Virtual Photography Studio - Resources for photographers
Virutual Photography Studio, Guide To Resources, Products and Information
Do you love parodies? Do you love finding the Photoshop mistakes they make in some of the biggest magazines in the world? Then you’ll love this – Fotoshop by Adobe
Released 5 days ago and already approaching 1 million views, this video will make you laugh at how unrealistic our expectations really are when it comes to beauty.
One of the things that set us apart from other photographers early on was our storytelling. We didn’t believe photography was all we had to offer. Instead, we chose to take it to a different level and offer storytelling through our albums. We regularly sold three to five albums to our clients, so I guess they loved it as well.
Storytelling involves many things. It involves thinking ahead of time about what you want to capture. It involves understanding what will happen and being there ready and in position before it does. It also involves being ready for the unexpected as well.
Dig Deeper: 7 Tips For Visual Storytelling
I ran across a great series of videos today by Ira Glass who hosts This American Life on Public Radio. He has a series of four videos in which he goes over his ideas on what it takes to be a storyteller – all are good and worth listening to.
But it’s a compilation video that really caught my eye. The way its written can be an inspiration to any creative artist. It may be just what you need as you begin planning for a New Year.
Ira Glass on Storytelling from David Shiyang Liu on Vimeo.
When you’re a photographer, you wind up with gifts that are somehow always related to the business. And while you’re tree can only hold so many cameras and miniature photographers, there are some really cool things that you’ll be moving to the top of your wish list this year.
What’s the one thing missing from your camera phone? The ability to have multiple lenses for every situation. Not any more, thanks to this series of lenses, Choose from fisheye, macro/wide angle and telephoto lenses – or get the series and save, plus free shipping.
Like the idea of different lenses for your iPhone, but don’t want to carry all of them with you? Check out the iPhone Lens Dial. Now their conveniently in place and ready for any situation.
Chances are when you started thinking about becoming a professional photographer, you held the dream close inside for a while. I know we did. After all, it had been generations since any of our family had broken into the entrepreneurial world. What would they think? What would they say?
Well as chance would have it, they probably had a lot to say once you did tell them. I’m sure you heard it all. And I was reminded of some of the things family and friends said when we finally made our announcement this morning when I read through a great blog post, Things They Have No Right To Tell You. So I came up with some of my own.
Have you heard any of these?
I’ve never started a business before, but I can tell you it’s a very risky thing to do, especially in this economy.
Nobody makes a great living as a professional photographer; welcome to the world of being a starving artist.
I’ve never been a photographer before, but I have a ton of ways to help you build your business.
I really need professional photography. Would you be interested in spending a day photographing me, and I’ll give you some of my “product/service”?
I have a great charity – could you donate some of your services to help me out?
I’m in a tough spot right now, but I love your work. If you photograph me for free, I’ll tell all my friends about you – and I know “a lot” of people.
It takes money to make money – be prepared to spend a lot.
You have real talent; I know you’ll be successful.
Quit dreaming and get your head out of the clouds. Get a job like the rest of us.
I’ve tried that before, and I can promise you it doesn’t work.
What else have you heard?
This is an amazing use of photography equipment and how to automate your next portrait session.
If you work online for any length of time, you understand the risks of having access to just about everything right at your finger tips. Just today, I’ve visited several of my favorite blogs, checked out several news sites, visited Amazon and made a purchase, and got lost in Internet surfing as well.
One of the great things about surfing is occasionally you find real gems that are worth putting your business aside for a few minutes, and taking in something new and completely inspiring. And today I think I’ve found something that will do the trick.
Take a look at these three videos – Move Eat Learn – all produced by a team out of Australia.
MOVE from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.
EAT from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.
LEARN from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.
Sometimes it seems like it takes more effort than it’s worth. Not only do you have to keep up with your regular business and client work, but then you have to add in creating specialty images to enter into photo contests too? Is it really worth it?
Yes.
A photo contest ultimately does three things for you.
1. It boosts your confidence. Nothing can put a smile on your face more than being recognized by your peers. When they recognize your photographic talent, you know you’ve accomplished quite a bit in your career.
2. It educates you. Taking photographs for clients is completely different than taking photographs for awards. You look at things differently, put new perspectives on your subject matter, and learn more about the true art of photography.
3. It proves your expertise. When you market your photography, your client judges you based on your images and your marketing materials. When you add “award winning” in, it changes the dynamics. Your client instantly knows you’ve been recognized outside of the typical business world, and others appreciate what you do as well.
Win a few awards, and your business can easily become more professional, more saleable – which means you can charge more for what you do.
If you enter a local contest, you can list “award winner”.
If you enter an international contest, you can list “international award winner”.
With just a couple of wins behind you, you could quickly improve your status by becoming an “International Award Winning Photographer”.
And you could win some pretty cool prizes along the way too.
Here’s a look at contests happening right now.
Have a chance to show off what you can create in nature, and have a chance at winning a week long Polar Bear Adventure.
Browse through this blog to find a variety of contests and photography competitions from around the world. They have different categories – portrait, sport, travel, etc – so you should be able to find something corresponding to your interests.
Winning photographs will be published in the November 2011 issue of Photographer’s Forum Magazine, and exhibited at Brooks Institute Gallery. [Read more...]
Looking for those last minute stocking stuffers for the photographer in your life? Or maybe you are just looking to pick up something for yourself. If you love your iPhone, you’re going to love some of these gadgets.
This simple pic.me iPhone Tripod Case is the perfect thing to bring along anywhere. It features two angle, one for recording, and one for viewing.
The iPhone Tripod Holder provides you with a snug holder for your iphone that provides you with the tools necessary to attach it to any tripod.
What’s your photography dream? Is it to shoot some of the biggest names in the business, with your work spread out on the pages of some of today’s top fashion magazines?
If you’ve always admired the work of Annie Leibovitz, and wonder what it would be like to work side by side with her, here’s a glimpse at what it would be like. See the secrets of creating a work of art and what takes place behind the scenes with Annie Leibovitz for Vogue Magazine.
As a photographer, do you wind up with a gift or two every year that’s photography related? You know, the camera ornaments, the Santa decoration with a camera around his neck – you get the picture.
Every year we end up with something photography related – I can’t tell you how many camera ornaments we have hanging on our tree. Yep, I guess when you’re a photographer, people just love to get you anything photography related.
While you might not really want another camera ornament or Santa decoration this year, here are some gifts you’re truly going to love. And if you get your ideas going now, maybe you can pass them along hints to your loved ones before they purchase the next camera ornament.
For those little stocking stuffers, you need something small and inexpensive. One of our favorite sites for the cool gadgets that are photography related is Photojojo. Check out this camera lens mug, perfect to bring everywhere. And yes, you can choose Canon or Nikon – we understand how important that is being Canon groupies. Or bring your photography into your accessories, and add a lens bracelet to your wardrobe. Either way, you’ll subtly let people know of your obsession with photography.
How about a selection of new software? Head over to Nik Software and view the demos – you’re going to love at least one of their products. We’re intrigued with the HDR Efex Pro. Or try the Color Efex Pro for amazing filters and effects for your imaging. Or go out and get the Complete Collection – a great gift that will keep on giving all of 2011.
Which do you love more, photography or the technical side of things? Sometimes its hard to tell. If you’ve been wanting the latest iPad, maybe now is your time to put in that special request to Santa. You can do so much with one – read a book on photography, surf and learn about photography, post to your blog, check your orders … And you can even light your portraits.
iPad Photoshoot from Jesse Rosten on Vimeo.
Want to get your images into your iPad? Try Apple’s iPad Camera Connection Kit. It allows you to import digital photos from your digital camera, iPhone or SD card directly into your iPad.
While its not really photography related, its iPad related. And since you can do so much with your iPad for photography, it counts, right? Okay, I guess what I’m trying to say is this is on my list this year because I love it. BookBook for iPad is a hardback leather case that turns your iPad into a book. Made out of old leather in two color combinations, it’s the perfect disguise for your iPad.
Eye-Fi 8GB Pro Memory Card is a card that can help you automate and streamline your workflow. This high performance card will automatically upload your photographs to any folder, provide automatic geotagging to your RAW photos, provide you with endless memory mode so you can keep capturing all the time.
Lens Baby Composer Special Effects lens can help you look at the world in a different way. Start with one Lens Baby, and you’re going to want to try them all. They come in a variety of camera model styles, including Canon and Nikon.
One of the best things you can have for your studio is a projection system. And at today’s costs and sizing, they are one of the best investments you’ll make. So even if no one is in the market to give you a projector for the holidays, maybe its time to invest in one for yourself. And at this price, you can’t go wrong with this Sanyo.
