Today we’re taking a look back at some of the most popular posts published on The Photo Life to date. Check them out to make sure you didn’t miss any the first time they were published. From boudoir to better lighting, these posts are full of helpful tips and tricks for professional photographers.
If you saw them the first time around, they’re worth a second look! You might even find a new nugget of information.
Enjoy!
“The question in the modern age isn’t who is a photographer. It’s who isn’t a photographer? And what makes us different? Here’s what’s NOT the answer: Professionals don’t get better bokeh, sharper shots, luminous light, cleaner composition, and exact exposures. If that’s the answer, we are lost! Not because those things aren’t true, but because those things are not the human values of photography. Those are not the traits that elevate and distinguish us. They’re simply out of focus.”Read the full article here. >>>
2. Tips for Getting Started in Boudoir Photography by Christa Meola
“I receive tons of emails from enthusiastic photographers who are catching boudoir fever and would love to know how to get started! Here’s a perfect example:
“I am just starting out as a photographer and would love to do Boudoir. There are so many things I need to do and learn, and I am working to raise the money needed for equipment, sets, and marketing. I’m not sure what to do first or how to really get started!”
Here is my best advice for a helpful approach in getting started, how to prioritize your investments, create a smoking hot portfolio, and get that first boudoir client!”
Read the full article here. >>>
3. Five Tips for Dramatically Improving Reception Photos by Doug Levy
“When I shot my first wedding in 2007, I was lucky! The reception was pretty bright (and my camera was worthless above about ISO 400, so that was a good thing!) Since then, I’ve learned – sometimes the hard way – that not every wedding reception is inundated with light, and you know what? I love that.
Bright is great, but dark is full of endless possibilities. Consider a wedding reception outside at 2 p.m. under a clear sky (I know, not common, but play along). There’s not much you can do with that light, right? Your hands are pretty much tied; you’re not competing with a cloudless sky with the speedlights that most wedding shooters have in their bag!
Now take a pitch black 9 p.m. reception. Much more common, right? “Oh crap, the bride’s making her grand entrance in 5 minutes and it’s ISO, 12,800 at 1/2 a second in here!” That’s just awesome. Here’s the thing – you can mold that darkness, you can shape it, it can be whatever you want it to be. You can’t say that about a bright afternoon, can you?
Now, I know dark receptions can be intimidating, so here are five tips to help you conquer the dark.”
Read the full article here. >>>
4. The Fear Every Photographer Must Conquer by Tyler Wirken
“There is one piece of photographic advice that is guaranteed to change your images.
It is rooted in Robert Capa’s famous quote, “If your pictures are not good enough you are not close enough.”
Simply put, conquer your fear of getting closer to your subject.
I first learned this lesson from a college professor who was looking at my photographs and asked why I was so far away from the subjects? I replied that I didn’t have a telephoto lens. Which of course was the wrong answer. He asked if I had feet! Confused, I replied YES. He fired back by pointing at my feet, saying “There’s your telephoto lens. Get off you’re a$& and go make the picture!”
Lesson learned.
Fifteen years later, I still think about that lesson when I’m faced with the challenges of putting myself in the middle of the action at a wedding.”
Read the full article here. >>>
5. What Every Photographer Should Know About Business by Jason Aten
“As photographers, our businesses are often built too much like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. We focus on our artistic achievements, yet our foundation is too shallow to support what we’re truly trying to build: a sustainable business.
By solely focusing on artistic appeal, we fail to consider critical internal structures and systems that build something lasting. The question is – what are you really trying to build?
If your answer is simply, “great photographs because I love photography,” that’s okay. Being passionate about photography is good! Being passionate about your art is good! But if that’s all you’re building, then you’d be better off pursuing photography as a hobby.
On the other hand, if this is your business – your livelihood – then it’s worth laying a firm foundation. It’s worth building deep and wide. It’s worth understanding your business as thoroughly as you understand your camera. It’s worth hiring a CPA, and an attorney who understand the needs of your business. It’s worth learning how to analyze your numbers, manage your expenses and earn a profit.”