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!
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.
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
Blog: jackgrahamphoto.blog
Workshops: fujixphotoworkshops.com
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 Harmer – Improve photography
Skip Cohen – Skip Cohen University
Mike Boening and Jamie MacDonald – Mirrorless Minutes
Levi Sim – Writer for Photofocus
Bryan Peterson - Bryan Peterson School of Photography
Ibarionex Perello – The Candid Frame
Thank you Photo World for making this possible!
Happy Shooting!
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.
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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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.
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
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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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.
Monday Message - Success
Photo World I have had a word picking at me the past few months and it seems like everywhere I go and much of what I do I have been presented with a questions. The question of Success. What is it? How do I achieve it? Am I doing everything necessary for it? Am I even ready for it? So many thoughts about this one ideas; this one simple Noun. Yeah, a Noun; Success is a Noun. At least the dictionary says that or an internet search will show that, but I have never thought of Success as a person, place, thing, or even an idea. I always felt it was something more. In today's episode I expand upon my thoughts about Success and hopefully get the gears turning for you as well. I find a simple shift in perspective is all it takes to drastically change your situation for the better.
Happy Shooting Photo World!
Fundamental Fridays - Speedlights set on TTL talking Directional vs Bounce Light.
With all the choices we need to make for exposure, composition, framing, dept of field, etc. introducing flash, and in this case speedlights, adds a huge change to the mix. I want to take the next few Fundamental Friday's and break down little by little how we can use these tools to our advantage. Today I am walking through the TTL and a bit about how it works, what the flash is made to do and a couple tricks on how to override the functions for a more pleasing image. What does on camera directional flash do or look like? What are the benefits or disadvantages to bouncing your flash? Give this episode a listen and let's see what we figure out.
Happy Shooting!
Today’s featured guest is BJ Aguado (ag-wad-o)
BJ and his wife Jen run their photography business throughout the greater Chicago land area. As a family man BJ photographs families and weddings. He captures pure emotion through his photojournalistic and candid style. His business is definitely second to his family but understanding the business side led to his podcast Shutter Sidekick.
As a husband and wife team, our goal is to see how we can help you with your needs. Whether you are looking for a wedding photographer or you need to update the family photo hanging on the wall, we want to guide you in the right direction. Our passion is photography, specifically, weddings and family. We have been shooting for many years now and we are enjoying every minute of it. While we have experience in various genre's of photography such as newborn, club, family, wedding, events. our main focus is weddings and family photography. We have been married for fifteen years. We have three children, ranging in age from 15 down to 7. We live outside of Chicago, IL.
Recommended Resources:
HootSuite - App (free)
Latergramme – App (free)
W: http://www.bjaguadophotography.com/
Monday Message - Who is in my Network
Over the past 5 weeks I have gone over strategies on how to network. We have plenty of options on how to stay stuck behind a screen and I even mentioned ways to get in front of people. There is a problem with Networking though... Who is in my Network? Well...
In today's Monday Message I address this topic and share a brief story one small branch of my network in action. These small exchanges of information, tips, tricks, suggestions, and wisdom from real experiences all add up to being the reason for a vast Network. Think of your Network like a family tree. There are potentially endless branches all inadvertently connecting back to one root cause or starting point. That starting point for your Network is you but consider how many branches you must be on for those in your Network as they are a root to a different tree. This vast forest is the breeding ground for success. It is hardly who you know that will get you places but those who you know, know.
I'm wrapping up this 6th week of Monday Message Networking with an attempt at understanding "Who is in my Network?" Next week we will see a change of pace in the Monday Message topics.
Join the Take & Talk Pics facebook group here!
Happy Shooting!
TTL mode, Auto aperture flash, Non-TTL auto flash, Distance-priority manual flash, Manual mode, and Repeating flash. With so many options how do we know what to choose for each situation we are in? Before we even decide what mode to use we need to consider the need for speedlights at all. See this flash thing can become stressful very quickly when we aren't familiar with our gear. On a basic level, speedlights are an artificial light source and we need light for photography; it's a must! over the next few weeks I will be going over the modes on your speedlights and how to use them effectively. There are a few great take away's from today's, audio only, Fundamental Friday. I'll bring back the YouTube element next week!
Happy Shooting!
Today’s featured guest is Nat Coalson.
Nat runs his business here in the US based out of CO as well as a studio in Hinckley England. Nat starts with photography, both digital and traditional processes, but then woks with mixed media to finalize his art. Some works are embellished with paint, resin, or foil; while others are produced with a combination or a completely different material. His abstract work is sought after for private décor and commercial presentation. Beyond the mixed media photography Nat also has pictorial journeys where his location based fine art photography shines.
Nathaniel Coalson is an American visual artist living in England. Nat works primarily in fine art photography and abstract mixed media, with a business emphasis on creating custom decor for luxury hotels and private residences. He's also a well-known photography teacher and author, having written five books published by Wiley, including the series Lightroom: Streamlining your Digital Photography Process and Nature Photography Photo Workshop. To see Nat's work, visit NatCoalson.com and PictorialJourneys.com.
Meetup Groups
I have been talking about networking and several options for improving your network. Tools to building connections and strategies on forming habits to continue growth in this area.
Well Photo World this week I wrap up the how to better your network topic with Meetup Groups. I share a couple stories and the lessons I learned from Meetup Groups experiences.
Get out there Photo World and Network with Meetup.com
Happy Networking and Photo World… Happy Shooting!
Fundamental Fridays
Culling Your Photos
There are several tools for Culling Your Photos. I prefer to use Bridge and give a 1 star rating to the images I do not want to edit. More often than not they are a duplicate or variation of another image right next to it. The truth is we just don't have a need for every picture.
If you make the images smaller, not as small as the contact sheet style shown here, but smaller than even half the screen you will be able to quickly analyse the image and choose to keep or throw.
I rarely Cull my photos on the same day I shoot them. You need to give your eyes and mind a rest before reliving what you just did. We see differently every day, so why not see things one way and make great images and then view the images on a different day with fresh eyes.
Move fast each photo will be edited soon enough so move quickly through deciding one what to keep.
Happy Shooting!
Abe Robinson - Dark Glamor
Today’s featured guest is Abe Robinson.
Abe runs a photography studio called Blind 7 Photography. He is based out of Cleveland Ohio and specializes in dark glamor with a commercial fusion. Over the past 18 years Abe has been published in several magazines and these publications span across the world. With a Special effects makeup artist on staff Abe brings the depths of his imagination to life for a wide range of clientele.
Network with LinkedIn
Their slogan is “LinkedIn: World’s Largest Professional Network”
This is the one popular social media site that is mainly for networking.
- Start by completing your profile!
- So many people get it set up and never return to fill in all the blanks.
- You can be vague about your skill set or extremely detailed. – do yourself a favor and just make sure you complete everything that is valid.
- The little things matter!
- You have more experience than you might think.
- Volunteer work
- Work history
- Certificates
- Degrees
- Individual classes
- Seminars
- Publications
- Having a web site
- Running a regularly posting blog
- First sync up to your contacts you already have
- Connect with those in your email accounts
- Existing in a social space doesn’t do anything
- Having an account and setting up your page is useless until you personally connect with others.
- Find, Follow, & Lead.
- When on Linkedin are you really “In”? Join groups and follow organizations or associations that make sense for your business.
- Lend a hand and offer help and information to those around you. Remember this is on a much more personal level than the casual facebook or twitter interaction.
- Update early and update often
- Like facebook, twitter, and Instagram the things you post become lost in the shuffle seconds after you post. You must be diligent about your posts to keep at the forefront of the network you are immersing yourself in.
- Ask. Just ASK!
- We hate to look less educated than those around us but if you don’t know ask! There are endless possibilities for finding an answer to a question but if you ask someone directly there things go on:
- 1 you have a reason to connect with this individual
- 2 you are allowing them to be the authority and generous helper with your problem/question
- 3 you find out if there connection is a worthwhile resource for you in the future where you can either call upon them again or find a way to help them with your knowledge and experience.
- Elevate your connection to a higher level.
- If you can work your way to meeting the person face to face or get them on a phone call you are making yourself real and you’re offering them the chance to see if there is a mutually beneficial purpose for your connection.
- We hate to look less educated than those around us but if you don’t know ask! There are endless possibilities for finding an answer to a question but if you ask someone directly there things go on:
Get out there Photo World and Network with Linkedin.
Happy Posting, Happy Networking, and Photo World… Happy Shooting!
Fundamental Friday - Focal Length and Choosing a Lens
Zoom Lenses, Prime Lenses, Wide, Telephoto, Macro, Tilt Shift, Fish Eye, etc. With so many lens options what do we choose for our cameras and photography? Well I don't know if I have a sure fire answer to that question but I wanted to discuss focal length and a few things to think about when it comes to lens choice. In this episode I shed some light on focal lengths, zoom and prime lenses, and understanding the aperture's sweet spot. The video with the sample pictures on location are a great example on this topic and why this is definitely something to consider when choosing a lens for your photography.
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2015 © Take&TalkPics
#HeyPhotoWorld
Today’s featured guest is Rebekah Nemethy - Pet and Product Photographer
Rebekah and her business Reflective Photos began as a photography career with weddings and after doing one she knew it wasn’t her calling for her photography. After some exploration in different areas of this visual art Rebekah found her stride in pet photography. Aside from her pet photography Rebekah has been with the photography department at Consumer Reports for the past 5 years.
Good take away's from this episode:
Transparency! be clear about the details with your clients. It is easy to be caught up in the big picture stuff.
"You're only as good as your last photo." - making new work will always lead to improvements and the lack of attempts for better work is only settling.
Small an manageable goal will be of great practice for the big ones but they will also be the building blocks for what you may one day call success.
My path to pet photography was definitely not on a straight, high-speed highway; I took the back roads and got lost several times along the way.
I think, in the back of my mind, I always knew I wanted to be a photographer. In my junior year of high school I learned to shoot, develop, & process black and white film. Those were the days before Photoshop became my dark room of choice.
In college, I decided to major in the visual arts with a focus in photography, which went well until I started to think about what I would focus my career on. I thought that weddings would be the most lucrative and sensible career choice… actually I figured it would be my only choice because I knew everything at 19.
It was during my second year of college that a friend who was getting married asked me to shoot her wedding. It was the first wedding I ever attended, the last wedding I ever photographed, and the straw that broke the photographer’s back.
I switched my major to journalism within the year. I wrongly assumed that if I didn’t want to do weddings, I’d never make it as a successful photographer. Like I said, I was 19 and I knew everything!
After diligently studying the New York Times, I had my first news quiz in my Journalism I class. I think I got a 30 (yes out of 100), totally embarrassed myself by disputing one of the answers and revealing my total ignorance of common geography, went to my car after class, and cried.
Journalism was not for me. Nevertheless, I toughed it out for the next two years and got my degree. I tried to write for a while after college. I even started an online literary magazine with a friend of mine. Then I tried to make some money writing online articles, but the writing went painfully slow and I was still working as a waitress and bartender to pay the bills.
I became desperate to find a career that I would love to wake up to, but I knew I had to make money too. That’s when I found my camera again. I mean, it had been there all along, and had even evolved to a digital body… but this was when I started to look at it as an opportunity once again.
I printed up 50 fliers about my soon to come portfolio building month: free photo sessions in June only. Although the flier said I would shoot babies, kids, couples, families, and dogs, (everything but weddings) I found myself handing them out at dog parks.
Before I knew it my portfolio was barking at me! So I guess I can’t really say I decided to get into this line of work… but I decided I needed a job I could love… and this is where my heart took me.
I will continue to let it lead the way!
Recommended Resources:
Networking with Instagram
Have some fun with your personal Instagram live and your business life!
The mix will allow for a following to see the serious posts
We hear it in blogging, podcasts, at seminars, workshops, or in a classroom; content is key. Have relevant and current content or in this case popular current hashtags.
Being an active part of your Instagram community is important. Like I discussed for facebook groups and how you need to be an active listener and pro-active with critiques, it is the same here. Follow, favorite, and create buzz about the posts that interest or inspire you. Chances are, there are others waiting to be inspired by it too.
It’s no secret with video being standard on DSLR’s and Mirrorless systems that motion picture plays a pivotal role in our world. Instagram offers the same opportunity. One, for an additional way of delivering content and two, this helps in cultivating connections. Instagram has now been competing with Twitter in this arena and it can only help you to have two spaces to cash in from.
Hashtags are still important! They become the gateway for new followers and as visual people we can quickly determine if we would like to follow back. A quick glance at what they share and we can see if we are beating to the same drum or not.
Instagram is actually an incredible editing software. Yea there are limitations but for a small, mind you FREE, platform this app can set the mood for your work you may not have contrived at the time of capture.
Mix it up a bit. This filters and edit options are a tool. So try to change up what you use and how often. Having all the same look will only attract the same small audience. If we are Networking with Instagram then we need to play to a larger audience.
Those rare occasions where you meet someone face to face try to find them on the social sites and continue the conversation or exchange.
Take this one step further and incorporate Instagram Direct. It is similar to Snapchat where you send a photo or video privately.
The most valuable direction for growth in anything we do is due to constructive feedback. Instagram is a platform where the potential for critique is sometimes overwhelming. Think of it as Paying it Forward. Followers or others in the community should be sharing and educating others, just as we all should, for Instagram, Twitter, and facebook.
Lastly connect to your facebook. That is a free additional post without doing a thing!
Happy Posting, Happy Networking, and Photo World… Happy Shooting!
Fundamental Fridays - Metering
Metering for a proper exposure seems easy enough. However, should we follow the meter in our cameras? I say yes... well... no... kind of both. Use your meter. understand that your camera meter is always lying to you and learn the strategies to over come the issues of manual metering. Camera priority modes are great for learning but the offer an out from the education process of trial and error. Listen to today's Fundamental Fridays episode to understand how to meter your camera correctly under any lighting situation.
Happy Shooting!
Click here to register for the first ever Take & Talk Pics/Rob Krueger Photography FREE workshop!
Today’s featured guest is Tony Sweet.
I had a blast interviewing Tony and getting to bring his story to you Photo World. Living through the interview, editing the interview, and now listing to it... I am still inspired. Tony reminds me that persistence and forward motion is the best path. No matter the turns you take or the learning experiences you have if you Keep an Even Keel you can look back to see your success but not get hung up on any ups or downs throughout the journey.
"When the Student is ready the Teacher Appears." - Zen Buddhists - Tony Sweet
After successful careers as a jazz musician/educator, and professional magician, Tony settled on photography as his chosen means for personal expression. Tony has become an in-demand speaker throughout the United States and Canada on creativity in the digital age.
Tony and Susan Milestone conduct Visual Artistry photography location workshops in the United States, Canada, and Iceland. Tony maintains an active speaking schedule to photography organizations, industry trade shows and PPA schools across the continental United States and Canada. He also conducts an annual Visual Artistry Creativity Seminar series.
Tony’s photography is published worldwide in every medium and is represented by Getty Images. His iPhone photography is represented by Aurora Photos. Tony’s images are also used by Nikon, MacPhun, Singh Ray, Alien Skin, Topaz, Lensbaby and others for national ad campaigns.
An interview with Tony on macro photography was published in The New York Times.
Tony is a Nikon Legend Behind the Lens and a GuraGear Pro.
Tony has authored five books on the art of photography: Fine Art Nature Photography (’02), Fine Art Flower Photography (’05) Fine Art Nature Photography: Water, Ice, Fog (’07), Fine Art Digital Photography (’09) and HDR Photography (2011). He and Masterphoto Workshops have co-produced four photography DVDs: Visual Artistry, HDR Made Easy, Visual Literacy and Flower Photography Artistry, as well as an iPhone instructional video series. His Creativity Seminar lecture series and On Location-Cape Cod will be released for digital download, April 2015.
Recommended Resources:
Snapseed - ios
Snapseed - android
blog: tonysweet.com/blog/
http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/tonysweetphoto/likes
Click here to register for the first ever Take & Talk Pics/Rob Krueger Photography FREE workshop!
Be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter!
2015 © Take&TalkPics
Hey Photo World! Like last week I'm discussing real networking options with your social media. It's no secret that success can come through the connections you make on social media mixed with the effort you put in in maintaining those relationships. Just like last week when I talked about networking through the use of Facebook; Facebook groups and making lists, I discuss the importance of Twitter in a few strategies on how to make your connections meaningful.
If you're not voicing what it is you'd like to discuss then there is no network to follow along in that discussion you have to know what you'd like to talk about so that others can see what it is you're saying.
Are you selective about who you follow? Are you selective about who follows you?
Most people would tell you it doesn't matter who's following you it's actually a benefit regardless of who they are and what it is they are doing with their network on Twitter. It's arguable that it is a good idea but I can see the reasons why it wouldn't be beneficial to have followers that you disagree with on many levels. The more important task here is who you select to follow. There are a few different strategies on that particular topic that I discuss in today's episode.
Why are you tweeting what are you saying is it important?
Who are you following are there specific people you look up to? Do you only follow anyone who follows you that more automated responses a follow back? When you follow someone do you tweet directly to them to start a conversation? When someone follows you do you engage with them as a new active follower of your account?
Few months ago I interviewed a photographer and ask them how do I get in touch with so and so? They suggested to me start retweeting what it is they have to say to show that you're interested in their topics then have something reasonable to discuss the question to ask and engage them directly.
Something that most of us forget about Twitter if we want to have a large amount of followers we want to appear to be a Rock Star. The problem with that is we become very secluded in our network thinking that it should be about us our pictures, ideas, quotes, things we find, and what we feel is worth sharing. (Retweeting) that solo act can only grow your network so far. Movie stars and music legends have no problem gaining followers but for the average user we need to put in the work for building a strong and relevant network.
Include your network tweet directly to them or tweet mentioning them. Building a strong relevant network is letting go of the idea that we are popular or above others. The reality is in business there's room for everyone and that means we're all in it together.
For a long time I thought the only thing to do with Twitter is favorite, tag, and retweet what are you have to say. Twitter is way more intense as far as the work involved to engage conversations with others. Perhaps there's an article you read or maybe a post on Facebook you related to. Tweet about that specific information and LINK BACK! The truth is information is vast and accessible. We're crazy if we think we have some sort of knowledge that others do not or could not acquire.
The purpose of Twitter is to: within 140 characters; express an idea, connect to others, or share what you have.
You can use that in building your network or build others networks. Playing middle man has always been a lucrative business. With Twitter a wealth of connections could be that income you are seeking. Use your network to be a stepping stone for others to connect with fellow business owners and photographers. I began Take & Talk Pics by cold calling for interviews. Now, because of my network, I build the chain of people I am introduced to. Same thing on Twitter. Build your network and expand by searching your network's network.
On a daily basis have invoking post that can engage others with questions, comments, or debate.
Happy Shooting & Happy Networking!
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