Here’s a little sampling of the F.A.Q.’s I get on a weekly basis:
Q.) I just bought my first DSLR? Can you give me any tips on using it?
A.) Sure! Check out this little article I wrote for the Bower Power blog. It should help you get started.
Q.) Do you use flash or strobes?
A.) Occassionally, but I’m typically frustrated with the outcome, so I choose natural light as much as possible. I am forcing myself to learn OCF in the new year.
Q.) Do you have any workshops or boards you recommend?
A.) Oh, yes! The Nichole Van workshop changed my life. I would highly recommend it. The boards I’m a member of are pt4p, Clickin Moms, Props, BJI, and Phaunt. They’re great places to learn from other photographers.
Q.) What Actions do you use?
A.) I used to use actions a lot, but now I do most of my general post processing in either ACR or Lightroom, and then use my own secret recipe afterwards. If you want to invest in some actions though, these are the best ones I’ve found: 1.) MCP’s (really love her Quickie Collection, Blog Boards, and Eye Doctor/Dentist for when I need a little eye fix) 2.) Wynona’s Actions and 3.) The Black & White Action in the pt4p Basic Proofing set. I use that on about 95% of my Black & Whites. I also love Phaunt’s actions – particularly Sunshine in Your Hand. They are all keepers.
Q.) What about Textures?
A.) Although I only use Actions on about 5% of my pictures, I tend to use textures on about 75% of my artistic edits. I’m a texture junkie. I use mine (Kaleidoscope) about 75% of the time and then I use Nichole Van’s about 25% of the time. NV’s are lovely.
Q.) How did you learn Photoshop?
A.) I learned Photoshop by going through absolutely every single button and function in the entire program. Again, I wish there was a quick and easy way to suggest, but there just isn’t one. I would highly recommend any Photoshop book by Scott Kelby though.
Q.) What are your weak areas?
A.)OMGoodness, there are so many! Finding perfect lighting and getting my exposure perfect are two that come to mind right away. Also, I’m a composition control freak – I will compose for like 10 minutes before snapping one single shot. As if pixels were expensive or something. BUT, but, but…I’m always happy that I spent time working in-camera afterwards because it makes post-processing a breeze.
Q.) Speaking of post-processing, about how long does it take you to process a typical session?
A.) About an hour. 2 hours maybe if you count my artistic edits. I used to spend a lot more time pp’ing until I improved my in-camera skills and now it’s a breeze. That’s for an average of 75 images.
Q.) Canon or Nikon?
A.) Canon
Q.) Raw or JPG?
A.) Raw.
Q.) ACR or Lightroom?
A.) Both, but mostly Lightroom.
Q.) Camera? Lenses?
A.) 5D, 16-35 mmL, 24-70 mmL, 70-200 mmL. Nothing to exotic. Keep in mind, it’s less about what you own and more about what you do with what you own. I am budgeting a fairly significant camera body upgrade in 2010 though.
Q.) I’m thinking of starting a photography business. Do you have any advice?
A.) Hang on tight – it’s quite a ride! Really, I’m the worst person in the world to ask for advice on this type of thing. There are literally volumes upon volumes of advice and anecdotes from other photographers on the boards I mentioned above regarding business practices. The only advice I would give you is to learn the basics of business and combine them with the basics of the Photography business. I’m very pleased to say that I work part time, I get to be a stay home mom, and although it wasn’t always this way, I now earn a full-time salary from my photography business. I did this by building slowly, refusing to waste my money on every trend out there, managing my time well, and working very hard. Learn from people who have integrity, and always remember that it’s not about what you earn, it’s about what you keep!
by Patti
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