Q&A.
Hi all!
I've been sent Facebook messages, emails, and have been asked in person how I managed to start my business with my love of photography. I figured why not start a Q&A!
What equipment did you start out with and how did you learn from there?
-- My very first DSLR was given to me in my purchased school packaged. It was a Nikon D60 as they had just recently come out on the market. I had NO idea how to even turn this thing on. It literally sat in the box for an entire 3 months, before all of my school friends began to pick on me. hehe I thank them for their persistence. At this point, I read my manual, but it might as well have been in a foreign language. I mean, I could hardly turn the thing on, what made me think I could do anything beyond that?? Thanks be to God, I had an AH-MAZING teacher who actually wasn't my teacher hold a mini 4 hour photography tutorial. In this class, I learned Auto wasn't an option, and Manual was everything.
I've never looked back.
In the mean time... Trial and error. Trial and error. Trial and error. I will say this took me quite a bit of time, seeing as I am a perfectionist, and thinking outside of the box, or making mistakes wasn't something I looked forward to, however, it was necessary in order to grow. Don't be afraid to push your limits. Only you can hold yourself back.
ps. re-read your manual every so often. Those "what the" questions will sooner or later be answered.
{teacher btw: Igor Kraguljac}
Did you go to school for photography?
I did go to school for photography. I went to The Art Institute of Houston-North. I was enrolled for less than a full year. I will say though, from what I have read, a lot of well known photographers have never taken a photography class in their entire lives, and they are still very successful. I will also say though, some took marketing and business classes which I imagine to definitely be helpful when running your business. Being a GOOD photographer isn't all that makes a business run. Yeah, you may do awesome and fantastic work, but it takes more to keep your business going.
School was getting to a point where I was shooting by the "rules"... and this may be perhaps, because I wasn't there long enough to find my own voice in photography. A lot of what I have learned in school, I disagree with at some point, but then at another point, it applies to me and the current situation. You just have to soak it all in, and then apply accordingly.
{ps. Success isn't measured in how much money you make; that's just a plus}
Did you have a mentor?
I've had a few of mentors a long the way... Not all of them being so photography related, but more so spiritually related, which is the foundation of my business and my life. Without my eyes on Him, I'm doomed from the beginning. I am very very thankful for those who have mentored me in any way, along the way. I still have one photography mentor who I look to for guidance and to give it to me straight... no sugar coating. I love her because she is REAL, and her heart is in a beautiful place; not to mention, she is an amazing photographer. Constructive criticism is always appreciated, and always welcomed.
What is the best advice someone has given you about photography?
To be myself, and never try and conform to something I am not. This happened when I first started my business... I simply wasn't ready to start, but did anyway. I went a full year of not being happy with my work. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed working with my clients, and many of them, whom I now call friends, however I was doing a disservice to myself AND to them, because I knew I could offer more. Today, I can finally say I am where I want to be as far as my actual work goes, but I know there will come a time, when I evolve yet again. I think that's the fun part of being a creative being and in business... the fun never stops and learning is always to be had!
What lens would you say is your favorite?
I don't have too many lenses. In fact, I only use two of the four lenses that I have.; Tamron 28-74 2.8 and Nikkor 50mm 1.8. With me just starting out, I believe in using a lens until I feel I have outgrown it. I think I am finally hitting that mark for my 50mm, which btw is my favorite. I''m looking forward to shooting with the 35mm 1.4 or 1.8, whichever Santa decides he wants to leave under the Christmas tree. hehe
{Quick tip: Before you invest in a lens, be sure its what you're looking for and will accommodate the way you shoot. Borrowlenses.com is a great place to RENT your lenses before you actually make a purchasing decision. Not to mention its also a tease. hehe}
Best editing tool/software?
Okay, don't make fun of me here, but I didn't know how to use Photoshop for the.longest.time. Even while I was in school, I didn't know, which made it reallyyyy hard to do class work. All of my editing was done at home, on my computer, using Picasa. Yes, laugh, all you want. BUT, I interned with the Houston Ballet, and STILL edited my images in Picasa, and you know what? They got featured and published.
I will say though, I'm not entirely sure how I managed without Photoshop. I love the program, and its pure genius! I still don't know my way throughout the entire program, but I know what I need to know, and until I can afford to take a Photoshop class/workshop, I'm good where I stand. I love and am satisfied with the outcome of my images, so I can't complain, but there is always room for improvement.
Not having learned Photoshop was a blessing in disguise. There were complications with my school schedule which made me choose between Photoshop class or English class. I chose English out of fear, and sadly regretted it later, because I saw how everyone was doing cool things with their images, and me... I was still using Picasa. BUT, this helped me to learn proper camera exposure, and it helped me to realize that Photoshop was just the icing on the cake; it wasn't the batter. Photoshop isn't to FIX an image, its to enhance. There is a HUGE difference. Had my cards been dealt differently, I think for a long time, I would have been using Photoshop to fix my mistakes, and I say this because photography was so new to me, I had no clue what I was doing.
{Moral of the story: Don't think you can't be great because of lack of tools. They are the TOOLS, not the blueprint.}
I consider myself a natural-light photographer, and wherever there is natural light, I will follow. I do, however, prefer shooting outdoors in nature simply because that is where the sun shines, the light is golden, and the birds are singing. It reminds me of a Greater Artist. But, indoors is also a plus, because home is where the heart is, its where you are most like yourself, and where it all began. I love a mixture of both!
Raw vs Jpeg?
This really is a personal preference. I like to slightly overexpose my images, so I shoot in RAW that way the image can take the Photoshop beating (is what I like to call it). Otherwise, I would shoot in jpeg, for the simple fact that jpeg files take up less space on our beloved hard-drives.
Manual vs. Auto?
Okay, I'm going to be very honest here, since Mr. Igor, I have no clue how to shoot in any other program besides manual. This is a blessing and a curse. A blessing because it forced me to take control of my camera. A curse because when out and about, I'm constantly changing settings rather than simply picking up my camera and shooting the moment. But, I was taught that "A" stands for "amateur". That was something, I didn't want to be, so I said goodbye forever.
Quick Tip: If you want to learn more about exposure and settings for different lighting situations, shoot on auto, and then bring your image exif data information up, and see where the camera decided to shoot as far as settings go, and then go, adjust, and learn from there.
Tips for newcomers?
Basically what I was taught... BE YOURSELF!
Don't worry about booking everyone that comes your way... Try the word, "No" on for size. If they are looking for a particular type of feel for their session, and this isn't what you offer, direct them to someone that can; there's a photographer out there to meet everyone's style. Otherwise, you'll get to a point, where your love for photography becomes a love for making money, and that's it. Granted we all need to get paid, that isn't what this job is primarily about. This job is artistic, so be sure not to lose your voice.
When you first start out, shoot in high volumes. This way, you'll discover your own voice. Don't get aggravated if it doesn't happen over night, because its simply NOT going to happen over night. Rather, shoot, and shoot with purpose. Research different photographers, see what gives you the warm fuzzies. Be inspired.... By everything! As photographers, we are gifted to see the ordinary as extraordinary, so be sure to tune in.
And last but certainly not least, do.not.compare.
I used to do this all.the.time, and it made me feel horrible, so horrible, that I would often question why I was seeking photography in the first place. If you believe God has blessed you with this talent, do NOT dilute His purpose for you! His purpose may not be for your business to explode and to be seen all over the world, but rather His purpose may be to touch the hearts of those local; to breathe freshness into their homes through your art hanging on their mantel, walls, etc.
Before you begin your journey, think of what success means to you. Think of where you want to take your love for photography. Think of why you pick up your camera. And don't let anyone ever tell you that you aren't good enough! Be real. Be YOU!
Love, Dreams, & Photography,
I've been sent Facebook messages, emails, and have been asked in person how I managed to start my business with my love of photography. I figured why not start a Q&A!
What equipment did you start out with and how did you learn from there?
-- My very first DSLR was given to me in my purchased school packaged. It was a Nikon D60 as they had just recently come out on the market. I had NO idea how to even turn this thing on. It literally sat in the box for an entire 3 months, before all of my school friends began to pick on me. hehe I thank them for their persistence. At this point, I read my manual, but it might as well have been in a foreign language. I mean, I could hardly turn the thing on, what made me think I could do anything beyond that?? Thanks be to God, I had an AH-MAZING teacher who actually wasn't my teacher hold a mini 4 hour photography tutorial. In this class, I learned Auto wasn't an option, and Manual was everything.
I've never looked back.
In the mean time... Trial and error. Trial and error. Trial and error. I will say this took me quite a bit of time, seeing as I am a perfectionist, and thinking outside of the box, or making mistakes wasn't something I looked forward to, however, it was necessary in order to grow. Don't be afraid to push your limits. Only you can hold yourself back.
ps. re-read your manual every so often. Those "what the" questions will sooner or later be answered.
{teacher btw: Igor Kraguljac}
Did you go to school for photography?
I did go to school for photography. I went to The Art Institute of Houston-North. I was enrolled for less than a full year. I will say though, from what I have read, a lot of well known photographers have never taken a photography class in their entire lives, and they are still very successful. I will also say though, some took marketing and business classes which I imagine to definitely be helpful when running your business. Being a GOOD photographer isn't all that makes a business run. Yeah, you may do awesome and fantastic work, but it takes more to keep your business going.
School was getting to a point where I was shooting by the "rules"... and this may be perhaps, because I wasn't there long enough to find my own voice in photography. A lot of what I have learned in school, I disagree with at some point, but then at another point, it applies to me and the current situation. You just have to soak it all in, and then apply accordingly.
{ps. Success isn't measured in how much money you make; that's just a plus}
Did you have a mentor?
I've had a few of mentors a long the way... Not all of them being so photography related, but more so spiritually related, which is the foundation of my business and my life. Without my eyes on Him, I'm doomed from the beginning. I am very very thankful for those who have mentored me in any way, along the way. I still have one photography mentor who I look to for guidance and to give it to me straight... no sugar coating. I love her because she is REAL, and her heart is in a beautiful place; not to mention, she is an amazing photographer. Constructive criticism is always appreciated, and always welcomed.
What is the best advice someone has given you about photography?
To be myself, and never try and conform to something I am not. This happened when I first started my business... I simply wasn't ready to start, but did anyway. I went a full year of not being happy with my work. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed working with my clients, and many of them, whom I now call friends, however I was doing a disservice to myself AND to them, because I knew I could offer more. Today, I can finally say I am where I want to be as far as my actual work goes, but I know there will come a time, when I evolve yet again. I think that's the fun part of being a creative being and in business... the fun never stops and learning is always to be had!
What lens would you say is your favorite?
I don't have too many lenses. In fact, I only use two of the four lenses that I have.; Tamron 28-74 2.8 and Nikkor 50mm 1.8. With me just starting out, I believe in using a lens until I feel I have outgrown it. I think I am finally hitting that mark for my 50mm, which btw is my favorite. I''m looking forward to shooting with the 35mm 1.4 or 1.8, whichever Santa decides he wants to leave under the Christmas tree. hehe
{Quick tip: Before you invest in a lens, be sure its what you're looking for and will accommodate the way you shoot. Borrowlenses.com is a great place to RENT your lenses before you actually make a purchasing decision. Not to mention its also a tease. hehe}
Best editing tool/software?
Okay, don't make fun of me here, but I didn't know how to use Photoshop for the.longest.time. Even while I was in school, I didn't know, which made it reallyyyy hard to do class work. All of my editing was done at home, on my computer, using Picasa. Yes, laugh, all you want. BUT, I interned with the Houston Ballet, and STILL edited my images in Picasa, and you know what? They got featured and published.
I will say though, I'm not entirely sure how I managed without Photoshop. I love the program, and its pure genius! I still don't know my way throughout the entire program, but I know what I need to know, and until I can afford to take a Photoshop class/workshop, I'm good where I stand. I love and am satisfied with the outcome of my images, so I can't complain, but there is always room for improvement.
Not having learned Photoshop was a blessing in disguise. There were complications with my school schedule which made me choose between Photoshop class or English class. I chose English out of fear, and sadly regretted it later, because I saw how everyone was doing cool things with their images, and me... I was still using Picasa. BUT, this helped me to learn proper camera exposure, and it helped me to realize that Photoshop was just the icing on the cake; it wasn't the batter. Photoshop isn't to FIX an image, its to enhance. There is a HUGE difference. Had my cards been dealt differently, I think for a long time, I would have been using Photoshop to fix my mistakes, and I say this because photography was so new to me, I had no clue what I was doing.
{Moral of the story: Don't think you can't be great because of lack of tools. They are the TOOLS, not the blueprint.}
{These images are in NO way affiliated with the Houston Ballet, but rather a local school I shot this particular Nutcracker program for. Edited in Picasa, around the same time as my internship.}
Outdoors or Indoors?
Raw vs Jpeg?
This really is a personal preference. I like to slightly overexpose my images, so I shoot in RAW that way the image can take the Photoshop beating (is what I like to call it). Otherwise, I would shoot in jpeg, for the simple fact that jpeg files take up less space on our beloved hard-drives.
Manual vs. Auto?
Okay, I'm going to be very honest here, since Mr. Igor, I have no clue how to shoot in any other program besides manual. This is a blessing and a curse. A blessing because it forced me to take control of my camera. A curse because when out and about, I'm constantly changing settings rather than simply picking up my camera and shooting the moment. But, I was taught that "A" stands for "amateur". That was something, I didn't want to be, so I said goodbye forever.
Quick Tip: If you want to learn more about exposure and settings for different lighting situations, shoot on auto, and then bring your image exif data information up, and see where the camera decided to shoot as far as settings go, and then go, adjust, and learn from there.
Tips for newcomers?
Basically what I was taught... BE YOURSELF!
Don't worry about booking everyone that comes your way... Try the word, "No" on for size. If they are looking for a particular type of feel for their session, and this isn't what you offer, direct them to someone that can; there's a photographer out there to meet everyone's style. Otherwise, you'll get to a point, where your love for photography becomes a love for making money, and that's it. Granted we all need to get paid, that isn't what this job is primarily about. This job is artistic, so be sure not to lose your voice.
When you first start out, shoot in high volumes. This way, you'll discover your own voice. Don't get aggravated if it doesn't happen over night, because its simply NOT going to happen over night. Rather, shoot, and shoot with purpose. Research different photographers, see what gives you the warm fuzzies. Be inspired.... By everything! As photographers, we are gifted to see the ordinary as extraordinary, so be sure to tune in.
And last but certainly not least, do.not.compare.
I used to do this all.the.time, and it made me feel horrible, so horrible, that I would often question why I was seeking photography in the first place. If you believe God has blessed you with this talent, do NOT dilute His purpose for you! His purpose may not be for your business to explode and to be seen all over the world, but rather His purpose may be to touch the hearts of those local; to breathe freshness into their homes through your art hanging on their mantel, walls, etc.
Before you begin your journey, think of what success means to you. Think of where you want to take your love for photography. Think of why you pick up your camera. And don't let anyone ever tell you that you aren't good enough! Be real. Be YOU!
Love, Dreams, & Photography,
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