When I posted recently The Future is Here about the new Canon EOS 5D Mark II I had a scary thought about - gosh I feel like it is so hard to keep up with all these new technologies. It seems like everything changes so rapidly. Am I the only one that feels this way? Check out this clip Shift Happens from www.youtube.com.
Showing posts with label For Photographers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label For Photographers. Show all posts
Friday, December 12, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
The Future is Here
We all new it would happen eventually...but it is a amazing how extremely rapidly technology continues to evolve. Canon has released news of the EOS 5D Mark II. We cannot get our hands on one yet but we are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to purchase one. This amazing camera not only captures full frame 21 Megapixel still images but also answers the question of where SLR technology is going next. The EOS 5D Mark II features 16:9 Full HD movie capture at 1920 x 1080 pixels and 30 fps as well as 4:3 standard TV quality (SD) movie capture at 640 x 480 pixels and 30 fps, both capabilities appearing for the first time in a Canon SLR camera.
A couple of lucky photographers have been able to play with this new camera. Check out two of the results:
A Three Act Play by Bruce Dorn.
Reverie by Vincent Laforet.
There is also the Red DSMC video camera system coming out next fall that will shoot up to 12 Megapixles. It switches from a video camera to a still DSLR camera with a push of a button and it will accept and Cannon or Nikon Lens.
A couple of lucky photographers have been able to play with this new camera. Check out two of the results:
A Three Act Play by Bruce Dorn.
Reverie by Vincent Laforet.
There is also the Red DSMC video camera system coming out next fall that will shoot up to 12 Megapixles. It switches from a video camera to a still DSLR camera with a push of a button and it will accept and Cannon or Nikon Lens.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
PPA Meets with President-Elect Obama's Transition Team
As President-Elect Barack Obama prepares to take office, his transition team is turning to Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and other members of the creator community for advice.
As a result of the meeting, PPA had a chance to submit written information about the photographic industry’s importance to the economy, indicating that “professional photography services generated an estimated $7.3 billion in revenue” (U.S. Census Bureau). The written materials also pointed out the vast professional photographic network (over 122,000 nationwide) encompassing every Congressional district…and the impact intellectual property and its domestic and international enforcement play in their livelihoods. After all, each of those 122,000 professional photographers create an estimated 20,000 works each year.
To learn more about the meeting, please read the statement here: http://www.ppa.com/articles/181/PPA-Meets-with-PresidentElect-Obamas-Transition-Team.php.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Come See Rebecca and Michael Speak at Imaging USA 2009!
When I started Limelight Photography on April 1, 2006 my three main goals I wanted to accomplish within three years before March 31, 2009 were:
#1 Create a successful and respected photography business that could support me and my family.
#2 Be published in Brides Florida and The Knot.
#3 Speak at a national convention and be in a leadership role and mentor other photographers.
We just found out this week that Professional Photographers of America will be sponsoring Michael and me and we will be speaking on a panel with Scott Kurkian, Chief Financial Officer of PPA for Imaging USA on January 13, 2009 in Phoenix, AZ.
So I have officially accomplished all three of my main goals within my timeframe. Now that we have done this, Michael and I are sitting down and evaluating our goals for the next three years.
Are you serious about your photography business? You can’t afford to miss Imaging USA! This photography convention is hosted annually by Professional Photographers of America. Imaging USA! was in Tampa in 2008 and we are headed to Pheonix, AZ for the 2009 convention.
We have many photographers ask us tips on how we have created a business out of doing what we love. The answer is we are blessed to be using the talents God gifted us with, a lot of hard work and help from Studio Management Services along the way.
Check out our program:
Successful SMS Studios: A Panel Discussion
Tuesday, January 13, 2009 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Sponsor(s): Professional Photographers of America
Hear how these successful photographers turned their businesses into incredible profit centers…even during a difficult economic time. Discover their secrets to operating growing, profitable photography studios despite rising competition and the slow economy. Their experiences and advice will give you great ideas, and a Q&A session will allow you to interact with those who experienced a turnaround firsthand.
Panelists:
Eric & Shawna Anundi
Jeff & Allison Rodgers
Prem Mukherjee
Edward Zemba
Rebecca & Michael Zoumberos
Moderator:
Scott Kurkian
The program I the most excited to attend is the unveiling of the new Benchmark Survey. The most recent 2005 Studio Financial Benchmark Survey Analysis served as a great guide for us to determine if our business was on track or not.
2008 Benchmark Survey Unveiled: What It Takes to Succeed
Monday, January 12, 2009 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Many photography business experts agree that the industry is experiencing one of its most challenging periods due to increased competition, rapidly evolving technology, and changing consumer values. Come see how many studios are enjoying record profits in spite of this chaotic environment. Unveiling the findings of Studio Management Service’s 2008 Benchmark Survey, business guru Ann Monteith reviews the strategies that highly profitable studios are using to manage their businesses. The new survey identifies key financial standards that distinguish the outstanding results of “best performers,” as well as how those standards have evolved since the first SMS benchmarks were published in 2006. In addition, you’ll learn business principles/strategies to create financial success and the importance of managing the delicate relationship between session volume, pricing, selling, and workflow.
Speakers
Ann Monteith
For the full schedule of programs and events visit imagingusa.org.
#1 Create a successful and respected photography business that could support me and my family.
#2 Be published in Brides Florida and The Knot.
#3 Speak at a national convention and be in a leadership role and mentor other photographers.
We just found out this week that Professional Photographers of America will be sponsoring Michael and me and we will be speaking on a panel with Scott Kurkian, Chief Financial Officer of PPA for Imaging USA on January 13, 2009 in Phoenix, AZ.
So I have officially accomplished all three of my main goals within my timeframe. Now that we have done this, Michael and I are sitting down and evaluating our goals for the next three years.
Are you serious about your photography business? You can’t afford to miss Imaging USA! This photography convention is hosted annually by Professional Photographers of America. Imaging USA! was in Tampa in 2008 and we are headed to Pheonix, AZ for the 2009 convention.
We have many photographers ask us tips on how we have created a business out of doing what we love. The answer is we are blessed to be using the talents God gifted us with, a lot of hard work and help from Studio Management Services along the way.
Check out our program:
Successful SMS Studios: A Panel Discussion
Tuesday, January 13, 2009 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Sponsor(s): Professional Photographers of America
Hear how these successful photographers turned their businesses into incredible profit centers…even during a difficult economic time. Discover their secrets to operating growing, profitable photography studios despite rising competition and the slow economy. Their experiences and advice will give you great ideas, and a Q&A session will allow you to interact with those who experienced a turnaround firsthand.
Panelists:
Eric & Shawna Anundi
Jeff & Allison Rodgers
Prem Mukherjee
Edward Zemba
Rebecca & Michael Zoumberos
Moderator:
Scott Kurkian
The program I the most excited to attend is the unveiling of the new Benchmark Survey. The most recent 2005 Studio Financial Benchmark Survey Analysis served as a great guide for us to determine if our business was on track or not.
2008 Benchmark Survey Unveiled: What It Takes to Succeed
Monday, January 12, 2009 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Many photography business experts agree that the industry is experiencing one of its most challenging periods due to increased competition, rapidly evolving technology, and changing consumer values. Come see how many studios are enjoying record profits in spite of this chaotic environment. Unveiling the findings of Studio Management Service’s 2008 Benchmark Survey, business guru Ann Monteith reviews the strategies that highly profitable studios are using to manage their businesses. The new survey identifies key financial standards that distinguish the outstanding results of “best performers,” as well as how those standards have evolved since the first SMS benchmarks were published in 2006. In addition, you’ll learn business principles/strategies to create financial success and the importance of managing the delicate relationship between session volume, pricing, selling, and workflow.
Speakers
Ann Monteith
For the full schedule of programs and events visit imagingusa.org.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Funny Angles
At Lyndsay and Patrick's wedding I wanted to photograph Patrick's necklace in a way that was personal to him. I noticed his tattoo on his leg and he told me it means 'honor.' I asked him if he was willing to trust me and he said yes! Next I asked him to lay down on the floor and he agreed - as long as he could keep text messaging ha ha! Below is the photograph and a shot Ela grabbed of me in action. This is a perfect example of what we often tell our clients, "Feels weird but it will look good in the camera!"
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
High in the Sky
Sometimes we photograph wedding ceremonies held in churches where they request all photography to be taken only from the choir loft. This perspective is great for an overall view - but then we would miss all the emotion and moments exchanged during the ceremony. So, we will often have one of our photorgaphers disguised as a family member in one of the pews. Here are a couple of shots Ela caught from her perspective of me and Jocelyn from Voila! Cinematic.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
How to Help Your Photographer Capture FABULOUS Photos!
This is an article written by Scarlett Lillian for photographik. org...and I feel the need to pass it on... :) :)
It’s the day you have been waiting your whole life for.
It’s your day to indulge in everything you’ve ever wanted and look your most beautiful.
It’s all about you.
We get it.
But there are certain things you can DO and DON’T to help enhance the relationship you have with your photographer on your big day.
While you are the star of your day, we are the director coordinating the whole show, stressing behind the scenes not wanting to miss a single moment, yet keeping a smile on our face to provide you with amazing customer service like you deserve. However, we need you to help us help you. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to help your photographer pull off your day as nothing less than fabulous.
1. DO make photography a priority in your budget. Photography is an investment, and just like any investment, you get what you pay for. If you try to find someone cheap to save a few dollars, more than likely, you will be unhappy with the quality of your photos. Yes, in the digital day and age, anyone can whip out a point and shoot camera, as most of your guests will probably be doing, but true photography is an art and worth the little extra you pay for a rock star wedding photographer who delivers stunning and emotionally rich photos. If need be, pay by credit card and pay it off later. Or sacrifice the extra unnecessary frou frou decoration to pay for a few extra pages in your coffee table album. When your wedding day is over, your photos and album are the only things that remain and last forever. Remember, your grandkids will be looking at these photos one day. You want a photographer who can capture the true emotion of why their grandparents fell in love, not a photographer who can cut you the best deal right now.
2. DON’T just look for a photographer in your market. If you can’t find a photographer you like in your area, don’t settle for one just because they are close by. Most photographers love to travel and shoot destination weddings. Don’t be afraid to pay a little extra in travel fees to be able to hire a photographer who better fits your style.
Plus, you are fabulous enough to fly in only the best, right?
3. DO your research, but DON’T compare photographers’ packages. Each photographer offers different packages to best showcase the art we create for you. Just as unique as your photos will be, a photographer’s packages are just as individualized. Photographers can be insulted when you try to insist our competitor offers A, B, and C in their package at X amount of price, and then ask us to do the same. If you want that A, B, and C package at X amount of price, then go with that photographer. We want brides who want us because they connect with our style of photography and appreciate our art, not brides shopping around for the best deal.
4. DON’T ask us to make an exception for you on the price of our packages. We don’t care what budget you have and if our price fits in your budget or not. Would you go into Louis Vitton, find the purse of your dreams, go up to the counter and ask the sales person to give a discount on the purse because it’s not in your budget? No! Please don’t do that to us either. Just because it is a service we provide, doesn’t mean the value is any less than a tangible good.
5. DO hire a wedding planner. While the photographer is responsible for how your day flows visually, a wedding planner is an expert in how to coordinate your day to flow with as less stress as possible. It helps us get the best photos when we can concentrate on simply being the photographer, not the director too. And you shouldn’t be worrying about all the details coming together either. It’s your day to be a princess and catered to, not stressing about if the bows are tied on the seat covers or having to track down the florist because the bouquets were the wrong shade of magenta. A general rule: Something will always go wrong, and these minuscule details are worth the stress you can save for the price you can hire a wedding planner to handle it for you. Photographers like brides who are relaxed, not stressed. Relaxed brides make for more beautiful photos.
6. DON’T plan your ceremony at sunset. A given on any wedding day is that things will always go behind no matter how much you try to plan ahead of time. Yes, sunset lighting is the most gorgeous for outdoor weddings, but set the ceremony time half an hour before in order to actually be walking down the aisle by the time it is actually starting to set. And if you can, start the ceremony an hour before in order to give your photographer enough day light after the ceremony for the required family formal photos that follow.
7. DO see your groom for a First Meet before the ceremony. Yes, it’s traditional to wait for the groom to see you walking down the aisle. And while photographers respect tradition if need be, from our perspective, we prefer you to see your groom beforehand. It will not only help the flow of your day, but also help you get the best photos possible with your groom if you allow time to meet him before the ceremony. Normally, by the time the ceremony is over, you are relieved it is over and ready to party, and it should be your time to relax and mingle with guests and soak in your congratulations. Don’t stress yourself out further by having to further squeeze in your photos with your groom after the formal family photos and before the DJ is ready to announce you. Your guests will be starving and ready for dinner. The more photos you can get out of the way before the ceremony, the more time you have to truly enjoy the experience of your day in the midst of the whirlwind that is swirling around you.
8. DON’T expect your photographer to tell you every which way to pose for your bridal photos and photos with your groom. Yes, your photographer will be happy to suggest poses, but you ultimately know what your best side is and how you feel most flattering. We love when you work it for the camera! The more fluid and into your photos you can be, the better it looks. This is probably the one time in your life you will have professional photos done, so live it up. Bring out your inner supermodel and pretend the photographer is your mirror that you secretly strut in front of when no one is looking. Watch shows like America’s Next Top Model to see what works and doesn’t work. Study fashion magazines to practice poses in front of the mirror before you are in front of the camera. In the shots with your groom, don’t be afraid to show passion with your man! So what if your grandma is a few feet away watching you make out with your new hubby in a few shots. You are in love, celebrate it! The more you can work it for the photographer, the more your photographer will be inspired creatively to provide you the best photos possible. Anyone can take a photo of you and your groom smiling at the camera. Your photographer wants to see the laugh you share, the sweetness in your eyes when you look at each other, the way you snuggle up together, the sassiness of knowing you look hot on your wedding day, the way your groom knows he’s with the hottest girl in the world, etc.
9. DO communicate with your photographer what photos are important for you to have, but DON’T give them a list of pre-planned unnatural photos (i.e.: Mom holding veil of bride and smiling at the camera). As artists who shoot from the heart, not by a list, we would rather capture the natural emotion of your mom crying as she’s putting on your veil, not the posey-stop-and-smile-at-camera-in-between-every-move shot. Especially to true photojournalists who capture the day as it unfolds naturally. If your photographer needs you to stop and smile at the camera, they’ll let you know. Trust me.
10. DON’T forget to feed your photographer. By the time your reception starts, your guests aren’t the only ones starving; we are too! Having been on our feet all day running around like crazy, we need a quick moment to rest and recharge before the party gets started. Please remember to include us in your budget for a regular meal when counting heads for the reception meal. Don’t provide us a lunch boxed “vendor meal”. We aren’t in kindergarten.
But we will always save room for dessert, so reward your photographer for a hard day’s work with a piece of cake at the end of the night!
It’s the day you have been waiting your whole life for.
It’s your day to indulge in everything you’ve ever wanted and look your most beautiful.
It’s all about you.
We get it.
But there are certain things you can DO and DON’T to help enhance the relationship you have with your photographer on your big day.
While you are the star of your day, we are the director coordinating the whole show, stressing behind the scenes not wanting to miss a single moment, yet keeping a smile on our face to provide you with amazing customer service like you deserve. However, we need you to help us help you. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to help your photographer pull off your day as nothing less than fabulous.
1. DO make photography a priority in your budget. Photography is an investment, and just like any investment, you get what you pay for. If you try to find someone cheap to save a few dollars, more than likely, you will be unhappy with the quality of your photos. Yes, in the digital day and age, anyone can whip out a point and shoot camera, as most of your guests will probably be doing, but true photography is an art and worth the little extra you pay for a rock star wedding photographer who delivers stunning and emotionally rich photos. If need be, pay by credit card and pay it off later. Or sacrifice the extra unnecessary frou frou decoration to pay for a few extra pages in your coffee table album. When your wedding day is over, your photos and album are the only things that remain and last forever. Remember, your grandkids will be looking at these photos one day. You want a photographer who can capture the true emotion of why their grandparents fell in love, not a photographer who can cut you the best deal right now.
2. DON’T just look for a photographer in your market. If you can’t find a photographer you like in your area, don’t settle for one just because they are close by. Most photographers love to travel and shoot destination weddings. Don’t be afraid to pay a little extra in travel fees to be able to hire a photographer who better fits your style.
Plus, you are fabulous enough to fly in only the best, right?
3. DO your research, but DON’T compare photographers’ packages. Each photographer offers different packages to best showcase the art we create for you. Just as unique as your photos will be, a photographer’s packages are just as individualized. Photographers can be insulted when you try to insist our competitor offers A, B, and C in their package at X amount of price, and then ask us to do the same. If you want that A, B, and C package at X amount of price, then go with that photographer. We want brides who want us because they connect with our style of photography and appreciate our art, not brides shopping around for the best deal.
4. DON’T ask us to make an exception for you on the price of our packages. We don’t care what budget you have and if our price fits in your budget or not. Would you go into Louis Vitton, find the purse of your dreams, go up to the counter and ask the sales person to give a discount on the purse because it’s not in your budget? No! Please don’t do that to us either. Just because it is a service we provide, doesn’t mean the value is any less than a tangible good.
5. DO hire a wedding planner. While the photographer is responsible for how your day flows visually, a wedding planner is an expert in how to coordinate your day to flow with as less stress as possible. It helps us get the best photos when we can concentrate on simply being the photographer, not the director too. And you shouldn’t be worrying about all the details coming together either. It’s your day to be a princess and catered to, not stressing about if the bows are tied on the seat covers or having to track down the florist because the bouquets were the wrong shade of magenta. A general rule: Something will always go wrong, and these minuscule details are worth the stress you can save for the price you can hire a wedding planner to handle it for you. Photographers like brides who are relaxed, not stressed. Relaxed brides make for more beautiful photos.
6. DON’T plan your ceremony at sunset. A given on any wedding day is that things will always go behind no matter how much you try to plan ahead of time. Yes, sunset lighting is the most gorgeous for outdoor weddings, but set the ceremony time half an hour before in order to actually be walking down the aisle by the time it is actually starting to set. And if you can, start the ceremony an hour before in order to give your photographer enough day light after the ceremony for the required family formal photos that follow.
7. DO see your groom for a First Meet before the ceremony. Yes, it’s traditional to wait for the groom to see you walking down the aisle. And while photographers respect tradition if need be, from our perspective, we prefer you to see your groom beforehand. It will not only help the flow of your day, but also help you get the best photos possible with your groom if you allow time to meet him before the ceremony. Normally, by the time the ceremony is over, you are relieved it is over and ready to party, and it should be your time to relax and mingle with guests and soak in your congratulations. Don’t stress yourself out further by having to further squeeze in your photos with your groom after the formal family photos and before the DJ is ready to announce you. Your guests will be starving and ready for dinner. The more photos you can get out of the way before the ceremony, the more time you have to truly enjoy the experience of your day in the midst of the whirlwind that is swirling around you.
8. DON’T expect your photographer to tell you every which way to pose for your bridal photos and photos with your groom. Yes, your photographer will be happy to suggest poses, but you ultimately know what your best side is and how you feel most flattering. We love when you work it for the camera! The more fluid and into your photos you can be, the better it looks. This is probably the one time in your life you will have professional photos done, so live it up. Bring out your inner supermodel and pretend the photographer is your mirror that you secretly strut in front of when no one is looking. Watch shows like America’s Next Top Model to see what works and doesn’t work. Study fashion magazines to practice poses in front of the mirror before you are in front of the camera. In the shots with your groom, don’t be afraid to show passion with your man! So what if your grandma is a few feet away watching you make out with your new hubby in a few shots. You are in love, celebrate it! The more you can work it for the photographer, the more your photographer will be inspired creatively to provide you the best photos possible. Anyone can take a photo of you and your groom smiling at the camera. Your photographer wants to see the laugh you share, the sweetness in your eyes when you look at each other, the way you snuggle up together, the sassiness of knowing you look hot on your wedding day, the way your groom knows he’s with the hottest girl in the world, etc.
9. DO communicate with your photographer what photos are important for you to have, but DON’T give them a list of pre-planned unnatural photos (i.e.: Mom holding veil of bride and smiling at the camera). As artists who shoot from the heart, not by a list, we would rather capture the natural emotion of your mom crying as she’s putting on your veil, not the posey-stop-and-smile-at-camera-in-between-every-move shot. Especially to true photojournalists who capture the day as it unfolds naturally. If your photographer needs you to stop and smile at the camera, they’ll let you know. Trust me.
10. DON’T forget to feed your photographer. By the time your reception starts, your guests aren’t the only ones starving; we are too! Having been on our feet all day running around like crazy, we need a quick moment to rest and recharge before the party gets started. Please remember to include us in your budget for a regular meal when counting heads for the reception meal. Don’t provide us a lunch boxed “vendor meal”. We aren’t in kindergarten.
But we will always save room for dessert, so reward your photographer for a hard day’s work with a piece of cake at the end of the night!
New Gadget!
When I create wish lists of things I want, every item is usually from Apple or B&H Photo. Don't get me wrong, I love to get a new outfit or pair of shoes, but nothing gets me excited like something new for my camera or computer! I am already in love with my Canon 50mm f/1.2 lens. I use it all the time for portraits. I currently also use the 24-70mm f/2.8 lens for wide angle shots. But I just love the fast glass and the depth of field I can get with a low f-stop. I am so excited I just bought the Canon 24mm f/1.4 lens. It comes in on Wednesday and it feels like Christmas in April!
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