For Photographers

To all of my fellow photographers-HELLO!

Including a photographer section was extremely important to me because I am thankful that so many others have been generous enough to share their knowledge. By no means do I think I know it all, or even the tip of the iceberg, but I hope that you might find some tid bits of usefulness here!

There are certain sections of my “photography idols” blogs’ that I always seek out and read first, and certain things I wish they would make easier to find. Below is a summary of the key items I always look for right away on other blogs.

For more in-depth information on shooting techniques, post processing, the business side of things and much more check out the Photographers section of my blog.

What’s in my bag:

Canon! I started shooting with Nikon and noticed that ALL of my “photography idols” use Canon. So, I decided to make the switch. It’s a total PITA to switch once you have bought your camera, lenses, flashes and batteries. So, I highly recommend thinking very hard before you buy your first camera.

My Gear

Canon 5D

Canon 35mm 1.4

Canon 50mm 1.4

Canon 70-200 IS 2.8

Canon 430x Flash

Canon 580ex Flash

Radio Poppers

What kind of camera do you recommend for someone just starting out?

You are not asking the right question here. The right question would be what kind of lens do you recommend for someone just starting out? Good lenses make all of the difference. Yes, a camera is important, but a good lens will take you ten times further then a good camera. If you are just starting out don’t buy a camera and “kit lens”. Buy just the camera and then get a lens like a 50mm 1.8. For Nikon this lens runs about $135 and will beat the pants off any kit lens…even those 18-200 VRs 3.5/4.0. It’s aperture that counts here people.

Why a blogsite and who designed it?

I used to have a blog and a website. What I found is that it was a lot of working keeping both of these updated. What would happen is that I would only update my website about once every 6 months and usually only to update my pricing. Since all of my newer stuff was on the blog I was then directing more clients to my blog then to my website. The blog was easier to maintain since I was blogging on a regular basis it was naturally updated. The website was more complicated and I was struggling to decide if I should invest a lot of money to have someone design it or learn CSS on my own. The one class I got a C in in college was computer programming, so I figured that learning CSS code was pretty much out of the question. I dumped the website and went to a blogsite. The blog is designed by me using this nifty little plugin for a WordPress blog and us this PROMO CODE to get $10 off the price: SDEI2866!!

How did you start shooting weddings?

I could probably devote an entire blog to this topic, but here is the short answer. Once I decided I wanted to pursue photography I made several key decisions:

1. Become a sponge: Learn all that you can know about your camera and how all of the settings work. I bought 3 photography books before I even bought my first dSLR. I blog stalked every photographer that I could find that posted FAQs and tips for other photographers. I Googled every photography question that I could think of and then read every response. I also joined this photography forum.

2. Persistence: I e-mailed every photographer that I could find an e-mail address for and asked if they needed a second shooter or assistant or someone to fan them as they worked. I was willing to do anything and willing to do it for free. I’m not saying that everyone should work for free, I’m just saying how I started. I did eventually find several photographers who paid me to second shoot.

3. Start shooting and start blogging: After I had a little practice I started advertising free portrait sessions and even free weddings on Craig’s List. I was totally up-front with people and explained that I had little to no experience. You wouldn’t believe how many people were willing to take a chance on me…it still boggles my mind. I didn’t say yes to every reply though. I tried my best to find good candidates that would help me build my portfolio. Some photographers think they are above Craig’s List, but I’m not. I am thankful for the exposure and opportunity that it provided when I was was just starting out. I no longer advertise there, but it was instrumental to my first year of business. I also started a blog right away and posted pictures on a regular basis.

4. Go the extra mile: By far the number 1 reason why I am shooting weddings and have a successful photography business is because I am willing to go the extra mile. For example: When I started my blog on Blogger I figured out how to post bigger pictures then just the normal little dinky pictures-bigger pictures just look more professional IMO. Follow-up with vendors-I always send the reception coordinator a link to the couples engagement session on my blog. This helps to establish a relationship with this vendor. I follow-up with sending more pictures and links from the wedding within 1-2 weeks of the wedding. For vendors that I really want to work with I send prints and sample albums along with several of my business cards.

Do you need a second shooter?

From time to time I do find myself in need of a second shooter. If you are interested send me an e-mail and I will keep your info on hand. I apologizes in advance if I don’t reply or if I am unable to use you at an event, but remember…persistence is key so don’t just e-mail me, e-mail LOTS of other photographers too!

Who are these “photography idols” that you talk about?

Jasmine Star-”Holla!” Read her blog and that will make a lot more sense. She blogs almost everyday and answers FAQs about photography.

Jessica Claire-The creative force behind Shootsac.

Zack Aris-One Light DVD. A must have to learn off-camera flash

Think Splendid-Social Media Consultant for the Wedding Industry…GREAT business info!

If you are like me, the answer to these questions are just the beginning and have sent your mind into overdrive with more questions. If there is something that you are just dying to know, feel free to send me an e-mail and/or check out the Photographers section of this blog.