Join me!

I've heard your comments! So YES! Here it is, this is the list of the words I will be continuing with in Feb for my monthly photo challenge! If you want to join along I would love to see what they inspire from you!

Now, I am a realist! So, I choose to do my PAD challenge a bit different! You get ONE word for the week... and the challenge for me comes from how to represent that word in 5 different ways. (For me a week is M-F... but feel free to include weekends in your personal challenge!

I also include not only the image, but the thoughts on that image, along with a photography tip... or  'how-to' information with each of my images! So you get to learn a little bit along the way!

5 Camera Bag Vacation Essentials

Summer is almost synonymous with vacation. Regardless if your taking a day trip, stay-cation, road trip, or flying abroad.. I've got your back with these 5 tips on what to pack in your camera bag!

1. Rain/Sand cover.  This is a really great item to pack in your bag, and simply leave there. Most are plastic and fold down to take up virtually no space. I love these little bags, because while they are designed for photographers shooting in rain, or humid conditions they also make great added protection around the pool, lakes, and ocean!! Protecting your camera from water is HUGE! Nothing fries out electronics faster then water! Except possibly sand! I couple of little sand crystals in your lens (Dslr, or point and shoot alike) and your looking at some $$ for repairs or possibly purchasing a new one all together!

This little bad boy can be found in many forms from Amazon or your local camera shop. The plastic covers aren't really made for long term use, but with care you can get more then your monies worth since they start at only $6!

The heavier duty bag for SLR style cameras is WELL worth the investment! Again I found this one online at Amazon starting at $12 and is built to be the last one you would "need" to buy!
Now, these are designed for larger slrs... they would work fine for bridge cameras with lens that extend out... but they make them for point and shoots, as well as other electronics like ipads, phones etc. Just remember your looking for a bag to shoot with, not simply something to protect from splashes... if you have to take it out to shoot, it wont help!

2. Silicon Packs. Crazy right? But save those packs you get with new shoes and drop a few in with your memory cards, and around your camera bag.

Believe it or not, they do help draw some of the moisture away from your electronics. If your going (or live) some place with a lot of humidity, every little bit helps! You can also pick up a handy product like Nikon's 8073 Fog Eliminator which you can wipe your lens with and it keeps them from fogging up in the humidity! Some work better then others, personally I have had good luck with this one!

3. Backups and Storage. Memory cards are a no-brainer these days... you always want to have more then you think, and personally I suggest you never shoot a whole vacation day or event on one card. Cards can get corrupted, and are prone to static shock... so I swap back and forth between several cards so if one has an issue - I still have images on another card. While that increasing my time slightly for separating them on my computer, its time well spent in my opinion. The first time you have to pay $300 for image recovery due to static shock you will thank me too!

Now backup isn't simply extra cards. I suggest if your doing more then a day trip you think about a portable hard drive, or lap top as a backup as well. I DON'T suggest that you delete the images from your card.. but simply have 2 or 3 copies as your traveling. You can pick up a 1T drive, that you can hook up a card reader via USB to for under $100 - the larger the drive the more $$ it will cost... but to me, not losing my vacation images = priceless! While your at it, pick up a nice hard, travel case for this device - they start at only $8!

4. Memory Card Storage Case. I don't trust the little pockets in my camera bag for important small things like memory cards! I suggest you pick up something like this:

This hard case, can be found in a water-tight (sand proof) option also. It protects your cards, not just from static, humidity and those types of things.. but its a great investment to keep your cards safe at home, and while traveling. Losing a card would be FAR worse then having to hassle with image recovery! They aren't expensive and in my book its just as important as my camera bag itself!


5. WIFI booster. If your traveling and expecting to be able to post images along the way, or utilize online or cloud storage sites for backups, this little guy is fantastic! On twitter the other day I was complaining about my WiFi not reaching the pool... and a friend suggested this. I was like "OH DUH!" so now I get to work while my daughter swims this summer! Perfect! It's also super handy for poor connections at hotels, or other more dodgy options such as the local coffee house. It is a super practical purchase for anyone using a WiFi while traveling... and I find it a great goody to keep in my camera bag for the "just in case" moments!

I hope you have a FUN, and SAFE Vacation season! I can't wait to see your memories!

Tuesday Tip: Senior Portraits

Summer is rolling around and for many of you that means.... 

HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR PORTRAITS! 

Since I myself am all ready booking, I thought that I would make it easy, for my clients as well as my readers to get some great tips on what to wear, bring, etc to make your senior session a success! 

Today we will be talking about ideas for you, and general Senior Portrait suggestions! If you are having portraits with me... these are my recommendations! If you are having portraits done with another photographer, you should take these as general suggestions and talk them over with your photographer. Since each person uses different tools and creativity to produce your images they may have their own rules, guidelines or suggestions.

1. Think about your location. Are you doing portraits indoors, or outdoors? 
2. Think about your style. This is a session about YOU. Your clothes, accessories and make-up matter. Let them tell your story.
3. Think about who your giving them to. Your grandmother loves you. She may not love seeing you dressed to go clubbing.

Personalize your session.

When you schedule your appointment, I will work with you to find the right locations. I have several "go to" locations, but I want your portraits to be a reflection of you.

Punk, skater, or rock and roll: Graffiti walls, brick, or more urban and edgy locations fit the bill.

More country or casual: Then we can look for a barn, hayloft, horses... railroad tracks, tall grasses and old fences. The more information you can provide during your consultation prior to scheduling the more I can offer personalized suggestions and options. 

Feminine, traditional or classic: Flowers, lakes, parks, green grass. 

BYOP: Bring your own Prop! Skateboard, football, ballet slippers, or an instrument. Bringing something that shares your interest helps tell your story!

What to bring:

Clothing Changes. I ask that you bring 3-5 clothing changes (if possible) to your session and even some extra accessories, shoes, and jackets or sweaters to change the look easily. I will then assist you on what will look best for your shape, coloring and setting.  The clothes will then be edited down to the best of the best!

When selecting outfits I recommend that you avoid large stripes and too many patterns.  Choose clothing that will best fit your shape and body style.   

You should always bring things that you love and fit your personality. However, I also suggest you bring at least one  “classic” look as well. If your a girl and you NEVER wear dresses... don't bring one. You will be uncomfortable, and it will show. Instead opt for a nice shirt or sweater, even a jacket that can be put on to create a "Grandparent friendly" or classic option! I understand that if you are a bold, trendy person it would look unnatural to put you in a baby pink button up! You can however do a solid color stylish cut shirt, in a bold color, or even a classic white with a showcase jewelry piece!

That being said I still love trendy, fashion statements... I love when someone has a unique look and really owns it. I just suggest you create a little balance, a compromise for just a few shots, and think about how your outfit will look hanging on Grandma's wall! I'm a parent, I have to say it!

 I suggest also that you think in layers, bringing along a few simple options like a jacket or sweatshirt that can be slipped on and off can help give you different looks, and be more suitable especially if your on location and walking around! 

Shoes. Don't forget different shoes... if your going formal, bring a formal pair of shoes... casual we can do bare feet, or sandals.... but be sure they are in good shape, and clean. I will do full body as well as close up images, so your feet and shoes will show!

Accessories: If your bringing jewelery, I suggest you pack it carefully so it doesn't break or get tangled. Bring it in a pouch or something that wont be lost easily! 

Makeup/Hair: For most clients I suggest you come with your hair and make-up already done. If you would like me to schedule a hair or make-up artist to do this for your prior to your session, that can be arranged however you will be responsible for covering the additional expense.  

Ladies should remember to bring extra lip gloss or lipstick, and powder to help with shine.

You should bring your own comb or brush, hairspray and small water bottle for location shoots. If we are in the studio, I will have plenty of these items around.

Tip: Verte Photography is not responsible for hair dissatisfaction since we are not familiar with your preferences, tolerances for styles, locks or strands. Retouching is done at the client's expense

WATER! While, again I have this in the studio, you should bring 2 or 3 times more water then you would normally drink when your outside. Being a model for a few hours really is HARD work, if your outside and walking around on location you will be thankful for the extra refreshment!

Bring your own Sherpa: I always recommend a friend or loved one come along with the senior. Not only can they help carry your items on location (because there is a lot!), but it sometimes helps you feel more comfortable to have a friend! They can help check your hair and remind you to fix make-up and things as well! While I am happy to help tote items, and always check your details... I do have my own pack of goods to tote and an extra set of eyes is always helpful! 

Verte Extras:

I offer my clients a portable changing room for location shoots. It isn't glamorous, or spacious but it does provide privacy in public areas. However, I do limit full clothing changes to 3 per hour session so that we don't spend all of our time changing clothes!

If you plan on adding a make-up or hair service contact me directly before you schedule your appointment. We will need to co-ordinate the services and times appropriately.

Typically an outdoor session is 1 hour, depending on location. Some locations may require more walking time to get from spot to spot. I never suggest a shoot last longer then 2 hours. I never limit my clients on a number of images. I shoot way more then you will ever need. Trust me.  

I offer all seniors a free digital yearbook image, or depending on the school 2 wallets. I ask each senior to bring, or email me the school information regarding portraits.

Verte also provides 1 free social media image, for each senior to share online with each package, and a 25% discount for a graduation session, that you can use for announcements or collage applications during the spring the following year.

 

                       

Tuesday Tip: Family Portraits

Summer. The ultimate time to get outside, and focus on family fun! Many people take vacations, and attend family reunions, go to weddings... its all part of the Family Photo Season!

Today, I wanted to give you a couple "out of the box" tips for capturing those family moments, without setting up a big "to-do" or stressing yourself out! You can add a lot to your basic snapshot by following a just 2 basic photography guidelines.

1. Learn some basic poses. If your taking group images, nothing ruins a good portrait like poor posing. It doesn't need to be any big deal! By utilizing this basic triangle you can successfully shoot 2 - 20 people in a snap!

The Stair, is created when one subjects eyes are in line with the others chin.

You can easily add people, by going from a single stair to a triangle.

Now you can add as many triangles to your image as you have people!

The key to this - is not to put anyone's head directly on top of someone else... you have to leave room to see part of their chest and shoulders! 

Tip: Keep children and babies in front, not only will this help you get their attention if they are close together, but it will also keep them from looking oddly small due to them being farther away!

Another classic pose is the: LINE

It doesn't get easier, just put everyone on the same line in front of you! 

2. Learn a couple easy rules of composition. These rules apply to all types of photography, and are common in all different types of art as well!

This shows you some guidelines for what's called "The Rule of Thirds" it simply states that 2/3's your image should be subject and a 1/3 dead space. (or vise versa). You see this a lot with off centered portraits, and landscapes like beach images where the horizon line will be the bottom 1/3 and the setting sun and sky will fill the top 2/3's!

Another MUST have in your bag of tricks is...

If your subject is wider then they are tall, shoot Horizontally.

 Taller then they are wide? Shoot Vertically!

I hope you put these super simple tricks to use this summer! Remember, it's more important to capture the moment... then to capture the moment perfectly. Relax and have FUN!

Product Placement and Posing

I know, crazy me... talking about posing inanimate objects... but it is true! I spend more time placing an item then I do shooting it. There is a lot of thought and attention to detail needed to showcase an image! In commercial photography they don't really call it "posing" they call it "styling".

Lets talk about some of the most popular items

1.  Jewelry
2. Crochet and Knit items
3. Stitched and Sewn
4. Reflective and Clear (this could be jewelry, but we will use jars and tins for our example)

Jewelry, Reflective and Clear items. By far the most time consuming of all the items I shoot. So why is that? Let's go step by step.

• I sort all the product, like items together, with similar styles and colors grouped up also. This allows me to look at a glace at what I have and select the best backgrounds for each.
• I put on anti static gloves. I don't want to leave fingerprints, or extra hairs or dust on anything.
• I clean each item with a soft cloth.

• I check them for stray hairs, or fibers that often get stuck in chains (esp if they are shipped to me on top of cotton packing like this:

Product and Packaging provided by: Crafty Gal Creations

I suggest putting items in plastic or wrapping them in tissue to reduce the fibers that attach themselves! 

• I set my studio, with the tools I will need, backgrounds, props, etc.  I also set up lights, and test everything to insure quality. 
• Now I am ready to get started to shoot!

 Crochet, knit, and sewn items: While most of the steps above apply, I don't have to typically worry about fingerprints on these items. However, I do have to spend extra time checking the stitching, hems, materials for stains, or yarn changes or errors that I try not to highlight in the image. Overall the biggest thing is making sure there are no extra pet hairs, fibers or strings or yarn hanging off. Because you want to be able to shoot detail shots of all fabrics, hooks, clasps, buttons, stitching and etc.

Once I am ready to shoot - it is all about how to "pose" the product and placement on the background itself. You know from previous posts that the more space you leave between your product and the background, the more blurry, or out of focus your background will look when you use your macro, flower, or aperture controls. It may also help you reduce shadows depending on your lighting situation.

Below are my tips for successful posing and placement.

Placement: I like to center my products on the background, and depending on product leave anywhere from 6 inches to 4 feet to the vertical portion of my background. The larger the item, the more space I leave. (also, the more likely I am to use additional lighting so the vertical background doesn't get underexposed due to lack of light... I want it all to look seamless, and consistent.)

 There is nothing wrong with the above image, you can see the product. However, the light on the props and the twisted hook on the earing give it a little bit of a haphazard look... combined with the horizon being off and the opposing agle of product and it just doesn't feel pleasant to look at. (Granted, I did have to crop and twist to make this point I did originally shoot the horizon straight)


Posing: Looking at how you are placing your items makes a big difference. You can create something that is a good photography, but doesn't really display your item, or worse, if done in a sloppy manner you can give your clients the impression that photographs are an after thought, or that you don't take care with your products. Ouch! By putting thought into them, you can go from good to captivating with ease.

Product Provide by: Crafty Gal Creations

 There is nothing wrong with the above image, you can see the product. However, the light on the props and the twisted hook on the earing give it a little bit of a haphazard look... combined with the horizon being off and the opposing agle of product and it just doesn't feel pleasant to look at. (Granted, I did have to crop and twist to make this point I did originally shoot the horizon straight)

 However, by sliding the earnings to a hanging position over the sound hole (yes, I looked up the name of the hole on a guitar and thats what it said it was... who knew) The hooks are showcased better, the image is less distracting and your product becomes the focus. It's a simple change. 

Consistent: I also find that when I am shooting the SAME item or items that are the same size, it behooves me to set my camera on a tripod, and place the items in the same spot. so the item is a consistent size shot after shot. Because you don't want to end up with this kind of a difference.

Product and Packaging provided by: Crafty Gal Creations

Product and Packaging provided by: Crafty Gal Creations

 Tripod: A tripod is your friend. It will keep your camera in one place for consistency. If you shoot the same size over and over again, make a note of the zoom, and where products are on the background, and your tripod (mark them with tape or marker if you can) then you can recreate this anytime you need!

Camera Placement: Place your camera to the height of your product, and directly in front of it, not at your eye level. This will allow you to keep your horizon line straight, rather then making your products appear to be tipped or slanted, which makes your image look sloppy and less appealing.

Product appears to be sliding off  image due to horizon line and angle.

Twisted Product Sample Image / Product Provided by: Streeter & Co

 

Nice, straight on clean image.

Take your Time: Especially when working with beaded items, chains and stones, you need to take your time. I have a little rolling stool.. yep just like the doctors office. I roll in sit down and bust out my tweezers and other small tools so that I can easily turn, flip and place each small item. In the end, details sell.  Even if your not placing each bead just so... making sure your product is straight and your camera is lined up will make a dramatic difference.

Setting up for Sucess

Why bother to shoot your own products if your not going to take the time to be SUCCESSFUL! The point to having photo's is to showcase your images, so people can see what they are buying right? So let's make sure we have the tools we need to from this....

To this!

Product Provided by: Crafty Gal Creations

Depending on your product, and set up you need to think about how the light will hit the items, what part will reflect, what shadows can be created, and what adjustments do you need to make so you don't see shadows, as well as making sure each part is shown, and showcased the best it can be.

There are a few secrets to this.

1. Tweezers are your friend. I use these to place each stone, bead and chain in just the right place.
2. Cleaning cloth. I use my soft clothes from cleaning my lens to polish stones and remove any finger prints, fibers or dust that may be on a product
3. Cotton Gloves. These are so I don't get new finger prints on items as I am working on them. They are special gloves from the photo lab, same quality that they use when handling negatives. You can also use latex or even finger cots (found in the bandage section of your drug store). I never cared for them, but its a viable option.
4. Time. Don't try to do this in a rush
5. Stable work area. Placing product on a table that can be bumped or with a fan moving in the room can be a nightmare...please save yourself the headache.

Now, if you have been following along in this series we have covered...

Why you want to shoot with a CAMERA

Backgrounds: Part 1 Part 2 and Part 3

Finding the right location for your home studio

Finding the right light

White Balance

Setting up your DIY studio*

and now, collecting the tools to success.

Which brings us to product placement, posing, and perspective.

These will be our focus this week! Be sure to come back!

*I have delayed the release of the DIY studio available light - as well as a followup to the Dollar Store studio due to (of all things) TIME to shoot the images for them! I hope to get the images done this week and fit them back into the schedule - but I wanted to make sure you still had some great information to chew on this week! For now, you can view the First part of the Dollar Store Studio from the link above - it gives you some basic guidelines and some very helpful tips!

Phone vs Camera

What is the difference? 

Does it matter?

How does this topic play into product photography?

I am so glad you asked!

I will start this post by saying I did not purchase my phone for its camera... nor do I shoot any images that are important to me with it. I don't have an I-phone, I did borrow one for the sake of being fair while posting this.  I admit the I-phones do have better specs... but they are still so limited that I still feel that I can group them in with all the other camera phones and give you a solid understanding of why I feel the way I do about the use of camera phones for product photography. 

First, do you remember our sensor size handy chart?

See that small grey square - that's your sensor size compared to all the other camera sensors... now this image is obviously NOT showing you "real" size... but you can see by reading 3mm x 4mm is like smaller then your pinky nail... so no matter how many pixels are on it - they are SUPER tiny! It simply can not grab the same amount of information that even the most basic Point and Shoot (being twice as large) can. When you compare it to a DSLR  or Pro Camera well... come on! I have said before I don't consider them to be "real" camera's for a this  reason alone! Let's not even start on the quality of lens, light gathering abilities or anything else that makes a great image!

However, I know looking at this you still might not understand how a sensor with 5 or 8 mega Pixels can really be all the different in a phone, compared to a camera.. so I thought I would put it to the test for you. In the interest of fairness and full disclosure -

For the this series of images  I used my Pantech 4G LTE phone with a 5mp Camera and no flash
The DSLR I used for this shoot was my trusty (but old) D80 (only a 10mp) and 35mm 1.4 lens, however I used it in Program mode, with auto WB, and no flash unless noted.

Here are my sample images, I like many of you I shot next to a window, rather then with studio lighting, as well as with a simple piece of tag board for a background, so you can get a solid comparison.

I have done no photo shop editing, and only changed the file name.

So you can see  where I was shooting - it was roughly 8am for the first round

Cell Phone Image - Natural Light 8 am

SLR Image - Natural Light 8am No edits

SLR Image - Natural Light from Window, along with a low powered, bounced flash (pointed straight up so only reflected light from the ceiling was captured)

Cell Phone Image - Natural Light 8 am- close up

SLR Image - Natural light - Close up - 35mm fixed lens.

 

 Ok. So this is as close as I can get since this isn't a "macro" lens... however.....Because the larger sensor size, better lens, and more clear image... I can crop in using Photoshop. Cropped to 4x6 at 300ppi - still without any other color balance, or editing done to the image.

Cropped Image - Here you can see the texture of the paper its so close!

 While if I take a similar image off the phone and crop the same way and crop the same distance out... we end up with

cropped image - Can YOU see the pixels?

Now.. it doesn't really matter that my camera phone says it is 8 mp. The size of the chip, the poor lens (which is plastic) along with the poor light gathering capabilities is what is causing the difference in quality for these images. You can see that the image with the bounced flash is honestly the BEST, with the truest colors, and the most pleasant to look at because it is sharper, and the light bouncing around creates a solid clean background. You can see details even though it is not a "detail" shot. This is the difference you get with better equipment and some basic knowlage of how to use it.

Now just to be perfectly fair, I wanted to give the phone a fighting chance and try it with some bright sunlight, because we know that LIGHT does MATTER! So at 10am this morning when the sun comes in my office window at it's brightest, I took these. I used the same set up. Despite the fact that the window panes cause a very distracting shadow here are the results.

Phone - Bright Sunny Day 10 am

Camera - Bright sunny day- Program Mode, No flash, No WB

 Even with the shadows from my window pane the clarity and quality are clear.

Now, I understand that I didn't have a point and shoot camera to be able to compare in the mix for you, however... depending on camera, lens options and what settings you can do with it - You can expect the results to be (not surprisingly) somewhere in the middle.




I did also have a chance to shoot my husbands brand new Iphone 5 that he has for work - unfortunately he doesn't keep it on the weekends, so the only chance I had to test was after work one afternoon. The window itself was in the shade of the overhang, still there was a solid amount of strong light coming in... not that you could really tell.

Iphone No Flash, Sunny Day 3pm

Yes, thats still the white background....

Using the built in Flash - Same window light

Still the white background. Plus, since there is no way to direct the flash, it creates a harsh shadow behind the subject. It also created a very odd line where the paper bent along the wall, and should have been seamless - it looks like a horizon line but the paper was one long slope.. so thats very odd to me.

No Flash - Macro shot with available sunlight 3pm

Macro with flash

I admit the images were more clear then I expected the lens appears more sharper then I expected. However, without the flash (which you can't bounce or control in any way other then on or off) the images were still very poor. They were better with flash, but still not great, the color was off DRASTICALLY and the flash created harsh shadows you couldn't control. So, I wouldn't tell you to go off and buy one for your imaging needs - ever! However, I admit if you already have one, it is probably as good as what you could expect from a simple point and shoot from a few years ago. Not great, or even what I would say was "good", but better then my android phone.


With the way the shadows fall, and the look of "interpretation" with the creation of the horizon line and the color differences I would be shocked if the processor (sensor) didn't have some sort of programing to help improve images. Since I am not a phone sells person I have no idea if this is true - but it certainly didn't act like a normal camera under the same conditions. If anyone is really curious let me know and I will find the answer.

The results:

If your phone is the only option you have - I suggest you visit your local used camera store and see what is out there for a year or two old point and shoot or mid range camera - I have seen some good ones  online like on  Adorama for $50- $80 - it would be a whole lot easier then investing in a phone tripod, and imaging apps/software to edit, maybe lighting, or product tent kits, or even a new phone. Many of them would have fantastic white balancing, macro and even the possibility to work with additional flash!

There was a day when used digital (especially point and shoot) wasn't worth it - but not any more. For core imaging needs you can pick up a good quality used or refurbished camera if you don't have money for a new one and feel good about your purchase! I recently picked up a used DSLR for my nephews digital photo class - all in we spent $400 to set him up with cards, basic lens, Nikon entry level body, bag, battery and charger. Really a solid investment, as long as he doesn't skateboard with it.

Plus, once you have solid product images selling your items becomes SO much easier! The more you sell the faster you pay off the camera (oh and yes - it would be a business write off for taxes!)


Again the Phone Charm featured in these images was created by Crafty Gal Creations. Please do not pin those images without adding her information! If you wish to purchase similar items please visit her shop!

The Product Image

What makes a "good" product image? What makes one striking? What stops someone and makes them say, "Oh yes! I want that!"

Crafty Gal Creations

When I started this blog I posted a similar tip post about product photography. However, not knowing very much about blogs I didn't execute that post very well - I don't think. I guess it is good that so few of you read it! So what better time to revisit and clarify a few points then this month right?!

First, regardless if your a serious business owner, or dabble with online stores, or are a blogger your images in many cases your online impression is the first people see of you. The images on your website, shop,or blog are going to be what they notice. It will speak to your sincerity and professionalism as much as to the quality of your product.Without the ability to feel, touch, taste or otherwise interact with your product your image has to tell them everything the need to know about it.

So what makes an amazing product image?

• Focus and Clarity 
• Placement and Details 
• Lighting and Quality of Image
• Perspective and Angles
• Backgrounds
• Consistency

In doing some searching about how I wanted to approach this topic I found several great posts from others talking about what makes great product photography like this one. While I only skimmed over it, most seems along the same vein of what I would say so I don't mind linking it up. What you will notice, and more importantly why I linked it for you to look at, is that in most every case... the backgrounds are solid (if not solid white) they are seamless and clean without clutter. You can't see an edge or a horizon line, there are very little shadows, and none of them harsh or on the product itself. They have consistency. Even the T-shirt company you notice its the same guy, roughly same pose, same cropping and perspective so each shirt is highlighted for it's differences and you tend not to look at him much at all. 

This is where you want to be. Consistent. Quality. Showcasing your items and people being able to see the quality of work, materials and your product... not distracted with shadows, poor editing or worse... trying to figure out WHAT that product is! Nothing makes me more sad then when I stare at an item in a shop and think... what IS that!?

You tell me.. what image would you click on to learn more about? Do you think one image represents the artist and shop better?

Crafty Gal Creations

Chances are if you saw the second phone charm image in my clients shop, you would click it and see several other images of the same product. I provide each of my clients with several images that they can choose from for each product, so that not only can they offer a full image and detail images... but they can also go from an every day item, to a holiday item by replacing an image, or simple refresh the look if something isn't selling to bring new attention to it, without having to send it for new photography! ( I am told by several clients that changing images, and having seasonal images to use gets them showcased more often in treasuries)

I have one last part of the equation to add. While writing this post it occurred to me what most shop owners don't have at their disposal and without it your images (even my images) tend to suffer.

TIME

You can be the best artist in the world, but know your limitations... if you don't understand f-stops, types of lenses, cameras, lighting... and all things that play into great product images including the time to do it right... please let someone else take on the project! I have said it before and I will say it over and over.... Do what you do best... and let a professional (or even an experienced friend do it for you) This will save you a huge amount of time and energy, not to mention increase your sales! 

Not "that photographer"

I recently had a fellow business owner send me her thanks for helping her with her own product photography... and she commented that she was really happy that I wasn't "that photographer".
It really made me smile.

Your right! I am not.

There are a lot of ways that I am not that photographer... and I thought I would share a my list of 10 things about myself and my business that set me apart!

1. I don't judge your photography skills
2. I don't claim to be the "end all be all" to photography
3. I SHARE my knowlage, I WANT to help
4. I don't believe equipment is everything
5. I believe in client's privacy and I don't share even a 1/3 of the work I do
6. I don't ever want COST to be the reason why someone doesn't have great images! Personally or for their products. Everyone deserves to have amazing images.
7. I am old school and believe "It's not a print until you can hold it in your hand"
8. I do a lot of charity work
9. I support women, local, and small businesses 
10. I focus on being green. Recycling, re-purposing and purchasing from companies with a "green focus". 

 I have spent several days... well weeks really, in the past few months working with other business owners who don't have products that could be shipped or who are choosing at this time not to send products to me for other reasons, mostly because they do mostly custom items. I have been troubleshooting and offering my advice free to them to improve their home studio set up, and camera skills to be able to get the "best" available images, working with what they have.

This month was sort of a toss up for me when I made my plan for the year... so I have decided I will focus on macro and product photography this month since it seems so many people out there REALLY need this help! I hope to share some tips, techniques and camera functions to help you achieve better images on your own.

This does not in any way mean I couldn't use your support, or business! I would LOVE to help you with your imaging needs!  Like I said before - don't let cost be the reason you don't have good images! I have several deals available, I offer trade for services in many cases... and I will do my best to work with YOUR budget without sacrificing your needs!

 In fact, I will offer the first 3 people to email me at VertePhoto at Gmail dot Com a FREE 1 box shoot! What ever you want to send 1 time only.. you only pay the shipping. Everything will get the full treatment... multiple photos of each item, digital preview and watermarking with your logo or website... full photo release and a special surprise item to be returned with your products! My march madness gift to you!

 I don't know anyone else who offers FREE product images! But hey... I am not "that" photographer !

Top 5 Things you can do for great Wedding Portraits

Even if you have hired a professional photographer, and followed all my other advice from this months (Love posts), there are still a few things you can do on the day of your wedding to have a dramatic impact on your images!

In my 20 some odd years of being in the photography industry I have done countless wedding, bridal and event photography. In that time I have been able to be a part of all stages, from assisting, to being the “main” photographer, to editing, creating video, and even printing the end product. In that time I have really learned to appreciate the art behind wedding photography.

 Did you know as a bride, attendant or even a guest there are countless things you can do to help a photographer and insure the images that are captured are priceless keepsakes for generations? Here are my top 5 ways of insuring great wedding portraiture!

#1 The Shoot List.
First as a couple, be sure to create a “shoot list” with your photographer. This list is the combo of shots you need it should look something like…
Bride/groom
Bride/ Groom / Grooms mom (Anne)
Bride/ Groom/ Grooms mom / Step Dad (Frank)

This list should be done in advance and copies should be on both you and the photographer’s side. A real wedding photographer will have the basics memorized- but as in many modern families there are people you want in, people who may need to be on the end to be edited out later (you laugh but we all know its true!) and even ex’s who cant be stood next to each other. The more information you can give ahead of time for these little notes, as well as the REALLY important shots you want. Like… if you HAVE to have a photo of great-great grandma and the newborn… you should speak up prior to the chaos.

#2 The Assistant
Any wedding photographer worth their salt will not be doing this solo and the shoot list will be the assistants guide to make sure everything the bride want gets done. He/ she is the backbone so to speak, and the backup. They are also the “go to” in most photographer / assistant relationships. The photographer is there for the bride. The assistant is there for everyone else. If your mom wants a shot of something, she should be told to go to the assistant with it. The assistant will either take the shot (if they are a second shooter) or will be sure to have the photographer do it. Or will at the very least be able to handle the situation without distracting the photographer away from the bride. You should clarify the role of the assistant or additional shooters in your pre-wedding consultation you’re your photographer before the wedding, and be sure to inform your bridal party… and vocal family members whom they can and cannot go to with requests.

If there is no assistant (or even if there is) you should also assign Aunt Betty (who always wants to help, and knows most everyone… you know the one.. ) to assist the assistant. Or, better yet find one from each side of the family, give them a copy of the shoot list, and let her be the runner during the bridal portraits. This can save a lot of time! The photographer or photographers assistant can say who they will need next, and she can go get them. She can also watch to make sure each combo you need is getting done… because trust me – you wont know! It also makes her feel important and keeps her from going to you with everything she thinks needs done.

#3 The Kit
I highly recommend this kit to every bride. Go to the dollar section of your local drug store or big box market and pick up these handy items.

1.  A small sewing kit (includes tiny scissors, thread and needle, add safety pins and several boutineer pins (craft needles) to it if needed)
2.  A pack of Mary-Kay blot cloths ($5) or some round cotton pads (dollar section) to blot shiny areas during the day- don’t forget to use them on you and your groom!
3.  Extra lip gloss /lipstick, powder and WATERPROOF mascara
4.  Nail file, clippers, and basic polish – you know one of your bridesmaids are going to need this.
5.  I also recommend Tylenol, Advil, Tums, and a Powerbar.

Now the tricky part to this kit is making sure you have it with out – ALL the time. I suggest you give it to your maid of honor and put her in charge of making sure you touch up makeup and blot about every half hour. (or before each “stage” of the day at least) I have seen these kits cleverly attached to bouquets or as a cute handbag to carry all day.

#4 The Smile
Everyone should be forewarned that especially in today’s technologically crazed world, it is best to assume someone; somewhere is taking your photo, especially on your wedding day. Everyone should keep good smiles, and shoulders back, sit up straight etc… all day. Nothing looks worse in your church shots then the one bridesmaid or groomsman that is hunched over, or picking their teeth. While your photographer can (and should) do something about this in your formal shots, during the ceremony there is nothing they can do! As a bride and groom, you should always have a smile… remember to excuse yourself to the restroom to pat your underarms dry, checking for food in your teeth, or touching up make-up.

 Last… PLEASE remember a wedding is no place for gum! Your photographer will thank you for not making them edit out bright blue gum from open mouths! Fact: Some will charge you extra for it, and they should!!!

#5 Go the extra mile.
Professional wedding photographers all have a different view on the next subject. But most I know agree. If you are having a buffet, or sit down dinner it is not a good time to be doing photos. NO ONE likes having those table shots done, food in teeth and all! It is a good time to let your photographer breath, sit down, swap batteries, or reset gear for the party portion to come. Discuss in advance what your photographer typically does during this time. It is the polite thing to include your photographer (and crew) in on the meal. Some photographers will flat out refuse, while others may tell you they may take a small portion in to the kitchen area or somewhere away from guests, some may outright thank you for being so generous, and some may be even be expecting it! I find that the longer you expect them to produce amazing images, the more you should expect to feed them! This also is a nice way of thanking them for everything they are doing! Yes, they are paid to be there, but if they pass out from lack of food or dehydration think of all that equipment they are likely to break… and moments they will miss as they are carted away in an ambulance!

Found on the Wedding Bee

Tip: If you want a shoot of everyone who attended your wedding, rather then doing table shots ask for a photobooth, or photoguest book option. Or even set up an "upload" station with a laptop or cards to where they can send their own snaps of your wedding to you!

I hope these tips come in handy! I know my past brides and friends have always appreciated them!