Whats In My Bag part 5

First of all I need to apologize (I think) for the almost annoying excitement in my voice. I was just kicking but that day and getting way more work than usual done and I sound goofy from all the energy pumping through my veins. Part 5 of the What's In My Bag sequence was supposed to wrap up my zoom lenses until I just recently made a new purchase. We'll get there next week though. For now I wanted to go over my AF-S DX Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II, try saying that 3 times fast... Even once is hard enough. I break down the focal length range on this bad boy and address that f3.5-5.6 deal. I know many of you are seeing that same kind of f-stop listed for lenses you own or may want to own, but you must hear this episode before you make any new lens purchase. Lastly, I touch upon the DX or crop factor proprietary feature of this lens. If you want to know more about sensor size and how that works you can always listen to episode 146 Sensor Size.

nikonusa.com

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Correct Aperture

 Is there really such a thing as Correct Aperture? It all depends. When I first got the inspiration to make this an episode I was browsing through my news feed on facebook and I saw a post from a wedding photographer asking why her image still seems to be out of focus even though she made sure have a faster shutter speed and as low of an ISO as she could allow. Listen as I dissect the exposure and things to think about when it comes to Aperture. I wanted to take it a few steps further and touch upon Depth of Field and well as finding the Aperture Sweet Spot. Yes, every lens has an Aperture Sweet Spot. It is the f-stop in each lens that gives the most clear sharpness within the focal plane. One lens will differ from another and I can tell you it isn't the most closed down you can go. It seems like the large f number, and therefore greater depth of field, closed down Aperture would be the most sharp but that just isn't the case. Tune in and find out why.

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The Customer is Always Wrong

Photo World how many times have you heard "The Customer is Always Right"? As a customer of many goods and services, I can tell you I have not always been right or at least I wasn't treated like I was right. My guess is half the time I was probably wrong. Often we get stuck on the thought that we are right because we are stubborn or we just don't want to admit to being wrong. With that said, think about the other side. If you are right then the business or other person you're interacting with is wrong. So as photographers and small business owners we will deal with this transaction many times throughout our careers. I know I have felt like, and said in private, that a Customer is Wrong, but that doesn't solve anything for them or me. It took me years to let go over my own personal problems and start saying:

1. Where did this go wrong
2. What can I do/should do to make this right
3. What can I learn from this

Photo World if you get so stuck on communication being the problem and it turns into a "I said" and "they said" match then you will not only have a difficult time resolving an issue then and there but you will also struggle to grow as a person and as a business. Sticking to our word when we promise is a must; fighting the customers word when they misunderstood is something to outgrow. It is hard to do but if you can stop the bickering and cool off, so you can collect your thoughts and come up with a solution or compromise then you will see growth in all areas of your life.

Thank you for tuning in to this edition of Take & Talk Relationships. (kidding)

The truth is we could all improve and always improve.

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#HeyPhotoWorld

Photo World what’s a great quote or mantra you live by for your photography and business?

Quotes:

"It has been my observation that most people get ahead during the time that others waste." Henry Ford

"If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right." Henry Ford

"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it." Steve Jobs

"Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'!" Audrey Hepburn

What sparked your interest in photography enough to pursue it as a career?

Photo World think of a time where you had learned the hard way? (a learning or failure moment)

What would you consider the most important practice to your photography? (What piece from your workflow is most important?)

Photo World, admit, even if it’s embarrassing, one bad habit you would like to break.

Photo World research one thing that will lead to growth and success in your business.

Have you had an ah-ha moment during your career? What ah-ha moment are you looking out for?

Photo World during you’re your photography career so far, what is the best advice you have ever received?

Name a couple photographers you have been inspired by at some point? If you don’t have a list of a few photographers start looking. Take & Talk Pics is a great starting point with amazing photographers.

Do you have 1 parting piece of guidance?

The best way for photo world to reach you (website, twitter, instagram, facebook) be visible Photo World.

Photo World I can’t thank you enough for your time today and every day sharing in the value here on Take & Talk Pics.

I thank you and happy shooting!

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Lightroom or Photoshop

The 2 most popular photo editing software's and so many choices to make. First of all should you choose to use Lightroom, Photoshop, or both? I know photographers who only use Photoshop Elements or they are purest"s and do minor touch-ups with Picasa or none at all. Some days I feel like photo editing had ruined photography and other days I couldn't be happier that I had that there to assist my vision. Both Lightroom and Photoshop have more features than most of us photographers will ever use. I am in my 7th year in business and I know I have about 10% of Photoshop covered. Giver or take 5%. This isn't because I am not good with the software it's just that enormous of a program. Lightroom takes a few try's to get used to. On the one hand it feels like the RAW editor from Photoshop on steroids. On the other hand it has workflow that feels foreign at first. For example the need to import rather than just open, the fact that you can close the program and open later as if you never left, or the need to export the images and deal with the time consuming process that goes along with that. In short I feel that Lightroom is for batch or large volume editing (a wedding or sporting event) and Photoshop is for those individual images that require one on one attention from start to finish. As a Thank you to you Photo World I would like to give you a few of my FREE Lightroom Presets. Download, unzip, and install in your Lightroom presets.

Happy Shooting!

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Keep On Keeping On

I had the honor of attending the 6th Annual March Forth awards dinner. This was my first year in attendance and it was an amazing night. Photo World I go through life day by day and I try to do my best in business, in my relationships with family and friends, and make the right decisions in Every situation I am in. Am I a model citizen for all of you? Most likely no... I'm just a normal guy. However I find myself taking so much for granted. There are so many others out there who have it worse than I do and I still find it so easy to complain about the areas of my life that make me unhappy. My guess is you could easily say the same thing or close to it. This post nor this episode are about how we should feel bad for passing by the rest of the world while we deal with all that goes on in our own lives... No this episode is a reminder that we can do something about it. The keynote speaker for this years March Forth awards dinner was, twin brother of Ashton Kutcher, Michael Kutcher. His story was inspiring to say the least and got me thinking about how I could impact the world around me for the better.

Please take a few minutes to listen to this episode. It is brief but I think it is helpful and I still find a way to tie this all back into running a small business. Happy Shooting!

teamkoko.org

handicapthis.com

dannydid.org

Book: How We Roll; 2 friends, 1 wheelchair and a lifetime of lessons in perseverance

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Whats In My Bag part 4 - episode 147

Photo World I would like to continue this week's "what's in my bag" segment with the wide end of the Nikon Holly Trinity of lenses. The AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm F2.8G ED lens is the finishing touch to the three part 14-24mm, 24-70mm, and 70-200mm f2.8 zoom lenses. There are no rules stating that every photographer must have these three lenses or even a zoom lens at all. In fact I know several photographers who are strictly prime lens (set focal length) photographers. I love Primes but for the majority of my photography it is important to have a range of focal lengths to work with and this Ultra-Wide 14-24mm is no exception to that desired range. Now the bulb of enormous glass projecting from the front of this lens is somewhat intimidating and looks as though you only get crazy fish-eye images from it. However that is not the case. This lens is a solid 114 degree angel of view at 14mm on an Full Frame (FX-Nikon) camera. I have a lot to say about this tack sharp beautiful lens but be prepared to know that it comes at a cost other than the financial.

nikonusa.com

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Sensor Size

There  are so many question that come up when it comes to sensor size and I could write on the subject for 10,000 words or more. It would be informative, overwhelming, and boring for the most part. Take a listen to this 20 minute episode on Sensor Sizes from FX and EF to DX and EF-S. Nikon and Canon DSLRs are the main subjects of my talk but at the very least you will be acquainted with the difference between larger and/or smaller sensors.

Diffraction: When you use a small aperture, light reaching the edges of the image sensor can only get there after passing through the small aperture and then spreading out. That spreading of light causes the light rays to hit adjacent photo sites. Essentially, this spreading causes the light to sometimes hit the wrong photo site and leads to blur.

35mm film: It is the width of the film including the sprocket holes.

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Kitchen Remodeling

Why in the world would I ever need to mention Kitchen Remodeling on a photography and business podcast? Photo World if you have been listening for a while you know I find inspiration in the strangest of places; if you are new to Take & Talk Pics then you will soon see my mind doesn't operate on the same wavelengths as most people. I don't always look for a silver lining but I almost always look out for something to learn. This time around I learned by snapping a pic on my phone of a simple Kitchen Remodeling project that was needed. It was time to update the old kitchen from 1970 and bring it up to 2016. I don't have a picture of it as finished because like our businesses these things take time and hard work. The time is being spent and the work is getting done. I sound like a broken record
when I say do the work but the truth is that's all anyone really needs to know when it comes to wanting something more in their own business or even in life. Get out there Photo World and remodel your business and while you do it give this episode a listen to have some information and inspiration ringing in your ears while you get the work done.

Happy Shooting!

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Whats In My Bag part 3

When I ask other photographers what is their go to lens and they bring up the divine 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom lens my heart sings in compliance. I LOVE this lens. Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Sony, Pentax, Sigma, Tamron, and Tokina (f4) all* make a 70-200mm f/2.8. Tokina makes an f4 version but still there are many options out there for the photographer looking for an amazing focal length to add to their arsenal. The Nikon AF-S Nikkor
70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II is my photo gear pride and joy and I almost never go to a job without it. In fact you can often find me at a job with only this lens. Sadly I do not use this lens the most, that credit goes to my trusty Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G ED lens. 

One aesthetic detail about the 70-200mm that I love is the IF or Internal Focusing system. When you zoom the lens or focus the lens groups of glass within the barrel move forward and aft while the front element stays fixed and therefore you have no risk of dust building up on the, would-be, extended portion of the lens. Great functionality, solid build, gorgeous results from this tack sharp lens.

For an in-depth review of the specs and tech of this lens check out: kenrockwell.com/nikon/70-200mm

nikonusa.com

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JPEG vs RAW

JPEG (Joint Photographic Expert Group) is the most common way of storing and transmitting photos.

A JPEG is 1/8 the storage space of a RAW image counterpart – This was the best I could find in much research but in my own experience I find the JPEGs are 1/3 or ½ the disk space.

Represented numbers – the average is found within an 8x8 pixel space, AVERAGE+3cos(x)-10sin(x) will give the numeric ingurgitation with the formula of only 3 values in lieu of the original 8x8 pixel average. The end points on this may shift in an alternate numeric value and is solved by variable difference and its meeting of the next grouping.

Mentions: 3 and -10 come from Greg Thatcher Fourier theory. Randell Heyman

To understand the mathematical formula it doesn’t take more than a High School level Trigonometry class. Luckily Photo World we don’t need to know why this works but more so how it works and I will break this down in a very simplified way.

RAW doesn’t stand for anything! Yay for simple photographers not needed to know things! Well RAW refers to the same term for things like meat. RAW is meaning undone or not yet produced. A RAW file is not a finished product like say… a JPEG.

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“If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.” Martin Luther King Jr.

I created an entire episode based on this quote. I was (still am) inspired by the profoundness of these words and the obvious approach to taking on the unknown. I do need to correct myself though… This quote is from Dr. King; however, modified from Napoleon Hill’s quote: “If you cannot do great things, you can do small things in a great way.”

Napoleon Hill is one of my favorite writers and I do want to give credit to his words because they hold just as true in this episode. However I chose to highlight the quote of Martin Luther King Jr. “I” is all the more personal and it feels individualized and private. Running our businesses or even building a business, while we may have others involved or strong support systems, is a very personal matter. No one else would offer the care and attention we do to our own businesses.

Take a step back and look at the big picture. Now spend the next 10 minutes listening to this episode today on Great Things, and then tell me what you see. It is private and personal, but it is the first of many you will F.O.C.U.S. your attention on.

Happy Shooting!

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Whats In My Bag part 2

On this continuation on what's in my bag I talk about one lens that I seem to use more than the rest. It isn't my favorite lens that I own but it does see the majority of my subjects. I shoot on Full Frame or FX cameras most of the time and having the Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G ED lens with the wide 24mm to grab an entire room for an event or the 70mm to be a bit more reach than my own standard field of view so I can hang back but still catch more intimate moments during a wedding; this lens has it all... Or at least, has most of what I need/want in a lens. Prime lenses are choice for sharpness but this zoom is beautiful! I can use it at f/2.8 without fear that the image will be tac sharp and the sweet spot aperture (listen to the episode *wink*) is out of this world. I can tell you investing in your glass is one of the most important purchases you will make for your kit of gear and this zoom lens range is a must have for any photographer. I have other lenses I prefer to use when I have the option for them, but this 24-70mm is so perfect for most occasions it was  the first pro glass I got and definitely the main one I use. 

For a in depth review of the specs and tech of this lens check out: kenrockwell.com/nikon/24-70mm

nikonusa.com

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Do It With Passion

My own journey as an educator and photographer has been a wonderful experience this far and I truly can’t wait for what is to come next. I do my best to be on the lookout for opportunity and inspiration and every once in a while something shows up and it seems to be from out of nowhere. Just like any good story, it starts out like any ordinary day. I was getting lunch and this particular lunch was the horrible choice of fast food. Not that Taco Bell is a horrible choice, no sir… It is annoyingly good for a quick bite on the fly. However this time was a bit different. Without any way to plan it I was confronted with inspiration and a reminder to continuously seek out my passion. How does lunch a Taco Bell remind me to seek out my passions you ask? Well just hit play and listen up. This 5 min episode (almost 7 and ½ min because of the intro and ending) has a fun encounter with an unlikely suspect to give such profound advice.  

Happy Shooting!

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Pursuit of Happiness

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." - Declaration of Independence

Yes, this familiar line comes from the Declaration of Independence, but those last three words are the main ones on my mind. I have battled happiness just like anyone else. Sometimes we become overwhelmed with our families, work, finances, and other things. I myself have been so overwhelmed it almost felt like I couldn’t bounce back, but I always try to remember that tomorrow is another day. Things follow us or carry over, we may have continuous reminders with something that is bothering us, but if we do the best we can with each day and really try tomorrow and the next day, then eventually there will be a turning point.

What I suggest, or rather, remind Photo World to do is remember those perfectly written three words:  “Pursuit of Happiness”. Our lives are a journey, our businesses are a journey, and should constantly pursue Happiness within those journeys. It doesn’t happen overnight but if we put more effort into being happy by choosing to smile through an otherwise common or even boring situation, we will find that happiness spread into other areas of our lives. When you need to do something you don’t enjoy say… take out the trash. Do it with a smile and think, “it feels good to have this much more of my home clean”. Maybe you have a down month financially with your photography, be happy that you now have time to update your website or research the next conference you can attend.

Small doses can go a long way and over time, Photo World, you can form the habit of Happiness. This pursuit of happiness should never be undone and spread into other areas of your life and not just your business. This can help relationships, improve your health, and even extend your life.

I go over a few other points on this subject in this episode so please give it a listen and more importantly share the wealth by sharing this episode and podcast on facebook and twitter. For those of you who love history and appreciate the Pursuit of Happiness you can download the Declaration of Independence pdf!

Happy Shooting!

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Whats In My Bag part 1

I see videos from photographers I respect and follow as well as others without a large following and most of them love to put up a What's In My Bag video on YouTube. Frankly those videos do very little for me. It could be that knowing that does little for me personally, I don't have the time to watch a video like that, or just that I know more information on the gear that I find the video lacks learning for me individually.

You know me Photo World I try to stay humble and almost obsessively remind my audience that I have one opinion and that doesn't mean it is the "Number 1, Best way to do it!" kind of thing. Same idea applies here today and for the next few Friday's as I go over What's In My Bag. I have my own spin on it, like I do with most things (for proof click here on my ideas on how to evolve in business).

This week is Part 1 of I don't know how many, but I'm looking forward to sharing with you what is in my bag and some information on each piece.

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New Photography Gear

As I get ready for a new semester of teaching I am preparing myself for the number one most asked question from newer photographers who want to be better image makers: “What piece of gear should I buy next?”

I love this question… more so, I love seeing the reaction after hearing my answer.

I am not sure where this idea of getting a new camera body equals being a better photographer. If that were the case I would pick up a medium format digital with 80 megapixels and be considered one of the best photographers around. Sure I would have to give up a few things, like my car and my house, but totally worth it to rise to the top… EEEHHHHH! WRONG! It doesn’t work like that and it never will. A camera is a tool and just like the latest drill or car, a camera is only as good as the person operating it. Your driving skills don’t go up because you get an Audi R8. A camera isn’t the first thing I would suggest upgrading.

There are always new gadgets to buy that will improve your photography greatly and in this episode I avoid diving deep into the technology topic, but I do share ideas about camera lenses and lighting for photography. My thoughts are my own when it comes to this topic of what gear should I get next. Really new photography gear is based on 3 things:

• What do you need to enhance the photography you do and want to do?
• What kind of budget are you really working with?
• Is this worth the investment?

Answer those 3 things and you will have a better idea about what you need to add to your bag of gear.

Happy Shooting!

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Practice Makes Perfect - Monday Message

Photo World in today’s episode I speak on the topic of, “practice makes perfect”. We’ve all heard this and it seems simple enough. If you repeatedly work on the same style of selling to possible clients, over time you will find when you say certain things or talk about one aspect of the job, people perk up and lean in for more. On the flip side, you may find how you word something, clients shut down or lean away with disinterest. Understanding this and “PRACTICING” it will allow for how to approach a client and the way you speak to them, and therefore over time that practice makes perfect.

One major problem with this narrow way of thinking. Perfect exists in very few places and in even fewer human interactions with anything. The thought is, if you were able to achieve perfect in something, then you are left without any potential for improvement. The fact that humans can climb Mt. Everest doesn’t mean we do not crave new heights or other adventures that could be just as thrilling or rewarding. We have this somewhat annoying desire for more. AHHH! That word “DESIRE” is a major buzz word. I don’t have time this week to unfold the many secrets of that chasm.

Practice makes perfect is an unrealistic dream and I find it to be misleading for those of us who do work hard in our businesses. I have wild fantasies of great wealth and how I would live, the cars I would buy, the people I would help, and the places I would go; however, dreaming on this does little for me than open my mind to the idea that it could be possible to see this as a real situation in my life. Dreams are a wonderful story that only our subconscious could design. Now, goals are the real process to our practice making anything that would resemble a skewed idea of perfect. Again, I don’t believe perfection is very possible due to our true desired plans. More is what we seek and more is what we can work for if we are willing to put in the practice.

Without giving it all away… listen to this episode on why practice makes perfect is a fraudulent ideal and my solution to a positive and fathomable point of view concerning this matter.

Happy Shooting!

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kelly Alex Jan 28 (7 days ag0)
You have a new message!

kelly Alex checked out your Storefront and wants to learn more about your services.

Message from kelly:

Hello This is Kelly Alex , how are you doing ?, I will like to know your availability day in February 14, 2016 just 5 hours service, Also i will need portrait work done after the photography work is done after the event, I will like you to get back to me with your availability day in March its a family Reunion Party,.. I will like you to email back Asap. Do you accept credit card payment ?. Regards,Kelly

Rob Krueger - Jan 29 (8 days ago) to kellyalex

Kelly,

Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to check the date to be sure I have availability. In the message I was sent I show January 14th 2016 as the event date and in your message you asked about February 14th 2016, and then asking about March but not a specific date. If you could please let me know what day(s) you are in need of photography coverage. Also is this for a wedding, family reunion, or portrait session?

Please let me know so I can more accurately check my availability and also help in any way I can in capturing your special event(s).

Thank you,

Rob

If needed please call me at (000) 000-0000.

Website – robkruegerphotography.com

Podcast – TakeAndTalkPics.com

#robkruegerphotography

#HeyPhotoWorld

#PhotoWorld

RE:

Hello This is Kelly Alex , how are you doing ?, I will like to know your availability day in February 14, 2016 ju…

My Text message I received:

Hello Good morning how was your night this is Kelly Alex  the photography what is your full name pls

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Ignore The Competition - Eric Dejuan

Eric is a commercial photographer based out of Birmingham, Alabama. He specializes in athletic and fitness photography. With 9 years in business Eric has shot for clients such as Yamaha USA, Adobe, B-Metro Magazine, and other. Eric focuses on the relationships he builds and is always motivated to create and improve.

Note from Rob: Photo World if I can tell you one great thing from the experience of meeting and getting to know Eric, it would be: You should never stop looking for opportunities. His name was briefly mentioned during a webinar but something caught my ear and I knew I needed to investigate. Eric's name was one of about 10 that came up but for some reason I looked into his photography. It didn't take long for me to see I need to get this guy on my show. There is a refined style in his work and seasoned way of thinking within his bio. Long story short... Eric is my kind of people. Motivated, passionate, emphasizes continued educations and networking, and chasing the higher level like any true entrepreneur would.

Eric Dejuan is an up and coming commercial photographer. 9 years ago after a brief dabble in photography as a hobby. Today, Eric Dejuan has worked with clients such as Yamaha USA, Adobe Inc., B-Metro Magazine, and others, specializing in Athletic & Fitness photography, Eric quickly realized he had a passion for the art and from there his skill set started to develop. Always motivated to create and improve, Eric strives to make each moment captured a more complete piece. His attitude, motivation, and his work will all help him to have successful business relationships with some of the biggest advertisers in the business, and eventually the world. His goals not only include positive results in the advertising market, he has his eyes set on charity work in his local community. Don't judge a book by its cover, or in his case, a picture.

Book Recommendations:

48 Laws of Power by: Robert Greene

Shark Tank Jump Start Your Business: How to Launch and Grow a Business from Concept to Cash

W: ericdejuan.com 

The Skee Ball Effect – Monday Message

I have a new approach to business and I have been working this newly coined phrase “The Skee Ball Effect” – Rob Krueger. It has resonated with me so much that I had to buy the domain name and I know it sounds ridiculous, but when you have ideas you need to go for them and test them out. This episode is not the test but it is a great show lightly breaking down The Skee Ball Effect and how we can use it to our advantage in a photography or and other small business. We have chosen a path to follow and the greatest success comes with great risk. I don’t think there are many opportunities that act as a lottery ticket in running a small business and supercharge your progress to this overarching version of success that anyone would envy. However, The Skee Ball Effect has proven to be an incredible guidance for me and more so for Take & Talk Pics and therefore in turn for you Photo World. I have been working hard and finding many ups and downs along the way but I do have to say I am coming out stronger regardless of how I approach change and progress within this podcast/blog. I just want to pass on the tools to you as well so you may find growth in the most unexpected experiences in your career. As an added bonus I am offering a free coaching call with me, to take an hour and discus your business one on one and see what kind of clarity I can help offer. Go to takeandtalkpics.com/coaching to sign up for you free coaching call today!

Happy Shooting!

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Josh Rossi - Fearless for Success

Today’s featured guest is Josh Rossi

Josh is a Los Angeles based photographer. He's done work for clients such as Adobe, Mountain Dew, advanced Photoshop magazine, Lindsey Stirling, and the piano guys just to name a few. What started as an obsession with art has turned into a full time commercial and advertising photography career. And Photo World, you may know of Josh from his podcast The Full Time Photographer.

Note from Rob: I have to say that Josh is one of the most down to earth people I have ever met and as we dissect his journey through his photography career he unfolds a ton of value for you Photo World!

When I was a young boy I was obsessed with art. I was born in Florence,Italy where I lived for 7 years. When I hit high school I saw no need to pursue art and so I dropped it and got into other things. After high school I got an internship with a film production company and started getting more into film. When I was 22 I realized that I wasn't satisfied with what I was doing so I needed a change. I decided that advertising was a lot more exciting and chose to go to Miami Ad School and that's where my passion for photography came in. At school I had to rely on my own skills to produce print ads and online media. I had to convey a message and I didn't want to just snap one shot and be done. I wanted to include a lot of different elements that told a story. That's when I started getting into compositing. I realized that I could actually create the images that were inside my head. I never thought that was possible before. I became literally obsessed with ad photography. I would stay up every night until 2 or 3 studying my favorite photographers. I would study every single detail and try to recreate what I saw. It took me a year and a half before I decided to put my style out there to the public. Once I put my work out there for people to see I got a surprising response. People loved it! I dropped my 9 to 5 job and have been working full time doing what I love ever since. Whenever I create an image I try to think of a story behind it. I want my viewer to get into the picture and imagine a whole scenario. What brings me joy is when I can inspire others to do bigger and greater things. I am currently located in Los Angeles where I specialize in Commercial and Advertising photography and drive a bus that says "Escape from ordinary photography" on it.

My work can be seen on...

Lurzer's Archive 200 Best Digital Artists Worldwide 2014-2015,
Good Morning America, People Magazine, The Wall Street Journal,
The Huffington Post, The cover of Advanced Photoshop Magazine,
Ad Week, MSN NOW and Mashable

Client List...

Adobe, Acura, Champion USA, Wacom, Glenn Beck, Daymond John,
Mt Dew (Devin SuperTramp), Lindsey Stirling, SurfAir Airlines,
Advanced Photoshop Magazine, John Lee Dumas (Entrepreneur on Fire),
Twinlab, The Color Run, The Piano Guys and H&S Performance

Recommended Resource:

Full Time Photographer

Book:

Persuasion Skills Black Book

W: joshrossi.com

Blog: fulltimephotographer.com/blog

Webinars: ftpschool.com/webinar

Podcast: fulltimephotographer.com

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Work Hard and Be Nice - Matthew Salacuse

Today’s featured guest is Matthew Salacuse

Matthew is a New York commercial photographer. With over 17 years of experience he specializes in editorial portraiture and documentary photography. He has shot for clients such as Reebok, Coach, Pepsi, MTV, Adult Swim, and Vitamin Water just to name a few.

Note from Rob: had a great and down to earth talk with Matt about his photography business and the fact that nothing comes without working hard and it never hurts to be nice. Matt and I discuss personal projects, how to gain the clients you want, and advice for photographers of any level.

Matthew Salacuse, a native New Yorker, has been shooting professionally for over 14 years.
Matthew specializes in editorial portraiture and documentary photography.
He is available for editorial, corporate or advertising work all over the world.

He has had solo gallery shows at Wall Space Gallery (New York 2003),
Emporium Gallery (Montreal 2008) and K Galeria (Lisbon 2011)

Partial Client List:

Advertising:

REEBOK, COACH, NIKE FOOT LOCKER, PEPSI, MTV, NEW ERA, VITAMIN WATER, KOOL,
ADULT SWIM, G-SHOCK, ATLANTIC RECORDS, ISLAND DEF JAM, WARNER MUSIC

Editorial:

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY, ESQUIRE, THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, VICE, MAXIM,
XXL, ESPN THE MAGAZINE, THE LONDON OBSERVER, TIME MAGAZINE,
THE FADER, VIBE & COMPLEX

W: salacuse.com

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The Path to Success - episode 130

Success comes in all shapes and sizes and there are literally millions of way to define it. The main three tiers of success are Health Wealth and Happiness, but no matter how you define it Photo World you do have an idea about achieving success. I don’t blame you… I have thought out every detail in how I define success and every bit that goes with it. The problem is people define success more like a dream. “I wish I had 10 million dollars.” “It would be great if I could get that Corvette.” “I want a better job.”

There is one problem with having dreams… You can always wake up from a dream and find thing more than a dark room and a sad disappointment with reality.

Success is never built on dreams. Success is built on goals. Big or small, those goals are the driving force behind any accomplishment. Goals are a great destination as you move toward success. A pat on the back, one more thing checked off your list, acting as one of the small things for the bigger picture, and taking a step in the right direction. Goals bring you places. Dreams fail you in the night. Success is built off of a momentous forward progression.

You can do it Photo World - just get your mind right!

Happy Shooting!

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Wedding Reception - In today's episode I talk lighting. There are 7,273 different things to think about for lighting a wedding reception. (the number is completely made up) I break down a question and unravel ideas about lighting a wedding reception.

Kuster

Rosario, Argentina

Hi everyone. I've been recently booked for my first wedding as main photographer. Yay! (I usually work as second camera). The problem: The venue has really dark ceiling and walls are too far. I can't bounce at all. What do you recommend? We are two photographers. We have 3 speedlights, 2 studio flashes, radio triggers, umbrellas, off camera bracket... What would a good setting be? How do you deal with changing situations, like dancing, then the toast, then again dancig, etc..? Thanks!!

Fist off I want to set the record straight that any wedding reception can be lit and lit well. It may not be easy but with all images we make, the main factor is light! Kuster has 3 speedlights and 2 studio strobes... I can say with confidence there is more than enough light in that setup to light a wedding reception than most photographers would have on their first wedding gig.

Happy Shooting!

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