• Rotate the image
• Crop
• Adjust color, contrast, tint and saturation levels
• It will also allow you to create ZAGGskins – covers for the back of your mobile device – by using your photos and your tools.

And best of all, this app is free.

Filterstorm
Filterstorm was designed specifically for the iPad, and allows for more intuitive editing on the iPad compared with its desktop counterparts. As a professional, this is one you should definitely give a try. You can do a variety of things, including:

• Adjust the entire image by brush or color range
• Adjust the brush size
• Adjust color balance, brightness, contrast and saturation
• Crop, scale and rotate
• Sharpen
• Vignette
• Send your images using email or FTP

While it’s not designed to replace your desktop applications, it’s a great tool to have when you are on the go.

SketchBook Pro
Are you a doodler? Do you like to draw out your ideas as you think of them? Then you’ll love SketchBook Pro. It provides you with a complete set of sketching and painting tools that allow you to design directly with the iPad multi-touch interface. You’ll have high quality brushes and tools that allow you to draw and create a variety of drawings right on your iPad canvas. Perfect for impromptu meetings with friends or your staff.

MOO Business Cards – $21.99 for 50 unique, customized Business Cards, each one with a different design.

Pages
What’s one thing your iPad can’t do? Be a word processor. Or wait, now it can with Pages.

Pages gives you all the tools you need to create and share documents. From templates to advanced layout tools, you’ll be able to create documents in no time. Incorporate your photos and videos, resize and rotate your page, create columns, or add tables. This will be a definite tool you can’t live without on the road and everywhere else.

deskPad Office
Love sticky notes? Then deskPad Office is for you. Create to-do lists, add notes to yourself, draw pictures, or add maps – if your monitor is loaded with sticky reminders, this will be one app you can’t get enough of.

PrintCentral
When you’re out creating on your iPad, chances are you’ll find something you want to print. From web pages, to email, to documents and photos, PrintCentral handles it all. It works by printing directly via WiFi, and works with any printer and any type of document via your Mac, PC or 3G.

Evernote
For a free app, Evernote is a very powerful program. You can easily create notes using text, photos and audio files, organize and synchronize them with your Mac, PC or web.
Build up your favorites, and instantly have access to any of your information at any time.

HootSuite
If you use Facebook and Twitter, you have to have HootSuite. HootSuite makes managing your social accounts a whole lot easier. They have a light version, or upgrade to the pro version for $2.99. HootSuite gives you the power to manage all of your Twitter accounts, update your Facebook profile and pages, set up Twitter searches, track your results along the way, and automate a lot of what you do.

Related posts:

1. Love Your iPod, iPhone or iPad? Not With A Flash Website
2. Monitoring The Social Networks For Growing Your Photography Business
3. Top iPhone Apps for Photographers

Have you ever put a photograph into a file – knowing its location made perfect sense when you originally put it there – yet even a few days later you have no idea where it is?

PicsMatch can help you find what you’re looking for, and even help you organize based on what your plans are for the photograph.

PicsMatch is a facial recognition software that assigns an ID for anyone in a photograph, and will sweep through your hard drive finding any other matches for that facial ID.

Once you have your images together, PicsMatch gives you a variety of tools to work with the photos. You can use one of the tools in the Zoom Editing Suite, such as the crop or sharpen edit options, or choose an effect such as the black & white feature.

Once you find your images, create a special album folder with the images you select. You can even share the images using the PicsMatch tool bar, and choose to print, burn to disc, or share with family and friends on your Flickr account.

At $49 for a downloadable copy, it’s a tool that’s easy to use just about anywhere. PicsMatch is compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 operating systems – so if you are PC, this may be a great tool to add to your toolbox.

Related posts:

1. Using Reverse Image Search Tools For Copyright Protection of your Photographs
2. What Do I Use To Manage My Photographs and Help Control My Workflow?
3. Portrait Professional – Another Way To Make Your Photographs Better

Have you ever thought about what would happen if your studio burned to the ground, your bags were stolen from your car, or you left a bag at a reception site?

While all of your equipment should be covered through your business insurance policy (that’s your first item to check), there are other things you can do to make sure recovery and replacement happen quickly.

Start by inventorying everything you have. Create a list of:

• The piece of equipment – brand, make and model
• Serial number

Also photograph each piece, and keep the photographs together in your file.

While it is important to keep this list handy, make sure it’s secure and separate from your equipment. If you store it on your computer in your studio, make sure the backup is off site. Google now offers up to 20 GB of storage for only $5 a year, which definitely can be an affordable solution for you.

Like most photographers, there are the occasional times when you are in a hurry, and move from one location to another quickly.

When you’re out photographing, another tip is to get camera bags with specific compartments. Our favorite has always been the Porter Cases with wheels – they give you the flexibility of pulling in multiple bags with their special cart feature. Always make sure each compartment is filled before you leave the site. Also count your bags in your car before leaving to ensure you have everything with you.

image source

Related posts:

1. Wedding Photography – Be Prepared With A Checklist
2. Keeping your Photography Flash Cards working though Data Recovery
3. A Great Way To Carry Your Equipment

Same with camera equipment. Canon just announced its newest camera, the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV. Not only does it offer you a ton of features like 16 megapixel sensor and 14 bit A/D data conversion, but it also has full high definition video capture as well. Due out in December, the price of $5,000 may be enough to scare off some photographers, questioning what REALLY has top priority in their businesses.

I was out on several forums yesterday chatting about this very subject. When you’re struggling to maintain your old profit levels (or maybe even a profit level at all), when do you say enough and simply not upgrade?

I know as a business owner, I’ve faced that question a lot over my career. So I’ve come up with a few guidelines that help me decide when to upgrade, and more importantly, when not to.

1. Do you already have a system in place that works?
Is what you are currently using working? Are you having problems with it? The old saying, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” applies here. As long as everything works for what you need, stick with the old.

2. Is upgrading essential for your business?

3. Would not upgrading make you less professional – your clients may be more up to date than you?
As a photographer, walking into a wedding using a camera body that’s several years old could put you on the spot if a guest has the latest equipment. While it is important to keep up to date, you don’t have to replace everything all at once. If you have three or four camera bodies for backups, you don’t have to replace all at once – for the most part they all still do the job. Set yourself up on a schedule – one new body every year – and stick with it. Phase out the oldest and sell it on eBay, and put the newest one to work.

What are your ideas on upgrading? When do you no to buying the latest – just because its available?

Related posts:

1. Why Can Photographers Command Such High Fees? Number 9
2. Photography Disaster Protection and Recovery – Are You Prepared?
3. Lens Rental and Camera Rental – Where Can You Find It Online

When shooting portraits outside, it’s easy to tuck people next to trees and near buildings to  avoid the harsh sunlight. But sometimes you find a scene that would be perfect for your client – yet the direct sunlight is streaming in. That’s when a lift reflector comes in handy.

When people talk about light reflectors, they are usually talking about one of two things.

A light reflector that bounces the light.
A light diffuser that softens the light.

A light reflector generally comes in two colors, silver and gold. Silver provides a bright reflection; gold provides a warmer, softer glow. Both are designed to be used close to the subject, using the light as a directional source to bounce back into the subjects face. Play with the reflector until you get the lighting you are looking for – its easy to see results just by tilting the reflector.

A light diffuser is made of white material, and is designed to absorb the light, soften it, and spread it evenly over the subject. The larger the diffuser, the more area you can block from the sunlight. We always carry at least to 3 foot by 6 foot panels with us to make sure we can have soft lighting no matter where we are.

While many different types of reflectors are available from stores and through various Internet sites, there is an advantage to learning how to make your own light reflector.

1. You can make as many as you choose. Save even more by buying in bulk or by watching for sales.

2. Build a frame and change out materials. Less to carry in your equipment pack.

3. Create the sizes you need most.

Want to learn how to make your own light reflector? We’ve used this blueprint for years in our own studio. I know you’re going to love it.

Related posts:

1. 7 Tips To Use Natural Light In Your Photography
2. The Quality Of Light Will Increase Your Sales
3. Photography Studio Lighting Explained

We started doing our research a week before we left home. We decided to try LensRentals.com based on our own personal research, and the recommendations of our followers on Twitter. We placed the order on Friday, for Tuesday delivery, as we were leaving town early Wednesday morning.

We selected the lens we wanted, put in our credit card number, and gave our phone number for verification. They had an easy, computer generated process where they called us, we entered a code we received from the order, and the verification was complete. Then the lens was on its way.

Tuesday came and it was delivered right on time through FedEx. They provide tracking numbers so you can follow the process, seeing where your lens is at all times.

It was wrapped professionally, and arrived safe and sound.

Upon opening, they also provide you with a return label. When your timeframe is complete, you simply place the lens back in the original box with the original packaging material, seal it up, place the label on, and drop it off at your local FedEx box.

We also liked the automation process. A day before the lens is due, we received an email and a Tweet through our Twitter account (you have to be connected to @LensRentals). They will also confirm once they have received the lens back in their offices.

It was fast, easy, and great service.  It’s perfect for photographers that don’t have a ton of equipment yet, and are looking to supplement their arsenal for occasional shoots. And if you want to try out a lens before you buy.

Overall, LensRentals.com was a delight to work with, and we’ll be back trying out more equipment soon.

Related posts:

1. Lens Rental and Camera Rental – Where Can You Find It Online
2. Get A New Lens – How to get inspired with your photography # 1
3. How Much Does Social Impact Your Photography Business?

When we first started out in the 90’s, projection was unheard of for small businesses. Instead we put everything together using multiple slide projectors. It was noisy and hard work, getting everything to align properly. But the outcome was so worth it.

Then slowly computers improved, and projection became affordable for the small business. And you could do so much more with your “show”!

I’ve been watching projection change over the years, and every year I’m amazed by the size, weight, and portability of the newest projectors. I picked up the June 2009 edition of PC Today magazine, which is all on making the most of your mobile photos and videos, to learn more about the latest and greatest devices.

If you shoot on location, travel with your photography, yet still yearn for the capability of showcasing your work in large format, check out Samsung’s MBP200 Pico Projector. It weighs in at 160 grams and is roughly the size of a mobile phone. Yet it has the capability of connecting with your laptop and projecting on a surface up to 50-inches in viewing area.

Though you can’t buy it yet, I’m willing to bet it or something like it will be hitting the stores soon.

Related posts:

1. Photography Business – Marketing With Projection
2. Use Fotomoto To Sell Your Photographs
3. Should You Photoshop Your Photographs Before You Show Your Clients?

But most are boring. They come in standard black, and they just blend into the surroundings.

But what if you have a certain style with the way you dress, the way you present yourself, and you’re branding?

I just found jill-e designs, and you’re going to love it.

These bags are anything but boring. Get a variety of sizes, and a variety of colors to match any mood. Plus they have unique features just for us girls. Like a detachable pouch to carry your personal items (I always hated fishing around at the bottom of my bag looking for my lipstick.)

Check out jill.e designs

[twitter]

Related posts:

1. Equipment Needed For a Photography Business
2. Equipment Needed For a Wedding Photography Business
3. 10 Publishing/Printing Solutions For Your Photographs

For instance, when we called in a local plumber to fix a drain that was clogged, we expected him to show up with more than a bottle of Liquid Plumber in his hand. We expected him to show up with a series of tools, and to completely clean the drain so we had no more problems.

Or when we hired a caterer for a party, we expected him to show up with more than a few paper plates and a pan full of simple appetizers. We expected the entire event to be elegant and have delicious food presented in an elegant way.

They are the professionals. So we place the expectations above what we could reasonably do ourselves.

The same applies to a professional photographer.

I can easily take my point and shoot camera out to the park and photograph my daughter. But I would expect a professional to have a variety of lenses to capture close up, far away, and everything in between.

I can easily download my images to my computer, and print them out on my inkjet printer. But I would expect archival quality prints from a professional, mounted and presented in a professional way.

I can easily insert my own photos into a consumer grade album or scrapbook. But I would expect a professional to have professional grade albums, and help me create a dynamic album based on the images taken. A photographer’s skills should go beyond taking the photographs, and should also include the final presentation.

There are many ways to find professional quality products and services. Start here by looking through our resources area. Or head out to a local expo or tradeshow. Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) is having their annual convention next month, and will have hundreds of different vendors on display at their tradeshow. And for only $15, you can attend just the tradeshow and have a ton of information available for you to help you grow this year.

photo source muha

Related posts:

1. Photo Albums; How To Make A Professional Presentation
2. Building Your Photography Business as an Amateur or a Professional
3. From Amateur to Professional Photographer – The 7 Steps That Will Get You There

Simply point it and shoot it, then crop or edit them. Add fun borders or keep it full frame. Images can be printed in under 60 seconds.

The PoGo uses Zink Printing Technology, which makes printing pictures instantly possible without using messy inks. Instead, Zink Photo Paper is a durable material with embedded yellow, magenta and cyan dye crystals, activated with 200 million heat pulses in 30 seconds with a single pass. With 100 billion crystals in each 2×3 inch print, the paper is 100 percent inkless, and has the benefit of also being eco-friendly.

So how can you use the Polaroid PoGo in your photography business?

How about at a wedding? The PoGo makes photographing and printing quick and painless. No worrying about downloading into your computer, and lugging along a printer. Instead, print up a dozen or so images, pop them into a self stick album, and you have a great good-will present to give to the bride and groom to take on their honeymoon.

How about at events to get the crowd talking? Shoot a few images and hand them out with fun borders and crops. Then direct them back to your shooting area for better quality photographs.

How about at portrait sittings? After the session and after they place the order, send them home with a few images in a collage format. This works especially well if you’re out on location, and don’t have access to computers and printers.

The key isn’t to give them an archival copy of their images. It’s to get them excited about the session. And to keep you in their mind until they receive their final images.

Related posts:

1. How To Manage Your Digital Photography Business
2. WiFi Camera Cards from Eye-Fi
3. Promote your photography studio with postcards