What are monopods and why do I need one? A monopod is an extremely handy piece of equipment that photographers of all levels can put to good use. Similar to (but different from) their famous three-legged cousin, the tripod, monopods are a single-leg support for mounting your camera on. While they may not be as ... Read more
Makeup photography is an art form that focuses on photographing the entire makeup process and experience, not just the finished product. Whether you are shooting for a makeup artist’s portfolio, a commercial beauty campaign, or a bride on her wedding day, this genre demands a careful blend of technical skill and creative vision. The process ... Read more
Lighting is a photographer’s best friend. This crucial element can either make or break a shot. As such, professional photographers and hobbyists alike invest in a reflector to amplify the beauty of the image. Reflectors can either diffuse, bounce, or flag both natural and artificial light. They are often a photographer’s best solution when outdoor ... Read more
We're going to take a closer look at the four main modes available on most cameras and discuss scenarios where each mode makes the most sense. Ready? Let's dive in!
I used to be terrified to shoot in harsh sunlight. I avoided it like the plague, and as a consequence avoided scheduling sessions in anything other than golden hour or overcast days. I soon found out that a limited availability such as this was a financial burden, and bad for business. That was the deciding ... Read more
Photographers often hear their clients say, “We’re awkward, but we want to be natural, fun & romantic.” This common challenge underscores the importance of mastering posing, a skill that blends technical knowledge with creative communication. The art of posing is more than just positioning subjects; it’s about crafting authentic, emotive stories through images. This guide ... Read more
The deeper you dive into photography, especially when you start taking on clients and making it a business, the more important it becomes to find and use tools that allow you to streamline your workflow. It doesn’t take long before you start spending less time taking photos and more time managing other aspects of getting ... Read more
Fresnel lenses, originally designed for lighthouses, found their way into photography as powerful tools for shaping light. These lenses focus light effectively while remaining lightweight and portable. Whether you’re a portrait photographer or experimenting with creative lighting, understanding how to use Fresnel lenses can add depth and drama to your work. Fresnel Lenses in Photography: ... Read more
When wall space and budget allows, it’s great to go big with large photo prints. Large prints, which can reach up to 96” wide (that’s eight feet!), allow your clients to preserve their special moments on an epic scale, and they also serve as the ultimate showcase for quality photos. For photographers who’ve made print ... Read more
When we think about jumping into photography as a career, we often focus on our hard skills, or the technical aspects of shooting. It’s the part we fall in love with while learning to use our gear and discovering new techniques to capture incredible images. Knowing how to take beautiful photos, however, does not automatically ... Read more
Smart wedding photographers (and commercial photographers) know that a little thought goes a long way. Client gifts are fantastic ways to keep your clients talking about you to their friends and family.
Sometimes photographers and filmmakers/videographers will shoot in a public area where people in the background may be captured on camera. It isn't feasible to get every single person who enters that area to sign a photo release form.
Over the 15 years that I've been a wedding photographer, I've been asked some interesting questions by potential clients when it comes to negotiations about PRICE...
Marketing is the never ending focus of photographers the world over. We are always looking for ways to increase business and get in front of clients. Are you taking advantage of an obvious source or are you inadvertently missing out?