tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87481846380074190802024-03-21T14:00:58.668-05:00what i know about photographyA place for me to share my knowledge, passion and love for photography.Adriel Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00180387955467166369noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748184638007419080.post-45434389424988718672016-04-14T21:23:00.000-05:002016-04-14T21:23:59.721-05:00New Article on Capital Photography Center<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I just had a <a href="http://capitalphotographycenter.com/blog/article/legal-tips-for-starting-your-photography-business" target="_blank">new article</a> published on Capital Photography Center's website on the law and business. Please feel free to check it out. I've written about <a href="http://www.whatiknowaboutphotography.com/2015/05/the-benefits-of-photography-classes.html" target="_blank">Capital Photography Center's classe</a>s before and I have taken quite a few classes with the company, as well. So, if you live in the DC-NOVA-MD area, definitely consider taking a class with them!Adriel Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00180387955467166369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748184638007419080.post-10945292646317436082016-02-08T16:51:00.001-06:002016-02-08T16:51:24.834-06:00Infrared Photography: Life Pixel Experience<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Before Christmas I decided that I would like to begin experimenting with infrared photography. To give you the short explanation, infrared photography enables you to capture the wavelengths of light that are usually not part of the visual spectrum. Modern cameras tend to filter out most infrared light. However, with infrared photography, the photographer uses film or a modified camera sensor sensitive to infrared light to capture the infrared light that would otherwise be filtered out. As a result, the photographer is able to create false color or black and white images with a dreamy, surreal effect. If you would like a more in-depth explanation on infrared light take a look at one of the following articles: <a href="https://photographylife.com/introduction-to-infrared-photography" target="_blank">introduction to infrared photography</a>, <a href="http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/what-is-infrared-photography/" target="_blank">what is infrared photography</a>, or <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrared_photography" target="_blank">Wikipedia infrared photography.</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Infrared Filters, Conversions and Film</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As stated above, modern DSLR cameras filter out most infrared light. Therefore, if you are interested in experimenting with infrared photography you will either need to purchase a filter for your DSLR camera lens (cheapest option) or you will need to have the infrared filter located inside your camera removed, which is referred to as an infrared conversion (more expensive option but better results). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Now, if you are interested in experimenting with infrared photography and you are relatively new to photography, you might want to simply start by purchasing an infrared filter to put on your lens. Why? It is a cheaper investment. While the resulting images will not be as great as those coming from a camera that has been converted, it is an easy way to figure out if you want to make the investment in a full infrared camera conversion.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I want to also note that you can still purchase infrared film. Therefore, if you are using a film camera, you can easily experiment with infrared by simply investing in a couple rolls of film and development costs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Infrared Camera Conversion Experience </span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I have experimented with infrared photography before; during my high school photography class I developed and printed multiple images taken with infrared film. As such, I knew that I would want to have a DSLR converted. Initially, I planned to convert my old D60 but, after a little research, I opted to purchase a new Nikon D3300. It was on sale, so I received a great deal, and it offered more features than my 2008 D60. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">One thing to note, performing an infrared conversion on your camera will automatically void the manufacturer's warranty so I would not recommend going out to buy a nice, new camera for your conversion. I opted to do this for a lot of different reasons that are unique to my circumstances, including I own a high end, full frame DSLR camera that I use for the bulk of my photography work. If your nicest camera is a D5500, for example, and you would like to perform a DSLR conversion but do not have another, older camera, then either consider waiting a bit until you upgrade your camera in the future or buy an older, used camera online for cheap.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">How and Where to Convert Your Camera </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">With that said, once I decided I wanted to convert my camera, I needed to figure out how to go about that conversion. When it comes to an infrared camera conversion, you have two options: (1) perform the infrared conversion yourself or (2) pay a reputable company to perform an infrared conversion for you. I am very technically-minded and I love to tinker with things. All that said, there was NO WAY I was going to do this myself; simply too great a risk I might break something permanently. As such, I began to search for a reputable infrared conversion company. After reading a variety of blogs and forums, as well as a decent number of horror stories, I settled on <a href="http://www.lifepixel.com/" target="_blank">Life Pixe</a>l. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I spent about a week corresponding with one of Life Pixels representatives and I have to say, their customer service is awesome. The representative I spoke with was very knowledgeable and really helped me figure out exactly what I needed. Additionally, after sending in my conversion, I needed to change the delivery address for my package (I had to move on short notice) so I just emailed the representative and he changed it without any issues!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My Conversion Choices </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You can check Life Pixel's <a href="http://www.lifepixel.com/" target="_blank">website </a>to learn a little more about the terminology I am about to throw at you. I purchased Life Pixel's super color infrared (590nm) filter and I had the focus calibrated on a Nikon 18-55 mm lens. I opted for the super color filter because I knew it would allow me to bring the colors I liked into my images. And, since I intend to only use the Nikon 18-55mm lens with my converted camera, having the focus calibrated on the 18-55mm lens that came with the camera just made sense.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Cost and Timeframe </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My conversion cost $290 and I purchased priority processing, which meant the conversion would be completed in 7 business days or less. You pay for shipping the camera to Life Pixel so I used USPS (although the company recommends you use UPS or FedEx). I mailed the camera on December 10th and Life Pixel acknowledged it was received as of December 14th. The order was completed by December 17th and then shipped on December 18th. I received it on December 24th (great Christmas present for me)! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Final Thoughts and Images from Conversion </span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Overall, my infrared conversion experience was very positive and I am very pleased with the results. I am still in the process of developing my post-processing workflow, but I am confident I will find a rhythm soon. Below are a few of the infrared images I have taken and processed with my newly converted infrared cameras. I hope you enjoy!</span><br />
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<br />Adriel Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00180387955467166369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748184638007419080.post-30828274224757176172016-02-02T16:12:00.001-06:002016-02-02T16:12:16.236-06:00Greetings World - I'm Back from My Hiatus<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Greetings readers! I took a brief break for the holidays+January, but now that we are officially in February, I am BACK! So stay tuned for upcoming posts on such interesting topics as infrared photography and my adventures during Snowpocalypse!</span>Adriel Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00180387955467166369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748184638007419080.post-70066354400107884342015-12-17T10:54:00.001-06:002015-12-17T10:54:29.892-06:00Camera Gift Giving Guide: Mirrorless and Compact Cameras<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Time for the second part of my camera gift giving guide -- 'tis the season for electronic toys in the form of mirrorless and compact cameras. I will begin by explaining the difference between the two types of cameras.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Difference Between Compact and Mirrorless Camera </span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What is a Compact Camera? </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Compact cameras (also known as point and shoot cameras) tend to be small and very light. They are equipped with automatic mode and various "scene" modes such as fireworks, landscape, portrait, sport, etc. Unlike a DSLR, you cannot adjust settings such as aperture or shutter speed. It is meant for the person that wants to point and shoot, giving the camera full control over the settings.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What is a Mirrorless Camera? </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mirrorless cameras (also referred to as interchangeable lens systems) fall between a compact camera and a DSLR. Like compact cameras, these cameras tend to be light and are equipped with auto mode and multiple scene modes. However, unlike compact cameras, but similar to DSLRs, these cameras allow the user to change lenses and are equipped with aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual mode. Mirrorless cameras use smaller lenses and have smaller image sensors than DSLR cameras, but the image sensor of a mirrorless camera is much larger than that of a compact camera, which results in nicer images. Basically, a mirrorless camera offers you the versatility of a DSLR in the size of a <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">compact camera.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What Should You Choose?</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Choosing between a compact camera and a mirrorless camera will really depend upon your needs and the trade-offs you are willing to make in terms of size, simplicity and price. If you are purchasing a camera for a person that is new to photography but you think that person will be overwhelmed by all the features and/or size of a DSLR, I recommend you try a mirrorless camera. The investment will be smaller and it will give the owner a chance to really figure out whether he or she wants to continue pursuing photography. For example, I purchased a Nikon 1 for my younger brother. He loves astronomy and is interested in learning more about photography, but I knew he simply would not use all of the features in a DSLR so I purchased a Nikon 1 for him to use. He absolutely loves the camera.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A mirrorless camera might also be good for an individual that already owns a DSLR and wants something smaller and lighter to carry on trips. Personally, I do not own a mirrorless camera but I do own a really nice compact. In light of my investment in a quality camera, great lenses and good gear, I prefer to use that equipment. Plus, as I may have mentioned before, I really do not like having to delve into menu options to change even the most basic settings. So, I will not consider purchasing a mirrorless system until a company releases a mirrorless camera in a film camera body.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You should purchase a compact camera for anyone that you know will not use the more advanced features found in a mirrorless camera. I also think a compact camera is a great alternative for the amateur or serious amateur photographer who needs a small camera for situations where a DSLR is not allowed. For example, I recently took a tour of the White House and guess what you cannot take with you - DSLR cameras. What did I grab instead, my trusty compact. It takes beautiful images, it is easy to use, and it is small.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now, some people might argue that you do not need a compact camera because you have a phone. Well, the response to that is simple, a compact camera is going to take better pictures than a phone. I realize that you might think your phone takes just as nice pictures as your compact camera, but it does not. A phone is trying to handle multiple jobs but a compact camera is only focused on one. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Finally, since mirrorless systems allow for multiple lenses, these cameras tend to be priced higher than compact cameras.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What Should I Buy?</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, now that you have taken the time to decide whether you want a mirrorless or compact camera, you are ready to start buying. Rather than adding yet another "Top mirrorless/compact cameras of 2015" list to the Internet, I have compiled a few of my favorite lists below. However, to help with your search, I am going to include a list of the top <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5 cameras that I would purchase:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Compact Cameras</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Panasonic Lumix DMC LX100 ($697)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Olympus Stylus I ($626)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fujifilm XQ2 ($299)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Nikon Coolpix S9700 ($269)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sony Cybershot RX1R ($2299) or RX100 ($399)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mirrorless Cameras</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Any Leica (seriously; oh these start at $4,000)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Olympus OM D E M1 ($899) or EM 10 ($449)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Samsung NX1 ($1099)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fujifilm X-T1 ($1399) or X-T10 ($799)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sony A7 II ($1698)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Note on prices, you will tend to get the best price at either Amazon or Adorama. I prefer to purchase most of my gear from an actual camera store, like Adorama, because there is a smaller chance of receiving a dud and if you do receive a dud, they will bend over backwards to fix it. Plus, sometimes Adorama offers bundles, which will include free accessories compatible with the camera you purchase.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When trying to identify my next camera purchase, I tend to rely most frequently on the reviews found on Cnet, Tech Radar and PC Mag. I also tend to prefer sites that offer expert reviews in comparison to user reviews. Whatever site you use, just ensure the camera you choose comes with the features that are most important to you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.cnet.com/topics/cameras/best-digital-cameras/compact/" target="_blank">Best Compact Cameras 2015 - Cnet</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.techradar.com/us/news/photography-video-capture/cameras/best-advanced-compact-camera-1258405" target="_blank">Best High End Compact Cameras 2015 - Tech Radar</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2364044,00.asp" target="_blank">Best Mirrorless Cameras 2015 - PC Mag</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.techradar.com/us/news/photography-video-capture/cameras/best-compact-system-camera-2013-the-best-models-reviewed-960832" target="_blank">Best Mirrorless Cameras 2015 - Tech Radar</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.cnet.com/topics/cameras/best-digital-cameras/interchangeable-lens/" target="_blank">Best Interchangeable Lens Systems - Cnet</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/124653-best-compact-system-cameras-2015-the-best-mirrorless-interchangeable-lens-cameras-available-to-buy-today" target="_blank">Best Mirrorless Lens Systems - Pocket Lint</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Conclusion and Where To Buy</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you plan to buy any of the cameras please consider using any of either the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/ref=as_li_ss_tl?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&linkCode=ur2&tag=whatiknowab09-20&linkId=XLS5GE7NECWCVXPI" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Amazon</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=whatiknowab09-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </span>link or <a href="http://adorama.evyy.net/c/176074/51926/1036" target="_blank">Adorama</a> link. I receive a portion of the purchase, which enables me to keep bringing you great content. Plus, it's hard being unemployed during the holiday season :)</span>Adriel Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00180387955467166369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748184638007419080.post-67152634334842842892015-12-04T15:55:00.004-06:002015-12-04T15:57:24.471-06:00Camera Gift Giving Guide: Nikon 3300, 5500, and 7200 DSLR<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36h9yyZGzv98fwcCyS_SETylikcDpobdeW5Turr1m8__VCKX_soVk4730ArPTC4axKTxRCrDUoqzHRsbOpRom8RUaJiHnJBTIMp-v1RzjHhBAihjYpBmweTpX11qfEZQxCo85IKaPoEye/s1600/nikon-515883_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36h9yyZGzv98fwcCyS_SETylikcDpobdeW5Turr1m8__VCKX_soVk4730ArPTC4axKTxRCrDUoqzHRsbOpRom8RUaJiHnJBTIMp-v1RzjHhBAihjYpBmweTpX11qfEZQxCo85IKaPoEye/s320/nikon-515883_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In light of the holiday season, I thought I would write a couple articles on camera gift giving. You might want to begin by reviewing my </span><a href="http://www.whatiknowaboutphotography.com/2015/04/what-think-buying-camera.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">previous post</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> on what you should think about when buying a new camera. The post will help you think about the type of features you need (or want) and will help you understand terms like "megapixels" and "sensor size" that are often throw around.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One thing to note, in this post, I will only touch upon entry-level DSLR cameras. All of these cameras have a cropped sensor meaning if you have old lenses from an old film camera, those lenses will produce a different sized image when used on any cropped sensor camera. Nikon uses the letters "DX" to identify a camera with a cropped sensor. I will write another post on full frame cameras, but be aware, full frame cameras are really geared more towards the semi-professional to professional photographer. In the meantime, check out </span><a href="http://expertphotography.com/5-steps-to-understanding-the-crop-factor/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">this article</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> if you are interested in learning more about the differences between a crop sensor and a full frame sensor.</span><br />
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DSLR - Nikon D3300, D5500, D7200</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now, let us begin this gift-giving guide by thinking about entry-level DSLR cameras. I am a Nikon girl -- always have been. I love the quality of the cameras, the lenses are amazing and I believe they offer a good value for the money. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Nikon offers 3 entry-level and mid-range DSLRs that should definitely be on your DSLR wishlist -- Nikon D3300 (previous version D3200), D5500 (previous version D5300) and D7200 (previous version D7100). I decided to include the previous versions because you can still purchase the previous versions and there are usually very few changes between the newest version and the previous version of the camera. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Links to purchase any of these items are included below.</span><br />
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Differences and Similarities Between D3300, D5500 and D7200</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If I had to explain the differences between these three cameras in the simplest of terms I would say that the D3300 is the baby bear, D5500 is the middle sister bear, and D7200 is the big brother bear. (Mama bear and papa bear are FX cameras, but I will go into that in another post). All three cameras offer the big ticket items important to most users: 24.2 megapixels, DX format, video, live view, and built-in flash. Therefore, when deciding what camera is right for your needs, you really only need to pay attention to the subtle differences between the cameras.</span><br />
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Why Choose the D3300 </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you are brand new to photography and only intend to use the camera in auto mode, then the </span><a href="http://adorama.evyy.net/c/176074/51926/1036" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">D3300</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> will probably suit your needs. This is the camera to choose if you are just looking for a camera that will operate well in nearly every circumstance without the more intricate features you might use if you decide to start shooting in manual mode. Generally, I do not recommend buying the most entry-level camera, however, I also do not believe you should pay for features that you will not use. Therefore, if you simply do not intend to use the more advanced options offered in the D5500 or D7200, then stick with the D3300.</span><br />
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Why Choose the D5500</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now, if you know at the outset that you want to take up photography as a serious hobby and you desire to really invest in photography -- getting to the point where you work in manual mode and own more than just a telephoto zoom lens, then you will want to opt for the </span><a href="http://adorama.evyy.net/c/176074/51926/1036" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">D5500</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> or </span><a href="http://adorama.evyy.net/c/176074/51926/1036" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">D7200</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. Why? The features! Both the D5500 and the D7200 have features that you can really grow into, including, built-in Wi-Fi, more playback options, live view in both movie and still, more shots per battery charge, and white balance bracketing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In my opinion, the D5500 is the best camera at the best price point for those entering the DSLR market who know they want to really develop their photography skills. You have the opportunity to really grow into the features, plus, learning how to use this camera will position you well should you decide to invest in a full frame camera down the line.</span><br />
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Why Choose the D7200 </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The </span><a href="http://adorama.evyy.net/c/176074/51926/1036" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">D7200</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> has even more features than the D5500, however, it also has a pretty decent price bump so only choose this camera if you really believe you will need those features. For example, the D7200 offers more flash sync options, more exposure compensation options, multiple SD card slots, flash bracketing, more AF points, and both lossless compressed and compressed options when shooting in RAW. (I know I am throwing a lot of terms at you right now so definitely take the time to read some of the articles included in my previous post to learn the terminology.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In my opinion, the truly differentiating feature between the D7200 and the D5500 are the multiple SD card slots. So, if you know that you NEED multiple SD slots, then upgrade to the D7200, otherwise, just stick with the D5500. With that said, if you know you need multiple SD slots, you should be purchasing a full frame camera (more on that in the next post).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Deciding between the D5500 and the D7200 will really depend upon your needs. If you do not see yourself investing the time and energy into learning about AND using all of those features, then please, please do not spend money on features you simply will not use.</span><br />
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Purchase Options</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I purchase all of my gear from either </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/b?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=ur2&node=3017941&site-redirect=&tag=whatiknowab09-20&linkId=DEOZJNQFVBZPRDCJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Amazon</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=whatiknowab09-20&l=ur2&o=1" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> or </span><a href="http://adorama.evyy.net/c/176074/51926/1036" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Adorama</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> as both companies offer products at the best prices with fast shipping. Adorama also has great customer service and you earn rewards in the form of a gift card that can be used on future purchases. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you intend to purchase any of the cameras in this post (or any other DSLR), you should purchase the camera body and the kit lens. Usually, the kit lens is 18-55mm; it will suit all of your needs. Only after you have been using your camera for awhile should you begin investing in multiple lenses and the first one will likely be a telephoto zoom. </span><br />
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Camera + Lens</span></h3>
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=whatiknowab09-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00HQ4W1QE&asins=B00HQ4W1QE&linkId=YCNI5H5A4UC42ZLB&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
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Available Bundles or Alternate Lenses (only invest in a bundle or alternate lens if you will actually use the equipment)</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=whatiknowab09-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00T8LQ8VW&asins=B00T8LQ8VW&linkId=6EMAUJXU6HDNQEAQ&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
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</span><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=whatiknowab09-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00RUBJUSK&asins=B00RUBJUSK&linkId=AAL2FJ2D77EKNHNX&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
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Additional Reading</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Below are a few additional articles comparing the D3300, D5500 and D7200. While these articles are the standard "let me include charts and graphs and list all the features" (an approach that I specifically try to avoid in my posts), I believe you should conduct as much research as possible when shopping for the right DSLR for the holiday season. Additionally, some of the articles also compare the Nikon models to other camera models, which might be useful if you are trying to decide between a Nikon and another brand you heard about.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Comparison D3300 vs D5500 and D5500 vs D7200</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.imaging-resource.com/cameras/nikon/d3300/vs/nikon/d5500/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">http://www.imaging-resource.com/cameras/nikon/d3300/vs/nikon/d5500/</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.imaging-resource.com/cameras/nikon/d5500/vs/nikon/d7200/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">http://www.imaging-resource.com/cameras/nikon/d5500/vs/nikon/d7200/</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.dxomark.com/Reviews/Nikon-D5500-sensor-review-Low-noise-and-class-leading-dynamic-range/Comparison-1-Nikon-D5500-vs-Nikon-D3300-vs-Nikon-D7100-Low-noise-and-excellent-DR"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">http://www.dxomark.com/Reviews/Nikon-D5500-sensor-review-Low-noise-and-class-leading-dynamic-range/Comparison-1-Nikon-D5500-vs-Nikon-D3300-vs-Nikon-D7100-Low-noise-and-excellent-DR</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Reviews and Comparisons of D3300, D5500, and D7200</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Nikon/D3300"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">http://www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Nikon/D3300</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.techradar.com/us/reviews/cameras-and-camcorders/cameras/digital-slrs-hybrids/nikon-d3300-1212963/review"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">http://www.techradar.com/us/reviews/cameras-and-camcorders/cameras/digital-slrs-hybrids/nikon-d3300-1212963/review</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Nikon/D5500"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">http://www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Nikon/D5500</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.techradar.com/us/reviews/cameras-and-camcorders/cameras/nikon-d5500-1279559/review"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">http://www.techradar.com/us/reviews/cameras-and-camcorders/cameras/nikon-d5500-1279559/review</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Nikon/D7200"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">http://www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Nikon/D7200</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.techradar.com/us/reviews/cameras-and-camcorders/cameras/digital-slrs-hybrids/nikon-d7200-1290203/review"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">http://www.techradar.com/us/reviews/cameras-and-camcorders/cameras/digital-slrs-hybrids/nikon-d7200-1290203/review</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Stay Tuned</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My next post in this series will focus on point and shoot and mirrorless cameras.</span>Adriel Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00180387955467166369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748184638007419080.post-85260557558923293252015-12-03T16:28:00.001-06:002015-12-03T16:28:19.441-06:00Creative Mornings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgET5ObYuhUtBfl8CYqDu-jiWzhKVTzgufamW2rHVhaPb4BU_DuYP-YoRtJY-8pL9NM6KnJQW0og0r7p06R2mZNw2nTGBe3bjLS0cPW_nrVeTzcG9IGROHCC70WyxwRNjtZNbZS96ElgP/s1600/20151120_141616000_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgET5ObYuhUtBfl8CYqDu-jiWzhKVTzgufamW2rHVhaPb4BU_DuYP-YoRtJY-8pL9NM6KnJQW0og0r7p06R2mZNw2nTGBe3bjLS0cPW_nrVeTzcG9IGROHCC70WyxwRNjtZNbZS96ElgP/s320/20151120_141616000_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a>Last month a friend of mine asked me if I wanted to attend one of the monthly talks held by <a href="https://creativemornings.com/" target="_blank">Creative Mornings</a>. Intrigued, I agreed to attend the event and decided to do a little research on this organization. I learned that Creative Mornings is a breakfast lecture series for the creative community. One Friday morning a month, attendees come together for coffee, breakfast and a chance to listen to a short talk. Each meeting is free of charge and open to anyone. While the program initially started in New York, cities all over the world now host Creative Mornings gatherings.</div>
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Seeing as how this was my first event I did not know what to expect, but the experience was incredibly exciting and invigorating. The speaker for November in Washington D.C. was <a href="http://www.kellytowles.com/" target="_blank">Kelly Towles</a> an emerging street artist in DC. Aside from the energy I gained from simply being around creative people, I really enjoyed his talk because it served as a reminder that I need to believe in myself more. <a name='more'></a>Kelly has only exhibited a few times at galleries and has been gaining exposure by obtaining grants with the DC Arts Commission. Kelly does not have 20 years of experience and is not a world-renowned artist and yet there he stood in front of a packed room of a hundred people talking about his work, his passion. It made me think that if he can do it, why can't I? <br />
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Often times, we take the view that we are "not ready" to take the next step with our work and that we need a little more training. However, you can spend your whole life training and preparing for the next step only for you to wake up one morning and realize that you have never done anything. Sometimes, you have to take a risk, be bold and simply make a move. I walked out of that message with a challenge to myself -- a challenge that I would like to extend to you. Be bold -- go out and apply for fellowships, grants and enter competitions. Do not wait to learn everything before making a move to do something. Walk in faith -- faith in your abilities and faith in yourself.<br />
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I encourage you to attend a local Creative Mornings event (assuming you have one in your city or a nearby city) and tap into the creative community. So much inspiration just comes from being around other creatives and it will serve as a constant reminder to never forget your art. </div>
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Adriel Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00180387955467166369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748184638007419080.post-5717599614112373712015-12-02T22:59:00.001-06:002015-12-03T15:59:43.781-06:00Someone Stole My Work - What Should I Do?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8EnLeWwFyOV_0Al5LhE7uTOhceviHsHfEGjxI7MP31hJBhGwcDZr6frlXBkSNwFqwUyHePNxN-5EyN4C45G8c6N3NV2Weq0a0Om337IgiyCMD_ajHUJtoU9_0xjHJSgfR8fei571pXVs7/s1600/hammer-719061_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8EnLeWwFyOV_0Al5LhE7uTOhceviHsHfEGjxI7MP31hJBhGwcDZr6frlXBkSNwFqwUyHePNxN-5EyN4C45G8c6N3NV2Weq0a0Om337IgiyCMD_ajHUJtoU9_0xjHJSgfR8fei571pXVs7/s320/hammer-719061_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you put your work on the internet, eventually, one of your images will get stolen. When that happens you will likely feel a flurry of emotions -- shock, anger, frustration, and maybe even a little excitement (it is nice to be wanted). But, eventually, you will likely settle on anger and want justice.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">Let me be clear, if you download an image off the internet without the author's permission, you are stealing. If you happen to "borrow" a site design or vector from another website, you are stealing. Unless the artistic creator explicitly states that you have a right to use their intellectual property for FREE, you do NOT have the right to download, use, or borrow anyone else's work (even for personal use). Besides, it is bad karma so just avoid it.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "arial";">Now, what do you do if your work is stolen? Well, first thing first, if an individual or business has stolen your work, send a certified cease and desist letter to the company's president or, if you are dealing with an individual, it might be easier to send an email instead. In the letter you need to describe the specific work that is being used illegally and state where you saw that work. You should then indicate that you did not and do not to the offending party's use of your artistic work. And, finally, you should request that the offending party immediately cease using your work and permanently delete it from their website, hard drive or server. You should also include a sentence stating that the individual and/or company is forbidden from using your work in the future. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">If the company and/or individual is NOT directly profiting from your work, then you can likely send the cease and desist letter/email yourself and avoid paying an attorney to draft the letter. However, i<span style="font-family: "arial";">f you discover that a company and/or individual is making a direct profit from your work (e.g. someone put your photo on their t-shirt and is now selling t-shirts for $20), you should immediately contact an attorney. Why? Frankly, attorney letterhead goes a long way on a cease and desist letter plus if someone else is profiting from your work, you are entitled to a portion of those profits. While I realize legal fees can be expensive, most cities have organizations that provide legal services to artists on a pro bono or substantially reduced fee basis so you can start by reaching out to that organization.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">If you opted to send the letter yourself, it is likely that the letter alone will be sufficient to stop the theft. Ensure you keep a copy of the letter and occasionally monitor the offender to ensure there is not a repeat of their bad behavior. There are occasions, however, where your letter might be met with resistance. If it is, you should decide how far down the rabbit hole you want to travel. You could start by engaging an attorney to send another cease and desist letter to the offending party. As stated above, attorney letterhead goes a long way and will likely stop any offending behavior in its tracks. If you choose this route, again, try to find a local organization that provides free or reduced legal services to artists.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">In the event the cease and desist letter from your attorney is not enough to stop the bad behavior, you should evaluate whether you want to initiate legal action. As I have stated in previous <a href="https://fstoppers.com/business/5-legal-tips-consider-starting-your-photography-business-84483" target="_blank">posts</a>, litigation is expensive so it should always be the last option. With that said, sometimes litigation is the best option, but other times, the best option will require you to just swallow your pride a little. Unfortunately, you cannot fight every instance of intellectual property theft so you might have to pick your battles. If a guy writing a blog that gets 10 hits a day steals a copy of your photo for a post, you may not want to call in the cavalry on that one.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">One last thing to note, I am writing this post with the assumption that you had the right to take the photos. If you have taken pictures without proper authority or your images violate another person's (or company's) intellectual property rights, while you still have a right to protect your work, you should be careful about whether you might attract undesired attention to yourself that could land you in hot water with someone else.</span>Adriel Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00180387955467166369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748184638007419080.post-88662401683283707562015-11-17T08:00:00.000-06:002015-11-17T08:00:06.274-06:00Understanding Your Camera's Metering, Exposure Compensation and White Balance Settings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZruPJDJGwRw8hBbGRbYmc_mq0GtWoO7HBIR5nc2ufWyGYC4dAFfFGfJ_2UaX62HbeabPx9Fdch14BEdiWemaZ4c1ewaOe5r1zreoBGE1WhEZIzDzFXRJ1yimKToCfazHi6pC01m8GfUy/s1600/filter-88424_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZruPJDJGwRw8hBbGRbYmc_mq0GtWoO7HBIR5nc2ufWyGYC4dAFfFGfJ_2UaX62HbeabPx9Fdch14BEdiWemaZ4c1ewaOe5r1zreoBGE1WhEZIzDzFXRJ1yimKToCfazHi6pC01m8GfUy/s320/filter-88424_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recently, I wrote a post on </span><a href="http://www.whatiknowaboutphotography.com/2015/10/understanding-light.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">understanding light</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, which touched upon different types of light and the color of light. While I briefly referenced white balance and metering in my previous post, I thought it would be best to explore these settings in greater depth because you must understand metering, exposure compensation and white balance in order to properly account for light. Therefore, below you will find an explanation of the metering, exposure compensation and white balance settings on your camera and how to use each setting.</span><br />
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<h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Metering</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Metering is how your camera determines what the correct shutter speed and/or aperture should be depending upon the amount of light that enters the camera. Every camera usually has three different metering options, generally referred to as "center-weighted," "spot/partial," or "matrix (Nikon)/evaluative (Canon)." Each option works by assigning a relative weighting to the light in your scene.</span><br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Metering Modes: Center-Weighted, Matrix and Spot</em> </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With center-weighted metering, the camera assigns greater weight to the amount of light in the center of the image. As such, the camera calculates exposure primarily based upon the amount of light that is or is not present in the center of the frame.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Matrix or evaluative metering is the default setting on most DSLR cameras. It works by dividing the frame into numerous subsections (or zones) and then analyzes a variety of factors, including the location, intensity and/or color of the light in each subsection, in order to determine proper exposure. The metering system will usually assign greater weight to the area around the focus point.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spot or partial metering offers the photographer the greatest control over exposure. Spot metering works by evaluating only the light around your focus point to determine exposure. By focusing on only the area around your focus point, you can ensure your intended subject is properly exposed even if the rest of your image is under- or over-exposed. Some Canon models offer partial metering, which is similar to spot metering except that the covered area is larger.</span><br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Knowing the Correct Metering Zone to Use</em></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For most situations, matrix or evaluative metering will suit your needs. I tend to use matrix or evaluative meeting when shooting landscapes or headshots. Center-weighted is a good choice when you want to prioritize the middle of the frame. For example, it might be useful in a close-up portrait. Since spot metering offers the greatest control over exposure, you want to use this setting in situations where your intended subject occupies a smaller area of the frame and it is essential that your subject is properly exposed. For example, when taking photos of the moon, you will want to use spot metering to ensure the moon is properly exposed. Additionally, you should use spot metering when creating silhouettes.</span><br />
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<h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Exposure Compensation</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Exposure compensation enables you to adjust the exposure measured by the camera. The camera will evaluate the appropriate exposure based upon the metering mode you select, but the final exposure target will be altered based upon the exposure compensation value you have selected. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can adjust the exposure by either instructing the camera to allow more light in or less light in.</span><br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>How and When to Compensate for Exposure</em></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The exposure compensation button on your camera is marked with a "+/-" icon. The plus (+) setting makes your image brighter, while the minus (-) makes the image darker. Adjustments are made in the form of stops. Stops represent an increase or decrease in the amount of light that the camera will allow as compared to what the metering mode would have otherwise done. Most </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">cameras allow for up to 2 stops of exposure compensation at 1/3 stop intervals. Therefore, an exposure compensation value of +2 or -2 represents either a doubling or halving of light compared to what the metering mode would have done otherwise. A setting of zero is the default and it means no exposure compensation is being applied.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Exposure compensation is essential in situations where you are shooting in either low-light or high-contrast scenes. However, the amount of exposure compensation needed will vary depending on your subject and the metering mode that you are using. When making use of exposure compensation, you will just have to experiment to find the right value.</span><br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Exposure Bracketing</em></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Generally, when taking an important photo I use exposure bracketing. Exposure bracketing involves taking one image using the camera's measured exposure, a second image using positive exposure compensation and a third image using negative exposure compensation. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many digital cameras now contain a setting called "Automatic Exposure Bracketing." Using this setting, the camera will automatically take a properly exposed, an underexposed and an overexposed image each time you press the shutter release button. Some cameras allow you to specify your exposure compensation value, as well as, the number of over- or under-exposed images that you desire. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For example, my camera allows me to set the automatic bracketing feature to take up to 5 images at 1/3 stop intervals. Therefore, using this setting, I would have two underexposed images, two overexposed images and one properly exposed image and the exposure compensation values for the two under- or over-exposed images would differ by 1/3 stop.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I realize this may sound a bit confusing so I encourage you to start experimenting with this setting on your camera in order to better understand this feature.</span><br />
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<h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">White Balance</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">White balance determines how accurately the colors in your photo appear and involves removing unrealistic color casts so that objects that appear white in person also appear white in your photo. In order to best understand white balance, you need to understand color temperature. </span><br />
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<h3>
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Understanding Color Temperature</span></em></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As explained in my previous post on </span><a href="http://www.whatiknowaboutphotography.com/2015/10/understanding-light.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">understanding light</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,c<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">olor temperature is the temperature at which a blackbody would emit radiation of the same color as a given object. A blackbody is an object that absorbs all incident light--neither reflecting it nor allowing it to pass through. </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Color temperature relates to the color of light produced from a particular light source. Color temperature is measured in degrees Kelvin (or K). Warm colors are those at lower temperatures and cool colors are those at higher temperatures.</span> </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMNileHEhA7hgfHIESVp6ysz6EyOnJjmvl2_VvRXZ31n-dfd8Xw-V7qGtcqdMqgUUeJDXf1CyhhCZdMI4eY_q0k6vEN2CAgRVUn5wCcyNq5QTgDmd5fSYWxPmOTb9ArelGF36-n16V0su/s1600/kelvintemp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="color temperature scale" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMNileHEhA7hgfHIESVp6ysz6EyOnJjmvl2_VvRXZ31n-dfd8Xw-V7qGtcqdMqgUUeJDXf1CyhhCZdMI4eY_q0k6vEN2CAgRVUn5wCcyNq5QTgDmd5fSYWxPmOTb9ArelGF36-n16V0su/s1600/kelvintemp.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Color Temperature Chart</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>White Balance Settings</em></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Camera white balance takes into account the color temperature of a light source. While the camera's auto white balance will suffice for many situations, there will eventually come a point where you need to adjust your camera's white balance settings so it is important to know and understand the different white balance settings on your camera.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Auto</strong>: As cameras become more sophisticated, the auto white balance tends to perform better in most situations. However, you might be able to get better results using a different mode.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Daylight</strong>: This mode is pretty self-explanatory; it is used for shooting outdoors under normal daylight settings.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Shade</strong>: Shaded locations generally produce cooler or bluer pictures. Therefore, you will need to warm up your subject by adjusting with this preset. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Cloudy</strong>: Again, this mode is pretty self-explanatory. You will want to use this setting when shooting outside on a cloudy day because it will warm up your subject.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Tungsten</strong>: This setting compensates for the warm light that comes from the incandescent bulbs in your home. It is usually used when shooting indoors to cool down the warmer color temperature in your photos.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Fluorescent</strong>: This setting compensates for the very cool, bluish light produced by the fluorescent lighting you tend to find in offices and hospitals. Again, it is usually used when shooting indoors and it will warm up the color temperature in your photo.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Flash</strong>: Another self-explanatory setting; this mode compensates for the colorcast caused by the camera's flash. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Custom</strong>: This setting can be used to set white balance manually using a gray card.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Temperature: </strong>This is another setting that allows you to adjust white balance manually. This is a setting utilized most often by professional or serious photographers, however, feel free to experiment to your hearts content.</span>Adriel Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00180387955467166369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748184638007419080.post-7139180491519321662015-11-13T15:07:00.000-06:002015-11-13T15:19:57.999-06:00Photography Books: How to Photograph Everything<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFsCed4cNxy3YSrU8Y6qAFTM42EMRQHDjfwQqf_1x4LjLxvrCKxMszVNcAhT4gyc5L2co72MnlszxZ_r7P9CxcvXZ-0Qafk4hMryYy0Zdb7aszuBlsl4f6nHU6a8SoLFuBKj1ywcrZ9sti/s1600/books-927394_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFsCed4cNxy3YSrU8Y6qAFTM42EMRQHDjfwQqf_1x4LjLxvrCKxMszVNcAhT4gyc5L2co72MnlszxZ_r7P9CxcvXZ-0Qafk4hMryYy0Zdb7aszuBlsl4f6nHU6a8SoLFuBKj1ywcrZ9sti/s320/books-927394_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of my favorite photography books is How to Photograph Everything: Simple Techniques for Shooting Spectacular Images from the editors of Popular Photography. I enjoy this book because it combines beautiful photographs with simple tips on how to photograph over 40 different subjects. Specifically, the book offers suggestions on how to photograph fireworks, the night sky, food, abandoned spaces, concerts, and museums and aquariums. It also contains a brief introductory section on the basics of composition, color, exposure and lighting. If you are new to photography (or just do not use your camera frequently), you might consider investing in this book as it is certain to help you improve and expand your photography skills.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">Another book that I also enjoy is Photo Op: 52 Inspirational Projects for the Adventurous Image-Maker by Kevin Meredith. As you develop your photography skills, you will want to begin experimenting with new photography techniques such as tilt-shift, time-lapse, HDR and star trails. Well, this is a great book to help you in that journey. Plus, if you happen to enjoy using toy cameras and film, like I do, the book also touches upon such topics as pinhole cameras, colored flash and cross-processing. This book is definitely a good pick for anyone that enjoys playing around with both digital and analog cameras.</span></div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">I have only touched upon two of the many photography books currently sitting on my bookshelf but there are so many books that will prove to be helpful to anyone that is new to photography or simply trying to expand his or her photographic skill set. If you are interested in learning about other photography books that might be useful in your journey, feel free to check out this <a href="http://photodoto.com/photography-books-for-beginners/" target="_blank">link</a> or this one <a href="http://digital-photography-school.com/12-great-digital-photography-books-for-your-christmas-stocking/" target="_blank">here</a>!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Happy Photographing and Reading!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
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</iframe>Adriel Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00180387955467166369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748184638007419080.post-89936980080713347252015-11-12T16:02:00.004-06:002015-11-12T16:02:58.626-06:00Know Your Rights: What Can You Photograph<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiFnJ7Rr_c9cLlLpdBWYLalhfWnGZjsyTc2ggX8ux1Ce157ruBtPvG_t6SH4gxzQmyQubjaaHA8IkC6fHgBbIdP48bsyBAHERuwRivDHVbhWeYNzYnB49TiYvfVHBqGUXExDZVa4yp-2An/s1600/cameras-690557_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiFnJ7Rr_c9cLlLpdBWYLalhfWnGZjsyTc2ggX8ux1Ce157ruBtPvG_t6SH4gxzQmyQubjaaHA8IkC6fHgBbIdP48bsyBAHERuwRivDHVbhWeYNzYnB49TiYvfVHBqGUXExDZVa4yp-2An/s320/cameras-690557_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Greetings
world. Sorry for the posting hiatus, I've had the craziest couple of weeks --
moving + unpacking + trying to sell all of the extra stuff that would not fit
into my new place has occupied most of my time. However, now that things are
organized in a way that suits my OCD, I am ready to get back to writing! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In light of some of the articles in the news this week, I thought it would be good to write a post on what you can (and cannot) photograph. Knowing what you are and are not allowed to photograph is extremely important for every photographer, however, you should always remember that just because you are allowed to take a photo does not necessarily mean that you should.</span><br />
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<h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">General Rule</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Generally, in the United States, anyone may take photographs of whatever they want in a public place or place where they have permission to take photographs. Absent a statute or ordinance specifically preventing you from taking pictures, you are legally entitled to take photographs in a public space. Public places include public parks, streets, sidewalks, and malls (although private property, malls are held out as public). You may also take photos of private property that is visible from public property. For example, you may take a photo of the outside of a building from a sidewalk. However, private property owners have the right to prevent you from taking images if you are on their property. Thus, if a private property owner asks you to stop taking pictures then you must cease immediately.</span><br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span> </h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Exceptions to the Rule</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now, there are exceptions to the rule that you can take photographs of public places. Sensitive government buildings, such as military bases and nuclear facilities, can prohibit photographs of specific areas when deemed necessary to protect national security. Plus, there are many venues that might seem like public spaces, such as art museums, that have policies prohibiting your ability to take images. So, always take the time to do a little research before you go around taking images. </span><br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span> </h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Photography Subjects</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You are free to photograph people in public places without their consent, unless they have secluded themselves in places where they have reasonable expectations of privacy (e.g. dressing rooms, restrooms, medical facilities, and inside their homes). However, just because you are allowed to take a person's photograph does not mean that you should. If a person asks that you not take their photograph, you should respect that person's request.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Additionally, the following subjects can almost always be photographed from public spaces:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">accident and fire scenes </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">criminal activity and law enforcement officers</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">children and celebrities</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">bridges and other infrastructure, and transportation facilities (e.g. airports)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">residential and commercial buildings</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">industrial facilities and public utilities</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One word of caution when it comes to photographing other people's children -- parents are very protective of their young so be careful lest you find yourself suddenly confronted by a group of angry parents or worse, a cop.</span><br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span> </h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Obstructions to Your Photographic Genius</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Usually, security guards or employees will try to prevent you from taking photographs because of "security" risks. However, that is rarely a valid reason. Taking a photo of a publicly visible subject is not a terrorist act and it is unlikely a business can legitimately claim that you are infringing upon its trade secrets. As has been widely reported on the news, many law enforcement officers have started to object to those photographing their actions; often utilizing the threat of arrest as a means to deter individuals from taking photos or videos. Police officers do NOT have the legal right to prohibit you from taking photographs. While they do have the right to keep you away from an area where you might impede their activities or endanger their safety, they cannot prohibit you from taking photographs from other locations. However, police officers tend to feel comfortable infringing upon your rights and they usually do not like when you start quoting the law to them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If another person, security guard, employee or police officer begins to question why you are taking photos, you are under no obligation to explain the purpose of your photography and you do not have to disclose your identity (except in states where you are required to do so upon request by a law enforcement officer). Private parties have very limited rights to detain you against your will. Additionally, no one has the right to confiscate your camera and/or film absent a court order. Taking your camera or film or threatening to do so can constitute a criminal offense. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now, one thing to note here just because it is illegal for an officer, security guard or person cannot take your camera or film does not necessarily mean they will not attempt to confiscate your property. Your rights can still be violated and/or infringed upon and while there are legal remedies available to you, there are many situations where such remedies may not be available to you.</span><br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span> </h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Arbitrary Limits on Photographer's Rights in Certain Venues</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Occasionally, a public place might place arbitrary limits on a photographer's right to take photos. For example, many national parks or monuments require photographers to obtain a permit if they plan to use images taken at the park for commercial purposes. This is common in the industry so nothing weird there. Now, let's say you want to do a photo shoot at a national park, not for commercial purposes, and you bring a light stand, reflector and a model for that photo shoot. Since you do not intend to use any of the images taken for commercial purposes, you should not need a permit and, thus, you should be free to photograph anything in that public place, right? Well, maybe not if a park ranger spots you. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are countless videos on YouTube of photographers being prevented from taking pictures in public spaces because the park ranger assumes the photographer is taking an image for commercial purposes due to the photographer's use of more than just a tripod. In these videos the park ranger often acknowledges that the photographer would have a right to take images if the photographer was using less gear, but because the photographer wants to use a model or a light stand for the images, the photographer is prohibited from taking any images without a permit. Usually, if the photographer agrees to use only a tripod and a handheld reflector, the park ranger will allow the photographer to continue undisturbed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While this might make sense if the photographer is preventing others from using and enjoying the space, it really just appears to be an arbitrary policy that venues use to force photographers to pay for expensive location permits.</span><br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span> </h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What Should You Do if You Are Confronted?</span></h2>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Try to avoid escalating the situation. Use your best judgment. While you are not required to explain why you are taking pictures and the person may not have a right to even question you, many situations can be diffused by just being open and honest. Be respectful and polite when interacting with anyone. And, if someone requests that you not take their picture or delete a photo you took of them, just show the person your camera screen as you delete the image. Sometimes, it really just is not worth the hassle.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you are threatened, intimidated or detained, the other party may be subject to criminal or civil liability. In this case, you should report this person to the police. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you do not want to involve the police (or it was the police who infringed upon your rights), consider going over that person's heads to their supervisor.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You might also contact your local TV or radio station to see if they would be interested in doing a story on your situation. You can also put the story on the web or reach out to a local newspaper.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: PalatinoLinotype-Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes only. While I am an attorney, I am not your attorney. Nothing in this article should be or is intended to be taken as legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. Contacting me in any capacity, including via the comments section, does not create an attorney-client relationship. The receipt or viewing of this information is not intended to create any attorney-client relationship.</em></span> </span></span></span></span>Adriel Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00180387955467166369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748184638007419080.post-24581186246027987332015-10-23T17:12:00.004-05:002015-11-13T16:11:41.049-06:00Understanding Light<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When it comes to photography, you need to understand light. Light is the difference between a good picture and a great picture. As a photographer, you should always be aware of the type and quality of light and you should use it to your advantage. Learning how to use light and produce your best photography in any light is not the easiest thing, but with a little time and practice you can learn how to use light best. </span><br />
<h2>
<br /><em>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Natural Light vs Artificial Light</span></em></h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are basically two types of light -- natural and artificial. Natural light is any light that occurs naturally such as sunlight or candlelight. Artificial light is any light created by humans. Artificial light has a different color than natural light.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Hard Light and Soft Light</em></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You may have heard the terms "hard light" and "soft light" before. Hard light is caused by a small directional light focused on the subject. Soft light, however, comes from a large or filtered light source. Hard light creates harsh shadows and accentuates textures whereas soft light creates soft shadows and creates a range of tones bringing more detail to shadows. On a cloudy day, the harsh light of the sun is diffused by the clouds creating soft light. Reflected light is usually considered soft light as long as it is reflected from a large source.</span><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Depending upon the time of day, the position of the sun creates either harsh light or soft light. During sunrise and sunset, the sun creates soft light across the sky due to its position in the sky. When the sun is low in the sky or right above the horizon it generates soft light, which can be perfect for catching those golden images. In the afternoon, however, the sun is at the highest point, which results in harsh light. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While some people say that you should avoid harsh light, I believe the
type of light you use should depend on your subject. If you are seeking
to highlight the textures in a flower, for example, then you might want
to use hard light. However, if you are taking a portrait, you will
usually want to opt for soft light to create a more even image. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Color Temperature and Direction</em></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Color temperature is the temperature at which a black body would emit radiation of the same color as a given object. Color temperature relates to the color of light produced from a particular light source. Color temperature is measured in degrees Kelvin (or K). Warm colors are those at the lower color temperatures and cool colors are those at the higher temperatures. Color temperatures change from orange-yellow, at the bottom of the scale, to blue-white, at the top. For example, candlelight (1200K) casts warm colors on subjects while light from the sky (10000K) casts cooler colors. Your camera's white balance is meant to read the light in the frame and adjust the camera to ensure that the colors in your image are reproduced correctly. While the "auto" white balance setting on most cameras will usually render accurate results, occasionally the colors in your image will look slightly off and you will need to adjust the white balance manually. If you want to understand your various white balance settings further, my advice is for you to experiment shooting the same object using different white balance settings for each shot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is also important to be mindful of the direction of your light and the relation of your subject to your light source. Generally, it is best to position your subject so that light hits the subject from the side, which creates maximum texture and dimension in your image. Particularly when shooting people outside on a sunny day, you should always try to position your subject(s) with the sun to the side to ensure even lighting on the face, unless you are trying to create a silhouette of course.</span><br />
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<h2>
<em>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Conclusion</span></em></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I hope you have enjoyed this short tutorial about light. In order to better understand light, you need to <a href="http://www.whatiknowaboutphotography.com/2015/08/new-camera-now-what.html" target="_blank">really understand your camera</a> and <a href="http://www.whatiknowaboutphotography.com/2015/08/better-photograher-defining-style.html" target="_blank">gain experience taking pictures</a> in a variety of settings. While there is a variety of lighting equipment available on the market, I recommend you experiment with the light you already have available to you before investing in new equipment. Once you really understand light then you will be ready to make the investment in lighting equipment. Happy Photographing! </span>Adriel Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00180387955467166369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748184638007419080.post-37985539106608116612015-10-18T22:11:00.000-05:002015-11-13T13:35:13.477-06:00Business of Photography: What Should Be In Your Photography Contract<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Tu7-IPXgEgz9udxbDWDbYR_BxUF3ZydUWXOt6L86GFBu3DxkJ7nDMHTJUf4RHXbUVuLyrGpS0rafO37WgMdI1uuoRwnx96e9G30SZ2agZ44_cGT6wEVsjPF1rzUK0u59-J6ooGUlKGCA/s1600/work-677582_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Tu7-IPXgEgz9udxbDWDbYR_BxUF3ZydUWXOt6L86GFBu3DxkJ7nDMHTJUf4RHXbUVuLyrGpS0rafO37WgMdI1uuoRwnx96e9G30SZ2agZ44_cGT6wEVsjPF1rzUK0u59-J6ooGUlKGCA/s320/work-677582_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I have mentioned in <a href="http://www.whatiknowaboutphotography.com/2015/09/business-photography-insurance.html" target="_blank">previous posts</a>, if you intend to start a photography business, you should always enter into a contract with your client. Contracts protect both you and your client by ensuring both parties understand their rights and obligations. However, unless you were an attorney or regularly reviewed contracts prior to starting your photography business, you probably do not know the type of information that should be in your contract. Generally, every contract contains the same basic information and your standard contract should incorporate this basic information, as well as, a few additional provisions that ensure adequate protection of your intellectual property.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Your photography contract should contain the following pieces of information:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Name and Address of the Parties </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Effective Date and Term</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Description of Services</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fees</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Provision Protecting Work Product</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Confidentiality Provision</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Indemnification Section</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Default and Remedies Section</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Section Containing the Appropriate Miscellaneous Provisions (e.g. amendment, assignment, governing law, notice, severability, counterparts, and entire contract)</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Your contract might also include various optional provisions such as a force majeure and/or arbitration clause. </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Name and Address of the Parties </b></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is pretty self-explanatory. Your contract should begin with a paragraph naming both of the parties and stating each party's address.</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Effective Date and Term</b></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Again, this is relatively self-explanatory. Your contract should contain a provision outlining the length of the contract. It should begin by stating the effective date of the contract and the day the contract will terminate. Generally, the day I send the contract to the client is the effective date and my contracts terminate upon completion of the photography services. I indicate when I consider the photography services complete in the description of services section of the contract.</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Description of Services</b> </span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is the section where you will describe the services you will perform and outline how you intend to perform those services for your client. I begin my contract by stating whether the client has engaged me exclusively and then continue by explaining exactly what I have been hired to photograph, the date of the event and the length of time I am expected to be present at the event. I also state when I consider our photography services completed. Under my contract, photography services are deemed completed (and the agreement terminates) upon the later of the delivery of the images or, in the event of cancellation or default, upon receipt of full and final payment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Additionally, in this section I also include a paragraph on how the services will be performed. Specifically, I agree to complete the services in accordance with the client's request, deliver images within a certain time-frame and explain that the images will be delivered via an online gallery. I also indicate that the client is responsible for cooperating with me in performing the services and that I will not be responsible for any images that are not taken due to the client's failure to cooperate or provide reasonable assistance. </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Fees</b> </span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is another section that should be pretty straightforward. In this section, I outline my fees and detail the payment methods that I accept. For some services I require a retainer and, as such, I might include a paragraph outlining the amount of the retainer and when the retainer is due. I also clearly state that no images will be delivered to the client until I have been paid in full.</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy</b> </span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is important to include a provision outlining your cancellation and rescheduling policy, as well. Things can happen so you should require clients to provide notice if they intend to cancel a session. And, if the client does not provide that notice, it is not unusual to require the client pay the remaining balance due under the contract if the client fails to provide adequate notice. You should also include a sentence or two on your right to cancel and how you will make that right with your client.</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Provision Protecting Work Product</b> </span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is one of the most important provisions in your contract as it guarantees that you continue to own all of the images you take during the event. The language in this provision may overlap some of the language found in your print release. That is alright because you are protecting your creative genius. This provision should state that you continue to retain the copyright to any images that you take for the client and that the client cannot use the images in a manner that you disapprove of.<b> </b></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Confidentiality Provision</b> </span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is another section that is pretty straightforward. Basically, you should include language that the client cannot use for his or her personal benefit, divulge, disclose or communicate any information that is proprietary to you, as the photographer. Usually, these provisions remain in effect even after termination of the contract and a sentence to that effect is included in the agreement.</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Indemnification Section</b> </span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While some people may not include this section, I prefer to always incorporate an indemnification provision in any contract. In this section, I require that the client indemnify me for any claims, losses or expenses that might be asserted against me, as the photographer, as a result of any acts or omissions by the client. I also mandate that the client cannot hold me responsible for any accident or injury that might occur on the date of the photography event. </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Default and Remedies Section</b> </span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Under the default section you should list any occurrences that constitute a material default of your photography contract. For example, in my contract, failure to make a required payment when due or the insolvency or bankruptcy of the client constitutes a material default. If a client commits a material default, then I have the right to, among other things, terminate the contract and request payment of any remaining balance. </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Appropriate Miscellaneous Provisions</b> <b>(e.g. amendment,
assignment, governing law, notice, severability, counterparts, and entire
contract)</b></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Every contract should contain certain miscellaneous provisions. These provisions should always be included in your contract so do not omit them. You should include language on when and how the contract may be amended by the parties and whether the client can assign the contract to another party. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Additionally, you should state the law that governs the contract. My contract is governed by the laws of Missouri because my business is organized in Missouri. You should also include language on how the parties should contact each other (or give notice) in the event of a problem or concern. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In addition, you should also include language on severability, counterparts and entire contract. Severability ensures that if a portion of your contract is held invalid by a court, the rest of the contract continues to be valid. So, for example, if you and your client have a dispute and the court decides your remedies section is invalid, as long as severability language is in your contract, then the rest of your contract will remain in effect. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The counterpart language ensures that your contract is considered in effect even if you and your client do not sign on the same piece of paper or exchange signatures via PDF or fax. In other words, if you send a signed version of the contract to the client and your client emails a signed copy back to you, then the client cannot later claim that the contract was invalid because both parties did not provide an original signature. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Last, but not least, the entire contract language ensures that only the terms outlined in your contract (and maybe even your print release) are the only terms governing the arrangement between the parties. Therefore, in the event the client makes a request prior to signing the contract and that request is not included in the contract, your client cannot later claim you failed to fulfill your obligations by not performing that request. Since the contract outlines each party's rights and obligations, both you and your client will only be required to fulfill the obligations outlined in the contract. My contract states that the terms and conditions in both the contract AND the print release constitute the entire agreement with the parties.</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Optional Clauses: Force Majeure and Arbitration</b></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now, there are many clauses that you can choose to include in your photography contract in addition to the provisions I have listed above. However, for my contract, I have also chosen to include a provision on force majeure and arbitration. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A force majeure provision basically states that neither party will be responsible for failing to perform his or her obligations if that party is prevented from performing because of an act of God or other natural or national disaster. Your contract should then list out the circumstances that would qualify as an event of "force majeure." In most contracts, a force majeure event includes, among other things, an act of God, fire, explosion, vandalism, riots, national emergencies, wars, strikes, lock outs and natural disasters. A force majeure event does not include any act or omission that is within the reasonable control of a party or that could have been prevented by exercising reasonable diligence.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The arbitration provision in my contract basically states that any and all disputes arising out of the contract must be resolved via binding arbitration. It specifies where the arbitration must take place and how the arbitrator will be selected.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Conclusion</b></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b> </b>At the end of each contract, right before the signature lines, I include a sentence stating that the contract has been duly executed and delivered by both parties and is effective as of the date set forth on the first page. I then leave space for both parties to sign.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, I hope you have found this information to be helpful. As usual, you should consult an attorney for your specific circumstances. However, I hope that after reading this article you have a better understanding of the type of information you should include in your photography contract and why that information should be included in your contract. Happy Photographing!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Disclaimer: </i><i><span itemprop="articleBody"><i>This article is for general information
purposes only. While I am an attorney, I am not your attorney.
Nothing in this article should be or is intended to be taken as legal
advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your
individual situation. Contacting me in any capacity, including via the
comments section, does not create an attorney-client relationship. The
receipt or viewing of this information is not intended to create any
attorney-client relationship.</i></span></i> </span></span>Adriel Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00180387955467166369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748184638007419080.post-55987195666471913442015-10-15T22:08:00.001-05:002015-10-25T14:57:28.566-05:00Protecting Your Camera From the Elements<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vd1cQzsR3VBLEA2xpy9zzAKKJHlUul1x0VZOl-xQ9fzLsQ288n300fWjBybHuZeGtKlveNjsvp2KndZ3HBKX4h04M7Lt470nIHVxvXFsRuW3Xyg3wScr13_V29p-zg2Ogg7WhFw3bN1f/s1600/photographer-562309_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vd1cQzsR3VBLEA2xpy9zzAKKJHlUul1x0VZOl-xQ9fzLsQ288n300fWjBybHuZeGtKlveNjsvp2KndZ3HBKX4h04M7Lt470nIHVxvXFsRuW3Xyg3wScr13_V29p-zg2Ogg7WhFw3bN1f/s320/photographer-562309_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sorry for the hiatus in posting -- I've been super sick the past week so I have not felt like writing anything. Now, however, I feel relatively better so get ready because new content is coming your way!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As Hurricane Joaquin moved along the eastern seaboard several weeks ago, and I hunkered down for a few days, I thought it would be a good time to prepare a post on how to protect your gear from the elements. I cannot tell you the number of times I have seen people carrying cameras in the rain or snow without any protection. You will often hear people say things like "oh, well these cameras are built tough so a little rain won't hurt it." Maybe a little rain will not hurt your camera today, but a little rain over a relatively long time will destroy your camera.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Earlier this summer, I went out to photograph a field of sunflowers in Maryland. When I arrived at the location, however, it was pouring down rain. Rather than risk damaging my equipment, I waited in my car for the rain to end. As I sat there, I watched a guy and a girl go walking towards the field. They had an umbrella but he had his Nikon DSLR dangling from his hands, not protected at all from the rain. It was pouring outside and I could not believe he would treat such a beautiful piece of equipment with so much disrespect. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See, water, dust, or other particles can easily shorten the life of your camera by damaging the sensor or mirror on your camera. While the damage may not be visible immediately, it will definitely become more obvious over the years, eventually resulting in the complete destruction of your camera. Thus, it is important to protect your camera from the elements. So, how do you do this? Well, each weather situation requires slightly different considerations. Therefore, below you will find a few suggestions on how to protect your camera from rain, wind, sand, or cold or hot weather.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rain - Water and Electronics Don't Mix</span></i></b></span></h2>
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</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When it comes to rain, my response is pretty simple -- just avoid it. Now, I am certain that you have heard of rain covers for your camera, which can be purchased at any camera store. Basically, the rain cover does exactly as expected, it covers your camera so you can shoot in the rain. Many people also use a plastic bag to accomplish the same purpose. However, you should not expect a rain cover or plastic bag to fully protect your camera from rain as neither offers complete protection, especially in the middle of a downpour.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While I own a rain cover for my camera, I use it sparingly. I only use the rain cover if it is misting or drizzling or I am in a greenhouse that sprays water at regular intervals. In these circumstances, I place the camera inside the rain cover and limit the use of my camera to no longer than 15 minutes. Why limit it if I am using the rain cover? Simple -- water and electronics do not mix. If it is raining or pouring, just wait until the rain stops or find a way to take your pictures so that you and your camera are fully protected from water. No image is worth damaging your gear.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wind or Sand - Be Aware of Flying Particles</span></i></b></span></h2>
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</i></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When it is really windy outside or you find yourself in a sandy environment (beach, desert, playgrounds) you risk getting dust, sand or other flying particles in your camera or on your lens. And, if (heaven forbid) you need to change your lens, you are risking damage to both your lens and your camera. Thus, my first piece of advice is to avoid changing lenses. If you are photographing around sand, just bring two cameras. But, if it is simply a windy day, go indoors to change your lens and you will substantially minimize the chances of damaging your camera or lens. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Additionally, regularly check the front of your camera lens when photographing in windy or sandy environments. The last thing you want is to get home and realize there is a small blot on each photo caused by dust on the screen. Instead, have a cleaning cloth or brush handy to free dust or other particles from the lens. Personally, I place a UV filter over all of my lenses to protect the front of the lens from scratches so, I advise you to do the same, especially if you intend to photograph around sand. You will also want to keep the lens cap on the lens when you are not using the camera and, in between uses, wrap the camera in a cloth or place it in a bag to ensure maximum protection from sand, dust or other particles.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally, once you arrive home, take the time to use an air blower on the outside of the camera to remove any dust or particles that might be trapped in small crevices. Pay particular attention to the area where the lens attaches to the camera. The goal is to minimize any chance that dust, sand or other particles might find their way into the insides of your camera or lens. Take time to thoroughly clean the outside of the camera and ensure you clean any camera bags or other equipment that you brought with you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Snow - Snow Days Are Inside Days</span></i></b></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photographing people or scenes during a snowfall might be fun, however, many people forget that snow is simply frozen rain. Therefore, the risks to your camera in snow are similar to those faced in rain. If it is snowing lightly, feel free to use your rain cover, however, the moment it begins to snow heavily, put the camera away. It is important to note that you need to be careful about how you put your camera away so as to minimize damage by the cold weather, which I will touch upon next.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cold - Baby It's Cold Outside</span></i></b></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is nothing wrong with going out to shoot in the cold. Every camera contains warnings that it will not function properly when used under certain extreme cold conditions, however, it is unlikely you will be photographing under such extreme conditions. Thus, you do not need to necessarily worry about using your camera outside. But, you will need to be careful about how you warm your camera back to room temperature after you finish shooting in the cold. Do you know what happens if you take glasses outside in the cold and then bring them back inside? Condensation forms on the lenses. Well, the same thing will happen to your lens or the mirror or sensor on your camera if you bring your camera inside immediately after using it in the cold. If condensation forms inside the camera, it will eventually damage the interior circuits of the camera and might even lead to the growth of mold on the sensor or mirror.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, how do you avoid this? You need to ensure your camera readjusts to the temperature in your environment gradually. I prefer to do this by placing my camera in my camera bag while I am still outside so that the camera will warm up slowly. Due to the amount of padding in the bag plus the closeness of the bag to my body, the interior of the bag is less susceptible to extreme temperature shifts and thus, remains slightly warmer than the camera. If I am driving as opposed to using public transit, once I get to my car, I place my camera bag on the backseat (not the floor), away from any vents to ensure the camera bag does not warm too quickly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some people also place their cameras in a Ziploc bag so that any condensation forms on the bag instead of the camera. I have never tried this method and, frankly, I will probably never try it. I prefer to rely on my camera bag for temperature control. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hot - It's Hot Hot Hot</span></i></b></span></h2>
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</i></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Again, there is nothing wrong with shooting in hot weather per se. However, you should be aware of your camera's warnings concerning heat as the camera will fail to perform properly when exposed to extreme heat. As such, do not leave your camera in the trunk on a hot day because it will bake. The interior of a car on a hot day gets hotter than you might think! So, while you should be fine using your camera in a hot day, again, you should be mindful of how you cool your camera down to room temperature. Personally, I engage in a process similar to my "cold" process described above. I place the camera in my camera bag and, if I am driving, I place the camera in the backseat away from a vent so that the bag is not suddenly inundated with a blast of cold air.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, there you have it, tips, advice and suggestions on how to protect your camera from the elements. While the elements should not always prevent you from taking photos, you should always ensure you are protecting your camera from any damage the elements might cause. Happy photographing everyone -- it is good to be back!</span>Adriel Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00180387955467166369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748184638007419080.post-86664020418080561472015-10-01T20:44:00.000-05:002015-11-13T16:08:52.713-06:00Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority or Manual Mode<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipnv4jabCIVnO5BR4StrwVLy8QP_pTEM2PWUoZnkw9kLtagQ2-BA_S8h96W5xSVxV7_Bm4_Pug6iro7U29SB4XmHXCGEO-V5PC1x62sLnQhxZN45JhHOO10ncBpwAyuUj3eY89g2uWAUQ/s1600/photographer-424620_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipnv4jabCIVnO5BR4StrwVLy8QP_pTEM2PWUoZnkw9kLtagQ2-BA_S8h96W5xSVxV7_Bm4_Pug6iro7U29SB4XmHXCGEO-V5PC1x62sLnQhxZN45JhHOO10ncBpwAyuUj3eY89g2uWAUQ/s320/photographer-424620_1280.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of the hard things to figure out after buying your first camera is when you should move out of automatic mode and into the more advanced options of aperture priority, shutter priority or manual mode. Well, my advice -- get out of automatic mode as quickly as possible and start working in aperture, shutter or manual mode. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brief Explanation - Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now, there are three principles you need to understand before you can move out of automatic: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Aperture</em></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Aperture is the opening in the lens. When you press the shutter release button a hole opens inside your camera that allows your camera image sensor to see the scene you want to capture. The aperture that you select affects the size of that hole. The larger the hole, the more light that reaches the sensor and the smaller the hole, the less light that reaches the sensor. Aperture is measure in "f-stops." Large apertures are represented by low f-stop numbers whereas small apertures are represented by high f-stop numbers. An easy way to remember this -- the larger the number, the smaller the opening and the smaller the number, the larger the opening. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Aperture controls "depth of field." Depth of field represents the amount of your image that will be in focus. A large depth of field means that most of your image will be in focus. A small depth of field means that a smaller portion of your image will be in focus. Large apertures (small f-stop numbers) result in a small depth of field. Small apertures (large f-stop numbers) result in a large depth of field. An easy way to remember this -- the larger the number, the smaller the opening, the greater the depth of field and the smaller the number, the larger the opening, the smaller the depth of field.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now, what types of photography tend to make use of large depths of field vs. small? Well, in landscape photography you generally will want the entire image to be in focus, so you will want a large depth of field. However, in portraiture or macro photography, you will want to use a smaller depth of field so that only your subject is in focus.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Shutter Speed</em></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Shutter speed is the amount of time that the shutter stays open. Shutter speed is measured in seconds (or fractions of seconds). The bigger the denominator, the faster the speed (e.g. 1/500 is faster than 1/20). When hand holding your camera, you likely will use shutter speeds of 1/60th of a second or faster because it is difficult to use anything slower than this without getting camera shake. If you intend to use anything slower than this, however, you will need a tripod. Many cameras have image stabilization technology built into the lenses, which purports to enable you to use slower shutter speeds without introducing camera shake. However, be aware that this technology has its limitations, so do not expect to obtain a clear image on an overcast day at 1/30th of a second without a tripod. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When deciding what shutter speed to use, you need to consider whether anything in your scene is moving and think about how you would like to capture that movement. If you want to freeze movement in your scene so it looks still, then you will need a faster shutter speed. However, if you want to create intentional blur to show the subject is moving, then you will want to use a slower shutter speed. The actual speed you would choose in either situation will vary depending upon the speed of the subject and the amount of blur you would like to introduce. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Additionally, when selecting shutter speed you need to also consider the focal length of the lens you are using. Longer focal lengths will accentuate the amount of camera shake so you will need to choose a faster shutter speed. A general rule of thumb is to use a shutter speed with a denominator that is larger than the focal length of the lens. So, if you are using a 100mm lens, you will want to choose a shutter speed of at least 1/100th.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>ISO</em></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In digital photography, ISO measures the sensitivity of the image sensor. Basically, the lower the number, the less sensitive your camera is to light and the finer the grain. A low ISO number (such as 100 or 200) will produce crisper images with less noise (or grain) while a high ISO setting (such as 800 or 1600) will introduce more noise/grain into your images. Many cameras by default will automatically select the ISO in a given situation. I would strongly recommend changing this setting because most cameras simply do not produce useable images at high ISO settings. While the image might look perfect in your cameras view screen, the moment you download it to your computer, you will notice the grain and noise.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Generally, you will want to use ISO 100 as that will give you crisp shots with little noise/grain. However, you will also want to take into account the lighting, grain and any movement in your subject. If the subject is not well lit and you do not have a tripod, then you might need to increase the ISO so you can use a faster shutter speed and still obtain a well exposed image. The trade-off is that you will have more noise/grain in your images. However, if you have a tripod and the subject is not well lit, then you can continue to use a lower ISO setting because you do not have to worry about camera shake. </span><br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Putting It All Together</em></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO are the three elements of exposure and a change in one of these elements affects the others. Thus, it is important to understand each of these elements before moving out of auto mode.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When to Use Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority or Manual Mode</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now, to the part you have all been waiting for -- how you decide whether to use aperture priority, shutter priority or manual mode. Well, it should actually be pretty easy for you to figure out now that you understand the three elements of exposure.</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Aperture Priority: </b></i>In aperture priority mode, you control the aperture and the camera selects the shutter speed. You want to use this mode when you want to control the depth of field. If you want the entire image in focus, then you choose a small aperture (large number). It is important to remember that at some point, as you increase the aperture, the shutter speed will decrease to ensure the image is properly exposed and, at some point, the shutter speed will drop too low for you to continue hand holding the camera.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Shutter Priority</i></b>: In shutter priority mode, you control the shutter speed and the camera controls the aperture. You will want to use shutter speed priority mode when you have a moving subject and want to control how that movement is captured. You will also want to use shutter priority mode if you are using a telephoto lens without a tripod (or have shaky hands) and want to ensure you do not introduce camera shake. However, be aware that when shooting in shutter priority mode, you have no control over the aperture. So while you might end up freezing the movement in the frame, it is possible the entire image may not be appropriately in focus.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Manual</i></b>: In manual mode, you control both the shutter speed and the aperture. I believe it is best to use this mode when you "have the time." So, for example, let's say you decide to go out and photograph a bridge, well, since the bridge is not going anywhere you can take the time to experiment with the aperture and shutter. You also want to use manual mode if you are shooting under the same conditions or same light over and over again. For example, if you intend to shoot the same night scene over and over, once you identify the appropriate exposure settings, set your camera to manual so you do not need to readjust between shots. Finally, you will also want to choose manual mode when your camera gives you bad results. Sometimes the camera is simply wrong and you will need to make the determinations for yourself.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I use aperture priority mode for most of my photography since I generally need full control over the depth of field. However, when I am using a tripod and photographing a stationary subject, I tend to prefer manual mode. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">So, closing thoughts, take your camera out of auto mode and begin experimenting with aperture, shutter and manual mode. Your photography will thank you!</span>Adriel Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00180387955467166369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748184638007419080.post-24644612253782399562015-09-29T16:04:00.001-05:002015-11-13T13:33:53.500-06:00Business of Photography: Forming Your Business Entity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObRBvpmUBvQ4q5Nhyphenhyphen049gZxBmurfJ7vkLWVp3UhBz_5T3vAM883jnq3kYOrAoH0RNP3XHQKoTx5GbfBFJouR9iDWJl1wpRhchWIBl_gWuyM5m5DvBtlSk6TdrP_3EVejFcaeUkXb4ONE2/s1600/business-card-427520_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObRBvpmUBvQ4q5Nhyphenhyphen049gZxBmurfJ7vkLWVp3UhBz_5T3vAM883jnq3kYOrAoH0RNP3XHQKoTx5GbfBFJouR9iDWJl1wpRhchWIBl_gWuyM5m5DvBtlSk6TdrP_3EVejFcaeUkXb4ONE2/s320/business-card-427520_1280.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Congratulations on your decision to start your own photography business. You are embarking upon an exciting adventure that I am sure you will not regret. Well, now that you have made the decision to go out on your own you need to set up a business. While starting a business might seem like a daunting task, it is actually relatively simple -- if you know what you need to do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now, a quick disclaimer, this article is for general information purposes only. While I am an attorney, I am not your attorney and nothing in this article should be or is intended to be taken as legal advice. The receipt or viewing of this information is not intended to create any attorney-client relationship. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In order to form the legal entity for your business, you will need to complete the following steps:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">identify the legal entity that is right for you;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">register your business with your state;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">prepare your organizational documents; </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">obtain a tax id number;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">open a bank account.</span></li>
</ul>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <b>Legal Entity</b></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When it comes to forming your business, there are many types of business entities to choose from and identifying the right one for you is entirely based upon financial considerations. See, the primary difference between the various legal structures has to do with your personal liability, tax liability, and corporate governance requirements (corporate governance requirements encompass the actions that your corporation must perform each year and the types of policies your corporation must implement and regularly maintain to ensure accountability and fairness in your corporate practices). Each entity type insulates your personal assets to varying degrees, limits your tax obligations to varying degrees, and requires you to perform certain corporate formalities to varying degrees. The types of legal entities available are limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships (LPs or LLPs), corporations (S and C), and sole proprietorships. A brief summary of each type is listed below.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Limited Liability Companies</i></span></blockquote>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This structure will be right for most people as it sufficiently protects your personal assets in the event your business is sued, it reduces your tax liabilities, and there are minimal corporate governance requirements. </span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Personal liability: Legal structure separate from owner. </span></li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tax liability: LLC is not taxed, instead owners report their share of profits and losses on their personal tax returns. Business profits are treated as "passing through" the entity and onto the individual members so you will avoid "double taxation." Double taxation is when you are taxed on the corporate level and again on the individual level. As a little background, corporations are generally taxed on profits and then, if the corporation issues a portion of those profits to shareholders (aka dividend) then the shareholders pay taxes on the funds received. Thus, with a LLC you will avoid paying taxes as a legal entity AND as the receiver of a portion of corporate profits.</span></li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Corporate governance requirements: Governed by an operating agreement. No requirements for annual meetings or recording of meeting minutes. </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <i>Partnerships</i></span></blockquote>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Personal liability: Partners remain personally liable for lawsuits filed against the business.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tax Liability: The partnership entity is not taxed. Instead, owners report their share of profits and losses on their personal tax returns. </span></li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Corporate governance requirements: Governed by a partnership agreement. No requirements for annual meetings or recording of meeting minutes.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Corporations</i></span></blockquote>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Personal Liability: Legal and tax structures are separate from owners. Personal assets are separate from business debts.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tax Liability: For C corporations, the corporation is taxed on corporate profits and shareholders are taxed on dividends (e.g. money received from corporate profits). For S Corporations, corporation is not taxed instead the owners report their share of profits and losses in the company on personal tax returns. </span></li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Corporate governance requirements: The corporation is governed by the bylaws and the articles. The corporation must hold annual meetings and record meeting minutes. </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Sole Proprietorships</i></span></blockquote>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Personal Liability: Owner remains personally liable for lawsuits filed against the business. </span></li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tax Liability: Owner must report profit and losses on their personal tax return<i>.</i> Since there is no separation between the business and the owners, you will be subject to double taxation -- tax on corporate profits + income tax.<i> </i></span></li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Corporate governance requirements:<i> </i>You do not need to register your business at the state level so there are no corporate governance requirements. </span></li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is important to note, however, that even if you choose a legal structure that protects your personal assets from business debts, you can be held personally liable for the actions of your business in certain situations. If you commit an act of gross negligence or fail to adhere to certain duties (e.g. duty of loyalty, fair dealing, etc.) you could find your personal assets up for grabs in the event of a lawsuit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now, the above information is only a summary of the implications of selecting a particular legal structure. It is best to consult an attorney before making your final decision.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Registering Your Business</b></i></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Once you have identified the right legal structure for your business, it is time to register that with your state's secretary of state office. In order to register your business you need to file, and obtain state approval of, the Articles of Incorporation (sometimes referred to as Articles of Organization) for your business. Most states have fillable forms on their websites that you can use and generally, you can file your Articles on the state's secretary of state website. Generally, your articles must include the name of your business, date of formation, and your registered agent/office, among a few other pieces of information. As an FYI, a registered agent is basically the person/entity that will be served
if someone decides to sue your company or the state wants to contact
you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The cost for registering your business with the state varies widely per state. For example, in Missouri it costs around $50 to form your organization but it costs nearly $300 to do so in the District of Columbia. However, do not register your business in a different state than you live in or plan to operate just to save $200. In order to conduct business in a state other than your business' home state (e.g. the state your business is formed in) you have to register your business
with that other state's secretary of state office. In this instance your business is considered a "foreign corporation," which means that your business is formed under the laws of one state but you are authorized to
do business in another state. Well, guess what you need to have in order to register as a foreign corporation? A registered agent in that state. Thus, keep things simple and simply register your business in the state where your business will operate.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Organizational Documents</b></i></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Depending upon the type of legal entity that you chose, you will need to prepare certain organizational documents. Each type of organization, other than a sole proprietorship, mandates that you have a governing document. For LLCs the governing document is referred to as an operating agreement, for corporations it is referred to as the corporate bylaws and for partnerships it is referred to as the partnership agreement. The governing document outlines the rules, procedures and practices that govern the legal entity. Each state has specific laws mandating the type of information that must be in your organizational document, therefore, it is important to obtain legal guidance when preparing your governing document. Additionally, shortly after forming your entity, you will need to hold an organizational meeting electing officers and/or directors and approving your governing document(s). If you decided to form an LLC and you are the sole member/manager, this process will move relatively quickly. However, if you decided to form a corporation, it will take you a bit longer to complete these steps.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Tax ID Number</b></i></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Once you have successfully registered your business with the state and prepared your organizational documents, you need to go out and obtain an employer identification number (EIN). This is basically the social security number for your business and you must have one in order to obtain a bank account for your business or hire employees, among other things.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Bank Account</b></i></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Last, but certainly not least, go out and get a bank account for your business. You must have a bank account in the name of your business. In the event you are sued, it is one of the surest ways to prove that your business is separate from the owners and thus, protects you should someone attempt to come after your personal assets in a lawsuit. Do not mingle business and personal funds. Keep them separate!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Disclaimer: </i><i><span itemprop="articleBody"><i>This article is for general information
purposes only. While I am an attorney, I am not your attorney.
Nothing in this article should be or is intended to be taken as legal
advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your
individual situation. Contacting me in any capacity, including via the
comments section, does not create an attorney-client relationship. The
receipt or viewing of this information is not intended to create any
attorney-client relationship.</i></span></i> </span></span><br />
<i><b> </b></i> Adriel Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00180387955467166369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748184638007419080.post-23106505655983530752015-09-21T23:27:00.001-05:002015-11-13T13:32:03.593-06:00Most Valuable Photography Accessories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOWX7ToSUrSZ6klq3sAW-bXAyj0NaszxB59fAJ9di7XbBxPM2tdIQXRrEB3BDTpvBav6ZEj4fm1WqQgRClIAfWpwCrx4Ll6nhAh-EMP5WajlJoGXCm1Y_m-bFXyf1AmWJfaDDMpKsSZDVK/s1600/equipment-731132_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOWX7ToSUrSZ6klq3sAW-bXAyj0NaszxB59fAJ9di7XbBxPM2tdIQXRrEB3BDTpvBav6ZEj4fm1WqQgRClIAfWpwCrx4Ll6nhAh-EMP5WajlJoGXCm1Y_m-bFXyf1AmWJfaDDMpKsSZDVK/s400/equipment-731132_1280.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Whether you are just starting out with photography or simply looking to improve your setup, you will quickly realize that the right gear can definitely make your life easier. However, identifying the right gear can be a bit exhausting. Now, when I use the word "gear" I am referring specifically to camera accessories. Why the focus on accessories? Well, <a href="http://www.whatiknowaboutphotography.com/2015/09/photographers-and-all-their-unnecessary.html" target="_blank">I do not believe purchasing new cameras and lenses should be a regular occurrence</a>. Instead, I believe you should focus on taking care of your equipment. However, as with lenses, there are so many different accessories available on the market that you can easily find yourself purchasing equipment that you really do not need. Well, have no fear, I am here! Below is a list of the top 5 accessories I believe will be most valuable to you as a photographer and factors to consider when purchasing these items.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. Camera Bag</span></b></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Types of Camera Bags</i>: Walk into any store that sells camera equipment and you will be inundated with camera bags. The most common types of camera bags are sling bags, shoulder bags, backpacks, beltpacks and rolling bags. Each type of bag has its advantages and disadvantages. </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sling bags, shoulder bags and beltpacks allow for easy and quick access to your gear, which is essential when you take your camera out for a field trip. However, with sling bags and shoulder bags, one shoulder bears most of the weight, which can cause discomfort when walking for a long period of time. While beltpacks allow for more even distribution of weight, they can be bulky and awkward, making walking for long periods difficult. Plus, in my opinion, I worry that the belt might come apart suddenly, causing my camera to crash to the floor before I could catch it. This is also a concern with sling bags.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Backpacks tend to be more comfortable because the weight is evenly distributed across the back and both shoulders, which is great if you intend to take your camera on a hike or long walk. The downside, it can be difficult to access your gear. If you do not want to risk dropping your equipment when you open the bag, you need to prop up the backpack. Another huge downside, many venues will not permit you to bring a backpack inside -- even if it is a camera bag.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Rolling bags are generally used if you need to haul a lot of gear. As such, they tend to be a bit clumsy for every day use. Rolling bags also tend to be very expensive, however, if you are interested in a low cost way to make a perfect rolling backpack, sign-up for my newsletter as I will have an article on how I did just that! (shameless plug over!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I also want to note that there are many companies that make other types of bags, each basically a variation of the basics listed above. For example, several companies manufacture "fashionable" camera bags for women. These bags tend to resemble purses as opposed to traditional camera bags. With these bags, however, I have found that sometimes the top of the bag does not seal all around. For example, the bag may have a zipper across the top, but that zipper is not attached to the ends, which leaves your gear susceptible to the elements. There are also companies that sell modular systems allowing you to convert any bag you own into a camera bag. However, be careful with this, as sometimes these systems are more expensive than purchasing a designated camera bag. If you are simply looking for extra protection for your gear, consider purchasing a Domke wrap. They allow you add an extra layer of protection to your lens or camera </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Purchasing Considerations:</i> Regardless of the type of bag you choose, you will want to ensure you purchase a camera bag with lots of padding, preferably one that also has padded dividers that you can readjust to suit your specific needs. You also want to purchase a bag that is water resistant and, preferably, contains a small organizer to hold extra memory cards and other small items. Finally, you want a camera bag that comes with a rain cover, which will provide extra protection for your gear should you find yourself in the middle of a sudden downpour.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>What Do I Use? </i>I originally purchased a backpack, however, the inability to access my gear in a hurry was beyond frustrating. Therefore, I purchased a </span><a href="http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/turnstyle-10-blue-slate.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Think Tank Turnstyle 10 sling bag</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, which is currently priced at $84.75. The zippers are secure and I never worry that the clasp will come apart causing my gear to crash to the ground. Additionally, with my sling bag, I have never been denied admission to venues that otherwise ban backpacks (such as the Statute of Liberty or White House). Plus, Think Tank stands behind each and every product and while I have never had to contact their customer service, people generally rave about their customer service department. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. Tripod</span></b></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Types of Tripods: </i>Every photographer needs a sturdy tripod. Tripods consists of the following elements:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><u>legs</u>, which are typically made of carbon fiber (lightweight, durable and does not rust, but expensive), aluminum (heavier and tends to be cheapest), basalt (in between carbon fiber and aluminum in terms of weight and price), or steel (heaviest, primarily for heavy duty use).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><u>leg locks</u>, which come in twist form (twist the leg to pull the leg out and twist in the opposite direction to lock it in position), lever (open the lever and pull the leg out and close it to lock it again) and then there are other custom options. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><u>head</u>, which is the part that holds the camera or a lens. There are many types of heads but the most popular types are ball heads (one control that loosens or tightens the grip; flexible and allow for smooth operation) and pan-tilt heads (either with single handle for horizontal movement or dual handles for both vertical and horizontal movement; adjustments might take a bit longer). There are also gimbal heads, which are specifically used for long and heavy 300mm+ lenses. These perfectly balance the camera and heavy lens. You will also want to ensure your head is equipped with a quick-release system, which is explained in detail below under <i>Purchasing Considerations</i>.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><u>centerpost/center column</u>, which is a separate leg that runs through the middle allowing you to further raise the tripod head. My advice, avoid raising the centerpost as it is not as stable and can cause too much vibration when shooting.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><u>feet</u>, which can be rubber non-slip (used for most indoor and some outdoor shooting), spike (best for outdoor shooting), and custom (which can be anything).</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "arial";">The most common types of tripods are pocket, tabletop, portable/travel, medium duty and sturdy duty/studio. Pocket and tabletop are perfect for situations where you just need to prop up the camera on a table. They are small and easy to carry. Portable/travel tripods can be raised high off the ground, but they collapse into a smaller size making transport easier. Medium duty tripods tend to stand in the gap of the portable and sturdy tripods. Medium duty tripods are heavier and generally, you can raise these tripods higher than portable tripods. Sturdy/studio tripods tend to be used by professional photographers and are generally used for specific purposes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><i>Purchasing Considerations: </i>When purchasing a tripod pay attention to the weight of the tripod, the maximum load capacity, and the height. The heavier the tripod, the less you will use it period. Thus, you want to ensure you have something that you can carry with you on days you want to go exploring. The maximum load capacity is the heaviest camera and lens combination the tripod can handle. If you put a camera that is heavier than the maximum load capacity, you run the risk of the tripod breaking or collapsing. Therefore, ensure the tripod you purchase can support your camera and its heaviest lens. Also, as stated above, you want to purchase a tripod that will allow you to raise the camera to eye-level <u>without</u> extending the centerpost.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">If you are purchasing your first tripod, I recommend you start with whatever tripod you have at home. If you do not have one at home, consider purchasing a relatively cheap aluminum tripod. Why? Well, before investing more money into a tripod you want to first know how much you use it. If you find yourself using that tripod once a year, then it likely does not make sense for you to own a more expensive carbon fiber tripod. However, if you already own a tripod and need to upgrade or you already know that you will be using your tripod frequently, then purchase a portable/travel carbon fiber tripod with the arca-swiss quick-release system. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">The Arca-Swiss Quick-Release System has basically become the standard for tripod heads. Cheaper tripods come with a plastic plate that can be attached on any camera or lens. The Arca-Swiss Quick-Release System, however, is made of very strong aluminum and allows attaching the camera/lens on a tripod without the need to rotate anything. A quick-release plate is permanently attached to a camera or lens, which then easily slides into a quick-release clamp. The locking mechanism is simple, tight and vibration-free. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><i>What Do I Use?</i> I originally started out by using an aluminum tripod lying around my parents house. However, as I grew as a photographer, I started to use the tripod more and I found it to be clunky and difficult. So, I purchased the <a href="http://www.mefoto.com/products/roadtrip.aspx#Overview" target="_blank">MeFoto Roadtrip Travel Tripod</a> in carbon fiber at a price of $199. At 5'0" this tripod is not quite at eye level, however, I want a tripod that is lightweight so I was willing to sacrifice a little in the height column. Can it be annoying to have to bend down to see through the camera? Yes, but my back does not hurt when I carry it. The tripod weighs 3.1 pounds, comes with spiked feet, the arca-swiss quick-release system and a ball head for easy on-the-spot adjustments. Plus, the tripod comes in a variety of colors and ships with a carrying case.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. Lens Cleaner/Duster</span></b></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><i>Types of Lens Cleaners/Dusters and Purchasing Considerations: </i>There is not too much to say on this accessory, except you will want a lens blower to remove any dust that might be on your lens. One popular brand is the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Giottos-AA1910-Medium-Rocket-Blaster/dp/B000L9OIQC" target="_blank">Rocket Air</a>, however, as long as the blower has enough power to remove any dust that might attach itself to your lens, you can go with any brand here. When blowing air onto your sensor or lens just remember that you do not want to use a lot of force. The goal is to remove the speck of dust not to destroy your camera.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">It is important to note that you should never, ever, ever use compressed air dusters on your camera. These air cans can spew fluid all over your lens or sensor, which could result in your destroying your equipment. Do not use!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><i>What Do I Use?</i> An air duster given to me by my dad's friend. It does the job well!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4. Remote Shutter Release</span></b></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><i>Types of Remote Shutter Releases and Purchasing Considerations</i>: Generally, remote shutter releases are divided into two categories: wired and wireless. As you might have guessed, a wired shutter remote attaches to the camera via a cord whereas a wireless remote does not. Wireless remotes, which are more expensive, can be particularly useful when taking group shots or when it is not practical to stand directly behind your camera. Wired remotes, on the other hand, tend to be cheaper and are useful when simply pressing the shutter release button might create undesired vibrations. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">When deciding whether to purchase a wired or wireless remote you should consider purchasing a remote that at least allows you to operate in bulb or continuous shooting mode. If you want something a bit more sophisticated, you might consider purchasing a remote with a timer. A timer is particularly useful if you tend to shoot long exposures or enjoy light painting as the timer will keep the shutter open for a set period of time and then close it automatically. Whatever you decide to purchase, just remember to choose an option that is compatible with your camera system.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">My recommendation for purchasing -- buy the cheapest option. While I believe it is important to have a remote shutter release, it is unlikely you will use this accessory frequently. Therefore, I would strongly recommend you spend no more than $30 on your shutter release.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><i>What Do I Use?</i> For my older Nikon, I have a standard ML-L3 wireless remote control, which costs around $17. However, the ML-L3 is not compatible with the Nikon Df. Instead, you must invest in Nikon's WR-10 wireless controller set (priced at a ridiculous $179.99) in order to be able to utilize a wireless remote. Thus, I opted for Nikon's MC-DC2, which is priced at $25. It is a wired remote, which can be a bit annoying at times, however, the remote be operated in bulb mode, which is more important. While I have considered purchasing a wireless, timer remote, as of now, I simply do not use my remote shutter release frequently enough to justify the cost of Nikon's WR-10 system AND a timer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5. External Flash</span></b></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><i>Types of Flash and Purchasing Considerations</i>: Many people might say that this is not necessary because their camera comes with a built-in flash. However, an external flash offers vastly more benefits than a camera's built-in flash. With an external flash you have the ability to bounce the flash (e.g. tilt the flash head so you can bounce the flash off another source), <a href="http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2014/01/03/off-camera-flash-how-to-stop-fearing-your-flashgun-take-control-of-lighting/" target="_blank">use the flash off camera</a> (if you have never tried this, it really is quite wonderful for close-up), and/or wirelessly control the flash. Additionally, in my opinion, external flashes tend to be more powerful and produce better results when in need of fill flash. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">When purchasing an external flash, you should ensure you purchase an item that is compatible with your camera system. Additionally, you also want to ensure that the flash has <a href="http://www.exposureguide.com/ttl-flash-metering.htm" target="_blank">TTL ("through-the-lens") metering</a>. Generally, when utilizing a flash in manual mode, you need to determine and control both your flash's power and your camera's exposure settings. If you miscalculate, the image will not be exposed properly. TTL metering, however, controls both the camera's and the flash's exposure settings, ensuring the photos are properly exposed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><i>What Do I Use?</i> I use the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-SB-300-Speedlight-Digital-Cameras/dp/B00ECGXAA0" target="_blank">Nikon SB-300</a>, which currently retails for $149.95, with a flash diffuser. While this is certainly not the most powerful flash, it is pretty powerful for its size. Plus, I simply do not use a flash often so I did not feel the need to invest in a more expensive flash. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>6. </b><b>Extra Battery and Memory Card</b></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial";">Alright, I know I said that I would only list 5 accessories, however, as I was writing this I thought it would be a good idea to remind you that you should always have an extra battery and memory card on hand. Every camera manual details the type of battery that can be used in the camera and the memory cards that are compatible with the camera. If you have not purchased a second battery or memory card yet, go out and do that immediately!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Are there other accessories that you think are essential to a photographer? If so, feel free to post your thoughts in the comments section.</span>Adriel Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00180387955467166369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748184638007419080.post-74984947475911725652015-09-17T22:17:00.000-05:002015-10-25T15:03:09.693-05:00Become A Better Photographer: Go Look At Pretty Pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rg2IOT8a_rhgwzAa8ixRyKICmBkKnK7xPZYOGF4kdP631W4Ro6xDJ5xSxpgZmvTayYZw_fwaysrL-aFBBXjDJBjSIIOcIhmW_lvqlC6O2k-obp15j474xCLpSfcDJCW9E3I3ABvmy5O9/s1600/pope-francis-707395_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rg2IOT8a_rhgwzAa8ixRyKICmBkKnK7xPZYOGF4kdP631W4Ro6xDJ5xSxpgZmvTayYZw_fwaysrL-aFBBXjDJBjSIIOcIhmW_lvqlC6O2k-obp15j474xCLpSfcDJCW9E3I3ABvmy5O9/s320/pope-francis-707395_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday evening I attended an event at National Geographic's Headquarters titled "Pope Francis and the New Vatican." As you may (or may not) have heard, <i>National Geographic </i>was granted special access to the pope and permission to document his daily life inside the Vatican. The images and story behind the experience grace the cover of the magazine's August 2015 issue. The event I attended consisted of a panel discussion, moderated by <i>National Geographic</i>'s<i> </i>editor in chief, with writer Robert Draper, photographer Dave Yoder and Archbishop of Washington Cardinal Donald Weurl. The magazine has also published a book with the same title as the event, which you can view or purchase </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pope-Francis-Vatican-Robert-Draper/dp/1426215827" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. The panel discussion was fascinating and the images were amazing. The event was the perfect end to what was an incredibly stressful day. As I left Nat Geo with more-than-a-little pep in my step I had the urgent need to go pick up my camera and start shooting. During my walk home, I realized that simply viewing great photography inspires me to BE a better photographer.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Take a moment and think about the last time you used your camera. Now think about how much money you invested in that camera. Based upon the last time you used the camera and the amount of money it cost, do you think you have received your money's worth? My guess is probably not. Well, if you are having trouble using that magnificent piece of machinery I have some very simple advice for you -- go look at pretty pictures. And, I do not mean just looking at photos on the internet. Instead, view images in-person. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">For example, I can tell you from first-hand experience, viewing the underwater images taken by a National Geographic photographer in person at an exhibit is a completely different experience than viewing these same images online. At an exhibit the images are huge and the colors are so vibrant and the sea creatures appear so real that you actually think you are looking into an aquarium. It is nearly impossible to resist the urge to simply reach out and tap the glass. However, I have never had the same urge when I view those same images on my computer. Do the underwater images still move me when I view them on my computer screen? Absolutely, but just not in the same way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Therefore, I have a challenge for you. This week, go out and buy one or two photo books that contain images that speak to you. Now, pick up at least one of your new photo books each week; set a reminder on your phone if necessary. Devote five minutes to just flipping through the pages and notice how you feel at the end of that five minutes. If you are like me, you will feel the immediate urge to go take some pictures!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am sure you have probably heard a teacher say that you can improve your writing simply by reading more. Well, the same is true of photography. You can become a better photographer simply by viewing photography. So, get up from your computer screen and go buy that photo book. Remember to pick up that book whenever you are lacking enthusiasm or inspiration. I promise you, v</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">iewing art that moves will inspire you to move!</span>Adriel Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00180387955467166369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748184638007419080.post-53142995016699737962015-09-09T15:50:00.000-05:002015-11-13T13:34:21.348-06:00Business of Photography: Do I Need Insurance?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGawyoZCmdYSbd89j3nHmKQf5F5Mt6RlqDzrxDPKoncDS7lrniYBR71dX7BmdEBCdDFxhyjRHm7jjAVl1dDUhQ6lFlaD1MqEHMJcMvw7ZQX6aOm7qzVuIONEG03IYDyMynpBenMOcySHpQ/s1600/insurance-539659_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGawyoZCmdYSbd89j3nHmKQf5F5Mt6RlqDzrxDPKoncDS7lrniYBR71dX7BmdEBCdDFxhyjRHm7jjAVl1dDUhQ6lFlaD1MqEHMJcMvw7ZQX6aOm7qzVuIONEG03IYDyMynpBenMOcySHpQ/s320/insurance-539659_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I recently submitted an </span><a href="https://fstoppers.com/business/5-legal-tips-consider-starting-your-photography-business-84483" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">article</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> to Fstoppers that touched upon the legal issues you need to consider before starting a photography business. Naturally, my </span><a href="https://fstoppers.com/business/5-legal-tips-consider-starting-your-photography-business-84483" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fstoppers article</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> was not all-inclusive so I wanted to take the time to touch upon another subject that many people often ask about -- insurance.</span></span><br />
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<b><u>Do You Need Insurance?</u></b></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Before diving into the different types of insurance available, I think it best if we take a moment to think about whether you even need insurance. Start by asking yourself two questions (1) what type of photography do I do and (2) is this my primary source of income. Once you have answered those two questions, make a list of your risks and potential liabilities. For example, a general portrait photographer likely has a smaller risk of loss than a wedding photographer. Wedding photography poses a unique set of challenges since the photographer is shooting once-in-a-lifetime events with large numbers of people. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">When making your list of potential risks and liabilities remember to consider the type of equipment you use, where you usually conduct your work, and how much you can afford to cover before tapping into insurance. If you use minimal equipment, it might be easier and cheaper to cover your equipment by adding a rider to your home insurance policy. Additionally, if most of your work is done on location keep in mind that many clients and venues will require you to provide a certificate of liability insurance. And, the more you can afford to pay before insurance kicks in, the lower your premiums (and vice versa). In many situations, the cost of insurance might far outweigh the income you generate from your photography. However, if you intend to grow your photography business or desire to pursue it on a full-time basis, then you really should purchase insurance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><u>Types of Insurance</u></b></span></span></h2>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>1. </i><i>General or Business Liability Insurance</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">This is a necessity if you intend to operate any sort of photography business. This is umbrella policy provides protection against legal actions arising from injuries, accidents, damages and other claims involving people or property. it will also cover your attorneys fees and court costs if you are sued. Many
clients and/or venues require that you maintain at least a
general/business liability insurance policy. As such, if you can only
afford one type of insurance, this one is an absolute must. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>2. Equipment Insurance</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">This insurance covers any loss or damage to your equipment. It should cover basic losses due to severe weather, damage through dropping and theft. You should maintain a list of the equipment you own and how much it would cost to replace it for your personal reference. However, be careful about policies that require you to attach a list of every single piece of equipment that you own in order to receive coverage; if you happen to purchase a new item and forget to notify your insurance company, you would be out of luck should that item be lost, stolen or broken.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>3. Professional Liability Insurance (aka Errors and Omissions Insurance)</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Professional liability or E&O insurance protects your business in the event you commit an "error" or "omission" while on assignment (or the client thinks you committed an error or omission). This insurance will also typically cover losses arising from
copyright infringement, claims of false advertising, and/or invasion of privacy claims. It is also important to note that this coverage does not require legal action before the insurance kicks in. Instead, it can be used as a way to preserve the relationship with the client by allowing you to, for example, re-stage a shoot if necessary.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>4. Commercial Automobile and Hired/Non-Owned Automobile Liability Insurance</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">If you (or your employees) use a personal automobile or rent automobiles in connection with your business, you should definitely consider obtaining either commercial automobile insurance or hired/non-owned automobile liability insurance. Commercial automobile insurance will protect your business in the event you or one of your employees is in an auto accident while on assignment. While you may be tempted to simply rely on your personal automobile policy, be careful. Many insurance companies require that you specify whether your vehicle will be used for commercial purposes in the policy beforehand. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>5. Property Insurance, Fire and Casualty Insurance</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">This is really only necessary if you own or rent a studio. This insurance protects you against any loss or damage to the building or the items inside the building. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>6. Life Insurance and Disability Insurance</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">These two types of insurance will ensure you and your family are covered in the event you suffer a disability and are unable to work, or in the event of your demise. Life insurance can also help supplement settlements of any debts and related expenses associated with closing your business. If photography is your sole source of income, you should definitely invest in both disability and life insurance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>7. Workers' Compensation and Employers Liability Insurance</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Now as your photography business grows and you begin to hire employees, you will need to purchase Workers' Comp insurance. Each state has rules and regulations pertaining to workers' compensation insurance that you need to consult.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Closing Thoughts</b></u></span></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">My personal opinion, if you intend to do anything other than fine-art photography, it would be wise to purchase insurance. Insurance simply adds an extra layer of protection and general peace of mind.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Disclaimer: </i><i><span itemprop="articleBody"><i>This article is for general information
purposes only. While I am an attorney, I am not your attorney.
Nothing in this article should be or is intended to be taken as legal
advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your
individual situation. Contacting me in any capacity, including via the
comments section, does not create an attorney-client relationship. The
receipt or viewing of this information is not intended to create any
attorney-client relationship.</i></span></i> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span>Adriel Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00180387955467166369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748184638007419080.post-45052764168699695542015-09-04T22:13:00.003-05:002015-11-28T20:18:13.539-06:00Photographers and all their (un)necessary gear<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOEHlY43CLtOtQwWGupVJP5FTniyhD3KB3VipGmv_kztb0CGQbTu6W-5YNWSdGrl2Hlw3ZJi2HvLfOP9KcMQlTa6E4YbpVDauO46iP4XhKxoeaZlfbwWlSV23x_uBxgwcrXCR7O1E9L2h/s1600/flash-unit-642669_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOEHlY43CLtOtQwWGupVJP5FTniyhD3KB3VipGmv_kztb0CGQbTu6W-5YNWSdGrl2Hlw3ZJi2HvLfOP9KcMQlTa6E4YbpVDauO46iP4XhKxoeaZlfbwWlSV23x_uBxgwcrXCR7O1E9L2h/s320/flash-unit-642669_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have not posted at all this week as I have been enjoying a much needed vacation at the U.S. Open. I have been fortunate enough to see many great tennis matches, however I have also seen a lot of photographers and all of their gear. As I watched the guy next to me take out a very fancy and (admittedly) pretty cool dust blower for his camera lens in the middle of one great tennis match, I started to wonder why it is photographers always have so much gear.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If we really take a step back and think about it, my guess is most of us would realize that we likely do not need all of the gear we have. One of my friends recently purchased his first DSLR camera and within the first few weeks of acquiring his new toy, the two of us have already had multiple conversations about the various lenses he needs. During our first conversation I calmly and politely tried to steer him from investing his money in new lenses until he knew his camera and had mastered his current lens. At the end I jokingly said "are you suffering from G.A.S?" "Huh?" he replied. "G.A.S. = gear acquisition syndrome" I quickly responded. We both laughed and he assured me he was not in fact suffering from G.A.S. but I still could not help but wonder a little. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Gear acquisition syndrome is real and dangerous. If you are not careful you can find yourself in financial hardship and you might end up with so much gear that you cannot even use it. Oh, and just as an FYI, the many small purchases can be just as damaging as the few big purchases. It is easy to pick up the latest dust blower here or a new lens filter there, but these purchases add up over time. As an American I realize that we have a certain obsession with having the latest and newest gadget but maybe when it comes to photography we can use our stuff a little longer. Maybe actually let it wear out its usefulness. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Two weeks ago I took a photography class and a guy who has a very large and growing photo business in Pennsylvania talked about how he has bought every one of the cameras for his business used on eBay. He mentioned that they take probably hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of photos each year and some of these cameras are over 10 years old. Another example for you, this one more personal. I recently entered one of National Geographic's photo contests. I took the image with a Diana mini on a roll of Kodak Elitechrome cross-processed. The editor commented on and favorited my image shortly after I posted it on the site (and there were already 100s of submissions). Are you beginning to see my point? I am sure you have heard this before but I will say it again -- the gear does not make the photographer! It is skills development, the ability to see and the ability to put yourself in the right place to take the right shot that will make you a better photographer. Focus on the skills and then buy the gadgets. So, before you go out and buy yet another lens, camera or accessory stop and ask yourself "<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">do I really need this lens or a new camera? Do I need that fancy dust blower or will the one I have work just fine?" You will save yourself a lot of money and a lot of heartache.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Good luck to all my tennis favorites!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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Adriel Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00180387955467166369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748184638007419080.post-87154499907511460832015-08-27T23:05:00.003-05:002015-10-25T15:09:14.603-05:00You are a Business Person and a Photographer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbP19sShrertHCBCL87qCHcrgmO_DoIC0lUbQ9x9a9Id3eo3MQYuZckJHZY5gl71wLM2WLLvFGKR-T_RBI7efnXzA2s1CaZhZ0OOPDXhoqSfilFp6G97tr6Zq48hobsgnhQ8H_4ZApbFM/s1600/business-891339_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbP19sShrertHCBCL87qCHcrgmO_DoIC0lUbQ9x9a9Id3eo3MQYuZckJHZY5gl71wLM2WLLvFGKR-T_RBI7efnXzA2s1CaZhZ0OOPDXhoqSfilFp6G97tr6Zq48hobsgnhQ8H_4ZApbFM/s320/business-891339_1280.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">In case you were wondering, I am a business person and a photographer. Oh, and so are you! Whether you are a new photographer or a seasoned veteran, there will likely come a point in your career where you will want to start selling your work. While it is fun to take pictures and display them for your friends and family, it is also nice to have a little residual income coming from something that you love. Well, this year I decided that I wanted to start making money from my photography so I built an online portfolio and began marketing myself. Unfortunately, I was not as well prepared for this undertaking as I originally thought. </span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">When I first began marketing my services, my online portfolio was not a website that I would necessarily want to present to potential clients primarily because I created it with the intent of just sharing it with family and friends so there were all types of images on the site. I also had not thought about pricing for my services or even who my potential clients would be. Strangely, despite always considering myself to be a person with "strong business acumen," I was acting like a clueless rookie. As a result, I was not making much money from my photography and I found marketing myself to be very difficult. I realized I had to make a decision -- either my photography was a hobby, in which case I would make "hobby money" or my photography was a business, in which case I would make "business money." Well, needless to say, I decided that I wanted to make business money. So, in order to put myself in a position where I could make real money from my photography, I opted to slow down and make a few calculated business decisions. </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Who Is My Target Customer?</i> The first thing I did was decide on my target customer. In this day and age, every person with a camera thinks he or she is a photographer. Therefore, I needed to find a way to distinguish myself from other photographers in the market. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>What Do I Charge? </i>After clearly defining my target customer, I set the prices for my services. I researched other area photographers to determine what they were charging for similar services. I also scoured the internet on articles about pricing for photography services. As I conducted this research, I kept my target customer in mind and tried to think from his/her perspective. Upon finishing my research, I set my prices accordingly. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Build A Professional Website! </i>Next I proceeded to build a professional website with images representative of the type of photography services I planned to offer. I also included a link to my personal online portfolio so potential clients could view my "fun" projects and learn a little more about me as a human being. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Spend Time on the Administrative Work. </i>My last step involved my completing the administrative/legal tasks. I purchased a domain name for my website and then set up an email account for my business (you can do this for free with Zoho). I also drafted sample emails that I could quickly send when approached by potential clients or engaged by new clients. Then I prepared a sample contract and model release.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">The entire process took me approximately 4 hours and at the end of that 4 hours, I had a clear vision of my photography business. Now, I find it easier to market my services and my efforts are much more effective!</span><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Therefore, I encourage you to think about how you approach your photography if you are trying to make money off your work. Have you been treating your photography like a business or did you just hang out a shingle and hope for the best? Try to think strategically about your photography services so you too can make "business money" instead of "hobby money." </span>Adriel Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00180387955467166369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748184638007419080.post-3094011458136788632015-08-21T10:26:00.000-05:002015-10-25T15:10:49.576-05:00Become A Better Photographer By Defining Your Photographic Style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZviVdQxZFo7Yiaa2hHWhPo8CcD7ji9spW13seeT-tiR4WWf5qhT2GalzJG8eJZRSUmaJICwto9KBUlK99pXtUUzmdmPBwEq9IZhQI5GaO5Wl54Kag1TatRMeuQlIhYAV7GkKsn2Yj-juo/s1600/photography-731891_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZviVdQxZFo7Yiaa2hHWhPo8CcD7ji9spW13seeT-tiR4WWf5qhT2GalzJG8eJZRSUmaJICwto9KBUlK99pXtUUzmdmPBwEq9IZhQI5GaO5Wl54Kag1TatRMeuQlIhYAV7GkKsn2Yj-juo/s320/photography-731891_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Whether you are new to photography or you have been a shutterbug for years, there is a good chance you have searched the internet for at least one "how to be a better photographer" article. In my opinion, however, these articles do not go far enough. If you have decided to invest hundreds of dollars into a camera and lens, you should be striving to define your personal style. It is relatively easy to improve your photography skills, daunting as it might seem, but defining your own photographic style will differentiate your photos from the rest of the crowd. Below are three tips on how you can become a better photographer by defining your style:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><b>1. Use Your Camera Every Day!</b></span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Step one, take camera off shelf. Step two, turn camera on. Step three, take a photo. Many people want to become better photographers but they only use their camera once or twice a year. If you only use your camera every now and then you are simply not receiving the return on your investment. The best photographers always have a camera at their side and they take pictures constantly. Therefore, simply start taking pictures. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">I realize you may not want to bring your DSLR with you to work, but what about your phone? Nearly everyone has a camera on their phone in this day and age. Use your camera phone during the day and your DSLR on nights and weekends. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">And, remember, at this point, the subject matter is irrelevant. Your only job is to ensure the image is well composed. So, start by becoming that person that takes pictures everywhere.The more frequently you take photos, the faster you will notice improvement in your photography and the closer you will be to defining your personal style.</span></span><br />
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<h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b> 2. Develop Your Photographic Eye By Always Being Aware of Your Surroundings</b></span></span></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">The moment I step outside of my door, I immediately begin to make note of my surroundings -- I instantly see the ray of light perfectly crossing the decorative shutters on the picturesque row house or the order in the random papers strewn across the sidewalk or the contrast of the bright green car in front of the white building. My eye is instantly drawn to every aspect of my surrounding and I know instantly what will make a good image. Developing a photographic eye is essential to becoming a better photographer and defining your personal style. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">The ability to capture through the camera what you see through your eye is a skill that is developed over time, however, the more aware you are of your surroundings, the faster you will pick up this skill. Start by slowing down for 15 minutes during your day and taking note of your surroundings, especially when you are in your most familiar settings. Many people think they need to go to an exotic location in order to take a great picture. That simply is not true. The ability to <i>see</i> something unique in your home or office is the real test of your photographic eye. As you are looking at your surroundings, pay particular attention to what your eye is drawn to, taking note of the small things. The goal is to eventually get to the point where you can scan your surroundings and quickly hone in on a shot. In business terms, it is considered big picture thinking with the ability to focus on the details.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">If you are still having trouble <i>seeing</i> your surroundings and focusing in on the details maybe this trick will help. Take a square piece of paper or cardboard, cut a small square box in the center and then hold that piece of paper or cardboard about six inches from your eye. The goal is to block as much of the environment from your peripheral vision as possible and only view the world through the cutout. You will simultaneously strengthen your photographic eye while also improving your composition skills. Will you look a little weird if you do this outside? Yeah but who cares. A camera is just a box with a rectangular cutout anyway!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">As you become more aware of your surroundings, you will notice that you are more strategic and effective with your photography. As opposed to taking 100 photos before you capture one good image of the dog rolling around in the dirt, you will find that you might only need to take 25 or 50. Moreover, the more aware you are of your surroundings, the less likely you will miss a great shot because you are too focused on a mediocre one.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"></span></span><br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><b>3. Determine What Speaks to You And Then Go Out And Shoot It</b></span></span></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">This is the point when you take what you have learned thus far and use it to define and refine your personal style. By this point, you should be a better photographer because you have been using your camera regularly, you are more aware of your surroundings, and you have a stronger photographic eye. Now, it is time for you to zoom in on what makes you different than the others. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Take a look back at all the photos you have been taking and begin to note what
moves you. Have you been taking pictures of papers or books arranged on a
bookshelf or desk? Well, you might be drawn to lines and architectural photography would be your thing. Have you been taking pictures of flowers? Then maybe you should consider delving into macro photography. Are you converting most of your images to black and white? You might prefer high contrast images. If you are having trouble identifying a pattern ask a friend or family member to look through your photos and note any patterns.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">When you are slowing down to take note of your surroundings, ask yourself, what is my eye drawn to? Do your eyes dart to people's faces when you are outside? Maybe your eye is instantly drawn to people's clothes.Well, then consider street photography.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">And, lastly, what blogs are you following or what magazines do you read? When you are reading through the blogs, what images resonate the most with you? What images invoke emotion? If your heart skips a beat every time you see a photo of the Aurora Borealis, well you might prefer astro-photography. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">All of the above are clues to your personal style. So, how do you further define and refine that style? Take your camera and go find your subject. Go to the places where you are most likely to find your subject matter. If you are into taking pictures of people's faces, find a street fair or other large gathering of people and take photos there. Be aware of local events and happenings in your city so you always have a chance to test out your skills. If you are into astro-photography, find an astronomy group and ask if you can join them on an outing. Be proactive! Go out and find your adventure! Unless you are into simply photographing your household items, you are going to have to leave your house to develop as a photographer.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">As a side note, please use your judgment when photographing your subjects. For example, a man photographing at a playground by himself will likely attract a concerned parent or, even worse, a cop. Sometimes it is better to ask if you can take another person's picture, even if you are in a public place, and if someone asks you not to take their picture, respect that. Plus, at many street festivals or fairs, you must ask the stand owner for permission to take a photograph of their products.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">And, if after all that you still do not feel any closer to defining your personal style, well, then, just start trying different styles of photography. Pick a different style of photography and practice it for two weeks. At the end of that two weeks, switch to a different style. Post the images on social media and observe which ones get the most "likes" from friends or family members. Eventually, you will happen upon a style that you really enjoy. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Finally, remember to go easy on yourself. Your tastes may change and that is OK.
Just work to identify patterns in your images, no matter how small they are and you will be closer to defining your photographic style.</span></span>Adriel Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00180387955467166369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748184638007419080.post-45995464685712600902015-08-20T07:45:00.000-05:002015-10-25T15:11:31.094-05:00New Camera? Now What?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKXfnfz-X9qC_5L87RVEiEfwwG4AFhXnrZCPX4hYLMbNlO05pKuNpewuvdVgl37XTlmUWoMF35b0e4aTGt7TP5kXIFwRSANrVwx8AodnLiNDmc7vkI2RK7x8NQ2l3v8ha1fkdu8RKgHN-/s1600/photo-431119_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKXfnfz-X9qC_5L87RVEiEfwwG4AFhXnrZCPX4hYLMbNlO05pKuNpewuvdVgl37XTlmUWoMF35b0e4aTGt7TP5kXIFwRSANrVwx8AodnLiNDmc7vkI2RK7x8NQ2l3v8ha1fkdu8RKgHN-/s320/photo-431119_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Congratulations on your new camera! I am sure you are so excited to have your newest toy. If this is your first camera then let's shout out a big "WooHoo!" Your excitement, however, might be somewhat short lived as you now ask yourself, how exactly do I use this thing? If this is your first new camera in longtime then there may be some new features that you need to learn how to use. And, if this is your very first camera, then there are more than a few new features you need to learn how to use. Your first inclination might be to just take the camera out and start taking pictures. However, I recommend starting with a slightly different approach -- while you may not receive the instant gratification of being the "ultimate photographer" that you so desperately seek, you will receive the long-term benefit of actually knowing what you are doing.</span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">First things first, now that you have that nice new camera out of the box (or finished dusting off that old
unused camera on the top shelf) you need to READ THE MANUAL and then read the manual AGAIN! I cannot say this enough and you would be shocked by how many people have not truly studied their camera manual.
You have made a substantial investment in a highly valuable piece of equipment so if you want to ensure you get a return on that investment, you need to know how your camera works. The manual is specific to your camera. It will tell you about the different functions and features that your camera has to offer. It will also warn you about activities or settings that might damage your camera. As such, it is important to start with the manual.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Now, I know you might say
"The manual has a lot of photography terminology that I do not know. I'll just get lost when reading the manual. Wouldn't it be
better if I pick up a couple books from the library or buy a couple off
Amazon instead?" My response: "NO! Read the manual." Now, the manual will give you a brief introduction to the concepts of "aperture," "shutter," and "exposure" and will show you how these concepts relate to the features on your camera. If you just pick up a book on photography terminology, you may learn a lot about aperture but if you do not know how to actually change the aperture on the camera, then you will have to wait before you can start to implement what you have learned. As you read through the manual, however, definitely jot down any terms you do not fully understand so you can follow-up on those once you are through the manual.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">
While the manual is
a definite must-read, camera manuals are not always particularly clear and
certainly do not always explain the different settings in detail. This is when
you will want to pick up a third-party book that specifically focuses on your
camera. And, if there are any photography terms you do not understand, refer to your manual. Remember this book is based upon your specific camera so all of the same terms can be found in your camera manual. Third-party books exist for most of the top brands and models, however, if you are unable to locate a book for your specific camera model then you might try locating a book written for a similar camera model or previous camera model (e.g. if you cannot find a book for the D3500 maybe buy the book for the D5500 or the D3300). You might also try identifying a book that touches upon camera features found in certain types of cameras (e.g. a book that discusses the camera features on a DSLR or mirrorless camera). While these are not perfect solutions, they will give you the tools you need to better understand and customize your camera. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">For example, I use a
Nikon Df DSLR. The Nikon Df is a digital camera that has the body of an old
Nikon film camera. It is wonderful because the menu bank is very similar to the
menu bank in my first Nikon DSLR (so I did not have to re-learn the menu bank)
and the knobs and dials on the camera body are very similar to those on my
older Nikon film cameras (nearly everything is in the same place as it is on
the film cameras). Since I purchased my first Nikon DSLR in 2008, the Nikon Df
had quite a few more features than my first DSLR so I knew I would need more
explanation of these new features than the manual could provide. As such, I
purchased "Nikon Df Experience - The Photographer's Guide to Operation and
Image Creation with the Nikon Df" by Douglas Klostermann. It delves into the camera's features in greater detail than in the manual and
it has enabled me to customize the camera's features to my unique photographic needs, which has
really helped me when I am out in the field and need to change settings
quickly.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">At this point, I realize that you might be sick of reading. I understand that. However, the purpose of all this reading is not to dampen your fun, but instead, to get you out of automatic and into manual mode as quickly as possible. You take better pictures in manual mode than automatic on most modern DSLRs. Moreover, you should be playing with your camera as you read the manual and any third-party books you have picked up. You want your fingers to start developing muscle memory as quickly as possible! So, read a little in the manual and then take a few minutes to test out what you just learned.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">So, at this point you have read your camera manual and possibly a third-party book. Now what? Well, now you should purchase that book introducing you to photography concepts and techniques. Unlike the other books, you do not necessarily need to sit down and read this book cover to cover before you take your camera out. Instead, learn a few new concepts and then take the camera out and experiment. Practice what you learn each time you pick up your camera and, if necessary, set aside a little time each day or each week to practice your skills. The more you practice, the more you will come to enjoy photography, and the closer you will be to achieving long-term gratification as the "ultimate photographer!"</span></span>
Adriel Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00180387955467166369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748184638007419080.post-41338583204848318472015-08-19T08:43:00.001-05:002015-10-25T15:14:32.789-05:00My Favorite Photography Blogs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_4YKAP10LysqsYF_rffLVX2aSutyQeiicUvJTqAcpmAWAjW7k7EPE_1oWV-DwZzA6bBmH0Qs8jVRp9kwf4P2eNLuxiKE2tLFVehMqQkzmrA4ksjNIT7pNJUGAoJVPh_NT2tuR2herj6k/s1600/home-office-336378_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_4YKAP10LysqsYF_rffLVX2aSutyQeiicUvJTqAcpmAWAjW7k7EPE_1oWV-DwZzA6bBmH0Qs8jVRp9kwf4P2eNLuxiKE2tLFVehMqQkzmrA4ksjNIT7pNJUGAoJVPh_NT2tuR2herj6k/s320/home-office-336378_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">In my opinion, growth never ends. Therefore, I spend a decent amount of time and energy into learning more about photography. Taking photography classes is one way I continue to hone my skills and another involves reading photography blogs. When I invest in reading through tutorials, learning new techniques or viewing beautiful photographs, I am inspired to become a better photographer. So, with the hopes of inspiring you to be a better photographer, below is a list of five of my favorite photography blogs:</span></span><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><i><b>1. <a href="http://digital-photography-school.com/" target="_blank">Digital Photography School</a></b></i></span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">This website has everything -- tips, tutorials, and camera reviews. I find the articles to be beneficial for both new and experienced photographers. There are articles on almost every photography subject, such as portrait, landscape, and street. There is a whole section geared towards post-production, which can be very helpful if you are new to Lightroom or Photoshop.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><i><b>2. <a href="https://flipboard.com/" target="_blank">Flipboard</a></b></i></span></span></h2>
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</i>Alright, alright. I acknowledge this is not one blog as much as it is a collection of content, however, I still love it. The photography board contains many great articles and images. I enjoy it mainly because of the ability to save posts or articles that I enjoy. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><b><i>3. <a href="http://www.lightstalking.com/" target="_blank">Light Stalking</a></i></b></span></span></h2>
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</i></b>While this site also has a little bit of everything (e.g. tips, tutorials and gear suggestions), it primarily strives to just share beautiful images. This site is one of my favorites because of the seamless integration of beautiful images and photography know-how. The authors focus on publicizing the photographic art but then also provides information on the techniques behind the art. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><b><i>4. <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/" target="_blank">Digital Photography Review</a></i></b></span></span></h2>
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</i></b>Want to know about the latest product announcements? Considering buying that new lens but want to know how it performs? Well then Digital Photography Review is the place to go. It's a one stop shop for news and reviews of the latest photography products! Before you buy your next camera or lens, definitely check out this site.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><b><i>5. <a href="http://www.nationalgeographic.com/" target="_blank">National Geographic</a></i></b></span></span></h2>
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</i></b>I doubt this one needs much explanation. Like many photographers, the images in National Geographic inspire me to get up and go shoot. After looking through the images, I have a near instant desire to hike a mountain or cross a desert (a desire I can assure you I would not otherwise have). National Geographic's images are pure eye-candy!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">So, there you have a list of my five favorite photography blogs. I encourage you to consider formulating a list of your favorite blogs and let inspiration carry you away!</span></span>
Adriel Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00180387955467166369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748184638007419080.post-22944302260313027642015-08-16T20:07:00.004-05:002015-10-25T15:15:00.058-05:00Quick Review: Nikon 300mm f/4E PF ED VR<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlmyAEjjT80VXRSL77OIGAJnVlDTuDjiiJxg9-UPYMlAkOlauKETU79PCjcERzH2wC5DL6NnXMQmdjmyv2pldMWI-vu2dVq4VjNXLPz8RNHnRm84wpmonNg4kWt1Slsx9Aq4rnytPec6y/s1600/nk3004eu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlmyAEjjT80VXRSL77OIGAJnVlDTuDjiiJxg9-UPYMlAkOlauKETU79PCjcERzH2wC5DL6NnXMQmdjmyv2pldMWI-vu2dVq4VjNXLPz8RNHnRm84wpmonNg4kWt1Slsx9Aq4rnytPec6y/s320/nk3004eu.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Two weeks ago I managed to finally get my hands on the new Nikon 300mm f/4e PF ED VR. It is backordered nearly everywhere -- Adorama, B&Photo, etc -- due to the pesky VR problem at the initial release. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In case you have not heard about the VR issue, I will fill you in. Shortly after the initial release of the lens in December 2014 many users began complaining that VR induced image blur when shooting at around 1/125s or lower shutter speeds. Users complained that handheld shots with the VR OFF were much sharper than shots taken with the VR ON. Nikon stopped shipping the lens, issued a firmware update and then shipped new lenses with the firmware update. If you are interested in learning more about the VR issue experienced by users and Nikon's response to the issue feel free to check out this <a href="http://nikonrumors.com/2015/04/16/nikon-offers-firmware-update-fix-for-the-vr-issues-found-in-the-nikkor-300mm-f4e-pf-ed-vr-lens.aspx/" target="_blank">link</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In light of the foregoing, I was rather hesitant to purchase the lens without first trying it out. Well, two weeks ago I was home visiting the family and I decided to stop by Creve Coeur Camera, my hometown camera store. The store happened to have a copy of the lens and offered to let me try it out in store before buying -- a huge plus! A quick side note, one of the perks of buying from a local camera store is the ability to try out the lens; while you may not earn the 2% rewards you would otherwise receive through B&H or Adorama, it can be nice to actually test out a lens to ensure it does not have any problems before purchasing. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I tested the lens on my Nikon Df and took photos around the store at various shutter speeds. Needless to say, I decided the lens was amazing and that I had to buy it immediately. Last week I took the lens out for a little more testing around the National Mall. The results from that little field trip are below:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u><i><b>Handling?</b></i></u></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The lens is very light for the focal length. With the exception of the metal mount and the filter thread, everything is made out of plastic, which helps keep the lens as light as possible. Nikon was also able to reduce the weight of the lens by making use of the Phase Fresnel (PF) lens element, which reduces the need to use more complex lens elements. While you can attach a tripod collar to this lens, I really do not think you need one. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVuL1yf2HA2MVLp2jvAienLebp6HLldQPfuCfOg_i6_JKQMGzpUF4nqCwuNs0_7Q50bY1-QRLynpCH4JBiG5cHv1offp7ruBccf2_7TTSpwi8ZMnGTsZmLfcqJSDHGea5zmGpUATo2DFjT/s1600/DSC_4709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVuL1yf2HA2MVLp2jvAienLebp6HLldQPfuCfOg_i6_JKQMGzpUF4nqCwuNs0_7Q50bY1-QRLynpCH4JBiG5cHv1offp7ruBccf2_7TTSpwi8ZMnGTsZmLfcqJSDHGea5zmGpUATo2DFjT/s640/DSC_4709.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">ISO 100 f/9.0 1/125s</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><u><b>Autofocus + VR?</b></u></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The autofocus is fast -- crazy fast. And, it is accurate. The lens establishes focus quickly and it keeps focus when the subject is moving. There are no issues with VR with this lens at all. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSE3rshwS37g-w70kEq2FGTnUSccwT-Tsc-fedVGlnrberMHIXZGg8QSJvB4YTcptfnyYdty64tkgC-BjW4LbibcbNLS7m8eyQrVlkiWgHAebgqSaDVFAMn1xix680fYpoJ5cdrP65OUJ/s1600/Test+Shots+300mm+Comparison-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSE3rshwS37g-w70kEq2FGTnUSccwT-Tsc-fedVGlnrberMHIXZGg8QSJvB4YTcptfnyYdty64tkgC-BjW4LbibcbNLS7m8eyQrVlkiWgHAebgqSaDVFAMn1xix680fYpoJ5cdrP65OUJ/s320/Test+Shots+300mm+Comparison-1.jpg" width="320" /></a> </span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">ISO 160 f/9.0 1/15s (with VR)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZoxFOnQYnm2gltSVztLFGT5xdtqA9_ATVKQN41VpejrWwEg_4Y1h2QJcvVmf-0nk3ruF8iFMYeRci75XYIFyihjl-2EE7LBij5DK4fJQJPYyL-oHILfXF66X_LUjrXKDaITuBi3O78Mkv/s1600/Test+Shots+300mm+Comparison-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZoxFOnQYnm2gltSVztLFGT5xdtqA9_ATVKQN41VpejrWwEg_4Y1h2QJcvVmf-0nk3ruF8iFMYeRci75XYIFyihjl-2EE7LBij5DK4fJQJPYyL-oHILfXF66X_LUjrXKDaITuBi3O78Mkv/s320/Test+Shots+300mm+Comparison-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">ISO 160 f/9.0 1/20s (without VR)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As you can see from the above, the photo with VR turned "on" is definitely sharper than the image with the VR turned "off." The first photo was taken with VR ON at 1/15 s and the second with VR OFF at 1/20. Both images are relatively sharp, however, the image taken with the VR ON is definitely the sharper of the two.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u><i><b>Specifications?</b></i></u></span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Focal length: 300mm</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Maximum aperture: f/4</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Minimum aperture: f/32</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Lens construction: 16 elements in 10 groups</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Picture angle: 5°20′ (80°10′ with Nikon DX format)</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Closest focusing distance: 1.4m</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">No. of diaphragm blades: 9</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Filter/attachment size: 77mm</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Diameter x length (extension from lens mount): Approximately 89 x 147.5mm</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Weight: 755g</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Cost: ~$1999.00</span></span></li>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBxzQNKPG4RLk5WkgpWwe5t1sKZ1rBYmbR_9Wdd1cP5aBqxjib7sE1rtwBdHLrs4mdyJBVEnm0XTbrB-HWZeDK9YLw0gMlYNxGloY_bDUcKenhONq8VrBHz45rJU-2r3_wvfaThv91rvI/s1600/DSC_4693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBxzQNKPG4RLk5WkgpWwe5t1sKZ1rBYmbR_9Wdd1cP5aBqxjib7sE1rtwBdHLrs4mdyJBVEnm0XTbrB-HWZeDK9YLw0gMlYNxGloY_bDUcKenhONq8VrBHz45rJU-2r3_wvfaThv91rvI/s640/DSC_4693.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">ISO 100 f/9.0 1/250s</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><u><b>Final Thoughts?</b></u></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This is a great lens for the price. I tend to prefer prime lenses e.g. a photographic lens whose focal length is fixed as opposed to zoom. Prime lenses tend to focus faster, produce sharper images, and perform better in low light due to the larger apertures. Therefore, a 300mm prime lens that I could carry from the Washington Monument to the Reflecting Pool was my dream. Take a look at more sample images from my outing on the National Mall and draw your own conclusions.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><i><u>More Sample Images</u></i></b></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlgeOY9BTpF3SJMEznNMrRB5d39KA3UsaU9rfE3QsnONxpndOdkBQoSM3vxuueVGJqSBnljAYe7TGlRz2QWT-Q7EcWBDn2jXTMTqR2YK6DRI-srnTPdvHGVaYFIj2FuRFyO-apmD73CJ0/s1600/DSC_4762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlgeOY9BTpF3SJMEznNMrRB5d39KA3UsaU9rfE3QsnONxpndOdkBQoSM3vxuueVGJqSBnljAYe7TGlRz2QWT-Q7EcWBDn2jXTMTqR2YK6DRI-srnTPdvHGVaYFIj2FuRFyO-apmD73CJ0/s640/DSC_4762.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ISO 100 f/9.0 1/320s</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcTOO7UjSdu5dW8pG3vNzodyNxq3vpnH1QmcRfwYF3VGQtRRjY0pLa_WDn_XeQAtKO1Mh_XTd-VE7RV4EEB63G0C6WA4MRNhb8Zc5nI7cZYGEdg4R4V-oMbOjeqOy-82tA_I5jwsdPh4n/s1600/DSC_4792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcTOO7UjSdu5dW8pG3vNzodyNxq3vpnH1QmcRfwYF3VGQtRRjY0pLa_WDn_XeQAtKO1Mh_XTd-VE7RV4EEB63G0C6WA4MRNhb8Zc5nI7cZYGEdg4R4V-oMbOjeqOy-82tA_I5jwsdPh4n/s640/DSC_4792.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ISO 100 f/9.0 1/200s</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8mHOP8LvvoC5yrlaGaXTx6LzuOMxD4e0oEEw71G4lovu9OpjuQIVuZ7lRbraD7LTjhycItDe7wNib7oH5n0d8tW-xnF86aIs3sPVLersKq-AIhX6Ly6WEBT5UFlbXHGQ2nQl_7HaYD1GH/s1600/DSC_4701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8mHOP8LvvoC5yrlaGaXTx6LzuOMxD4e0oEEw71G4lovu9OpjuQIVuZ7lRbraD7LTjhycItDe7wNib7oH5n0d8tW-xnF86aIs3sPVLersKq-AIhX6Ly6WEBT5UFlbXHGQ2nQl_7HaYD1GH/s640/DSC_4701.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ISO 100 f/9.0 1/200s</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDAqs6UgzBDe460_bPaS9zxgOhPohOXEOvHarJbcg6H-chLbH2KTzYymMTVT-9Kz3wM2R3BQcFwnGW3STHXyfJkgSP1p8WYCWDpe3Lc7AqZySPyp3j32niSpco1gz6JQv0smRDBjqdAMEr/s1600/DSC_4772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDAqs6UgzBDe460_bPaS9zxgOhPohOXEOvHarJbcg6H-chLbH2KTzYymMTVT-9Kz3wM2R3BQcFwnGW3STHXyfJkgSP1p8WYCWDpe3Lc7AqZySPyp3j32niSpco1gz6JQv0smRDBjqdAMEr/s640/DSC_4772.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ISO 100 f/9.0 1/125s</td></tr>
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Adriel Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00180387955467166369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748184638007419080.post-22736879505497358522015-08-11T08:48:00.004-05:002015-10-25T15:16:30.469-05:00Making Money Off Your Photography<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3siM-WE3YGuJwSU9OxsOSX5qWoQl4IpaNWoD8CFUBJpNwk0yLztL9eX60WjD2y34o0utcJ8jZCr8syXqDyOrv_7NLjwg4paJf4jO3HMrLwSISgQgIFWVAv06kVhjic0VNiCPXFg3C36mu/s1600/dollar-499481_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3siM-WE3YGuJwSU9OxsOSX5qWoQl4IpaNWoD8CFUBJpNwk0yLztL9eX60WjD2y34o0utcJ8jZCr8syXqDyOrv_7NLjwg4paJf4jO3HMrLwSISgQgIFWVAv06kVhjic0VNiCPXFg3C36mu/s320/dollar-499481_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I recently started marketing my services in an effort to drum up some photography business. A few months ago I left my six-figure salary legal job in order to take the time to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. It was the right decision for me. One of the activities I have undertaken during this time involves developing my photography skills. My hope is that I can use photography as a "side hustle." (In case you have not heard the term, a side-hustle is what you do to supplement your 9-5 income.) Fortunately, I have been successful in gaining some business from my work, which makes me really proud. However, one thing that I am noticing is that working with friends can be difficult because they simply do not want to pay. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Now, I do not think my friends are being malicious or trying to take advantage of me. I just do not think they understand the amount of time and energy it takes to get the image from my camera to their hands. In an age where "anyone can be a photographer," I believe people have an overly simplified view of photography -- point the phone/camera at something, take the picture, post on social media, DONE! In reality, it takes a lot of time and energy to develop the skills necessary for a photographer to be able to take great shots in any kind of light. And, it takes even more time and energy to edit those pictures and prepare them for final delivery to the client. On average, I might spend 10-15 minutes editing one picture and putting it on my website. Now imagine if I have 600 or 900 pictures from an event. While I may be able to decrease the editing time since all of the pictures were likely taken under similar light, I still have to look through each picture and edit it. Are you starting to get my point?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So, if you have a friend or family member who is a photographer and you need him or her to take pictures for you, PAY that person. And, don't just offer to take the person to dinner or to buy him or her a drink, pay your photographer friend with actual money--MAKE IT RAIN! Your photographer friend will appreciate it and you will have better karma!</span></span>Adriel Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00180387955467166369noreply@blogger.com0