Keeping Your Smartphone Photos in Sync:

Today’s smart phone cameras are often used as the primary choice for casual picture snapping.  After all, who leaves the house without their smartphone? And with the image quality continuing to improve and new applications that let us play with filters and other effects, some of our favorite images reside on our smartphones.

That’s why it’s more important than ever to make sure these images are added to your master photo library on your primary home computer (which you back up on a regular basis, of course!).  Fortunately, there’s an application called Photo Transfer App (clever name, we know) that is designed to easily transfer your smartphone photos via wireless or Bluetooth.  The sync process is simple, the interface is straightforward and the price is right at just $2.99. You can check the reviews and find more information here:  http://tinyurl.com/7hrunjl

Going Pro by Not Going it Alone

Becoming a professional photographer has long been a dream of many shooting enthusiasts, but the pros will tell you that, while digital technology has made some things easier, making a living with your camera remains a difficult challenge.  Many people dream of shooting all day, inspired by their surroundings and capturing images bathed in amazing natural light, but be warned that the reality is quite different.  Yes, you get to do what you love but there are numerous other skills that are critical to creating a successful business behind the lens.  For example, having a business background and an understanding of how to market yourself--and differentiate from the competition--are but two key skills you’ll need to realize success as a professional photographer.  In fact, the International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers once published a piece with a graphic showing the difference between perception and reality when it comes to how pro shooters actually spend their time (you can see the whole article here: http://tinyurl.com/ykhfs4d).

The Perception

How some people think wedding photographers spend their time (and how some photographers WISHED they could spend their time):

The Reality

How wedding photographers REALLY spend their time:

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To help you on the road to success, consider joining a professional organization.  You’ll receive support from other pros and have access to the wisdom and experience of the country’s top working shooters.  Several of these organizations have regional and national conventions, which allow you to meet, mingle and network, all while providing valuable insight regarding the business side of photography.  When it comes to professional success, there is certainly strength in numbers so consider joining an association to help you shift from an avid hobbyist to working professional. 

Professional Photographers of America:

http://www.ppa.com

Wedding Photography Association:

http://www.wpppionline.com

Photo Marketing Association:

http://www.pmai.org

International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers

http://www.ispwp.com/

American Society of Media Photographer

http://asmp.org/

American Photographic Artists

http://www.apanational.com/

Fight the Flare:

Shooting outdoors usually brings an abundance of available light, but it can be too much of a good thing when an episode of flare encroaches on your image.  Flare can become an issue particularly for those who are shooting with a wide-angle lens.   Fortunately, our PROMASTER universal lens hood is the perfect accessory designed to eliminate flare.  Its petal shape design was created specifically to reduce glare and any unintended vignetting of your photograph. It can be attached to the camera lens in reverse for easy storage and the collar accepts a standard size lens cap.  And best of all, this useful accessory is under $20! http://fortworthcamera.com/lenshoods

 “Which of my photographs is my favorite? 

The one I’m going to take tomorrow.” – Imogen Cunningham