Continuing my education

Do you know when your last photographer attends a class or seminar for photography? Not sure? Continuing the learning process is vital to stay on top of the game no matter what you do in life. Teachers at your children’s school attend meeting and classes periodically, doctors, nurses, just about anything you can name has some way of continuing their education in their craft. I too am continuing my education in photography as well.
Last night I attended a seminar given by Ed Pierce called Captivated By The Light. Ed Pierce is a portrait photographer of 33 year and has produced many DVD’s on this subject. Ed has also come up with a disk set that helps calibrate your digital camera’s exposure. It is not a disk that you put in to a computer but rather you put in front of the camera and take a reading from it. The disk has a black, neutral grey and white stripe. I know it looks weird but believe me once you get the exposure correctly calibrated then the work in front of the computer after the session become so much easier and quicker. I love all my session and I could spend a lot of time creating cool effects in Photoshop, but you must have a good solid exposure to start with. If you don’t have that solid balanced photo to start with then you spend a lot of time cleaning each photo which takes time away creativity.
Now most of the concepts he talked about was not new to me, just sort of forgotten. As a photographer I have over the years learned a lot from every session and mentor I have had. With all of that information to draw from, you can tend to forget the basics of light, posing, and exposures. It is beneficial for all, including the masters, to go back to the basics and relearn what they already know. I know that could sound boring, learning what you already know, but each teacher has their own style to bring to the class. When you attend Ed’s class you not only get the lighting lesion but you can see how each of his portraits was created. You see what lights he use and how he used them, or what reflectors was used on a location shoot. On top of this you can see how Ed works and his style come out in each portrait he creates.
So how does this benefit you as a customer? First it is great to get out of the studio and meet other photographers and talk shop. Second, the people I seek out to learn from are photographers that influence me and who I try to emulate with my portrait work. Third, an inspired photographer is a photographer that will be creative, energized and much happier to be around. As far as my continuing education, I plan to continue attend at least one class a year. So on your next session ask me about the classes I attended for the year, and I will be more than happy to you all about them.

Is your wedding plans complete?

Have you thought of everything for your wedding?

That question, even for the most organized couple planning their wedding, can spark a bit of panic and or confusion. The list upon list of items like; photographer, reception hall, church and so forth have not listed this one thing that most couples often forget. It is the one item that may not be the most important thing but is a detail that will enhance the day. In fact it is the first activity that both bride and groom can do as couple that will be an exercise in working together. This activity could help build the skills in working together to move through what life throws your way. Not to mention with the running around meeting all the venders, this activity will bring the two of you together once a week in the same place. For most couples that are getting married and for the ones that are married, being together in the same place can be a hard thing to do. Have you guessed where this is heading?

I have attended many weddings both as a photographer and of a guest. In one particular wedding reception I attended I saw something that I had not seen before. The happy wedded couple had gone out on the dance floor and started to dance a familiar tick tock to the beat. This was not the interesting part in fact it was a very common dance step that I had seen at many first dances. No the interesting part is when the bride stopped, waved her finger at the groom, waited a beat or two and the couple had started a beautiful waltz for the rest of the song. To this day I have not seen anything like happen. Their first dance was not only the most memorable dance to them but to the rest of the people watching.

The one thing that most couples do not think of when planning a wedding is the first dance. Most couples go out on to the dance floor and climb in to each other’s arms and rock back and forth to the beat. First I would like to say I am not putting that down because before I learned to dance, tick tocking to the beat is what we did when my wife and I danced. To be honest my wife and I did not even dance on our wedding day. The reception was held in the basement of the church we got married in so there was not enough room to have a dance floor.

So why should we learn a dance for our special song on our wedding day? As a couple you have poured over all the small details to make this day the most memorable next to the birth of your child. You have hired a great photographer to capture the formal portraits as well as the candids. The dress, tucks, reception hall, cake, and dinner are all things you want to remember about this day. Why not the first dance? You have picked out the song that best sums up the feelings you have for each other, or perhaps it is the song you first kissed to. Whatever the reason you chose that song, you should have a dance that as a couple, will do with it for years to come. Brides; remember dreaming of that wedding day years back as a child? Each detail you have planned then is now unfolding right in front of your eyes. Now think, wasn’t there a dream of the first dance? Did it not go something like a waltz of an old Fred Astaire Grace Kelly movie? Why fall short now?

At the time you are planning your wedding is the perfect time you should find and enroll in a dance class. Most dance studios that teach classic ballroom dance have lesions structured for the couple that is soon to be wedded. They are simple short sessions that teach the basics of the dance you want to learn. Not sure what dance will go with your song? Don’t worry, bring your song in and the instructor will be able to tell you what dance will go with the song. I am sure you can even have your song played during your lesion.

So when your planning your wedding and you think you have everything covered just make sure you have down on your list “dance lesions.” It could be the one thing that make your wedding memorable for years to come. Oh and check out the dance club I go to. It is TC Dance Club: 219 Third Ave S.W. The number is 365-1275. Ken is a great instructor and you will have a lot of fun learning.

To get the portraits you have always wanted: Part 2

What to do two weeks prior to your session.

Two weeks before an appointment you should get your hair cut. Never get it done the day before the portrait session. Why? If you get a bad hair cut two weeks before your portrait session you can at least grow some of it out and have it re-trimmed to salvage your look. You don’t want to look at the portraits and be reminded of the bad haircut you got. If you’re bringing the family pet then get them groomed as well. This is not a bad time to look over your wardrobe to see if what you have planned to wear is in good shape, washed or just to see if you have the right clothing. There is nothing worse than to look for your outfit the night before and find that it is too small, ratty or you really did not have it to begin with. Shopping for it may not be an alternative open to you because of time or availability of the outfit at the stores. Let family member that maybe joining you in on the plans for the portrait session.

What to do a week prior to your appointment.

If you have family members that are joining you in your portrait session then this is the best time to call them up and confirm the appointment time and place. You might think your nagging them but think of all the time you remember at the last minute of something planned for the next day. When you do talk to them see if they have everything ready for the portrait day and they need help, offer your services. Again all the effort prior to the portrait session will pay off in your in the final photographs. For your family this is a good time to get the final details checked off the list. Go over the clothing, hair, pets, and whatever your bringing to the portrait session.

What to do the day before the portrait session.

The day before the session make sure all the clothes are clean and pressed. Any family members meeting at the studio you are set with everything they need. If you’re bringing the family pet give them a bath the night before so they are clean and dry for the pictures. That night you should talk about the portraits that are going to be taken over the family’s favorite dinner. By doing this you are helping set the stage for a stress free next day. Going to bed early is the final thing for the day. Get your rest so that all of you do not look like you have not had a good night sleep in years. Digital enhancements are great to take dark circles out of eyes but it can be expensive.

The Morning of the portrait session has arrived.

The day has arrived, finally. First and foremost keep the mood light hearted at all cost. Do not get upset at the small details because that anger will snowball to a yelling match that will carry over to the portrait session. Get everyone up a little early if your appointment is in the morning. With everyone trying to get ready for the portrait session, starting early will help avoid some arguments over bathroom space. For breakfast you may just have something quick and have brunch after the appointment. Again if your bringing a dog or cat makes sure they do their business before arriving at the studio. Before you leave make sure you have all your outfits with you, call any family members that are meeting you and tell them you are on the way. And lastly, hop in the car, put on some groovy tunes on and head to the studio or location of the session with plenty of time to spare.
Wow it does sound like a lot of work and it is, but if you want outstanding portraits you should go to any measure necessary to achieve this. Your portrait photographer is responsible for the things they can control in the studio or location. Such as lighting, poses, exposures and final product. You are responsible for all the rest. Once you get the chance to look over your proofs you will then see that it was all worth wile.

So here is a quick recap.

Research for the photographer that best fits you. By doing this it will increase the likelihood of achieving the look of the portrait you want.
Interview photographers. You might love their work but you may not get along or see eye to eye on your portraits
Set a consultation appointment. Once you have a photographer, don’t keep them in the dark about what you want in your portraits.
Two weeks before the appointment let everyone know the plans for the portrait session, get haircuts, groom the pets, and get your outfits.
A week before the appointment, get tie up any loose ends and finalize your plans with everyone.
The day and night before will be spent washing pressing clothes, bathing and grooming pets, checking in with family members, and relax.
The day of get ready and have fun with your portrait session.

To get the portraits you have always wanted: Part 1

Today is the day of the big portrait session you had set up three weeks ago. The appointment you had spent days prior coordinating a date that will work with everyone’s schedule. The appointment that you called around to find a photographer that had that day open for your session. The appointment that is now falling apart right in front of your eyes despite all preparation, effort and time to making it perfect. Is this what typically happens to you? Well don’t feel bad you are not the only one this situation.
Most appointments go well and for the most part you get portraits that you are happy with. What people fail to see is the possibilities of what their portrait session could be? For the most part it is left up to the portrait photographer to come up with the ideas on the day of the portrait session. I would say that most portrait photographer can come up with good ideas for the portraits that make them special. With a little planning on the customer’s part along with the consultation of the photographer you can work out a portrait session which results in not only great portrait, but heirlooms.
When I found out that my father had an upcoming surgery my wife and I got both our parents together and had a big family portrait done. We did not put much thought beyond having our parents together with my wife, son and me in one portrait. We also had my son photographed with both sets of grandparents, my wife’s parents and mine. And lastly my family got a portrait done. The session went very well and was excited to see them. While we were waiting for the portraits to be proofed, my father had his surgery and all come out well. A few weeks later the unexpected happened, my wife’s mother died suddenly. This hit everyone hard but most of all my wife and her step-father. It was great we had the portraits taken because if we had waited any later we would have missed our opportunity forever. I do wish we had given a little more thought beyond the generic groupings we reflexively had done. I think that my wife would have liked a portrait with her mom and one my son, mom and herself.
What do you need to do before you book that appointment?
You need to research, research and research. Like searching for the right car, you must pour over websites, portfolios and recommendations of others in order to find the right photographer for you. By looking at the websites you will start to know what styles of photography you like and the styles you don’t. Once you have two or three photographers you like, call and interview them. I know that sound odd to interview a photographer, but it is important to the success of the sitting. Some questions you may ask is about how long are their setting? How do they handle problems that could apply to your sitting? Do they allow pets? How do they handle reschedules or missed appointments? Ask them too if they have consultations prior to the settings? How they choose what portraits to digitally enhance? Ask them about their proofing method. Are the proofs on the web, in their studio or are you handed a book to look through? Whatever their method of showing you the proofs a good photographer will also sit down with you and explain all the possibilities for your portraits. Ask them anything and everything that could apply to your session. Also tell them what you are looking for in your session. This open conversation will give you an idea of who the photographer is and how far they will go to make your portrait session special.
Once you have found a photographer you like book a consultation to talk about your portrait session. I cannot stress how important this is in order to get the portraits you are looking for. Prior to going into the consultation make a list of ideas that make your family unique. Maybe the family are big Iowa fans or root for the Packers. Maybe you are NASCAR fans or love to line dance. Remember any ideas that you come up with the photographer should be able to build off that and come up with a portrait session that fits your family. Need ideas? Again look at the photographer’s website. If the photographer has been around for many years there should be some good portraits that spark inspiration in to your session. After a good consultation where ideas are worked out, clothing and location has been chosen, and then the appointment will be set.