Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Being Paid or Getting Publicity --- Get Paid!

As I move UKV Photos up in the world as a viable photo name brand I have to keep in mind that my time has a value to it as does my talent. The video below is an interview with Harlan Ellison. In the video he more or less rants about the fact that someone did not want to pay him for his work. This is a view I do understand.

Even though I do a good deal of work for trade that is only with the model and glamor portraiture stuff I am currently working on. For the most case both the model and myself are getting something out of it, portfolio pieces. I would not go to a wedding and just hand them my images. My wedding photography is a service I am paid to do and something I expect to get paid for. If you have looked at my pricing structure you can see as I do more weddings and I get better at what I do I raise the price accordingly. Nor would I go to one of the models I work with and expect them to pose for me for free on a paying gig.

If you are a photographer out there and you are like me, just starting out in an industry. Make sure you look at the other photographers rates around you and don't undercut them and yourself. You have a talent and you are good enough at it that someone wants you to take their picture charge accordingly don't sell your soul for publicity. Instead stick to good solid photography.

One caveat to the video...Mr Ellison gets a bit fired up and his choice of language gets a bit colorful. If you are offended by that type of language you have been warned.

(Click Here to Know More)

Monday, June 29, 2009

Arches, Canyonlands & Moab Photo Workshop

http://bcphotoadventures.com/ArchesPhotoWorkshop.php

Arches, Canyonlands & Moab Photo Workshop

From the Barefoot Contessa
   
  September 16-20, 2009, Wednesday noon through Sunday afternoon at 2:00
     $980 (discounts available)
     Limit 12 with 2 instructors (maximum 6:1 student-to-instructor ratio)
     Click here for more information about accommodations, nearest airport, etc.

Join our five-day photography workshop â€" 2008 participants wanted another day here â€" in the magnificent Southwest. The southeastern part of Utah is a glorious place to photograph, and the Arches, Canyonlands, and Moab area is a prime location. With blazing red sandstone, fantastical arches, cool canyons, and clear streams and rivers, there is no shortage of photographic material.

In addition to Arches and Canyonlands, we'll take you to some pretty special areas that we love and to which we have gained access. You'll be able to celebrate your passion for photography, hone your seeing and imaging skills, and learn about the magic of light to make wonderful photographs.

We'll be based in Moab where the stunning landscapes have made it perfect for the filming of numerous Westerns since the 1920s, evoking such names as John Ford, John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara, and Susan Sarandon and movie titles from "Stage Coach" to "Thelma & Louise." And for those who love geology, this area is a treasure trove, known for its rich variety of sandstones that take on the deep hues of sunrise and sunset.

We start out with some technical information before heading out for our first afternoon of photography. Our workshops include the following:

Maximum 6-to-1 ratio students to instructors
Opening wine-and-pizza reception;
Primer booklet to help you get started;
Early-morning and late-afternoon shoots;
Mid-day downloading of your images and processing with the latest version of Lightroom 2;
Printing element with step-by-step instructions for printing straight from Lightroom 2;
Lots of individual instruction in both the field and classroom;
Critiques, both individual and group;
Discussions on various aspects of photography, including digital workflow;
Final group critique and show on last day;
A large, archival Epson print to either take home with you or to be mailed to you; and
Lots of fun and frivolity throughout!

If you have not already done so, be sure to check our FAQs for questions you may have as well as equipment and installed downloads you need to bring to the workshop including, if necessary, the free, 30-day, trial versions of Adobe products.

In our print element, our instructors will give you the ins and outs of successfully and easily turning your favorite digital images into beautiful prints straight out of the latest version of Lightroom. In fact, in all our domestic workshops, you will end up taking home a lovely, large, archival print of one of your workshop photographs made with Epson paper and inks.

Cost:  $980
(Click Here to Know More)

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Getting Seen and Going Pro

From: http://paworkshops.net/getting-seen-and-going-pro-workshop

Getting Seen and Going Pro

Dates: August 16 - 22, 2009

Leaders: David Middleton and Scott Rouse

Location: Kalispell, MTCost: $1795

Have you ever thought about getting your images into a magazine or a gallery or a calendar? Have you thought about doing a book but you didn’t know how to go about it? Maybe the thought of earning some money with your images has crossed your mind but you didn’t know where to start? Or you started but your images were rejected and then you gave up. Or maybe you are just stuck in a rut and you want a little inspiration. It sure can be frustrating if you don’t know what you are doing or what the tricks of the trade are.

Every one of today’s successful photographers has had help getting started. If you want to join their ranks, this is the class for you. This is what you will learn: how to think like a professional; how to get, evaluate, develop and execute ideas; how to sell single images and multiple images; how to approach publishers, editors and picture buyers; how to write query letters and book proposals; how to manage your images and process them efficiently for the best results; how to lead photography tours and workshops; how to work locally and regionally for the best returns; how to photograph people in the field; how to run your own stock agency; what equipment is necessary and of professional quality and what is unneeded and substandard; why writing is crucial; what the possibilities are in detail, and how good photos need to be to be published.
In addition, the class will teach the required and the special skills needed to compete in the digital photography world: image management, processing and presentation. Pages of handouts including examples of query letters that worked and did not, book and story proposals that were successful and those that were ignored and sure-fire submission ideas that work in any genre of magazine are included in this course.

David Middleton has taught this class for 10 years and has continued to refine and broaden the material presented in this class. He draws on all of his 25 years as a professional photographer and shares everything. Scott Rouse adds his considerable expertise of the digital world to the class. Scott is comfortable in both the PC and Mac worlds and is equally skilled in Aperture, Lightroom, Photoshop, Bridge and many website building programs.
Most importantly, every participant will leave with at least one well-developed, customized plan for publication to follow. As an added benefit, the class will spend a morning photographing the magnificent animals of the Triple D Game Farm.

The Leaders
David Middleton is a longtime workshop leader and a gifted and enthusiastic teacher. David once lived in Oregon and has photographed the coast for more than 20 years. David is the co-author of The Photographer's Guide to the Oregon Coast so he knows the coast extremely well. Newport is one of his favorite places to photograph and he knows each pullout, tidepool and beach very well. Ask him where his favorite places are to find agates on the coast or where that little café is with the wall of wine for sale.
Scott Rouse is a freelance sports and nature photographer based out of Missoula, MT. His real specialty, though, is digital imaging, technology, and workflow. By closely following industry giants such as Adobe and Apple, Scott is able to provide timely and easy to understand instruction to participants.
One of his current projects is TheLightroomLab.com, a website with news, tips, tutorials, and more about Adobe Photoshop Lightroom.

(Click Here to Know More)

Saturday, June 27, 2009

2009 Photo 101 Workshops

http://www.onelightworkshop.com/page3/page3.html

From onelinghtworkshops site:

So You Wanna Be A Photographer? ::

You have a camera. You might even have a web site. Your family loves your pictures and says you should do this for a living. You kind of understand aperture priority and depth of field but your technical foundation sort of stops there. I mean, you feel like you take pretty good pictures but NOW you want to make some money with it. Pause for a moment and really ask yourself if you have a rock solid understanding of the foundations of this craft. If you feel that the base of your skill set needs some help I’ve created an intense three day workshop just for you. Having passion for the craft of photography is fantastic but it isn’t enough.

As our market continues to get saturated you are going to see that those with talent will rise to the top and those without will continue to fill Craig’s List with new listings every 60 seconds. :) You need to have a very solid understanding of the nuts and bolts of making photographs and that is what you will learn at this workshop.

This is NOT a basic camera class to help you with your family vacation photos. This is designed to help people start a career in photography.

Foundational Topics Covered ::

• Camera skills - Operate your camera without looking at it.

• The relationships between aperture and shutter speed.

• The relationship between photographer and subject.

• White balance, in camera processing, and post production.

• Selecting lenses for the image you want to create.

• Making the most out of minimal equipment.

• Finding good light and using simple and inexpensive tools to modify it.

• Where to spend money in your photography business and monetary pitfalls to avoid.

• Common mistakes that will land you back at your day job in a few months.

• Editing your work to show the best and separating yourself from the work you love but should never again see the light of day.

• Recognizing today’s trends and working to separate yourself from the pack.

• Researching your market, marketing your work, pricing your services, and networking your tail off.

Daily Shooting & Critique ::

Bring all of your camera equipment (except for lights) to this workshop because you will be shooting everyday. Some times you will be shooting with me as I demonstrate techniques that we talk about during the lecture times of the workshop. There will be times you are paired up with a fellow class mate to complete an assignment and there will be assignments that you must complete on your own. You will be required to submit images from each assignment for critique and feedback.

Guest Speakers ::

I invite guest speakers to come and speak in order to provide you with information, perspectives, and guidance from other working professionals in the field. You can’t learn everything from just one single person and I don’t want to be the only voice you hear during this workshop.

What To Bring ::

You don’t need to have a full camera bag of all the best gear in the world. I don’t expect you to have that. If all you have is a kit lens that came with your camera I do ask that you go out and get a 50mm 1.8 lens for this workshop if you don’t already have one. The 50mm 1.8 is available for Nikon & Canon cameras and they usually run in the $100 price range.

It is also recommended that you bring a laptop to the workshop for editing your images from each day’s assignments. If you are unable to do so you will be able to use one of our workstations in the studio.

Cost & What’s included ::

The cost of this three day workshop is $1,200. All of your meals and beverages are included each day of the workshop. You will also get a copy of all the lecture material as well as a set of helpful reference cards to keep in your bag as you are out shooting on your own. The class is limited to 8 students so that you receive as much personal attention as possible.

The 90 Day Check-Up ::

I won’t leave you hanging after the workshop. You will have 90 days to get out there and start shooting and hustling to get your business rolling. I will make a one hour appointment with you to meet or talk on the phone 90 days after the workshop to check in on your progress, look at your work, give feedback, answer questions, or cover any other photography related topic you need assistance with.

Dates & Registration ::

We are only offering this workshop three times this year and they will all be based in my studio in Atlanta. Check the workshop dates page for registration information.
(Click Here to Know More)