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What Makes A Photograph Breathtaking?

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Its easy to look through hundreds of pictures, and enjoy each one for what it offers. Then you open up a site with a photograph that makes you say … WOW!

There is a difference between 99 percent of the photographs out there, and the 1 percent that truly leaves you breathless. And while you may say that a breathtaking photograph is in the eye of the beholder, there may be things you can do to make your photographs truly breathtaking.

Head over to a site like The Big Picture. I visit there every once in awhile when I need inspiration. The photographs are unbelievable. But what makes them truly magical is the story they tell when you look at each subject all together.

And of course you can’t leave out a site like National Geographic. Their photography has been WOWing people for decades. And while the stories they tell are remarkable, it’s the photography that really penetrates your heart.

So how do you take a breathtaking photograph? I searched through other photographers sites to see what they have to say. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Taking Better Photographs Tagged With: , , ,

3 Reasons Boudoir Photography May Be Your Ticket To Profits

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Looking for something new for your photography business? I’ve mentioned before on this blog how much I love the concept of boudoir photography. It’s a niche that sells well, is customizable, and allows you to add all of your creativity to create a final product your clients will love.

Why should you consider boudoir?

Women Like To Feel Special

Want to know the real reason women love weddings? Its one day in our lives we can look forward to, dream about, and plan for years on end. It’s the one day we can wear a dress like no other, and really enjoy the feeling of being someone special. Boudoir can give that same feeling on a different scale. It allows a woman to look inside, and find out whom she really is. It can make her feel special, and share her sensuality with that someone special in her life.

Women Will Pay For Things That Create A New Experience

People may not be able to afford a new car, or the trip they’ve been planning for years. But they can save up and invest in a daylong experience that will help them escape reality for a time.

It’s a Niche That The Big Box Stores Won’t Offer

It’s getting more difficult to compete with the big box stores on the average photography. In fact, they are getting pretty good at creativity with what they have. But if you stretch beyond what they can do, you’ll have more luck within your community, and become more recognizable for what you do. Big box stores like the “repetition” model. Come in, wait in line, stand on the X, snap the picture, buy your prints, and leave. What they can’t do is offer exceptional service and creativity. Boudoir gives you that edge; that option of offering something they simply can’t get anywhere else.

Don’t like the word “boudoir”? (I have had people tell me that they don’t feel comfortable promoting that type of photography.) Then change the name.

  • Intimate Portraiture
  • Maternity Memories
  • Love Stories

Get creative, and find a way to niche the idea of boudoir even further.

And if you’re looking for a way to learn more about turning this into a lucrative niche for your photography business, check out Ed Verosky’s newest release, Boudoir Photography: The Quick Start Guide For Professional Photographers. I’ve followed Ed for a number of years now, and I can tell you without a doubt that his books are packed full of useful tips, great how-to ideas, and many step by step strategies that will have you up and running with boudoir photography in no time. It’s a great investment in your future if you’ve decided to add this to your services.

Filed Under: Portrait Photography Tagged With: , , , ,

10 Myths About Becoming A Portrait Photographer

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One of the easiest businesses to set up is a portrait photography business. With a camera and a business card, you can start finding clients anywhere in your community. Right?

Actually, it’s not quite that simple. While many photographers get started that way, and can find a handful of clients just with the people they know, the tough part comes after those first few clients. How do you find more? How do you build a sustainable business?

If you’ve been struggling with building your own portrait studio, see if you are falling into one of the traps below.

Myth #1 One camera is all I need

When you first got into photography, chances are it was with one camera body, and maybe a lens or two. That works when you don’t have to rely on it. But what if it quits working in the middle of a paid shoot? Or what if you leave your camera and a lens on a tripod to move in and adjust your client … and the entire thing collapses, leaving pieces scattering everywhere? Backups are mandatory when you are a professional.

Myth #2 I’m a natural light photographer and don’t need flash

Have you ever seen people advertise they are a natural light photographer? What does that really mean? We personally built our business off of natural light photographs too – in fact I highly prefer the look. But there are many times when you simply don’t have the natural light you need for a professional shot. An on camera flash won’t cut it. You need to be able to separate the flash, use flash in a variety of ways, and use it to highlight and amplify the look of your work. And you have to know how to use it.

Myth #3 Everyone will see the difference between me and my competition

When you look at your work, you view it through your own eyes, and see it with all the love and passion it took to create it. Yet most of your potential customers get lost when they view your work and try to compare it to the next guy. If you build a website just like everyone else; if you put a handful of images into a gallery portfolio just like everyone else; if you use the same words in your advertising just like everyone else; your prospects won’t be able to separate you from your competition. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Portrait Photography Tagged With: , , , ,