Pinterest: Killing Creativity?

As a photographer I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard clients say: I have this great idea…I saw it on Pinterest. The popularity of Pinterest – a website created as a place to share creative ideas – has left some wondering if it has only stifled creativity and destroyed originality.

Here Are my 2 Cents:

I LOVE Pinterest! I was born creative and I love working on any sort of creative project. I have loved to do this well before the birth of Pinterest. Now Pinterest gives me a great place to look for creative ideas and store them for later use.

I think photography is where Pinterest gets a little sticky. Many of the pictures posted are copyrighted work of a professional. When a photographer takes a picture off of Pinterest and only duplicates it, I find that to be a form copyright infringement.

I, like others, pin photography ideas on Pinterest, but I don’t copy an actual image. I think it’s okay to look at images to get ideas. You can look at a pose in one image, a prop in another, and then throw in your own ideas to make your own creative image. I think this is a great use of Pinterest. My only problem is when people completely replicate an image by working as hard as possible to make their image look the same. I think this is just plain boring.

Yes…I love Pinterest! Just make sure you still use your own creativity and don’t only borrow others.

What do you think about Pinterest? What are the Pros and Cons? Comment Below!

Sources: www.pinterest.com

The Polaroid Wonder

"It was a wonder in its time: A camera that spat out photos that developed themselves in a few minutes as you watched. You got to see them where and when you took them, not a week later when the prints came back from the drugstore." - NY Times

I am a lover of photography - and all things vintage - so naturally I love old Polaroid cameras. As I type I continue to look over at my shelf where 2 old models sit. I love the colors (or lack there of) a Polaroid camera captures, and how magical is it to have your print in only seconds. I'll admit, however, that I have never taken a Polaroid picture. My interest in Polaroid cameras came in about 2009, a year after Polaroid closed its doors. 

My 2 Polaroid Cameras

To learn about the loss of Polaroid read NY Times' article from 2008

Even thought Polaroid is gone there is no need to despair -- there is hope for us yet.

1 - In 2010 The Impossible Project was born! The Impossible Project was started by a small team of 10 former Polaroid employees who shared a passion as well as the belief in Polaroid. Together they had more than 500 years of accumulated experience and knowledge in the field of instant film production.

• Today the Impossible project is producing Polaroid film in a factory in Enschede, Netherlands. At $23.49 a pack the price is steep, but at least it is a possiblity. I am hoping that as more people buy their film the prices will drop.

2 - Fujifilm now makes a new version of Polaroid! The camera can be bought from Amazon for $59.99. Film for the camera is about $1.00 per picture.

3 - Fujifilm also makes their own instant camera called the Instax MINI. This camera can be bought 
from Amazon for 62.90. Film for the camera is a bit cheaper at $0.75 per picture.

Both of these cameras create rectangle pictures instead of the old square picture from the classic Polaroid cameras.

While the cost for instant pictures is still high, I am encouraged that their are companies taking initiative to keep these iconic pictures alive!

Do you have a Polaroid camera? What do you think about these new developments? Comment Below!

Sources:

New York Times: www.nytimes.com

The Impossible Project: www.the-impossible-project.com

Amazon: www.amazon.com

Editing From A to Z - Photoshop Tutorial

Have you ever wondered how I edit an image? This video shows you my process from beginning to end.

The action I used in the video can be found at www.florabellacollection.com

Please post your comments or questions below!

Using Texture Overlays - Photoshop Tutorial

Have you ever wondered how some photographers are able to add texture to their pictures? Using a texture overlay is a great way to add definition or grunge to your picture, especially if you want it to have a vintage feel. Learn how easy it is to add a texture overlay by watching this video. 

You can find my favorite free textures at www.lostandtaken.com

Please post your comments or questions below!

Using Layer Masks - Photoshop Tutorial

Using a layer mask is a great way to add an effect to part of the picture, but not the rest. Learn how by watching this video.

Please post your comments or questions below!

Using The Clone Tool - Photoshop Tutorial

Needing to edit out some pesky blemishes? Using the clone tool is a great way to do this! Watch this video to see how easy it can be!

Please post your comments or questions below!

Using Pre-made Actions - Photoshop Tutorial

I love using Florabella actions. I have several of her collections and they are great. You don't always have to re-invent the wheel. Try using some pre-made actions in Photoshop! Also, if you don't want to spend the money on Florabella, there are many free actions online that can be used as well.

You can find my favorite pre-made actions at www.florabellacollection.com

Please post your comments or questions below!

Using Photoshop Actions - Photoshop Tutorial

I use photoshop actions on 90% of my pictures! Using actions in Photoshop saves a LOT of time and is super easy to do. Learn how to use there by watching this short video.

Please post your comments or questions below!

Using Photoshop Layers - Photoshop Tutorial

It's hard to believe there was ever a day when I didn't use Photoshop layers. They really are the BEST way to edit. If you don't know how to use them make sure to watch this tutorial!

Please post your comments or questions below!

Meet The Photographer - Jon Wahl

As I am about to launch a video how-to editing series, I wanted to introduce myself to any of you who may not know me. Watch the short video below to learn about the man behind the camera.

Business Basics

Yay! You started you photography business – now what? I know when I started out I finally went “pro” it took me awhile to get all the logistics taken care of. Below are a few quick tips for you new business. Keep in mind that this list is not all-inclusive.

This is really hard for me to post, but here is a picture from my very first full photo shoot. I am so grateful to have learned SO much since then. I hope to look back at my pictures today in a few years and say the same thing. In photography you do not attain; there is always something more to learn or experiment with.

1) Branding – Sit down and decide how you want your business defined and then work on branding. Create a name, logo and look for your business. If you can afford it hire someone to make a logo for you.

2) Social Media – Photographers get a lot of cliental from social media. Set up a facebook page, a twitter and an email. Make sure they each incorporate you new branding.

3)  Contract – This is important! As a photographer it is important for both you and your client to be protected legally. Don’t make the mistake of not having a contract! Expect the best, but be prepared for the worst! Your contract should include what your package includes, payment details, time of picture delivery, and a client waver to release pictures. My contract is 2 pages long. For contract ideas simply type in photography contracts and piece together a contract that works for you.

4)  Start Slow – If you need more clients at first it’s okay to have lower prices and work up slowly as your skill level increases. I know when I first started I changed my prices about every 6 months.

5) Keep Learning – A good photographer never thinks he/she knows it all. Always be looking to learn more whether it be online, at a conference, or through practice and experimentation.

Do you have any questions about starting a photography business? Comment below! 

Photos in a Foreign Land

There are few things as exciting as boarding a plane with a backpack filled with camera gear! I love to travel and I love it even more when my sole job is to capture the people around me. My favorite part of being in another country is getting to capture locals going about their every day lives. I am fascinated with different people and cultures so I love photographing people from other countries.

I took this picture in India with my point-and-shoot before I was a professional. Even though the quality isn't great it is still on of my favorite pictures. In India many people sleep on the streets. I go back and look at this picture to remind my self of my many blessings. 

I have been blessed to have traveled to 10 foreign countries and in my time I have learned a few things about international photography. Below are some of my tips.

1) Shoot First Ask Later - Unless you are in a government building (or other official building) I recommend shooting first and asking later. When you ask someone to take your picture you loose the raw element of your picture. They know you're taking it and it won't be natural.

I took this picture while in the Philippines. We drove past an ally where these young men where flogging themselves. It was part of the Easter celebration in the Philippines. I had to be careful as the bamboo reeds sent blood flying into the crowd. If someone wasn't bleeding "enough" they would lay down and someone would come and cut small slices into their skin with a razor. I have pictures of this too, but they are too graphic.

2) Be Prepared to Pay - In foreign places many times people will run up and tell you owe them money because you too their picture. It's not a bad idea to have a few coins to toss them, however, don't be surprised if they ask for a large sum. They are hoping your are an ignorant foreigner who will give a large some of money thinking they have to you - you don't. Don't be afraid to be firm, they are use to bartering and pulling on foreigner's emotion. I've had shop owners try to get me to pay for taking pictures in their shop. I laughed and said they were funny. When they saw I wasn't going to pay they left me alone. Just be ready to pay if you have to.

3) Buy a Pocket Printer - Many people in third world countries don't have any pictures of themselves. When I travel I always carry a pocket zinc printer. When I take pictures of people (especially children) I try to give them a copy. You should see the glow on a child's face when you hand them a picture. I just love it! Do be careful, however, not to do this in a large crowd where you will be spending time. If you give one person a picture pretty soon everyone will want one.

The "PoGo" I have doesn't seem to be made anymore. There is another Polaroid version seen here: Polaroid Store.

While in China I spotten this women watching our group pass. I quickly snapped this shot capturing the common crouch that is common in China.

4) Leave the Beaten Path - If you are in a busy place and you aren't finding anything that inspires you look for an alley or more remote place. I know on my travels I have found great pictures this way. I should mention, however, that when there are not a lot of people around it is harder to get a picture without someone stopping what they are doing (which takes away the natural element).

5) Don't Rule Out Crowded Places - Always be on the lookout. Sometimes in a crowded place there may be someone sitting on the outskirts weaving a basket, or watching the people walk by. These people are usually easy to photography because they don't even notice you.

While boarding our bus in the Philippines I notice this man watching us, so I grabbed a quick picture. For some reason in this picture I like that he is looking at the camera and I love his dirty hands and the grungy street.

6) Put the Camera Down - I know this about getting good pictures, but don't forget to put the camera down every once in awhile. If you don't you will come back home and have to look at you pictures to see where you were. I always try to take breaks and just take in the sites, smells, and noises of the people around me.

Do you have any tips for international photography? Any questions? Comment bellow!

Really? Why am I a Photographer?

I LOVE photography! I love getting to capture people’s most exciting moments and knowing that people will be looking at my pictures for years to come.  This is the truth.

I love capturing the innocence of a newborn.

I love capturing the joy of a child.

I love capturing the love two share.

There is another truth, however: photography can be tiring! I am a full time student who also works on campus to pay for tuition. Running a business on top of my already busy schedule can me really hard. I’ll be completely honest—there are days I wonder if I can edit one more picture. What is it that makes me push onward?

Recently, when I was asked to photograph a funeral, I began to ponder once again why I am a photographer. I love photographing people’s greatest moments, but do I want to photograph their worst? A few weeks prior I was speaking to a kind gentleman about my photography business, and now I was being asked to photograph his funeral? Was this something I could do?

The answer was yes. It's not just capturing the joy of life that I love about photography. It's about capturing all of life -- the good times and the bad. Life is so much more than "good times" however God has given us a world where through Christ's blood we can rejoice even in death. It wasn't easy for me to photograph sorrow, but it was still doing what I love to do: capturing the world God has given us. 

On days when the homework piles up, and the stress level rises as I try desperately to get pictures delivered to clients there are a few things that make photography well worth the time and effort.

1) Knowing my Pictures may be Cherished: I recently heard from a bride that told me her husband's grandpa had just past away. Their wedding pictures now were even more special. I once was asked to photograph residents at a nursing home so that they could have a picture of themselves. A few months later a worker told me that for many residents my picture was the last one to be taken before their death. Their family members now have it.

One of the pictures I took of my clients' grandpa at their wedding.

2) Knowing I Want to Capture as Much of Life's Journey as Possible: I don't want to only remember the times that I feel are important now. God brings beauty through pain and suffering. Sometimes we must remember the pain to appreciate the beauty.

Mrs. Herchenroeder stood near her husbands casket singing, "Death where is they sting? Grave thy victory? Christ has conquered all!" As I took this picture I realized my pictures would not only show sorrow, they would also show the power of awesome power of God that gives a widow strength to praise him. 

Yes, photography isn't always "fun," but it is almost always rewarding. I have the privilege to capture life's journey. My hope is that one day when I am long gone there will still be people enjoying pictures I took of their grandparents, and at pictures of Mrs. Herchenroeder and seeing the power of God.

Thank you to all who have supported me in my journey as a photographer! Thank you to all of my super sweet clients who have written me notes of encouragment. You'll never know how much your kinds words have meant to me!

 “ Which of my photographs is my favorite? The one I’m going to take tomorrow." – Imogen Cunningham

Wedding Venue: A Photographer's Perspective

The Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs Arkansas allows for an outdoor wedding and an indoor reception. The reception area has large windows covering 3 of the 4 walls creating perfect lighting.

Your wedding should be a day you remember forever! After all it's the day you sign up to spend the rest of your life with that special someone. Years down the road you will still snuggle up with your loved one and took at your cherished wedding photos! It is for this reason I have some tips about choosing a venue from the eyes of a photographer.

As a wedding photographer I get a behind the scenes look at a lot of weddings. Although I've only been a wedding photographer for 2 years, I have made a lot of observations about what works best, and what seems to cause problems. I recently proposed to my girlfriend, so I am now especially interested in planning that wonderful day to remember forever. I definitely don't know it all, but I hope my observations will help you as you plan for that super special day. This post in particular will focus on choosing the right venue. If I see an interest in this post I will write more wedding related posts.

The Carriage House in Springfield also has a great lit reception hall and the ability to get married outside.

In choosing a venue there are several things that are often overlooked:

     A. Temperature -- Today it has become super popular to get married outdoors. I love this, as it makes for great pictures, but there are some things to consider. Choose a month with cool weather. I can't tell you how many drops of sweat I have photoshopped off of brides and grooms. On those 100+ it isn't much fun for anyone to be outside all day - especially in a wedding dress.

          I - Spring/Fall: you may want to consider getting married in the Spring or Fall. Both seasons will be cooler, however, the Spring does bring a much greater chance of rain.
          II - Dawn/Dusk: if you do want a summer wedding consider having the wedding early in the morning or during the final hours of the sunlight. These hours are MUCH more tolerable and will allow you guest to have a much better time.
          III - AC: if you do have an outdoor summer wedding consider having an air-conditioned reception. This way you and your guests can escape from the heat to enjoy each other's company.

     B. Venue Owner -- I'll just be honest ... I've met as many frustrating ones as I have good ones. There are two common things I see. First, some venue owners seem to think the day is about them. I've seen them micro manage every little detail throughout the day. I've seen them turn lights off to save power (needed for reception), move decorations to a place they thought was better, second guess decisions made by the bride/groom, and be really snotty to family members. Secondly, there are many venue owners who think they were also hired as a photographer. I have had a venue owner run out with her camera only to disrupt a couples "first look" (I had to photoshop her out of all the pictures). I have had a venue owner jump between me and a bride during a private shoot (without asking) to take pictures with her phone. I have even had a venue owner walk half way down the isle to take her pictures, only to have many of my wide shots ruined. My recommendation is to talk in depth with the venue owner about your expectations that day. Ask them questions to see how flexible they are with lights, AC, and anything you may want to move. I would even ask them not to take pictures during the wedding (they have other duties). Talk to your photographer and see if he/she would be willing to give the venue owner a few high quality picture for their website.

The lighting for this outdoor wedding was wonderful and allowed me to capture "the kiss" without using a flash.

     C. Lighting -- One thing many couples don't think about is lighting. I've shot a lot of wedding in dark locations. While your photographer can use a flash, the pictures don't turn out nearly as well (unless you like the flash look), and the flash can be distracting to guests. It's great to have your wedding outdoors with natural light, but if you have it indoors considering choosing a venue with good lighting.

Ultimately the day is about the bride and groom, but choosing a good venue is important for the comfort of your guests, and even for good pictures. If you want to look through your wedding pictures for years to come and remember an enjoyable wedding and reception these tips could help you do just that.

Do these tips help? Do you married folks have any tips? Comment below with your feedback!