A Look Back on the Year in Photography So Far

There is no doubt that the first half of 2009 has been huge for all types of photographers — but specifically those who had the privilege of covering the Presidential Inauguration.

Regardless, there are many more of us out there who love the images, but are still struggling to find our voice or place in the photography world.

On one hand, there are many photographers who just don’t want the added competition from family members and friends with high-end cameras.  On the other hand, many would-be professional photographers don’t know where to begin and have no plan for success.

As I took a look back at my January posting about photography goals, I see that I let life get in the way and deter my from my goals.  So, now I have a job that I don’t really like that much just to pay the bills.  (Doesn’t that sound familiar?)

When I really just yearn to break free and show people my world through the camera, I really have to take a look at what has been holding me back.  And if you are feeling like I am, or if you’ve hit a plateau in your photo business, you may be asking the same questions.

And this really isn’t about the economy or whether or not people can afford photographers.  The demand is there.  The issue is with us, the photographers.

1. We need to treat our endeavors with the professionlism they deserve.

2. We need to understand that we are running a business, not just taking pictures.

3. To follow number 2, we have to understand that marketing is our number one priority or else we will have no business.

Over the past few months I have allowed myself to be pulled in many different directions and it is exhausting.  When your head is swimming with so many ideas and so many ways in which you want to help people, sometimes it’s hard to pin down and put that laser-focus on what needs to be done.

Not only that, but we have to deal with the nay-sayers and the people who are used to paying $10 for a keychain photo from prom that isn’t really that great of a picture anyway.  Battling those kinds of perceptions is hard and people may not understand why and how you can charge what you do.

So, what do we, as photographers, do?

I think we should regroup and take a step back to find out why we want to be photographers and what we want to get out of this business.  I think when we sit down and really think about these things, we’ll find the answers we need.

So, after looking back on the year in photography so far, 2009 has shown me that there have been tremendous opportunities that have past, but that there will be more opportunities to come, no matter what kind of photography you choose to do.

I’m always interested to hear what you think.  Let me know your thoughts on this post and others that may interest you.  And if you have any questions, feel free to include those as well!
*Wendy Stewart, Photographer and Business Coach and host of the “Photo Biz” Podcast.  You can find the podcast at http://wendystewartphotography.com

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Wedding and Event Planning
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Membership Only Website for Women Photographers

I’ve got this great idea and I want you all to leave comments and let me know what you think.

I’m in the process of starting a membership website for women photographers.  This will be the place where you will be able to access valuable articles and interviews on the business side of photography and the technical side.  I am also planning on having a forum area for you all to create a community.

This membership site will primarily be for women who are photographers (paid or otherwise), though I may consider adding in other categories for wedding/event/party planners and other who use photography services.

What I want to know from you, my readers, is what are the most important topics you want me to cover by way of articles and interviews about photography.  What are your burning questions? Would you join such a site?

Leave your comments here on the blog.  I look forward to hearing from you.

 

New Year and New Photography Goals

I feel badly for neglecting this blog.

However, I have been dealing with the literal weight of camera equipment and truly finding my place in the photography world.

I already have my eye on a Canon XSi and some backdrops and such that will allow me to travel.

My biggest hinderance has been the chronic back pain that has really hit me hard over the past 6 months.  It has made everything difficult.  I can’t even make a bed.

I remember, though, that I was reading something about the business of photography in my lesson kit from NYIP and it was very humbling.  The author spoke of how photography is something you can pursue regardless of what else is going on — even if you’re in a wheelchair.  Well, if I was in a wheelchair, I wouldn’t let that stop me, so I shouldn’t let this back pain keep me down either.

I would say that my biggest lesson over the past year is that you must step out of your comfort zone in order to get what you want out of life.  I know that’s a ‘duh’ statement, but sometimes a person just really has to be hit on the head with that simple truth.

With that in mind, I wrote out a few goals for 2009 in regards to business and finance.  I have other goals, but I don’t feel the need to go into those right now.

For 2009, here are my goals for photography:

1. buy second camera (canon xsi, used) by March 31st

2. buy white vinyl backdrop with stand by April 30th

3. buy lighting set for 2 lights by June 30th

4. attend WPPI conference in February

Those are the top four.

My goal here is to not only show you great photography, but to also guide any prospective freelance/professional photographers and inspire those whose hobby is photography.   All are welcome.  I’m not a tech-snob when it comes to gear because expensive and complicated gear doesn’t make a good photographer.  I try to keep things as simple as possible.

I did make this promise to myself on New Year’s Eve: I will never again be forced to work on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve because I need the money.  If I am working, it’s because I want to do the work.

What are your photography goals for 2009? Will you be joining any photography associations or doing anything to improve your photography? Or perhaps this is the year you will have your first photo published or get your first freelance job.  Leave a comment and let me know so this can be a place of encouragement.

 

Happy Thanksgiving to Our Military Men and Women!

I want to send a special Happy Thanksgiving to all men and women serving in our military.  Whether they get to be with their families or will be away during the holiday season (I’ve gone through both when I was in the Navy), I want to say that your sacrifice is appreciated and I am thankful for your service.

For those of us who are home with our families this holiday season, don’t forget those who can’t be.  While you’re out shopping, don’t forget to make donations to Toys for Tots, Operation Homefront, and the USO.  Google any of those charities and you’ll find out how you can make a difference this holiday season.

 

Big News About Colin Cowie

Here’s the email I received about Colin Cowie’s new gig:

Dear Valued Wedding Professionals,

It is with great excitement that I announce that we have named world-renowned event designer and lifestyle expert Colin Cowie as our new host for Get Married’s television show airing on the Lifetime Channel.  Colin comes to us with a passion for weddings, and a multitude of imaginative and inspiring ideas that will help our brides enjoy the planning process and discover all the details that culminate in what will become an extraordinary special day.  In addition to Colin’s design and wedding expertise, he also brings with him a tremendous fan-base that enjoy his views on fashion, food, decor and travel – all of which Colin will share on Get Married’s television show and through his live online chats and blog postings on getmarried.com.

However, the brides are not the only ones who will benefit from this new partnership with the arbiter of style.  As an international lifestyle consultant and television personality, celebrity party designer and author of five books on weddings, Colin will build additional brand awareness for Get Married and getmarried.com, and its valued partners.

Through national and local exposure, both online and on television, Get Married’s partnership with Colin will help further your advertising budget, by connecting your brand, products and services with even more brides and wedding industry professionals every day.

Please share this amazing news with your brides, friends, counterparts, and clients and we hope you will tune in to season 2, beginning January 5th and airing every weekday morning at 7:30 AM ET/PT on Lifetime Television. Also, you can join Colin’s blogs and live online chats on getmarried.com.

You’ll be seeing a lot more about this partnership later this year and as the New Year unfolds. Please send any questions, comments or feedback about our new partnership to feedback@getmarried.com.  Best wishes for a happy and healthy Thanksgiving and thank you again for your continued support of Get Married!

Sincerely,
Stacie Francombe
Founder/CEO of Get Married

 

Cheetah Girls in Concert

Image by Wendy Stewart

Image By Wendy Stewart

Tonight I had the pleasure of seeing The Cheetah Girls in concert here in my hometown of Baltimore.

It was a great show which included two opening acts: 535 and the Clique Girlz.

For once my sister and I had floor seats.  I must say though, it was a double-edged sword.  On the one hand, I was able to get better shots than at the Jonas Brothers concert.  But on the other hand, some of the photos had to be cropped because I wasn’t tall enough to shoot over some people’s heads and arms.

Other than that, the concert was great and you could tell that the Cheetah Girls had fun putting on the show.  The interact like sisters and their bond is very clear on stage.

So, above are just two images from the concert, though, of course, I shot more.

Here are some tips if you are shooting at a concert or public event:

1. Bring the best camera you can.  (I used a Canon Rebel XT DSLR and attached a telephoto lens).

2. Make sure you have a flash unit (not the one attached to the camera, but one you have to slide on to the hot shoe.  (And bring extra batteries for the flash.)

3. Do your best to be courteous when getting your shots so that everyone can enjoy the concert.

Next up, let’s see if my press card will get me closer to the Presidential Inaugaration in January!

 

How to Hire the Right Photographer: Team Photos

Many kids and parents look forward to the time in the season when their sports team or dance squad takes their team and individual photos.

Whether the photos will be on display in a sports center, in the home or the yearbook, it is important to get this important job done right.

Generally speaking, it is not the hardest thing in the world to take a generic team photo.  Anyone can do that.  Frankly, that bores me.

What I’m suggesting is that you find a photographer who is used to working with kids and can find a unique way to present the photos.

It may be life-size cut outs of your child or the photos on trading cards.  Whatever it is, photographers who really consider themselves professional will know how to get this done or know where to look to get it done.

I have seen too many “professional” photographers this past Pop Warner season turn out mediocre pictures and lose digital images of team photos.  This is horrible and gives the rest of us a bad name.  I even saw one photographer with a portrait on display where he shot the subject off of the backdrop.  Fundamentals.

If your prospective photographer can’t provide you with some place to see his or her work (online or in a printed album) then you are literally rolling the dice when it comes to how your pictures will turn out.

And if your prospective photographer is going to outsource the printing, do not be afraid to ask for the company name so that you can visit their website as well.

As the customer, you are entitled to pictures that you are proud to display and share.  As professional photographers, we are responsible for preserving the memories of that day.  That is a very important job and should not be taken lightly.

So, to hire the right photographer for team photos:

1. Ask to see their portfolio.  Make sure they know how to take group pictures and individual portraits.

*also check to see if they have any experience photographing children

2. Ask if they will be bringing any special backdrops and/or lighting to the photo shoot.

3. Ask how the photos will be printed and distributed and how payments will be handled.

4. Be sure you agree on what to do in the event of lost image files on the part of the photographer or the photo lab.

Lastly, make sure you can work with the photographer.  What’s the point of hiring someone with a great portfolio if they act like a jerk? Be sure you want to work with whomever you hire.

By following these steps you will hopefully avoid some of the mishaps I’ve seen happen this season.

 

High School Musical 3 Delivers Big!

What team? Wildcats! What team? Wildcats! What team? Wildcats! Wildcats! Get Your Head in the Game!

I saw HSM3 last night and I was very impressed by the largeness of the movie.

Recalling back the first movie, this big screen version was bigger and better than the previous two movies.  Of course, everyone has their favorite parts about each of the three movies.  Some like the dancing in one, the music in another, and the storyline in yet another.

HSM3 had more songs, more creative dancing, a totally unexpected storyline twist.  You felt like Disney and its High School Musical stars brought their A-game for the movie.  It was also great to see how they chose to resolve each senior’s college plans when some were very much undecided because of competition or competing interests.

Beware, I heard rumors of Disney already being in the planning stages of a 4th movie, but you can bet that your favorite wildcats will not be around.  It is time for them to move on.

For all of you Zac Efron fans, you’ll be glad to know that he has two movies coming out in the next year (17 Again and Footloose) so his movie career is a busy one.

So, ignore the critics and go see High School Musical.  It’s fun and probably how you wish high school could have been (or is now depending on your age) because once a wildcat, always a wildcat!

 

Happy Birthday Zac Efron!

By the way, I just wanted to say a happy belated birthday to one of our favorite actors, Zac Efron. Zac turned 21 this past Saturday and celebrated in mature style with girlfriend Vanessa Hudgens and other Disney stars in Los Angeles.

This picture above is from when I a red carpet photographer here in Baltimore for the 2007 Baltimore premiere of the movie “Hairspray.”

 

It’s Fall, Finally!

For those of you in the Baltimore area, you’ll notice that we are just now seeing the temperature changes that go along will fall.

But along with fall comes the beautiful change in foliage and personal fashion.

Keep your eye out for great autumn colors, funky pumpkins, and great fall fashion.  All of these make great subjects for your photos without having to rely on imaging software to manipulate your photos.