36 Views of Mt. Fuji

Posted on June 25, 2012 by awiseclimber

I’ve learned many lessons in my photographic journey. Some out of mistakes, others from fellow photographers, but the one very important lesson that guides me today came from my mentor, Eddie Soloway. A man who, in my opinion, is a true zen master of light, photography and life.

My lesson came about after one of our many discussions about my latest work on water reflections. I had been photographing the same fountain day after day, week after week. Frustration was setting in and I felt like living proof of that saying, “the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again yet expecting different results.” Sensing my frustration, Eddie shared the “Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji” lesson with me explaining that often times you simply need to change your perspective. Artist Katsushika Hokusai, in the early 1800s, began creating woodblock prints with Mt. Fuji as the reoccurring theme. He ultimately completed 100 but it was the first 36 that were published as a collection. Although Mt. Fuji appeared in every print, Hokusai made each one completely unique by changing his perspective.

The older I get the more I realize that changing perspective isn’t just a lesson in art but a lesson in life. This very lesson has made me re-think a great many thing both personally and professionally. Personally, I realize that what I think I want might not be what I need to be happy. Professionally, I understand that my art must have meaning to me. There needs to be depth to it, not just a pretty picture, otherwise it’s not worth creating. I need my art to fulfill me and have a strong level of emotion.

My advice to you, wherever you are in your journey, is to rethink, redefine, and always be willing to step back and consider a different perspective. It just might be what you’ve been looking for.

Making the Most of Flickr

Posted on May 20, 2012 by awiseclimber

As photographers we are always looking for ways to share the images we create. Fortunately the web is an extremely visual medium and gives us the opportunity to share our work globally. One of the best sites for this is flickr with 36 million members and over 3.5 billion photos! Flickr is also the fastest growing photo-sharing site and the 7th most trafficked social media site overall (according to Nielsen and NetRatings).

I want to provide a few tips on getting the most out of the site as well as some “don’ts” in the flickr world. Remember, social media sites are only as good as the people who use them – and use them correctly.

Definite Do’s

Fill out your profile with name, website, and bio. This is your opportunity to let people know about you and your business. Maybe you have an extremely unique style and want to educate people about it– here’s your chance.

When you choose a screen name, make it the name of your company “e.g. Amy Wise Photography”.

Use either a company logo or a professional image of yourself. As a photographer I want people to relate to me directly so I chose an image of myself. I want people to be able to put a face with a name (rather than a logo that may change a year from now). If your company is comprised of multiple photographers, a logo is the way to go. Whatever you do, don’t leave this blank and have robo picture as the filler!
Robot = bad; Self portrait =good

Organize your images in Sets (think of Sets as Albums). Whether the Sets are ‘personal & professional’, ‘residential & commercial’, choose a system that works for you and stick with it.

Be selective when choosing the thumbnail to represent each Set. Decide on your best image and make that your main Set image.

Join groups that relate to your content whether it is as large as “Travel” to as specific as “Sunsets at Imperial Beach”.

Contribute regularly to your groups. Not only should you add your own pictures but also be sure to comment on others’ images; it’s key to building relationships on flickr. Why should people comment on yours if do not return the love?

Regularly check the discussion threads on your groups and see if you can add valuable information. For example, if you’re a member of the “Leaf Peepers, New England Group” and a discussion is started regarding weather in Stowe and you live there, add a quick weather report. Even give a little overview on what the leaves currently look like.

Add people you like/admire as contacts. By doing this you are building a rapport with these folks and will get updates when they add new images.

Utilize the tagging feature. Be sure to describe your image well as this helps others find your work.
www.amywisephotography.com
travel

Add a title to each image. I know this is a pain in the rear but “Raining Fire” is a lot sexier and more interesting than “_IMG_4392”.

Watermark your images. People seem to think that anything on the web is fair game. The most valuable asset a photographer has is his/her images (and the rights to them) – don’t get lazy on managing their safety!

Definite Don’ts

Don’t post a public gallery of images of you and your drunk friends from last weekend. Flickr allows you to mark sets and even individual images as private or only viewable to friends/family. Be sure to use this feature. Nothing says amateur-hour like inappropriate images on a site you use for business.

Don’t use flickr as a dumping ground for every image you have ever taken! Just because you took 350 images on your last photoshoot doesn’t mean you have to post all of them. If three of the images rock, only post three! I cannot push this point enough. Only show your best work!

Don’t join 50 groups and post your own work without commenting on others’ work.

Don’t try to sell a product or service. This is an uber no-no and is against flickr’s rules. If you have a cool product shot and someone is interested, trust me, they will contact you.

Don’t poo-poo others. If someone is looking for critiques then provide them with well thought out constructive criticism. Saying, you’re work sucks, isn’t going to help anyone.

If there are flickr tips that you would like to share, be sure to comment on this post or visit me at facebook and leave your tips there.

Happy Shooting!

Product Photography with a Point-n-Shoot Camera

Posted on May 20, 2012 by awiseclimber

If you sell products online (particularly on sites like Etsy) but find that hiring a professional photographer is out of the question, read on. If you have the budget to hire a professional photographer…call me!

You’ve undoubtedly seen some bad product photography out there and it most likely left you with negative feelings. Often a bad picture can go beyond not doing justice to the item you’re selling, it can turn away potential buyers. The entire purpose of this blog is to offer some tips on product photography, specifically using a point-n-shoot camera in a studio/office. For those using dSLR cameras, all the tips and tricks apply. Every image shown in this post was created with a 3-4 year old point-n-shoot camera with limited capabilities. The only lighting used was the on-camera flash and the offices lights. Furthermore, there weren’t any reflectors, gels, or diffusers used. Also, a very special thanks to Elements Refined for allowing me to work in their studio and photograph a few of their beautiful tote bags.

What not to do in product photography

Let’s get started. In the first two images above you’ll notice that the background is a mess and no time was taken to stuff the bag to give structure or show the size. Even when using the model, the background is distracting and the pose unattractive. If you’re going to use a model, decide on some flattering positions that ‘sell’ your item! The model should be a prop, nothing more. This means that using a supermodel or “It’s Pat” (Saturday Night Live reference) are both bad ideas because they become a distraction. If the first comment people make is about the model, you’ve missed the mark.

Good example of product photography with a point-n-shoot camera

Notice the next two images above. The model is now set against a white backdrop, eliminating the distractions in the background, and the crop is tight so that the focus is on the tote bag itself. Also, her hands are relaxed, not strained. It sounds like a silly point but when hands are pulling on a strap or pushing a binder into a bag it looks really bad! Remember, keep focus on the bag and keep the pose relaxed.

The set-up for your in-home, in-studio product shoot

Now let’s get to the nitty-gritty of making your own studio. Here’s what I used for this shoot:

• White foam board

• Clear sheet of plastic to sit on top of the foam board and provide a subtle reflection

• White fabric to hang against the wall

• Wood stick (seen in images below) and thread that will allow me to ‘magically’ prop the handles of the bag up and keep it from sagging

Notice the bottom left image is slightly better than the first two images at the beginning of the blog. I have my base and backdrop set-up but the bag looks saggy. To give it shape but keep it light and easy to work with, I stuffed newspaper in a plastic sack and placed the sack inside the bag. Note that you can see it though; not good. Be sure to tuck that stuffing inside, out of sight!

Look at the image to the bottom right and see how different the bag looks now. The stuffing has filled out the base and the handles are tied to the wood stick with a light-colored thread.

From bad to good; how to give your bag shape

How to set-up your bag for an interior image

What else do you notice in the top right image? If you said props, you’re right. What a difference it makes to show how the bag is used! Props are also a great way to show size. This handy tote bag not only is wide enough to hold a binder, but the side pockets can also hold a large water bottle. Never forget how powerful visual aids can be when selling products. Sure you can list the dimensions in the description, but how many people can accurately and quickly comprehend the size of the product from a bunch of numbers.

On a product like this the interior is every bit as important as the exterior, but interior shots can be difficult to say the least.

Look at the next image to your right. This shows how one handle is tied overhead to help open the space. I also placed a piece of plexiglass in the base of the bag so it would stay up. You can get very creative here. I’ve used everything from Kleenex boxes, to cooking tongs in product photography!

Now we move in tighter to show the final image below. Because it is quite deep I had to use the flash to get enough light into the bag. Unfortunately my point-n-shoot is so old that I cannot control the flash output. I knew that if I stood too close to the bag that my image would have a very washed out look to it, which is terrible for product photography. To compensate for this I simply stood farther back and used the zoom function.

Great example of photographing a bag’s interior

Again, be sure to show the interior in use. Look for objects that people can relate to like mobile phones, glasses, wallet, etc. I can’t stress this enough, especially for companies like Elements Refined that put a lot of great features in its products. Differentiating is critical when selling items, particularly online when all people have to go off of are the images you supply.

Final image, product photography with a point-n-shoot camera

Now that you’ve seen the studio set-up, let’s check out the final images:

Final Images, Ready to go on Etsy or Any Other Online Craft Site

If you have any additional questions, be sure to comment here or leave a comment on facebook and I’ll try to answer all of them. I know the process can feel overwhelming, but just take it one step and one picture at a time. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment and try various angles. Get low, get high, get close. If they don’t turn out you can always delete, no one has to know .

My final point is that you don’t need fancy cameras and editing software to get attractive images. Keep the shot simple and clean and always remember that the product is the most important!

For more of Elements Refined visit them on Etsy. You can also check out my Etsy store here.

Happy Shooting and Happy Selling!

5 Tips for Summer Photography

Posted on May 20, 2012 by awiseclimber

Catch the Action! Summer is a great time to practice those action shots. Set your camera to shutter-priority and try speeds at 1/500 and faster. If you’re using a point-n-shoot camera, go into your menu and look for a sport mode. For those DSLR users, be sure to set your camera on continuous shooting. By doing this you will increase your chances of capturing that perfect picture. Imagine your little one doing a flip off the diving board for the first time. You do not want to miss it! By having a fast shutter speed and continuous shooting, you are more likely to capture the moment. Don’t forget about composition though! When we shoot action scenes, it’s very easy to hone in on the subject but forget the background. Imagine capturing the exact moment your son jumped into the air to catch a baseball that won the game but you didn’t plan your overall scene and your image shows a tree growing out of his head. Know your surroundings and you should be able to avoid this.
Watch that high-noon light and learn to compensate for it. When the sun is burning bright your camera will often times try to correct for the brightness and underexpose your images. Be aware of this and consider using fill-flash. I know many people do not like the look of a flash but if used properly, you can get great images. You’ll also reduce the big triangular shadows on your family’s faces. Most point-n-shoot cameras have the ability to increase and decrease the power of the flash. Play around with it and know your camera’s capabilities.
Models. Turn your family and friends into models this summer. Rather than taking a picture of a setting sun on the ocean, place your kids in the foreground playing in the last moments of sun. Use your daughter and her surfboard to create that ‘endless summer’ look. Even consider using objects to add interest to the composition. Take a look at the images of the sun setting over Puget Sound. The colors that evening were brilliant and the water was calm. Rather than just capture the sky and water in the first image, I changed my composition and placed a single boat and the full moon into my frame to create a story and add depth to my image. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add some interest to your shots.
Keep your horizon straight! You all know what I’m talking about because I am willing to bet it has happened to all of us. Picture this: the sun is setting fast and you know it’s going to be gorgeous so you quickly setup your tripod and camera. In your haste though, you forgot to verify that the horizon line was straight! I can’t tell you how many people have told me, “I meant to do that – it’s creative.” Control your creativity, don’t let it control you. Here’s a few tips that will help:

buy a bubble level that sits in your flash shoe. Take the picture ONLY when your bubble says it’s straight.
Many DSLRs offer grid functionality in the Live View mode. This means that a grid will appear over your image (on your LCD screen) and help you maintain straight lines.

Light my fire. In the U.S. we can always count on a great display of 4^th of July fireworks. Here’s a few tips to help you capture them:

Use a tripod and shutter release. If you are in a busy area, be sure you won’t have people kicking/tripping on the legs of your tripod. The shutter release will also help avoid unnecessary shake.

If you plan on taking photos from a boat, do not forget that the boat is moving, thus you are moving as well.
Don’t forget your composition! It’s like the tree coming out of the ballplayer’s head- don’t forget to plan your shot. A perfect capture of the firework finale with a dumpster in your foreground does not a good picture make.
You do not need your camera on ISO 1600 with a fast shutter speed. In actuality, you’ll want to slow it down a bit, especially if you want to get some light into your overall scene. Start on ISO 100 and experiment from there. Try using aperture-priority and start with an f/8.
Turn your flash off. Your flash will never illuminate fireworks a half-mile away. The only thing that flash is going to do is illuminate the dumpster.

As always, Happy Shooting!

Will Photograph for Free

Posted on May 17, 2012 by awiseclimber

Sound familiar? How about this…“If you photograph our event for free, we will consider you for upcoming events.” What you now have to decide is if working for free will actually pay off. You want to break into the photography industry but the last time you checked, working for free doesn’t pay bills or put food on the table. In situations like this it is usually the photographer who gets the short end of the stick. Consider this as a reason why. The photography industry is saturated to the point you can wring it out and fill buckets! Companies know this and know there are plenty of people willing to work for free in hopes of getting their foot (and lens) in the door.

Here’s a few ideas to ensure both you and the organization come out as winners. I should also mention that dealing with non-profit organizations create some gray areas. Non-profits by nature rely on donations of time, money, and talent. You’ll need to judge each situation as it comes, but #3 below provides some guidance.

1. With companies, always make a trade. NEVER work solely for free. It cheapens you as a business and brings down the entire photography industry. If a company isn’t willing to pay you now, more likely than not they won’t be willing to pay in the future.

2. Consider swapping photography services for marketing/sales opportunities. As an example, if the company is acknowledging sponsors of its event, make sure your info is listed as an in-kind sponsor with your name, website and type of service. Another example is including your marketing collateral (business postcard, promotional swag, etc.) in the company’s gift basket.

3. If you’re offering your services pro bono to your favorite non-profit, do not be afraid to ask for something in return. Here’s an example: let’s say you set-up a mini studio at a non-profit’s annual family picnic. You handle the photography for free and in return are allowed to sell the images. Some photographers even print a free 4×6 image on the spot with ordering details for larger sizes. Get creative and think out of the box. You may only spend a few minutes with the family but people are always more inclined to use someone they are familiar with for future photography needs.

4. Let’s say a local radio station is starting its summer concert series and you really want to get in on the events. Offer to shoot one event for free provided they are willing to book two additional events for pay. If they agree to an arrangement like this, get it in writing and make them sign it! Also state when you expect payment.

Have a number in your head of how many trade and free events (non-profits) you are willing to work during the year and stick to it. The last thing you want to do is overwhelm your schedule with unpaid events and become “that guy” who works for free. I realize that building a portfolio and gaining experience is a challenge, but do not sell yourself, your time, or your talent short.

There are as many ‘for trade’ possibilities as there are stars in the sky. Again, get creative! If you have a great idea to share with other photographers, please post it in the comments section below or on my Facebook page.

Happy Shooting!

Best of Both Worlds: Vacation Photography

Posted on May 17, 2012 by awiseclimber

Trying to manage photography while on vacation can be stressful and tricky. On one hand, you want to be on vacation with your family but on the other, you don’t want to give up the opportunity to create amazing images in a beautiful location. For photographers, spending hours framing a shot and moving a tripod a few inches left or right sounds like a small sacrifice to create that perfect photo. Oddly enough, most spouses don’t feel the same. Although scientists have tried to figure out why this is, no answers are available.
Here are a few tips to keep your spouse happy and your photo cravings satisfied:

1. Discuss what both of you want to do before you even get on the plane! Nothing can cause more frustration than arriving in Paris and you want to photograph the Eiffel Tower and your spouse wants to spend all day in the Louvre. If you’re both comfortable in the area, consider splitting up for a few hours and meeting at a quaint cafe later to discuss each other’s experiences.

2. Plan combo events. As an example, do the four day trek to Machu Picchu. This will allow hiking and adventure for your outdoor buff and provide you with spectacular photo opps.

3. Have a “shot list” prepared (again, prior to departure). Know exactly what you want to shoot, when lighting is the best, and hours of operation if needed. This is important to do as many attractions can often have weird hours. I completely missed the Uffizi Gallery because I didn’t realize that they are closed on Mondays. Also, if you’re dying to photograph the interior of churches or mosques, you need to research when visitors are allowed inside and what equipment is acceptable to bring with you.

A. Your shot list will help you get your images without wasting precious time and irritating your loved one!
B. Highlight your must-haves and be willing to compromise on the rest.

4. Leave the strobes and softboxes at home…ok, I am joking but my point is to keep your pack simple. A simple pack means quick access and shorter shoot times. Get creative with available lighting and learn how to use a small flash as your fill light. Also, a light pack means you shoot for longer periods of time before your shoulders start to ache and your spouse gives you that, “I told you so” look and walks off holding an 8 ounce point-n-shoot camera.
5. Your spouse is not your personal assistant . If hubby offers to graciously hold a reflector in one spot for a straight hour then awesome! Remember though that this is their vacation too and he/she might want a break from reflector duties.

6. Look for the opportunities. Going someplace like Venice presents obvious photographic possibilities, but even what may seem like the most mundane of trips (e.g. your girlfriend’s 10 year HS reunion in Sandusky) can present interesting opportunities if you keep an open mind. Do your research and you can probably squeeze in a few money shots wherever you may roam.

12 Apostles, Great Ocean Road, Australia (Film, 2002)
Oddly enough, vacations can be very stressful. Having a plan of what both of you want to do is the best way to make the vacation a happy and memorable experience.

Happy shooting and Happy Vacations!