Inside Tech Tip: Back-Button Focus

This ‘inside tip’ is one that many pro shooters use – and with good reason.  This technique is used when you wish to focus on a particular subject/object and then subsequently re-compose the image, leaving the chosen object in focus.  Back-button focusing, in essence, gives you the freedom to move between a chosen subject and composition, all the while keeping said object in focus.  Your camera won’t refocus on something that momentarily leaves and/or re-enters the scene. 

The most common method of focusing on a subject is to press the shutter button halfway to signal the camera to autofocus on the subjects. Back-button focusing, by contrast, often uses the * button or the AF-ON button (on some models it is located at the top right hand side of the camera body).  This technique is commonly used in fast-action sports and in busy situations where capturing a moment at the ready is imperative. 

This technique takes a bit of getting used to but, once you do, this technique has many advantages. It can also help you in situations where you need to focus between two subjects, all while recomposing the shot.  Like all techniques, practice is key, and with a little bit of experimentation, you may find the back-button focus technique to be one of the most useful you use.

The Perfect Accessory for Portrait Photography

Learning to use available light in any situation is a skill that takes patience, creativity and practice.  It is also one of the most valuable and rewarding skills to harness as a photographer.  One thing to remember is that it’s better to follow the light than to fight it; if you first identify where the light is coming from and how it falls, you can then decide how to best utilize it for your purposes.

Having a few tools to manipulate light helps as well.  For example, the ProMaster ReflectaDisc5 in 1 Plus kit is the perfect light-taming tool to keep close.  Its versatile style can be used both indoors in studio or outside for field shooting and includes silver, black, white, gold and translucent reflectors. Whether you need to simply diffuse available light or warm up skin tones, this kit will help you best use the available light for your purposes. It also includes an 18% grey panel to help establish optimum white balance.  Everything’s wrapped up nice and tight in the carrying case.

The ABCs of LED Lighting

While many photographers have grown up – and grown comfortable – shooting with traditional electronic flash units, a growing number of shooters are finding that LED lighting provides some advantages

Promaster LED VL380

Unlike traditional photographic lighting based on flashes, LED lights are ‘always on’ and provide constant illumination.  Having a continuous LED light source may prove beneficial to your subjects when shooting.  When using traditional flash, your subjects’ eyes will continually respond by dilating and constricting due to the flashes of light.  This continued impact of light can result in headaches and can become generally uncomfortable.  It can have an impact on expression and overall mood over time.

LED Lights have also proven themselves to be extremely versatile for photographers that work on both still and video projects.  The right LED light can move between portrait photography and product video promotion as part of an overall lighting strategy. 

The ProMaster LED Studio Light VL380 can be the perfect partner in your venture into using LED lighting.  You can get yours here, just in time for Thanksgiving family photos.

How to Build an Instagram Following

 While there’s no question that Facebook is an important social media tool to use when promoting your photography, Instagram continues to grow in importance and influence as well.  With over 100 million users registered, Instagram is becoming increasingly important as the photograph takes center stage.  It’s an excellent vehicle to use to explore your shooting skills, promote your work or simply connect with others who enjoy shooting similar subjects such as travel or architecture. And if you shoot photography as a side business, Instagram is an excellent platform to showcase your work.

Use Hashtags with Your Posts

 As with Twitter, hashtags are helpful in finding categories of images or certain topics that are of interest.  When posting an image, consider which hashtags would work best for that particular image.  There are countless hashtags to use – really any word can be set up as its own category – but it’s best to try and pair your images with the most popular hashtags so that they have a chance of being seen by more people. You can search for hashtag words to glean how many posts are already in that category.

Some of the most popular hashtags include:  #picoftheday, #instagood, #instacool, #bestoftheday, #follow, #iphoneonly, #instamood and #iphonesia.   There are also very active categories for travel such as #traveling, #travelgram, #vacation and #wunderlust.  Location specific hashtags – #NYC, #london, and #paris – also elicit great interest.

Create Conversations & Combine with Hashtags

 A picture may be worth a thousand words but that doesn’t mean the words aren’t important, too!  When posting an image, the photo is a great start but adding an important detail regarding the photo or asking a question, such as “Where is your favorite weekend getaway?” can encourage connection and conversations.  Coupling your photos with questions or fun facts will encourage others to respond, generating more attention for your posts.

Connect Your Facebook Account

 If you haven’t connected your business’ Facebook account to your Instagram account, now’s the time to do so!  Many of your family and friends also have Instagram accounts – about 20% according to recent data – so this makes it easy for your customers to find and follow you.

It can also give you the opportunity to return some support by liking and commenting on customer photos, which will reflect favorably on both your business and your brand.

Invite People to Contribute

 Collaborate with friends and give them center stage by inviting them to submit photos for you to share on your Instagram account.  For example, ask them to contribute their favorite vacation photo and ask what made it so special.  They will enjoy being featured on your account and you’ll continue to have fresh and interesting images to promote. They may also ask you to do the same.

Highlighting others’ images can also give you another way to cross-promote on Facebook, as you can give them props for their images and they can share your attention with their Facebook friends.  This strategy can then lead to their friends finding you as well – on both social media platforms.

Take Time to Comment

In the Instgram world, comments are preferred over likes.  Likes are great, and you should spend a bit of time finding other photos and liking them, but taking the time to comment can help bring more people to your account. 

Pick a few hashtag categories that fit with what you’re promoting on Instagram and add comments to your favorites.  A simple “nice shot!” or “love this view!” will encourage those accounts to look at your account and what you’re posting.  This is one of the most proven ways to earn more Instagram followers.  Yes, it takes a bit of time but creating an Instagram following is a combination of online science metrics and relationship building.  

The Working Photographer: Best Books to Build Your Business

Q:  What’s the difference between a photographer and a pizza?

A:  A pizza can feed a family of four.

The joke brings a knowing smile to working photographers because it makes light of a common issue.  How can you make a living doing the thing you love?

The first piece of practical advice is to quit treating your hobby like a hobby.  Most photography studios don’t fail because of poor creative work; they fail because of a lack of understanding and implementation of the business aspects of this field.  Fortunately, there are professional organizations to provide education and some excellent books that can guide you through what is sometimes a confusing compilation of sales, marketing and financial strategies.   Here are a few of our favorite choices:

Best Business Practices for Photographers, Second Edition by John Harrington

ISBN-10: 1435454294

John Harrington deftly tackles many issues ranging from how to effectively market your business to how to get through an IRS audit.  His CV includes editorial credits with the Associated Press, the New York Times, USA Today and many others.  Harrington is generous with his knowledge and experience and his teaching chops translate well onto the page.  Consider adding this edition to your bookshelf or download it to your e-reader; it will serve as an excellent reference for anyone who is currently working in the business or one day dreams to do so.

Photography Business Secrets:  The Savvy Photographer’s Guide to Sales, Marketing and More by Lara White, ISBN-10:  1118488407

Author Lara White states up front that a successful photography business is 20% photography and 80% business, and many in the industry would agree with her assertion.  This book is especially valuable if you’re at the stage where you’d like to take those steps toward building a photography business but aren’t sure how to start.  White’s book offers strategies for choosing a specialty or niche, building a brand and marketing your services to the public.  White also covers how to create a business plan and pricing strategies for services.  White’s writing style is easy and relatable, making the material accessible for the photography novice or those who have little prior business experience. 

Legal Handbook for Photographers by Bert P. Krages Esq.,

ISBN-10 1608954757

The legalities around shooting and selling images can be confusing even for well-schooled photographers, so Krages’ legal expertise proves helpful in this book.  This isn’t a dry tone filled with legalese, but rather, Krages provides scenarios and demonstrates how legal issues can impact the photographer based upon the situation.  This edition also covers the important issue of photographing in public and how laws are applied in such environments.  An important reference for working photographers or even those who enjoy shooting street photography. Being current on laws surrounding the business and craft of photography is key to keeping yourself on the right side of each shooting situation.

ProMaster Guide to Digital SLR Photography, 2^nd Edition, by Jenni Bidner

For those looking to brush up on their shooting skills or to get the most from their digital SLR, the ProMaster Guide to Digital SLR Photography, Second Edition, by Jenni Bidner, is the perfect partner for the job.  The craft of photography is a lifelong exploration and Bidner’s guide is designed to help you make the most of the skills and equipment you currently possess.  You can pick up your copy here: www.FortWorthCamera.com

Capturing the Majesty of National Parks

When it comes to summer holidays, visiting another state or national park is high on the list for many vacationers.  Sometimes the vastness of these natural beauties can overwhelm our senses and interfere with our ability to decide how to best photograph such a vast space.  It’s an issue that puzzles many photographers – how do we do justice to the grandness and detail of our country’s natural treasures?  We have a few tips to help you capture the essence of the beauty that surrounds you:

Be Prepared:  Shooting in nature requires the right accessories, so think about what kind of images you’d like to create while you’re in that amazing environment.  For example, a tripod is invaluable, as it will provide stability and flexibility, allowing you to compose images that you might otherwise miss.  We have a complete range of quality tripods for you to consider here.

Take it In:  Those first moments when we arrive at the park can open the floodgates of ideas, but reaching for your camera immediately can be a mistake.  Instead of shooting as soon as your reach the park’s entrance, consider taking in the scenery first.  Let your eyes and senses experience the views around you; let your imagination wander as your drive along the path.  Your creative mind needs a bit of time to process this new space, and this patience will pay off in your composition.

Shoot a Quick Memory List:  When taking in a park’s many views and vistas, it’s easy to forget certain areas that you wish to shoot.  Use your camera as a visual ‘to-do’ shot list and take quick photos of the areas that interest you.  Don’t be too concerned about composition or details at this point; the goal is to simply create a shot list to remind yourself of which areas you plan to explore in greater detail.

Choose Different Times of Day: The sun’s changing position throughout the day can create a wealth of different images even though the scenery remains the same.  Areas with trees can cast interesting shadows based upon the sun’s position, so you’ll want to explore those options, as the day stretches on. 

One Location, Many Viewpoints:  Instead of rushing from one location to the next, take a bit of time and study your space from several angles.  Shoot from numerous angles – high, low and close up – to examine how the same area can provide so many distinct and different views.  Find a focal point and shoot it from different vantage points.

Back to Basics: Rule of Thirds Revisited

The Rule of Thirds is one of the most well-known and frequently practiced techniques explored by budding photographers.  While many photographers agree that rules are meant to be broken in the name of creativity, your composition will improve if you understand how to apply the rules first.

To understand the Rule of Thirds, visualize two vertical lines and two horizontal lines dividing your image into nine equals squares.  You then place your key subjects and points of interest along these lines.  The primary subject will reside where the lines intersect.  The intersecting lines are sometimes referred to as crosshairs.

To better understand this concept, take a few of your photos and imagine the nine squares atop the image.   Where are your primary items of interest? Choose a few of your favorite photos, the ones that really speak to you and apply this rule.  You may be surprised at how often the Rule of Thirds is already at play in your favorite images.

Most camera manufacturers offer a virtual screen overlay that can divide your viewfinder into the Rule of Thirds format and this may help you get used to seeing your images in this way.  You may prefer not to use this guide, but if it is available on your camera and you are new to the concept, it’s worth the time to experiment. The Rule of Thirds, when properly applied, can create a sense of scale and drama and will direct the eye to the perfect place in your image.

Make Macro Magic this Season

With warmer weather finally here, it’s time to take our cameras in hand and head outdoors.  Nature photographers rejoice as we find our surroundings flourishing and endless opportunities to capture the splendor of spring.  It’s also an ideal time to experiment with macro photography.  Macro photography is essentially taking the size of your object in an image and enlarging it to several times (such as 5x) life size.

Ladybugs, bees, tiny creatures atop flower petals and leaves are all amazing subjects to capture from a macro standpoint.  Another benefit of shooting macro is the fact that you will have a shallow depth of field with this method, so clutter or background issues will have less of an impact than they would in traditional photography.

Here are a few tips to make your macro photography magnificent:

Try Texture:  One of the most powerful aspects of macro photography is how textures are magnified to complement your subject or add interest to the background.  For example, the fine hairs on a bumblebee will be magnified and the texture of the insect’s body will immediately draw the eye.  You can also use the texture of a leaf or flower to provide contrast to a smoother subject, such as a ladybug.   Combining textures works beautifully in nature and it also makes for stunning macro images.

Delight in the Details:  Macro photography brings the smallest of details to the forefront, so it’s important to consider this when deciding what to photograph.  For example, a blemish on a petal might not be noticed in a standard shot but a macro image might enhance it to the point of it impacting the overall effect.  A practice snap or two can help you decide if an issue is really an issue at all.

Experiment with Focus:  Consider shooting with a larger lens aperture to throw a portion of the scene or subject out of focus.  This technique provides some artistic play and will lend a different feel to your images.  You can reposition yourself to determine which portion of the subject looks best in soft focus.

Learn Lighting Tricks:  As with all other forms of photography, learning how to manipulate available light is an important skill.  For example, with macro photography, using front light will result in more intense color saturation whereas side lighting is perfect for those instances where you wish to showcase texture.  Playing with your position with respect to available light can have a substantial impact on your final image. 

Your macro lighting can also be helped along with our ProMaster LED 120 Camera/Camcorder light.  This model accommodates cameras and camcorders and can help you achieve well-lit photos and video with more natural color. The continuous light source eliminates the red-eye effect caused by your camera's flash and helps you get sharper pictures by providing a good source of illumination for your camera's autofocus system.

Your LED120 will have the perfect partner with our ProMaster articulating mounting arm. This handy accessory allows you to mount LCD panels and microphones on your DSLR for cinematography and has double ball heads to provide complete control over positioning. You can even use the arm to mount another small camera on your current camera to gain a new perspective.

Book Review: The PROMASTER Guide to Digital SLR Photography

Walk into any bookstore or browse your favorite online store and you’ll see that there’s a healthy selection of books on digital photography. This plethora of choices can be a good thing but, if you’re looking for that perfect guide, it can quickly become confusing trying to decide which book is best for your needs.

Fortunately, one book stands out as the perfect accessory for your new digital SLR camera.  The PROMASTER Guide to Digital SLR Photography by Jenni Bidner is just what you need to help you master your camera.   The book is written in a straightforward manner and covers a variety of topics designed to help you create stunning images.  This newly updated version includes a section on studio lighting and covers all the basics related to shooting with a DSLR camera.  If you’re looking for a well-written guide geared to get you started.

Creating Your Photography Business Niche

For today’s working professional photographers, the combination of a crowded market coupled with a tough economy has translated into pros casting a wide net when it comes to what they shoot.  Many have become all-purpose photographers, which is a wise strategy and can bring new jobs that might have otherwise been missed.  However, for some, specializing one’s services can bring new clients while strengthening skills in a specific field.

When does specializing in a niche make sense?  Well, for one, it can help launch a new side business while remaining engaged in a full-time career.  Many people dream of going pro but the realities of providing financially for their families means that taking such a risk without a regular income is simply not an option.  Being a niche photographer means that focusing on one area of expertise-usually one that the photographer is passionate about--is easier to fit into a full working schedule while still allowing one to remain connected to photography. 

Specializing in a niche also allows the photographer to become more attuned to the unique demands and nuances of that particular area of expertise, which can translate into a competitive advantage.  When one spends a great deal of time working in a niche market, the photographer becomes an expert in that market and can position herself as such to others in that field.

There are numerous niches to consider such as architectural photography, real estate photography, corporate portraiture, product photography, event photography and more.  Each market has its own demands, challenges and opportunities but any one can be a door that opens to larger projects down the road.

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:

Copyright © 2010 ISPWP - All Rights Reserved. 

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/

Sports Shot Tip:

When we think of shooting sports, one of the most important skills is the ability to capture the action in a variety of situations and conditions. A tripod is a great partner in helping keep your gear steady so that sharp images are the end result. However, there isn’t always room for a tripod, especially when the prime picture-taking territory is crammed with other shutterbugs vying for the same space. However, a monopod is a great alternative for providing stability in tight situations: http://www.fortworthcamera.com/monopod

Also, try bumping up your ISO to freeze sports action. This technique often works in low-light conditions but some pros also shoot at a high ISO even when they have favorable light available. Today’s digital cameras are far more powerful than previous generations, so experiment with ratcheting up your ISO higher than normal and evaluate the results. You may end up with the best action shots of the season!

Ten Minute Photo Tricks:

Did you know that you can learn a number of new image editing techniques in just a few minutes a day? Just pick one thing you’d like to learn, such as changing a background in a photograph or colorizing one area in an image—and spend ten minutes a day reading about and practicing that technique.

It can be easy to get overwhelmed by the learning curve of many image editing programs, particularly when our lives are so full of work, family and community commitments. The trick is to not try to do too much at once. Jot down a few things you’d like to learn and then START SLOWLY. Block off ten minutes to read about the technique and absorb the concept. You can then choose a photo for the next day to use for practice. Then, whenever you have a free 10 minutes, experiment with the technique and play. You’ll be amazed at the experience you can amass in just ten-minute increments!

Digital Photography 1 on 1: Episode 14: Aperture Values

Digital Photography 1 on 1: Episode 13: White Balance

Digital Photography 1 on 1: Episode 12 Depth of Field

Digital Photography 1 on 1: Episode 11

Digital Photography 1 on 1: Episode 10

Digital Photography 1 on 1: Episode 9

Digital Photography 1 on 1: Episode 8