Building A Portfolio - episode 128
Building A Portfolio is a long process. A career is often something we look back on to say what we did for a living rather than looking forward to what we want to do with the rest of our lives. Think of everything I talk about on the show as a pebble: on it's own its small and not very significant, but many pebble all together is more like a rock and build that to a bolder... the more pebbles of knowledge you have for your business the more solid the foundation and walls of this thing you've built. A business isn't something you have it is something you build and our portfolios as artists is the visual representation to our knowledge and skills in our craft. I love doing Take & Talk Pics but last Friday, today, and next Friday are more like Take & Talk Biz.
Christina
How many photos per job do you use for your portfolio?
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Rob Krueger Some weddings you get a couple that fit the bill and others you only get 1. Everyone is different and not every wedding is portfolio worthy but never stop shooting to get a portfolio worthy shot. When I see more than 5 or 6 images from a single wedding (unless it is a specific gallery featuring a whole wedding) feel like there is more variety needed. For photographers starting out it is common to over show the few weddings they have done but that should transition over time. www.takeandtalkpics.com
Take & Talk Pics Photography Podcast | Blog | Education
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BASH Conference 2016 - Monday Message
BASH 2016 at the Arizona Grand Resort and Spa in Phoenix Arizona!
I am honored to have been a speaker at last weekends BASH Conference 2016. I spoke for the first Track this past Friday. My topic was titled "Finding Your Voice" where I spoke on how a podcast can be important for a small business and how to begin one. I am offering Photo World 5 Free Whitepages on how to begin your new podcast. Just click here!
Happy Shooting!
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2015 © Take&TalkPics
Jim
January 3 at 1:10am · KS
Well, I've been doing this for 7 years and this was the worst. The guy was an uncle and in the 4th row from the front. He was there the entire time for the first kiss. I totally got bumpkiss.... So I caught up with him during the recessional and told him to be sure and email that to the bride and groom as he ruined my shot and that's about all they'll get. He apologized to me and I said I'm not concerned as my contract says I am not responsible for ruined images like this but I am sure the bride and groom would like a good image of the first kiss since that's what they were paying someone for. During the groups he was right behind me. I am one of those guys that uses two camera's and with different focal lengths for different looks during groups so am constantly moving back and forth. He was behind me all the time and I ran into him several times. Finally had enough and asked to him to let me do the job the Bride and Groom hired me to do. first time in 7 years and over 200 weddings I lost it. Totally. I feel bad.
So here is the image in question and Jim did such a good job making the best of a bad situation. You almost don't even see the rude uncle standing perfectly in the way.
Photo World please comment on this episode and give your feedback on if this is a good way to go for Friday's moving forward of if this needs to be an additional day in the week bumping the show to 4 days a week.
Happy Shooting!
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2015 © Take&TalkPics
Go For It!
Sleep When You're Dead - Colleen Miniuk-Sperry
Today’s featured guest is Colleen Miniuk-Sperry
Colleen is an outdoor photographer based in Chandler Arizona. She has authored 3 books, instructs for many workshops, and she is a member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA). From corporate America to becoming a full time freelance photographer I am excited to have you on the show today!
Note from Rob: Now Photo World it has been months since I have had an episode go much further than my usual 30 minutes of amazing content but today is nearly twice that. After getting to know Colleen a bit I knew that she had a lot to share with you as you grow on your own journey's. Also I can't even remember the last time I wet over all of my questions for an interview. I am glad to say that today's episode is saturated with value and as a thank you for all this wonderful free content I ask that you share this interview with your facebook and twitter networks to let more people know they are welcome to join Photo World and the Take & Talk Pics Podcast.
Hi! My name is Colleen Miniuk-Sperry (pronounced "Min-ick-Spare-ee"). I'm a Corporate-America-escapee-turned-full-time-freelance-outdoor-photographer-and-writer, supporting a wide range of assignments for editorial and commercial clients. Specializing in outdoor recreation, nature, conservation, and travel, my work has been published in National Geographic calendars, Arizona Highways magazine, books, and calendars, Outdoor Photographer, AAA Highroads, AAA VIA, Extraordinary Vision, National Parks Traveler, Smith-Southwestern calendars, and a broad variety of other publications.
In November 2011, I co-authored and published the award-winning book, Wild in Arizona: Photographing Arizona’s Wildflowers, A Guide to When, Where, and How with my good friend and fellow photographer, Paul Gill. After selling out the 1st edition, we published the 2nd edition of this title in March 2015.
In addition, I've been selected three times as an Artist-in-Residence with Acadia National Park in Maine (November 2010, October 2011, and January 2013) which enabled me to author and publish mysecond award-winning guidebook, Photographing Acadia National Park: The Essential Guide to When, Where, and How in February 2014. In July 2015, I published my first instructional photography eBook titled, Seeing the Light in Outdoor Photography.
I'm just as excited to help others learn photography as I am making my own images, so I've proudly led photography workshops for the Arizona Highways Photography Workshops (AHPW), Moab Photography Symposium, The Nature Conservancy, Arizona Wildlife Federation's "Becoming an Outdoor Woman," Through Each Others Eyes, and numerous private clients.
As an active Associate of Through Each Other Eyes (TEOE), I have proudly participated in cultural photographic exchanges and international exhibitions with Japan, Mexico, and Canada.
Being a member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) has allowed me the opportunity for unrivaled personal growth and new friendships with like-minded and extremely talented outdoor communicators. I've served as a Board Member since September 2013 and have won numerous Excellence in Craft awards for my photography, book, and blog, as well as the prestigious 2010 President’s Choice Award, the 2013 People’s Choice Award, and the 2014 and 2015 Outstanding Board Member Award.
Growing up in Ohio, Arkansas, and Illinois, becoming a photographer or writer never crossed my mind. In 1997, armed with a Bachelor of Business Administration-Computer Information Systems degree from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, I moved to Phoenix, Arizona to begin
a 10-year project management career at Intel Corporation. Initially as an outlet to corporate life, I began making photographs of the intriguing landscapes in the West in late 2001 during my "Introduction to Photography" class at the Chandler-Gilbert Community College. Two years later, I started selling my photographs at art shows across Arizona. Then, in February 2007, I left the grey cubicle walls of Corporate America to pursue a full-time career in photography and writing. Now, I can't imagine life without wandering with a camera or a notebook in hand!
Though I spend a significant amount of time on the road across the United States, I currently reside in Chandler, Arizona with my husband, Craig and cat, Nolan.
Recommended Resource:
Blog: youcansleepwhenyouredead.com
Workshops: cms-photo.com/Workshops
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2015 © Take&TalkPics
Preparation and Preparedness - Monday Message
Being ready for the next stage in your business and even in your life for that matter can be a scary thing to think about and it isn’t easy to be a Boy Scout and “Always be prepared.” However, isn’t that what we should all do? It may feel like a tall order to always be prepared but maybe always think ahead is the more appropriate way to go. Photo World, what did you do today to prepare for a better future? Is the work you have valuable and important to a forward progression in life? Big questions from a simple voice on a microphone but I look back on my life and the steps I’ve taken to get here speaking to you 3 days a week and I see the preparation that was more than necessary to deliver now 124 episodes. Join me on this episode Photo World and I can share with you my Monday Message on Preparation and Preparedness.
- I look back on my life and relive my becoming a photographer when there was actually a time where I thought my life would be in aquatics. I share how the impossible chance of a 27yr old guy like me would be hired to teach at a college level. Then how my almost 28yr old self would single handedly produce a 3 day a week podcast.
For those of you who don’t know I am currently 28, own a photography business, teach at College of DuPage, and run the Take & Talk Pics podcast and blog. Nothing happened over night, I don’t sleep many nights because I was, am, and will continue to be prepared.
Toward the end of this episode I have an exclusive offer that will be available on Friday January 15th and only on the 15th. You will need to keep an eye out for that offer and take full advantage because it is only open for those who are prepared...
Happy Shooting!
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Good People In Bad Places - Gavin John
Today’s featured guest is Gavin John
Gavin is a freelance photojournalist based out of Calgary a city in Alberta, Canada. His work has been featured in the Sun Media papers across Canada and Maclean’s Magazine. Gavin was deployed in the Philippines to photograph the Canadian armed forces in their recovery efforts following Typhoon Haiyan. Most recently Gavin spent a week in Pyongyang, North Korea where he documented daily life in the capital.
Message from Rob:
It's not every day you meet someone like Gavin. His work is inspiring and his stories are beyond fascinating. I learned about Gavin through a Documentary on Netflix called "The Propaganda Game". It is so new that it isn't yet offer on Netflix Canada yet so Gavin hasn't seen it. Although he did live it. I want to remind you Photo World that no matter how far fetched you think it is to meet someone, sending an email or tweeting to them can make all the difference. I don't know if I would have ever had the opportunity to interview Gavin if I didn't just try with an email following the slightest introduction through a Documentary on Netflix. You just never know what life can bring.
Recommended Resource:
nicoletung.com
Blog: gavinbryanjohn.com/blog
Email - gavinbryanjohn@gmail.com
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2015 © Take&TalkPics
Look For The Right Jobs... Not All Jobs - Chad Griffith
Today’s featured guest is Chad Griffith
Chad is a New York City based commercial portrait photographer. His main body of work consists of celebrities and musicians. He has shot for magazines like Backstage and the village VOICE as well as major brands such as New Balance and Oakley.
We talk about looking at other photographers work. I would like to invite you Photo World to look at the photographers, starting with Chad's work. You learn a whole lot about the photographer you want to be when you seek out inspiration from others in the industry. Especially if they are in the industry you are aiming for.
The constant reminders about the proper steps to take as a newer and learning photographer are so refreshing. We see a photographer like Chad with portraits of actor John Boyega and think how do you get there to be in front of such (recently) high profiled people? You work toward it a bit at a time, a long time, and never back down from this sometimes terrifying business.
Lastly I want to pull out one part of this episode and that is to: "Have a think skin." Chad reminded Photo World. No one likes rejection but it is 60% of the business. (I made up that stat)
Happy Shooting!
Recommended Resource:
Look in magazines or newspapers and be inspired.
How To Get Your Dream Job - Monday Message
Photo World if you look back to episode 67 I did a Monday Message about having a gratitude attitude. It is that same idea of a positive perspective that I want to speak to you about today.
Most common path to a successful business
- Interest
- Education/learning
- Paying your dues
- Education/learning
- Grow/stabilize
- Education/learning
- Grow/stabilize
After the pattern of learning and growing hits you know you are running a sustainable business. Many new photographers start their “business” thinking it will be easy. However most companies don’t turn a profit for 3-5 years and many people get burnt out before that ever comes. How many times has it come up on the show that this is a slow play for the long haul? Practice makes perfect… not just with your photography but a business as well. I am practicing my business every time I sit down to answer emails, each time I return a phone call, when I sit down and meet with clients, any time anywhere I am practicing my business. Just because I know how to meter my camera and set up my lights doesn’t mean I don’t check on myself every time. I have to check on myself, because I could easily miss something that I thought was routine. I always find that when I have a routine, something I could “do in my sleep”, I make a mistake because I went into that situation with far less attention to my “routine”. This episode is all about one thought process, one idea that may make all the difference in obtaining your dream job. Not to give it all away, but your next meeting, email, gig, shoot, or book keeping is the dream.
Happy Shooting!
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Stay Wild - Thayer Allyson Gowdy
Today’s featured guest is Thayer Allyson Gowdy
Thayer is a lifestyle photographer based in San Francisco California. The majority of her work is portrait based and Thayer has shot for clients such as Tommy Hillfiger, Apple, Chase, Dockers, Hugo Boss, JCPenny, Levis, Martha Stewart, Men’s Wearhouse, Pottery Barn, Sony, Target, Vanity Fair, and Verizon to name just a few from a long list of clients.
Thayer has been splitting her time between Bolinas, a hippy surf town on the cliffs over the Pacific in Norcal, and San Francisco the past few years. When not in SF at her modern home on the leafy streets of Bernal Hill with a hot pink front door, she is photographing the west coast vibe, building outdoor showers and dining with friends in her apple orchard in Bolinas. All the while with her scruffy terrier, Scout. She shoots and directs for the likes of Apple, Target, and Levis. Her work is inspired by sincerity and playfulness. Capturing fun, beauty and happiness in the everyday. A Connecticut native who moved West, she finds inspiration in the western landscape in the far reaches of Northern California. Taking Polaroids of it’s every nook. Seeking out hot springs and the pink fog at sunset. Her lifestyle work celebrates the real stories of those that find themselves in front of her lens. Her energy when shooting is always open, fun & caring. Boundless when she has a shot list as long as her arm, quiet when on a farm, filming crafters in their studios in Vancouver. Adaptable and always filled with easy going charm. With the recent poster/zine “Take Me to the Sea” in collaboration with the Lower East Side gallery, Ed Varie, her personal work is sexy, nostalgic and fresh. She is driven by color, texture and patterns in the landscape from her travels. Her bags are rarely unpacked. She is often on her way to South America, Cuba, Asia, Mexico or Big Sur; where she spends her free time. Thayer is a local to SF, LA and NY.
Recommended Resource:
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2015 © Take&TalkPics
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.
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!
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.
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2015 © Take&TalkPics
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 individualand 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:
Blog: jamieleecreativity.com/central-florida-photographer
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2015 © Take&TalkPics
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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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.
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:
Blog: amagicmoment.com/blog
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2015 © Take&TalkPics
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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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:
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.
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!
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:
Blog: davidkingham.com/360-project
Workshops: exploringexposure.com/2016-workshops
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2015 © Take&TalkPics
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.
106 Monday Message - Finding Your Style
Finding 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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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.
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.