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Take & Talk Pics

Take & Talk Pics is a photography based podcast and blog where the host, Rob Krueger, shares information every Monday, interviews a new working professional photographer each Wednesday and Friday. This full blown photography podcast and blog is full of amazing content 3 days a week. Photo World, the listening community, can expect a fresh new show every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Rob will use Take & Talk Pics as a better way of learning photography and more importantly the business of photography. He asks nearly identical questions to every photographer being interviewed each Wednesday and Friday. The great thing about this continuity is; Photo World will know exactly what to expect from Take & Talk Pics but the answers are constantly changing from one professional to the next. Rob believes this is the best way to learn. It begins to become an educational habit. Aside from the weekly interviews, Rob has the Monday Message. This began in June 2015 and continues today. Whether Rob is recalling a quote, suggesting a book, speaking about his own experiences, or just getting Photo World motivated to CRUSH their photography business; He delivers a unique perspective on a range of topics to keep us interested in all the aspects of photography and running a small business.
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Now displaying: 2015
Dec 30, 2015

Kareem Black - Shoot What You Love - episode 119

Today’s featured guest is Kareem Black

Kareem is a commercial photographer based in New York City. He has worked for companies like McDonalds, Verizon, Pepsi, Maxim, GQ, ESPN, Samsung… the list goes on and on. Kareem’s jobs often include photographing many celebrities and along with his commercial work he continues developing personal projects.

Upon his graduation from the School of Visual Arts, New York-based photographer Kareem Black went straight into shooting for Fader, GQ, Sony Music Entertainment, and Atlantic Records. He was featured as one of Photo District News’ 30 Emerging Photographers – and soon became the go-to lens-man for Reebok, Complex, and Steve Madden. Along with his commercial work, Black keeps busy with a variety of personal projects including Feels Good Let’s Go, a website that depicts the more interesting participants in N.Y.C.’s nightlife. He traveled to Haiti twice (once with Art in Motion and once with Healing Haiti) and mounted shows of his images taken there, with all money going to charity. Kareem has also been a part of Charity missions in Bosnia and Sri Lanka. Black has lectured at SVA, NYU, Pratt, the Fashion Institute of Technology, the Rochester Institute of Technology, The Professional Photographers Association and the PhotoPlus Expo. Client list: Malibu Rum, BBDO, HBO, Brooklyn Brothers, McDonalds, Fuse TV, Adidas, Verizon, Kool Aid, Burger King, Pepsi, W Hotels, Vitamin Water, Arena, Maxim, GQ, Vibe, Sourz, Flaunt, ESPN, Mens Health, Budweiser, Spin, Spike DDB, Sports Illustrated, VH1, MTV, New Era, Popular Science Magazine, People Magazine, Reebok, Atlantic Records, Samsung, Fed Ex, Inc Magazine & Steve Madden. 

Dec 28, 2015

Branding Your Business - Monday Message

The importance of branding. Well Photo World I didn't know the first thing about branding a business when I started. I was so considered with everything from my photography studio name to the logo and colors being perfect and the right feel I thought looked good, that I didn't even consider how that fit with my photography or my personality. In life we sometimes hear "it's the little things that matter" and that is never been more true than when Branding a business. Do you have a specific style and does your business' personality mesh well with that style? Who are your ideal clients and are you designing your brand for that niche market? How does your brand feel when mixed with your the artist? Like I said it is the little things that matter. Consider your first encounter with a new potential client... does it matter how you are dressed? Sadly it does matter and it matters a lot. Branding your business starts with branding yourself. Would you rather meet in person or do things over the phone? What colors are in your logo? If there is texted involved what font and size are you considering?

In short Branding is the personality of anything. If you want to better brand your business decide on the personality of your business. Listen to today's episode for my thoughts on the subject and share your branding questions here or on the facebook page.

Happy Shooting!

Dec 25, 2015

Perry Hagopian - Learn and Grow then Learn - episode 117

Today’s featured guest is Perry Hagopian

Perry is a Celebrity and Fashion photographer based out of New York City, New York. He has been shaping his career since the age of 19 and Perry’s work has been published in Cosmopolitan, InStyle, Glamour U.K., Town & Country, and People Magazine just to name a few. Let’s find out more about your story and dive into your business.

Rob: I could have talked to Perry for hours! The conversation probably would have gone on but I hand to make many cuts in my usual questions to keep just under 40 minutes. (10 more than my usual interviews) I have the power to edit but there were so many little details that, if I was a newer photographer, would be the career changing words of advice. I just about lost my place when Perry talked about how we should go into each job we have. (if you listen you'll know what I'm talking about) That small bit of advice changed my very next photo job. I was feeling down and wasn't looking forward to it but in one small group of words everything changed. PS... I did awesome and felt great about the job once it was all said and done. Photo World please share with me your favorite piece from this interview with Perry Hagopian.

Photographer Perry Hagopian is best known for his fashion and celebrity pictures, and perfect technical lighting. He grew up in Las Vegas and moved to New York City at 19 to pursue a career behind the camera. He swiftly landed a job assisting Rico Puhlmann: after Puhlmann's death in 1996, Hagopian helped finish his monograph, "Rico Puhlmann: A Fashion Legacy." He later worked under director Gus Van Sant and Mark Abrahams.

W: perryhagopian.com

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2015 © Take&TalkPics

Dec 23, 2015

116 Jamie Mathews - Be Yourself

Today’s featured guest is Jamie Mathews

Jamie is a wife, mother, and owner of her photography business Jamie Lee Creativity based in Deland, Florida. As a portrait photographer Jamie specializes in high school seniors, families, maternity, newborns, and weddings.

-I’m an Iced Coffee Addict (The Struggle is Real & Mornings REQUIRE coffee)
-I’m a Sixth Generation Delandite my family settled in Deland in 1880.
-I love LOVE and capturing connections-that is what photography is about for me.
 
I am currently experiencing the most amazing time of my life,
I am a wife, a mother, and a business owner 
and I feel that in all these roles I am growing as an individual
and finding the person that God always intended for me to be.
  
My ultimate goal for you as my client is that you will have an amazing & FUN experience at your session
-and that I as your photographer will provide you with quality images
that capture your loved one’s true personalities & character
resulting in amazing photographs that you will cherish for a lifetime!

Recommended Resource:

Creative Live

perfectweddingguide.com

W: jamieleecreativity.com

Blog: jamieleecreativity.com/central-florida-photographer

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2015 © Take&TalkPics

Dec 21, 2015

Monday Message - Who Moved My Cheese

                It is hard enough to build a business, but when do you stop the building process? Is there a specific time in a company’s growth where one should be content with all they achieved and stay comfortably in that place?

               It is a difficult thing to decide on and in today’s Monday Message I share with you my thoughts on the subject and more so on the ups and downs of change. To justify a bad situation many people will tell you change is good and everything will work out. When it seems like you are stuck in life a change is something we often consider. I talk about how much or how little one should/may want to change and the importance of turning points in a business.

                If you look back to the first Take & Talk Pics interview you can hear how much I have changed as a host and interviewer. The format of the show had seen a few adjustments with adding the Monday Message, then the Fundamental Friday’s, and now I have removed the Fundamental Friday’s.

                Things improve or sometimes falter and weather direct or indirect, change is almost always to blame or thank for such things. They evolve and I talk about a handful of great points on the subject. It doesn’t matter what you do after hearing this episode Photo World but I promise change is coming.

Change is hard and the best thing you can do for growth

Who Moved My Cheese - Book

Happy Shooting!

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Dec 18, 2015

Nancy Green - Always Do Your Best

Today’s featured guest is Nancy Green

Nancy is a family and senior portrait photographer based out of Carver Massachusetts. With the long list of accomplishments and professional certificates it is hard to know where to start. Nancy is president of both Professional Photographers of Massachusetts and Professional Photographers of New England. She has her PPA Master of Photography and PPA Craftsman Certificates.

I started way back when in a little town called Hopewell Jct. New York. Yup, really, there IS a town called that. Assisting a terrific photographer (my mentor), Ed Towsley, at his place of business “The Country Studio”.

Went to Rhode Island Photography School for a couple of years of intense training (oh and a whole lot of fun) and after graduating, went to work for Gainsboro Studio in Salem MA. I learned a lot about studio management and “life” and decided to move on and open my own place in Plymouth MA.

Green Photographers opened in Plymouth in 1979 then moved to Carver in 2004. Today the studio is known as “Nancy Green Photography” and is located at 90 A Main Street, Carver MA. The studio has a great layout for beautiful studio portraits with lots of room for large families or products. It’s located close to ponds and beautiful landscaped areas I travel to for the environmental settings. I am just minutes to some great beaches if the shoreline is your desire.

The moment I opened my studio I joined every professional photographic organization I could to learn more and stay educated with a changing profession. After many years I became a president of both Professional Photographers of Massachusetts and Professional Photographers of New England. In 1996 I received the PPA Master of Photography degree and followed in 1997 with my PPA Craftsman. I am a Certified Professional Photographer and a PPA Affiliated Judge. I think it’s clear I am dedicated to the betterment of our profession through the education of myself and others.

I received one of the highest honors given by my peers, the PPA National Award not once (From Massachusetts) but twice (From Vermont).
Image Competition is one of my favorite “sports”. I’ve been blessed to receive many honors such as Kodak Gallery, Fuji Masterpiece, PPAM Court of Honors, PPANE Court of Honors and other various awards for my images. Competition keeps you focused and on your toes in this profession. Competing in the Professional Photographers of America competitions is the best way to know where you stand amongst the crowd. It is the way to have other professionals honor your work or help you find its flaws. It keeps you growing and changing in the ever changing field of photography.

Dec 16, 2015

David Basher - Marketing Networking and Marketing

Here at Take & Talk Pics I (Rob) want to connect you (Photo World) to other photographer who are going through, have gone trough, or will go through the same kind of day to day business successes and struggles as you. Basically reminding us we are not alone in what we do. Sharing the journey's of these amazing photographers helps all of us become better photographers. With David we really talked about the importance of marketing and networking and David Basher hits it out of the park. There's a reason you see the word "Marketing" twice in today's title. Listen up to the importance of this subject and bring your photography business to the next level. 

Today’s featured guest is David Basher

David is a wedding photographer based out of Orlando, Florida. His company “A Magic Moment” services throughout the entire state from Tampa to Miami and most major cities in between. David is approaching 20 years running his photography and videography studio and Photo World I can’t wait to hear what we can lean.

Orlando photographer, A Magic Moment, has been providing photography and video in Orlando, FL since 1996. Using the most advanced professional equipment and a strong technical excellence is a given at A Magic Moment. Our highly skilled, uniquely talented, and well-schooled photographers are masters in the art of capturing the essence of your day.

It’s said that photography and videography are the art of painting with light. Our proudest moments come when we see the effect our images have on you – when a picture takes your breath away, when you tear-up reliving a precious family event, or embrace an album that will be passed around the family for generations to come. When this happens, and it happens here every day, we know our painted canvas is complete.

Recommended Resource:

Two Bright Lights

W: amagicmoment.com

Blog: amagicmoment.com/blog

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2015 © Take&TalkPics

Dec 14, 2015

Monday Message - Secrets and Fear

Photo World the format of today’s episode is a bit different. Listening back it almost sounds like I am complaining about something. Not what I was going for but it may have been the right feeling for the words at the time. I have been having some trouble with what I see in many new photographers; most of whom are still learning and not quite ready to be in business in this industry. I’m not saying they can’t or shouldn’t but I am bothered by the overwhelming sense of entitlement going around. It feels as though we see all of these talent shows on tv, so many young rock stars, and younger still famous actors/actresses; the consensus being that we are all destined for fame and fortune. Now Photo World I fully believe you are destined for all of those great things you want to have happen but there is a clouded idea about how to get there. In today’s episode I speak on the secrets in business and in photography, I transition to fear being a deterrent of success, and share a small non business non photography story about when I learned to get over fear and seek out all the secrets. I have never really thought of myself as someone with all the answers but I have always worked to be the one who knows where to find them. If we (newer photographers) expect to be rewarded for all the little things, then a solid photography business is probably not in the cards. However if we work hard through all the little things, learn the secrets, and face our fears then we will see reward for the stuff that matters.

Keep up the hard work and keep seeking the right people to learn from/alongside.

Happy Shooting!

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Dec 11, 2015

Today’s featured guest is Laura Bellamy

Laura’s company Simple Elegance by Laura is based in Central Florida, however she travels throughout the nation capturing weddings and their once in a lifetime moments in a classic and timeless way.

I’ve always been a romantic.  And a total sucker for weddings.  Yes, I’m the one who blubbers at the “I Do’s” and gets giddy seeing a girl sporting a brand-new engagement ring.  Even as a child, I collected wedding magazines by the dozen.  When I started life as a photographer, it took me in a variety of directions, from children’s portraits to photographing national ballroom dance competitions.  But weddings were still what excited me.  I enjoy the unique ways each couple chooses to express and celebrate their love and their stories.  Though based in Central Florida, I have photographed weddings all over the country, from the red rock of southern Utah to the green forestry of Oregon; from the hustle-and-bustle of Washington, DC to the magic and enchantment of Disneyland.  I have become dedicated to capturing those special moments that only happen once, in a classic and timeless way that will last forever.

Recommended Resource:

Creative Live

Best of Wedding Photography

Dec 9, 2015

Ryan Carey - Photography Education and Experience

Today’s featured guest is Ryan Carey

It often happens during my interview that we fins a common theme to discuss and this interview with Ryan Carey was no different. Ryan reminds us on the important's of education. She opens it up further with experience being a big part of the education. I find with many who stay or self teach photography get to a point where they are prepared to make it a business. This is one of the hardest things to do and many new photographers fail because they were not fully prepared for the business side of things. Assisting other photographers, reaching out to your local photographers for a cup a coffee and picking their brain, attending workshops and seminars, and taking on free jobs in those early stages to lean more about the true practice of running a photography business.

Ryan is an Orlando based wedding and lifestyle photographer with her business Earth Muse  however she travels around the world working with clients such as Bank of America, Avon, and Tupperware. Ryan has an extensive list of CEO’s and presidents of organizations she has worked with to fill the commercial side of her business.

Ryan studied at Daytona State College of Photography and is in her eleventh year working as a professional photographer. She has documented and photographed for national accounts such as Bank of America, Polaris, Swarovski, Jockey, Tupperware, Avon and Pampered Chef. Ryan has shot and worked closely with the CEO’s and Presidents of these organizations, Patrick Duffy of the hit Television show Dallas, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, General Michael Hayden Former Director of the CIA & NSA, Captain James Lovell of Apollo 13 and the creators of Proactive, to name a few.

Ryan travels around the world shooting weddings, corporate and lifestyle photography. She is passionate about her art and enjoys working with and getting to know each one of her clients.

Dec 7, 2015

The story of Kate and Bryan:

Hey Photo World! There is always an opportunity to learn from moments and yes, I believe there is even the possibility of Learning From Every Moment. Learning From Every Moment starts with will power. We usually only see what we want to see; good, bad, success, stress, and every other feeling or emotion possible. This leaves us with the power to change how we view our work, and more importantly, our lives. I am no expert on Learning From Every Moment but I do lean with great depth in the moments that stand out. Before text message, instagram, even email or the internet; before typewriters, hand written letters, and even carving into stone... there were words and language to pass knowledge from one generation to the next, stories to be told and held sacred. I feel if you want the fast track to Learning From Every Moment, then just understand how to tell the story from that particular situation. In today's episode I explore the development of my personality, at least in a small way, and how I can now look back and Learn From this Moment in time. A story of a bride and the wild weather on her wedding day to change my game for the rest of my life. The understanding I now have and ability I will always develop in Learning From Every Moment.

Happy Shooting!

Dec 4, 2015

David Kingham - Leave Your 9 to 5

Today’s featured guest is David Kingham

David is a landscape photographer from Fort Collins Colorado. He was burned out from the 9 to 5 cubicle life and wanted more than 3 walls and the same thing every day. David is always seeking something beyond a “pretty picture” he looks to heal the views soul and remind us how precious life is with the short time given to us, and he has mastered this with each photograph he makes.

David Kingham was born in Loveland, Colorado where he spent most of his life exploring the Rocky Mountains. David continues to return to these mountains, but now travels full time in the western US as a nomad in his van. David shares his passion of photography with others leading workshops, and on his blog. He has also published an eBook through Craft and Vision title Nightscape. To see David's work, visit DavidKingham.com and ExploringExposure.com

Recommended Resource:

Photographer’s Ephemeris

W: davidkingham.com

Blog: davidkingham.com/360-project

Workshops: exploringexposure.com/2016-workshops

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2015 © Take&TalkPics

Dec 2, 2015

Anna Goins - Business Driven by Faith

Today’s featured guest is Anna Goins

Anna is a wedding and portrait photographer and her business Old Pine Pictorial is based in Orlando, Florida. She has done portraits for Nike, published in PN Magazine as well as Heart of the Bride. Her images have a light and honest quality which hold a moment of something real. Passion, emotion, and love drive her subjects and her subjects drive her work.

I have been studying the art of photography for over 7 years. I trained under Orlando's wedding photographer, Katie Crawford Meehan, for 3 years before I ventured out by myself. Since then I have done photos for Nike, been published in PN Magazine as well as Heart of the Bride, worked alongside Katie Crawford for Fashion Week at Millenia, and have had my art displayed in Austin's Coffee in Orlando, FL.  

Since I was young I knew the significance of a photo, the type of depth it held, and the importance of capturing a candid moment of  true love posed by non other than life. I was taught how to refine my passion and since then I have been blessed with incredible opportunities. My Lord, family, and friends have gotten me where I am. 

 

W: oldpinepictorial.com

Nov 30, 2015

106 Monday Message - Finding Your Style

Finding Your StyleFinding your style is simple if you stay on track and refuse to Compare yourself to others. Ignore the competition; know your competition but use them for inspiration. I like to say "Don’t compare your middle to someone else’s end" and for those of you in the early stages of finding your style "Don’t compare your start to someone else’s middle". If you emulate, mimic, or copy others it is all a waste. Rather find the gaps and fill them; find something new to develop a solution. In this search you will happen upon a style and develop your look and feel along the way. I love to tell my students and you Photo World to shoot, shoot, shoot… NOW! & often; try every day to start. Same goes for editing; we need to continually practice and better our skills. Try studying light more than anything else, ANYTHING. Seeing the light can really change the game. Study the things you don’t yet have a good answer to. It is already out there and you can make it your own just by finding a good staring point.

Mistakes are not part of the art, they are part of learning. Practice doesn’t make perfect, but it will move you closer in that direction. In short - your experience will set you apart naturally over time. What makes you happy about your work? We struggle with the ideas about doing what we love for a living and the reality is we rarely do what we love, but all the owrk we do for making a living allows for us to do what we love. If you enjoy the work you produce (your style), others will as well. The one thing people seem to never consider when they are finding their style is: your style already exists. It is the part of you that is placed in each photograph you take; fine tune it, expect it to change, steer toward the changes you want, and run with it.

Happy Shooting!

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Nov 27, 2015

Today’s featured guest is Brian Adams

Brian is a wedding photographer based in Orlando, Florida and for half the year you will find him doing weddings throughout the North Eastern States as well. His Studio consists of 4 photographers with a combined 50 years of experience and the team has photographed over 400 weddings. Brian has been showcased on Oprah, Dr. Oz, and Good Morning America not to mention the many publications where his work has been featured.

Brian began photographing weddings in 2002. Troy joined him in 2003, Lori joined them in 2007, and Scott joined the team in 2012. Supported by their assistants Taylor, Sky, and Kristy, and their editors Rooz and Rick, they have photographed more than 350 weddings in 22 states and 8 countries. Brian and his associate photographers photograph weddings year-round all over Florida, including: Clearwater, Jacksonville, Key West, Miami, Orlando, Pensacola, St. Augustine, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Vero Beach, West Palm Beach, and Winter Park.

See some of Brian, Troy, Lori, and Scott's complete wedding albums here.

Brian also photographs weddings April through October in these New England locations: Boston, Bristol, New Haven, Newport, Ogunquit, Portland, and all over Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. Brian has recently been lucky enough to photograph weddings and engagement sessions Internationally in Singapore, New Zealand, Thailand, Hong Kong, The Bahamas, Tunisia, and Canada.

Brian travels more than 50,000 miles a year and constantly gleans inspiration from the people he meets, art deco and mid-century architecture, design (graphic, industrial, and interior) and cinema. He loves New York and Boston, dogs and cats, beer and wine, and he secretly wants to direct a movie.

His work has been featured in Connecticut Magazine, People Magazine, Professional Photographer, and Town & Country and has also been seen on Oprah, The Dr. Oz Show, and Good Morning America. The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts presented Brian with two awards for his photography in 2007 and in 2012.

In 2009, Brian moved his Winter Park, Florida office to a boutique-style studio in downtown Orlando. In 2010, Brian led the world's first iPhone photo and video team to shoot a complete wedding, which has since received over 175,000 hits on YouTube. In 2012, Brian Adams PhotoGraphics was thankful to celebrate 10 great years of wedding photography.

Nov 25, 2015

Today’s featured guest is Erik Stensland

Erik is a landscape photographer based in Estes Park Colorado. His business consists of two main parts: Morning Light Photography, his images focusing on the American Southwest Desert, the Pacific North West, and Lanscapes throughout the United Kingdom. Images of RMNP or Rocky Mountain National Park depicts aspects of the park through every light and weather condition imaginable. Some early mornings Erik devotes to a long hike for the perfect view as the sun peaks over the horizon.

Erik Stensland was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but it was after his family moved to Montana that he developed his deep love for the wilderness, often hiking alone in the mountains from an early age. Later Erik moved back to Minnesota, where he attended high school and college. After graduating, Erik followed his other passion—that of making a difference in some of the world's impoverished countries. For twelve years he lived in the Balkans, where he led nonprofit initiatives working to help those in need. It was there he met his wife, Joanna, who is from England.

After a decade working together in Bulgaria, Albania, and Kosovo, Erik and Joanna returned to the States and settled in Colorado to be close to the mountains. Their son, Luke, was born during their first year in Colorado and soon after Erik opened his first gallery in downtown Estes Park. Erik quickly became one of the premier photographers of Rocky Mountain National Park. He has an intimate knowledge of the park, having hiked every trail and visited nearly every nook and cranny.

Erik has authored several books, including: Images of Rocky Mountain National Park, Getting Started in Landscape Photography and The Landscape Photographer's Guide to: Photographing Rocky Mountain National Park. To help celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Rocky Mountain National Park, he released a new hardcover book called “Wild Light: A Celebration of Rocky Mountain National Park” which is available at the bookstore upstairs. Besides his gallery in Estes Park, he also sells his work at the Grand Lake Art Gallery and the Trail Ridge Store. Erik also has a gallery outside of Abiquiu, New Mexico, where he displays his growing Desert Southwest collection.

Nov 23, 2015

103 Monday Message - Niche Down

I don't know about you Photo World but once I decided to start a photography business I was pumped and thought I could conquer the industry in no time. The truth is we usually start and bite off way more than we can chew. Understanding a business, the market in your area, our value, contracts, marketing, strict posting schedule on social media, and delivering the product or service successfully is overwhelming. Learning as you go will work over time, however, most throw in the towel before overcoming all the issues that may arise. I wouldn't say if you Niche Down you will be on a fast track to success but you will be on a more guided path. Click here to download this free check list from Rob to layout your Niche Down path to a better business.

Happy Shooting!

Nov 20, 2015

102 Guy Tal - Artist Working with Photography

Today’s featured guest is Guy Tal

Guy is a landscape photographer, artist, educator, and public speaker. He does not consider himself a photographer who makes art but rather an artists working in the medium of photography. Guy conducts several workshops throughout the western United States and educates through talks along with the 7 books he has published; furthermore his work has been featured in publications such as LensWork Magazine, Outdoor Photographer, Popular Photography, and many others.

“Photography is an adventure just as life is an adventure and if man wishes to express himself photographically he must understand, surly to a certain extent, his relationship to life.” – Harry Callahan

I am a professional artist, author, photographer, educator and public speaker. I believe that the practice of creative pursuits manifests not only in the making of art, but also has the ability to transform and enrich life, facilitate meaningful and rewarding experiences, and foster contentment and satisfaction through life-long discovery and learning.


In photography I strive to create images that speak to wildness – the quality of being attuned to, and inspired by, the wild. Many of my images also articulate my intimate connection with the natural landscape, particularly that of my home, and the friendship I found with certain places. Rather than glimpses of superficial beauty, I wish for my work to speak to a deep familiarity with my subjects, revealing something of the role they play in my life – a relationship as intricate as any I have had with another person. The things I photograph are not just attractive models to me, they are temples and sanctuaries and multi-dimensional characters in my own story, as I am in theirs.

I do not photograph for the sake of photography, and not to simply document the external appearance of things, no matter how objectively appealing. Instead, I photograph as a means of exploring and expressing things that I cannot express in any other way, and because it is important to me to share them. I do not photograph things; I photograph my love for them, and sometimes I photograph my love through them.

I do not consider myself a photographer who creates art, but rather an artist working in the medium of photography. Where some photographers take a representational approach to the landscape, I wish instead to use visual elements and natural aesthetics as evocative metaphors, creating images that are not merely of, but about places and things that have become personally meaningful to me.

Nov 18, 2015

101 Jack Graham - Be You

Today’s featured guest is Jack Graham

Jack is a nature and landscape photographer based Puyallup, Washington. His work has appeared in Outdoor Photography, Nature’s Best Photography, The Luminous Landscape, and countless other publications. Jack is a featured contributor for large online European magazine, Landscape photography Magazine. For the past 20 years Jack has been conducting his “Photo Classroom in the Field®” workshops throughout the US and Iceland.

Jack Graham is a professional photographer with over 23 years of experience. Jack resides near Seattle, Washington, in the heart of the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

Jack leads photo workshops throughout the United States as well as Iceland, Greenland and Canada. Jack’s international Workshops can be found on the website ULTIMATE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS.COM. Along with Bill Forney, Jack conducts workshops dedicated for Fuji “X” camera users. These events can be found on the FUJI “X” PHOTOGRAPHER PHOTO WORKSHOPS Website. Jack also conducts workshops for the Pacific Northwest Art School located on Whidbey Island in Puget Sound, Washington. Finally, also offers single day, workshops for extensive one on one instruction. Jack’s workshops are sponsored by Really Right Stuff, Singh-Ray Filters, Gura Gear, Magna Chrome (Metal Prints), www.outdoorphotogear.com, Digital Foci and the Photograph America Newsletter.

 

Jack has been successful in publication and stock photography as well. Photo and writing credits include Outdoor Photography, Landscape Photography Magazine ( www.landscapephotographymagazine.com, www.extraordinary-vision.com , Nature’s Best Photography, NANPA”S Expressions, California Wild, Current’s (NANPA) and many DNR publications, Audubon, The Luminous Landscape, CNET, Popular Photography, The Nature Conservancy, Chicago Wilderness and Sierra Club publications as well as many calendar credits. Corporate work includes prints and stock applications for internal as well as publication use.

Jack’s three successful E Books are available on his website.

Jack uses exclusively Fuji “X” series cameras and Fujinon Lenses. Jack has been named as an “X” Photographer by the Fuji Corporation. Jack’s images have been used extensively by Fuji for commercial and promotional purposes.

Jack is a member of the Board of Directors of NANPA ( North American Nature Photographers Association),;  FNAWS (Federation for North American Wild Sheep, Mono Lake Committee, & SUWA (Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance).

Jack can be contacted for workshop as well as speaking engagements via E-Mail at jack@jackgrahamphotography.com Visit Jack’s Blog for photo tips and informative information

 

Recommended Resource:

Art and Fear – TakeTalkBook.com

PetaPixel

Flipboard

Luminous Landscape

W: jackgrahamphoto.com

Blog: jackgrahamphoto.blog

Workshops: fujixphotoworkshops.com

jackgrahamphoto-workshops

Nov 16, 2015

100!

100 Episodes here on Take & Talk Pics with Rob Krueger

Thank you Photo World for the continued support and helping me rise to new heights with each new episode. The fact that there are thousands of you throughout the world listening keeps me moving forward and I couldn’t have done any of it without your support.

Favorite quote: “Keep failing until one day you do something different.” – Andreea Radutoiu

Learning photographer’s biggest fear: We don’t want to fail. – Kenny Pang

You can’t wait for things to happen. If you want something, you need to go out and get it! Go for it, Do it, don’t wait, and make it happen. – JP Teutonico

Throw your energy into the project you are doing at that time. Our creative juices flow when we are in action and action upon an idea. – Jim Harmer

Don’t “Should” on yourself! – Skip Cohen

 

Jim HarmerImprove photography

Jared PolinFro Knows Photo

Skip CohenSkip Cohen University

Lee MorrisFstoppers

Mike Boening and Jamie MacDonaldMirrorless Minutes

Kevin Kuster - #JJ

Levi SimWriter for Photofocus

Bryan Peterson - Bryan Peterson School of Photography

Ibarionex PerelloThe Candid Frame

 

Thank you Photo World for making this possible!

Happy Shooting!

Nov 13, 2015

Fundamental Fridays - Wireless Flash Sync

With so many wireless triggers out there how do we choose the right one. Well simply list out the needs you have a the ideal budget and you will have about 100 answers. Even better is just about any one of those Wireless Flash Sync options will do the trick.  The biggest concern people have is if the need TTL triggers or not. I have never really had a use for them however I did purchase a set to have the option. I am a manual shooter 99.9% of the time so I carry that same strategy over to my off camera flashes.

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You get to a point with knowing your gear that you have an idea about the proper settings as you walk into a situation. Over time this becomes easier and easier but it does take time to become that proficient.  Using Wireless Flash Sync Triggers is to get the flash off camera and use directional lighting for more denominational images.

Take this sample image here... I have a great texture in the sky, dramatic trees, colorful but muted flowers, and a perfectly lit bride. This is on location, her actual wedding day, all done in camera, and only possible because of off camera flash and those lovely Wireless Flash Sync options out there. To do this with all natural light would be impossible; at least in one shot. With the magic of RAW one could create something with this effect in photoshop but highly unlikely.

Happy Shooting!

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Nov 11, 2015

Rob Blair - Find Something New

Today’s featured guest is Rob Blair

In 2012 Rob ventured into photography with a more dedicated focus. It is still something he practices part time but has already been gaining traction in the medium. Rob won the Fine Art America National TV Photo Contest in 2015 which is where I learned about Rob. He specializes in landscape, wildlife, and macro photography. While he has an eye for the still media, Rob is visually trained with his professional career as a videographer.

Rob is a professional videographer having recently developed a passion for still photography. He has always enjoyed exploring the beauty of creation and finding fresh ways to share the experiences he encounters. Rob won the Fine Art America National TV Photo Contest in 2015 when one of his recent works titled "Beside Still Waters" was chosen for this highly prized award by the world renowned photographer, Anne Geddes.

Rob was born and raised in northeastern Ohio and he comes from a long line of artists on both sides of his family. Still photography emerged to become his most prominent artistic frontier by the Spring of 2012 and he has been snapping countless photos ever since. He specializes in Landscapes, Wildlife and Macro Photography, though he occasionally does events and portrait work.

Please feel free to browse his photos and experience God's beautiful Creation through his eyes. You can do this by browsing the gallery on this site, subscribing to Rob's daily posts on facebook, or by browsing his work on FineArtAmerica.com.

fineartamerica.com/rob-blair

w: robertblairphotography.com

Nov 9, 2015

I came across a feature story about a photographer by the name of Vincent Laforet. I didn’t recognize the name but after a few minutes I recognized the work. Hearing just a small overview of his story had me inspired and interested in what new things I could do with my own photography. We need those reminders; the things we hear or see that relaunch our passion. I think most days I feel lucky to be a full time photographer and pursue my passion while making a living, but there are days when I lose sight of why I am doing this. I don’t really know if I was feeling down about my photography career or anything but when I came across this story it got me thinking about those times when I have trouble staying motivated. Vincent Laforet said something that resonated with me: “As a photographer and visual communicators you try to find images no one has ever seen before.”

                We need to remember our place as photographers. We love what we do and enjoy a lot of what comes with that, but to be reminded of our duty as “visual communicators” is so important. Think about those pictures you see every day that do little for you. You view, understand, and move on in one swift motion, as if it were a reflex. Those types of images are damaging to our purpose as image makers. We need to communicate visually. With all the social media, TV, and internet we are numb to the vast majority of images so we need to find our voice and begin making worthwhile images.

Keep up the motivation and please send your photography and business questions to me through the contact page.

http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/high-art-photography-from-the-heavens/

http://www.vincentlaforet.com/

Happy Shooting!

-Rob

Nov 6, 2015

Fundamental Friday's - Fill Flash

Fill flash is where I shed the light on today's episode. Understanding fill flash is simple. Get a solid ambient reading of your exposure and add a small amount of flash to enhance the shadow areas within your frame. Truly easier said than done. Listen to, or more importantly, watch this weeks Fundamental Friday's episode. Photo World I wish I could have done a video out on location so you could see the effects of fill flash in action but my injury on my hand is giving me trouble. only 8 more weeks to go with the healing process. Maybe I need to share my story as a BONUS episode soon. Photo World do you use fill flash or have thoughts about why we shouldn't use it? Toss your comments down below on the good or bad with fill flash. Some people love it while others despise flash all together and feel natural light is the only true light. I have herd debates in my classroom on this exact subject and it always seemed like the die hard natural light users were more or less afraid to use flash. Flash can be a solution but I totally get how it feels like a hindrance especially early on in your trials with a speedlight. I found it interesting when I first started with flash so I pressed on. Past the countless horrible images I took while acting like I knew what was going on, I knew there would be an overwhelming amount of benefits with understanding speedlights and especially fill flash.

Happy Shooting!

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Nov 4, 2015

Ibarionex Perello - The Candid Frame

Today’s featured guest is Ibarionex Perello

Ibarionex is a street and portrait photographer based out of LA California. With over 25 years of experience in the industry he has become a well-known figure among modern photographers. He has authored 5 booked on photography and has been published in several blogs and magazines. You may know Ibarionex from his podcast The Candid Frame which started in 2006 and you can tune in for a new episode each week.

Ibarionex Perello is a Los Angeles-based photographer, writer and host & producer of The Candid Frame photography podcast. He has over 25 years of experience in the photographic industry and his work has appeared in numerous publications including Outdoor Photographer, Digital Photo Pro, Rangefinder, Popular Photography and Photoshop User magazines. He has authored over 5 books including Chasing the Light: Improving Your Photography Using Available Light. For the last 9 years has been hosting and producing The Candid Frame, a popular interview podcast which has featured conversations with photographs including Elliot Erwitt, Dan Winters , Mary Ellen Mark and others. He has served as an adjunct professor at the Art Center College of Design. He currently is a production fellow for MaximumFun, which produces NPR’s Bullseye with Jesse Thorne.

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