenses in my life.
I remember the first DSLR I ever bought. I loved it from the camera store counter, but when I got it into the real world, I quickly ran into its limitation.
There was the lens that was supposed to cure all my troubles. I sold it a couple months later for a few hundred dollars less than I purchased it. Ouch!
Here's the point. We all make mistakes. And after revisiting some of my costly missteps, plus the other stories I've heard from photographers in our community, I think I can help.
I've boiled these experiences into the seven mistakes rookie photographers make. See if you see your old self in these mistakes, because going forward we will be reformed.
Listen to the podcast and read the show notes at bit.ly/shutterbuglife025
Remember the sweet feeling of overwhelm when you held your new camera and marveled at all those buttons and features?
Here's the good news — you don't really need to know all of your camera's options. Here's the challenge — the ones you should know, you really ought to take the time to master them.
Like the famous Pareto Principle, roughly 80 percent of the effects come from 20 percent of the causes. To make it more specific, if you master these 16 features, they will help you excel in 80 percent of your shooting scenarios. Grab your camera and follow along.
Listen to the podcast and view the show notes at bit.ly/shutterbuglife024.
Today's question comes from Mayhtwel.
"I can't decide the right composition. When I focus on an object, I feel confused. How to do I find the right position? That's my big problem. What should I do?"
In this episode, I share a checklist to help you find the right composition for you.
In the early morning light of Great Falls, Virginia, I was distracted. The light fell perfectly on the Potomac River as it rushed over a series of steep, jagged rocks. This was the scene I came to photograph, but I couldn't focus. Literally.
Nearby, my two young sons bounced carefree across the rocks that border the waterfalls. Any slip by one of them certainly wouldn't end well, but as young boys, they were impervious to the danger hundreds of feet below.
I shifted my attention between shepherding them to safety and taking a few photos I really liked. In fact, I was so distracted, I was surprised to find an image l liked enough to matte and frame. I hung the photo for a while but lost track of it over a couple moves.
I recall this now because recently I went into my oldest son's room and saw that he'd found and hung that photo on his wall. I hadn't seen it in years, but it brought back so many memories from that morning in 2004.
The National Parks are not only great for creating photos but memories as well. That's one of the messages from Chris Nicholson, who wrote the book Photographing National Parks.
In this interview, he shares:
• How you should prepare for an efficient and productive visit to a National Park;
• The tools you should take for best results;
• His favorite National Parks for photography;
• When you would need permits to photograph the parks;
and much more
Listen to the interview and find the show notes at bit.ly/022
If you wandered into Baltimore's Helping Up Mission last Dec. 6, you might have thought you were in a photo studio. Rows of portrait stations lined the room, all staffed by photographers busy shooting and printing images.
And if you really paid attention, you'd notice that no money was being exchanged. That's right, photographers were shooting high quality portraits — free — for people who normally might never have experienced that kind of attention.
Wes Linda was one of the organizers of the Help-Portrait Baltimore movement, and he joins this episode to share what he learned, and how you can change your own world with your camera.
Listen to the podcast or visit the show notes at bit.ly/shutterbuglife022.
I have some photography advice for you. It has nothing to do with f-stops or apertures, composition or storytelling. Sure those principles are important, but they aren't my focus today.
This advice will not only help you improve your photographs but your life as a photographer. Use them today. Use them years from now. They'll still work.
Put down your camera and pull up a chair. Here we go.
Listen to the podcast and find the show notes at bit.ly/021
"Hi, Joe McNally? You don't know me, but I'm Lyn Morton. I'm a big fan of your work, but even more so, I love the way you teach. You see, I'm also a photographer and photo coach. I was wondering if you would be my mentor.
"Why would you do that? What's in it for you?!
"Good questions...." Hmmm...
If you've ever imagined asking someone to be your photography mentor and feared the conversation would end like that, Peggy Farren has some tips for you.
Peggy is a portrait and wedding photographer in Naples, Fla. She joins us today to make the case that you need a photography mentor or even a photo buddy, and she has seven tips to help you you find one.
Listen to the podcast and read the show notes at bit.ly/shutterbuglife020.