Your Portfolio...Work on it NOW!

Good Morning and welcome to another Terrific Tuesday!

As my days of doing blogs for the school are almost over, I want to take this opportunity and talk a little bit about portfolios.  The main point that I want to stress is that no matter what year or what class you are taking, you need to start thinking about your final portfolio presentation...right now!  Every single shooting assignment is a chance for you to work on your portfolio, every single image should be taken thinking that this might be the one that will land you a shooting assignment in the future.  It is better to have 300 great images where you get to choose 20-30 for a presentation than having less and then having to figure out how are you going to fill the empty areas.

If you are doing a 4-year degree, your last class is going to be PH430 Photography Portfolio. In this class there are going to be several areas that you will be presenting to your professor and working toward you last portfolio presentation.  This class is different from the e-folio class, and all the work you did on e-folio will be used again on PH430.  Here are some of the things that you will be working in your last class:

1. Portfolio, both in physical and online form
2. Mission, vision and artist statements
3. Presentation of your website
4. Branding, marketing and targeting of audience
5. Advertisement as well as left behind promotional materials
6. Example of your business card
7. Social media interaction and presence

Sounds like a lot?  Don't worry, you will be working on every aspect I mentioned above in other classes before getting to your last one.  The important thing is that you should be working on your brand in every class you take.

If you are going to be involved in Portraiture, use every class to build on it.  Every image of a subject or model should be geared and be the best you can produce, regardless of the assignment parameters.  Practice your posing techniques as well as your lighting schemes, make them interesting and with variety so you can use them later on.

If your area is going to be Fine Art or Architectural, be sure to take the Architectural Photography class and take the chance to build on your images.  You can also use the other classes such as Photo Essay, e-folio, and others to build on your images, techniques and variety in presentation.

Here are some sites that I hope will inspire you in some way toward creation of a unique presentation of your website and portfolio.

http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/50-great-photographers-you-should-know/

http://www.1stwebdesigner.com/inspiration/photographers-portfolio/

http://www.tripwiremagazine.com/2013/06/wordpress-photography-website-templates.html

Having problems with your branding?  Here is some help, hope it is useful for you.

http://www.iheartfaces.com/2011/06/branding-mistakes/

http://photographyspark.com/photography-branding-tips-ideas-for-studios/

http://digital-photography-school.com/ready-branding-your-photography-business-part-1-logos

Do you have a business card for your business?  Check out these two sites.

http://www.zazzle.com/photography+businesscards

http://us.moo.com/products/business-cards.html

I really hope all this information helps anyone out there, but remember the most important action right now is to get into the habit of using any photography assignment as a way to improve and build toward your portfolio.  By the way, on your last class, there will be shooting assignments, I am using them to explore and increase my presence and enhance my portfolio. hope you can all do it when the time comes!

Until next Year, this is your Tuesday Ambassador!

Have a great pixel full day!

And of course, be safe and have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Three Excellent Sources of Inspiration

Saturday Ambassador

I first ventured into the world on December 28, 1969. Today, forty-four years later, I am making extraordinary changes to my life, my career and my future. I will complete my Bachelor of Science in Photography on January 8, and I intend to make my presence known in the art world (as we should all strive to do).

One of the ways that we can achieve such a goal is to learn from those we admire. Please enjoy my thoughts on some photographers in whom I find inspiration:

1.    American photojournalist James Nachtwey has covered many globally significant events, such as the IRA Hunger Strike in Northern Ireland in 1981, civil war in Central America in the 1980’s, and again in Bosnia and Croatia in the 1990’s, the end of Apartheid in South Africa, famine in Somalia and Sudan, mindless slaughter in Rwanda and the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City in 2001.

     Influenced by events such as the American Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam Conflict, Nachtwey taught himself photography as a manner in which to express his reactions to the experiences. Photographs generated during these events told a story different from than that fed to the public by military and political leaders. He was impressed by the power of these images to change public opinion, fuel resistance and influence the outcome of historic events.

    
     Nachtwey once said of his own work, “I use what I know about the formal elements of photography at the service of the people I’m photographing – not the other way around. I’m not trying to make statements about photography. I’m trying to use photography to make statements about what’s happening in the world. I don’t want my compositions to be self-conscious.” 


     He demonstrates his compassionate approach by composing images which are, at once, thoughtful,  informative and beautiful. James Nachtwey works in black and white, as well as color, and addresses some of the most volatile issues faced by modern society.

Sudan, 1993 - Famine victim in a feeding center. James Nachtwey

2.   Portrait Photographer Arnold Newman was inspired by studio portrait photography, and believed there was an aesthetic correlation between interaction with the subject and great portraiture. He endeavored to communicate with the people he photographed in order to elicit an emotion or response unique to the subject.

Newman worked with still images in both black and white and color. He cited artists such as Julia Margaret Cameron, Walker Evans, Irving Penn, Pablo Picasso and Edgar Degas as those who inspired him.

Arnold Newman is credited with the innovation of the environmental portraiture concept, a style in which the subject is portrayed with the trappings of their work or personal interests. He utilized his background in art history to capture the essence of the many renowned artists he photographed.  This fresh approach to commercial portraiture resulted in imagery which speaks to the viewer about the subject with an uncommon depth and clarity.

 

Contemporary commercial photographer Jay Maisel stated in reference to Newman, “There isn't a photographer alive who isn't influenced by Arnold Newman, either by emulating him or by attempting to avoid emulating him. He's a very important figure in terms of portrait photography. I think I used to emulate him when I started, but I think you're influenced by him whether you want to be or not. His work always has a certain kind of formality and honesty.”

Leonard Bernstein, American Conductor, 1968, Arnold Newman

 

3.    Margaret Bourke-White accomplished many “firsts” in her career. She is regarded as the first female photojournalist, in 1929 she became the first photographer for Fortune magazine, and in 1930 she became the first photographer from the Western world allowed into the Soviet Union. Here, she photographed farms, factories and dams, and captured the essence of everyday life in Russia. Margaret Bourke-White’s 1936 Fort Peck Dam image adorned the cover of the inaugural issue of Life magazine. She was the first female war correspondent, and she was the first female photographer allowed to cover WWII action from the front lines.

 

Margaret Bourke-White’s contribution to Modernism in photography is evident in her compositional techniques. Although she primarily engaged in photojournalistic endeavors, including war and industrial environments, Bourke-White broke the boundaries of traditional photographic practice by using unique compositional angles and close-ups, and by utilizing the natural geometry of the world around her.

Fort Peck Dam, Margaret Bourke-White

I hope that you also find inspiration here. Approach these sources with an open mind and see what transpires.

~Saturday Ambassador

Sources:

“Arnold Newman”. pdngallery.com. 2002. Web. December 27, 2013.  <http://pdngallery.com/global/en/professional/features/legendsV6Q5/newman.jhtml>

Goers, Beth. “Critical Biography of James Nachtwey”. Web. December 27, 2013. <http://www.bethgoers.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/criticalbiographyofjamesnachtwey.doc.pdf>

Howe, Peter. “James Nachtwey”. The Digital Journalist. 2001. Web. December 27, 2013. <http://digitaljournalist.org/issue0110/nachtwey_intro.htm>

“Margaret Bourke-White Biography”. Answers Corporation. 2010. Web. December 27, 2013.   <http://www.answers.com/topic/margaret-bourke-white>

“Margaret Bourke-White Biography”. Encyclopedia of World Biography. 2010. Web. December 27, 2013.  <http://www.notablebiographies.com>

“Margaret Bourke-White”. Gallery M. 2010. Web. December 27, 2013.  <http://www.gallerym.com/works.cfm?ID_artist=17>                                     

“Margaret Bourke-White” Women in History. 2010. Web. December 27, 2013. <http://www.lkwdpl.org/wihohio/bour-mar.htm>  

Patrick Cox, Ph.D. “Margaret Bourke-White History Making Photojournalist and Social Activist”. The Digital Journalist. 2003. Web. December 27, 2013. <http://www.digitaljournalist.org/issue0301/pcox.html>

“The Arnold Newman Archive”. 2011. Web. December 27, 2013. <http://www.arnoldnewmanarchive.com>

“Witness: Photography by James Nachtwey”. Web. December 27, 2013. <http://www.jamesnachtwey.com>

 

 

Time is Running Out

It’s two days before Christmas, time is running out

The to-do list keeps growing, mom wants to shout!

Photos need taken, but no one’s in place,

And don’t even mention the crumbs on their face!

        I have visions of portraits running through my head

But the children only want to jump on the bed.

I’m running about holding my lens cap,

All I really want is a long winter’s nap.

        Suddenly there arose such a clatter,

I am sure what is broken is dear grandma’s platter.

I whip out my camera and turn on the flash

Hoping to catch the culprit before he makes his dash.

        Outside is fresh falling snow

Here photos can be taken that are worthy to show.

All the relatives will wish they came,

So I shall call them by name.

        Uncle Henry!  Aunt Rita! Hello Papa and Nan!

There’s Billy! And Susie!  And sweet little Jan!

Quick everyone take your places,

I want to be sure to catch all your faces.

        Wait who it that’s up on the shelf?

It’s the funny little elf.

I am still hoping for a good photo op,

But my shutter’s stopped clicking, the photos have stopped.

        Christmases past, Christmases yet to come

This is unique, it’s own special one.

Yes the photos are special, memories they bring,

But what really matters is the warm feelings.

        Take a moment to put your camera aside,

Soak in the memories and warmth inside.

Tuck them deep within, way out sight,

Have yourself a MERRY CHRISTMAS NIGHT!

Lisa K Morgan Photography

Professionalism

Saturday Ambassador

In its simplest form, professionalism requires that you treat others with the consideration and respect they deserve. Consider this: My dentist is a pleasant and competent doctor who shares his office and work load with another practitioner. Two days ago I visited his office to have an implant placed. This is an expensive and invasive procedure for which the other doctor was the one available. Although I've had my dentistry done in this office for years, this other doctor consistently mispronounces my name. As I feel he should know better by now, I politely corrected him. He continued to mangle my reasonably-easy name throughout the visit, however. The message this sends to me is that I am so unimportant to him, both as a client and as a person, that he could not be bothered to remember the pronunciation I provided (he had the benefit of the name printed on the chart). His dentistry was excellent, which was most essential, of course. Yet, I did not find his unfortunate expression of my moniker particularly endearing or professional.

Dental Implant Illustration http://dentalcarematters.com/wp-content/uploads/dental-implant.jpg

 

Professionalism is not simply a behavioral characteristic – it is a state of mind. As a photographer, you are likely to maintain a business at some point, and you will certainly be required to deal with other people in a manner conducive to making that business a success. Part of this involves your attitude toward the business, about life in general and the regard you show for others with whom you engage in commerce.

Another part is the conscious effort you apply to all your communications. As a consumer, you have probably been on the receiving end of some disrespectful or thoughtless comment or action. If you did not deserve it, how did it make you feel? Think about this when dealing with your own clients and colleagues. Develop good communications skills and an agreeable demeanor. Practice them often so they become habit.

Professionalism also involves punctuality. A pervasive negative attitude about this seems to be plaguing our society. If you make an agreement to arrive at a particular time, provide a regular service or have a deadline for an assignment, meet it – every time, no excuses. The party with whom you made the agreement has every right to expect it, and doing otherwise generates an inconvenience which reflects negatively on you.

http://academiclifeinem.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Professionalism.jpg

 

A professional demeanor and attitude can take you far and contribute to your success in the industry. Strive for excellence in  everything you do.

~Saturday Ambassador

Google+ for Photographers Part 2: It's Good for Business

Last week's post focused on getting to know Google+ (G+).  Now that you have a feel for the interface, let's talk about how it can help your photography business.

The single most valuable aspect of bringing your business to G+ is the fact that Google is one of the most-used search engines out there.  With the backing of Google's SEO analytics and various tools and apps, you can be in control of how your business appears when people search for your type of photographic services.  By adding your business address to Google Maps and completing a sleek profile on G+ with high quality images, your brand will look better than those that do not take the time to set up a profile.  Remember, anyone can post anything about your business at any time, and you can take control of your brand identity by making sure your social media profiles are complete and relevant.

Once you have the basics set up, you can search for communities that interest you.  These can help you with networking, continuing education, or even connecting with potential clients.  Try a search for local communities for more specific networking, but these offer a good starting point:

• General photography community: Google+ Photographers
• Wedding photography community: Wedding Photographers
• Fine art photography community: Fine Art Photography
• Photography education community: School of Digital Photography

Using social media to connect with other service providers and vendors is a wonderful way to get some free publicity.  G+ allows you to create circles to connect with others and be specific with what you share with whom.  Connecting a post to another business's G+ page gives you exposure to potential clients.  This is especially relevant to the wedding industry, in which word of mouth plays a huge role in booking clients.  Vendors love seeing professional photos of their product or service in action and will be excited to share it with their current and potential customers.  If I post this ring image on my G+ business page, I will want to be sure that the venue (a golf club, hence the tee and grass used to showcase the ring) and the jeweler both see it.  It is also an appropriate image to share with current, former, and potential clients.  If I wanted to post a discounted print offer to current clients, I would share it only with my "client" circle so as not to clutter the G+ feeds of the vendors to whom the post is irrelevant.  By creating circles, I can select any post to share with clients only, vendors and clients, all my friends, everyone on G+... the possibilities are endless!

The integration of Google's many apps, its keyword optimization, and the power of its name in the search engine business make G+ an important tool for your business.  For G+ tips straight from the experts, follow +GoogleBusiness.  If you already use G+ for your business, do you have any tips or techniques to share that have been successful in promoting your work or connecting with clients?  Please tell us in the comments!

Good luck getting started with your business page!

-Friday Ambassador

Rule of Thirds

What is your go-to design principle?  Mine just happens to be the rule of thirds.  I don't think I would call it habit...because it seems to have become more than that. It would seem that I naturally arrange the composition of my images with this principle.

The Rule of Thirds is the design principle where you break your image down into thirds, with either an imaginary or actual grid on the screen of your camera.  Most (if not, all) DSLR cameras should have an option for implementing the grid in live-view mode. (I will be using a grid-view image from Wikipedia.  I would like to note that they are NOT a credible source of information, and in no way would I ever use them for anything other than an image. :) 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_of_thirds   (I am only putting this link in place to give credit for the source of the image.)

Now as you can see, the image to the left is centered, and well, boring. The image to the right is using the Rule of Thirds.  You can see that the center of the object is placed where the first vertical line, and the bottom horizontal line intersect.  That is the basics of the Rule. The center of the object is placed where two of the lines intersect.  You would do this with any one of the intersection points within the frame.  I tend to gravitate towards the bottom left, like in the image above. Bellow, are a couple of my images which follow the rule:

The image to the left (the buck) you will notice, is a bit higher than it should be, the buck's face falling perhaps between the two horizontal lines.  His eyes should perhaps fall on the line, but if I was to lower the camera, I could possibly have lost or unintentionally cropped off his rack. I believe the way to go would have been up,  lowering his eyes into the bottom horizontal line.

The image to the right is my dearly beloved at a very much frozen-over Spooner Lake here in Nevada.  Now, a change I would have made to this image would be moving him over a bit to the right.  With an environmental shot like this, it is important to not put the horizon line in the center of the photo. It is boring, and doesn't draw the viewer's eyes around. You can see how the shot is far more interesting than if I had just shot him straight-on. 

It is attributed to Picasso that he said something like, "Learn the rules like a pro so you can break them like an artist".  I have not been able to locate a credible source for the quote, however, no matter who said it, I like it, and believe there is truth to it. If I was to "break the rule", so to speak, this is what it would look like:

I have received a lot of really good reviews for this image which I submitted for my homework assignment last night, so I think it is safe to say that though it "breaks the rule", it is still a strong image.

 I am going to include some good sources for further reading (and watching) on the Rule of Thirds:

http://digital-photography-school.com/rule-of-thirds

http://learnprophotography.com/rule-of-thirds

Photographer John Woodward on Composition (YouTube)

These outside links are not a substitution for the links your professor(s) may/will provide during your courses.  These are simply further reading.

My challenge to you, the reader, is this: What do you think?  What is your opinion on the Rule of Thirds?  What do you think about "breaking" it?  Do you think the image above actually DOES break the rule?  I value your opinion, so please, by all means, share it!  :)  I can't wait to hear from you guys and gals.  Talk to you soon! :)

Wide-Angle Wednesday

Good Morning PSPN and Welcome to Wide-Angle Wednesday!

My name is Corina and I’m a student studying in the BS Photography program. I just recently celebrated my first year at AI and look forward to blogging all about my experience and everything photography right here every Wednesday.

http://www.liveanimalslist.com/mammals/camel.php

Why call it “Wide-Angle” Wednesday? Because “Hump Day” is over rated...dang camel!

Let’s see, a wide angle lens serves a purpose in two ways

• ·        Gives you a wide angle of view
• ·     Shorter focal length

The goal in blogging here at PSPN is to provide that wide-angle view in both our course study and our love for photography. It’s an opportunity to add emphasis and detail to your foreground studies, as you capture and hone your skills in the background. A shorter focal length is not a bad thing; it represents your passion to be up close and personal to your studies.

Take advantage of Wide Angle Perspective!

http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/wide-angle-lenses.htm

We have a wide angle view meaning objects up close will seem bigger in size than that of the background. Naturally in life, our short term goals are in the foreground and the long term goals fall into the background. We all strive to meet our long term goals but we can’t achieve perspective without the short term being upfront and completed first.  

So where am I going with the photography, wide angle lens lingo on a Wednesday?

Well I like to make comparisons and normally when I do, I use something recognizable to the audience. I’m also an inspiring landscape photographer, with a side of journalism. As photographers we may take a second or two to determine what lens we need, lighting, accessories, and settings we plan to use to capture the image. Sometimes the outcome is awesome, other times the outcome is a shot being missed. Let your time here be that awesome shot, in other words take more than a second to determine what you need as you go forward in learning new skills.   

We have all heard the saying “cross your t’s and dot your i’s”. I like to take it one step further and say don’t forget to capitalize your Education Opportunities and don’t let the assignment be the period to the end of practicing your new skills.

http://shop.anseladams.com/Half_Dome_Merced_River_Winter_p/5010113-u.htm

My photography inspiration comes from growing up in the Yosemite Valley in California. Anyone from the area has probably seen the works of Ansel Adams a thousand times over. At some point I thought an awesome job in life would be a Forest Ranger. Little did I know I would fall in love with the art, and the history behind the images. I still have a passion for the environment and being outdoors, I just rather wear a camera than a uniform. Below is a quote also well-known and used a lot in the photography world.

"You don’t make a photograph just with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved.” –Ansel Adams

In closing, let your path in photography be wide angled. Stay focused and your path will be filled with perfect shots. 

I look forward to next week's Wide-Angle Wednesday as it’s Christmas! Good day to capture memories and eat some good food.

From my camera to yours, may all your images tell a story!

The Wednesday Ambassador

Lights and the Season!

Good Day Everyone and welcome to another Terrific Tuesday!

Several weeks ago I wrote about the opportunities that are presented when the Winter season arrives, and as I was reading Saturday post (check it out) my classmate wrote a great post about the aspect of lighting. That was a great post and the information presented was a great one to read and to share with everyone.

Look at the image above, that was taken last week in Nebraska, and then look at the other images in this page, they all share something in common, the quality of the light help in creating a good image and also helps in creating an effect.  In order to get great images on a consistent basis, you need to know your camera and the appropriate settings.

So, for the above image remember to:

1. Check your white balance.
2. Check and double check your aperture and shutter speed settings.
3. Use a tripod, it will prevent camera shake and if you have a remote, use it.
4. Be aware of the ISO at all times.

Ok, so we have taken images in the snow (which is a very bright scenario) and now you have moved back to a warmer State and want to take images of the lights in a low lighting scenario.  Check out these images:

0.3 sec @ f5.0 with ISO 800

1/20 sec @ f5.0 with ISO 400

The above images were taken at about 8:00 PM CST with settings described under each image.  The recommendations for the image in the snow applies to the low light images at night.  My point is very simple, you need to know your camera and play and practice with the available light in order to get the images.  The season is here and it doesn't matter if you live in Nebraska or in Texas, opportunities to take different and great images come around once every year, seize that opportunity!

Want to read about taking images in low light? Here is a good place to start:

http://photographylife.com/low-light-digital-photography-tips

I hope this inspire some of you to go out there and take some images, play with your camera, be creative and get out there and have some fun!

Until next week, very respectfully,

Your Tuesday Ambassador

It's All About Light

Saturday Ambassador

Photography, literally, light writing, is all about light...or lack thereof. Logically, we know this; but what does it mean to you, as a photographer? Obviously, you require at least a modicum of light to capture an image, and you should, of course, ensure that your photographs are properly exposed. However, there is more involved in the process than just the technical aspects; there is also the creative approach to using light.

Sierra Nevada Mountains, Deva Mayorga-Malone, 2013, HDR Composite

 

There are times when hauling around a lot of heavy, bulky equipment seems a chore...and the wind is blowing...and there are no outlets...and so forth. Consider this, however: A bland scene or portrait without the light which defines its character or conveys the proper mood is not likely to impress anyone.

So, what can you do if fabulous natural lighting fails to fall precisely where you need it? Why, you create it, of course! Do not fear to experiment with light, for it is the heart of every great image you will ever produce. It matters not what style you employ or the genre you prefer; light – and how you use it – is paramount to your success as a photographer.

Here are some options for achieving great light:

 

      When the dynamic range (between the deepest shadows and brightest highlights) is vast, try an HDR composite. This involves creating three or more exposures of the same scene, exposing for the highlights, the mid-tones and the shadows. In Photoshop, you can compile them by selecting file > automate > merge to HDR Pro. HDR processing requires some practice, a delicate hand and the discernment to know when it is appropriate. The results can be exceptional, as everything throughout the image is represented with proper exposure and a tremendous amount of detail.

 

      Another option is to create fill with a hand-held flash unit or reflector. When shadows obscure some important detail within a scene, that is both close enough and small enough to be lit in this fashion, fill light can reveal the detail while maintaining the dimensionality imparted by shadows.

 

Lake Powell, Deva Mayorga-Malone, 2013, Digital photograph with fill flash

 

      Light with intent. Employ your strobes, tungsten lights, ambient light, et cetera to create an image with drama or motion, mood or balance.
 

 DVD Spectrum-38, Deva Mayorga-Malone, 2011, Digital photograph with continuous lighting

Photography is a perpetual quest for exquisite light. Pursue it with vigor!

~Saturday Ambassador

 

Google+ for Photographers Part 1: Getting Started and Learning from the Pros

Social media is a convenient, free way to share your images with friends, family, other professionals, and potential clients.  One relatively new social media platform is Google+ (G+).  It has become a rather big hit with photographers because of the high image quality when sharing photographs.  With the changes to Flickr in the last year, many professionals flocked to G+ as an alternative for photo sharing and connecting with other photographers.  In today's post, I will go through the basics of setting up your G+ account, share helpful resources about navigating it, and tell you about a few photographers who really have a knack for making the most of the platform.  Next week I will share Part 2, which will focus on using G+ in a professional manner.

How to set up an account:

If you already have a Gmail account, this part is really easy!  Just click the grid on the top right side of your browser window when you are logged in, then click the red "g+" icon (see screen shot of grid and icons).  Google will guide you through this, encouraging you to add information to your profile and connect with others.  To create a brand new account complete with a new Gmail address, simply go to Google's account signup page and follow the steps.  There is also an option to sign up with an existing email account if you want to use an established, non-Gmail email address.

Why choose G+?

Colby Brown, author of Google+ for Photographers, succinctly describes what makes G+ unique: "Facebook is a closed network.  By that I mean that all of the information, content and interactions are kept inside Facebook.  This means that your absolute maximum reach on Facebook is limited to the network itself.  Google on the other hand is all about publicly indexing that content so that it is searchable on the Internet" (Colby Brown Photography).  G+ integrates Google's many features, from Gmail and Google Maps to the blog service used to create this post!  With the power of Google behind you, you can reach a wider audience through searches for the type of content you choose to post.  Remember this when you set up your profile with keywords appropriate to your target audience.  The profile page starts off with tiles that allow you to introduce yourself, which is what people will normally see when they click on your avatar:

Your home page will show content based on the people you follow and circles you create.  While you will see familiar features like the use of hashtags and the ability to give props to a post (here, you will click the "+1" button instead of a "like" button), the interface does take a little getting used to.  Following are resources that will help with just that!

Resources

Constant Contact provides a brief overview of terms, some of which will be familiar and others that Google created for G+.  This is a great place to start.

The Colby Brown blog post mentioned above is extremely helpful in providing an orientation to G+.  Learn about creating content and sharing with Circles, the benefits of Google's trusted content, and how you can use G+ hangouts here.

This post on Digital Photography School (DPS) details why G+ is so much better for posting images and networking with fellow photographers than other social media platforms out there.  It also suggests people to follow from the DPS site.

Photographers to follow

The best way to get started on G+ is to see how others have taken advantage of it.  Check out these photographers for education and inspiration, and take a look at the people they follow to see what inspires them.

Scott Kelby is an experienced photographer who you can spot on the sidelines at Super Bowls and learn from at workshops worldwide.  He posts regularly and shares tutorials, recent projects, and fun anecdotes that can help aspiring photographers stay motivated.

Darren Rowse is the man behind Digital Photography School, so you can bet his G+ content is instructive!

David LaSpina's travel photographs encompass so many genres: architecture, landscapes, street photography, and more!  His G+ posts are a great example of how you can seamlessly integrate mobile, film, and DSLR images while maintaining a recognizable style and brand.

Finally, of course, check out the PSPN G+ community and see the work of your current and former teachers, connect with other students, and view informative content shared by the faculty.

Do you have a favorite photographer or group to follow on G+?  If you have used the platform and enjoy it, what are some tips you have to help newbies dive in?  I would love to hear from you in the comments!  If you are new to G+, I hope this gives you a place to start.  Getting used to the interface and to posting content now will greatly help you when you want to start using it professionally.  Check back next week to see how G+ can help you market your business and connect with other professionals!

-Friday Ambassador

Works Cited:

Brandon, James. "Why Photographers Should Love Google." Digital Photography School RSS. Digital Photography School, 2013. Web. 12 Dec. 2013.

Brown, Colby. "Social Media for Photographers: Google."  Colby Brown Photography. Colby Brown Photography, 1 Nov. 2012. Web. 11 Dec. 2013.

Curtiss, Kristen. "Why Use Google Plus? A Quick Guide and Glossary to Google." Constant Contact Blogs. Constant Contact, 26 Nov. 2013. Web. 11 Dec. 2013.

My Top Five ;)

My personal top five MUST HAVES when I leave my house to shoot.

Now, anyone who has been reading my posts should understand that, for me, leaving to go shoot means that I am most likely heading to the mountains, or at least on a hike. SO these are my must-haves for these hiking-shoots.



5. Lens hood- Nothing worse to me than taking an absolutely amazing shot, only to see sun spots all over it.  One of the first things I learned at AI was that it is best to take the shot as accurately as possible, ensuring the shot will need minimal, if any, post work. My lens hood is a necessity. When you are out hiking, or doing a nature shoot, odds are, you are going to be out during the mean time between the golden hours. I really don't like when I see an amazing shot and when I put my eye to the viewfinder, and there are those dreaded spots. (They are a pain for me to remove in post....)

4. Polarizing filter- Another must have for those bright days.  A polarizing filter removes the glare from water, and  can reduce reflections and improve contrast.  I use a circular polarizer, enabling me to turn the filter to get the desired effect. (tip: when you turn it, turn it the same way you would turn it to tighten the filter onto the lens.  This way, you don't accidentally loosen the filter. They are glass/crystal, and will break)

3. Extra lenses-  This one is a given.  Now, I don't have that many lenses...two to be exact (hoping after Christmas to add to my collection) but I always have to have them both. ;)  Now, changing them during a hike probably sounds like a huge ordeal, but it isn't, thanks to my #1 item.  We will get to that soon enough. But first, I have to talk about something I have been wanting to share, and it pertains to lenses.

            -While shopping for my 55-250mm lens, I came across what was called a "Grey Market" lens.  This grey market lens was $179.95, and the brand was Canon.  I was intrigued, so I checked the reviews, and that is where I first saw the term "grey market".  I looked it up, and low and behold, there was a definition for the term on B&H's website.  Basically, the only difference is where the lens was made.
                   ' "Grey market" is not illegal, not factory seconds, not demo merchandise, not cheaper or inferior products. In fact in almost every instance a "grey market" product is absolutely identical to its US-warranted counterpart." (B&H)
               I gave it a shot.  The price difference was staggering, so I had to.  I am a student on a budget, after all.  I received a quality product, and as of yet, have been very satisfied with this lens. So if you are on a budget as well, and don't mind buying something not made here in the good ole USA, check them out. Grey card lenses are the way I will go until I can afford Made In USA.

2. Tripod- Again, another given.  However, I can't recall how many times I didn't bring a tripod, and regretted it later.  If you want to take those long exposure creek shots, or river shots, a tripod is a must.  Not only is a tripod a necessity for shooting some photos, it is also a great walking stick. :)  I have used mine to help me balance on rocks walking across creeks, walking along the side of a mountain.  So in a way, it may also be a great safety item...tripods are great. :)

1. My gear bag.  This is my number one.  My Lowepro Flipside 400 backpack.  This is the most amazing pack I have ever owned, and I had thought about doing a whole post on it...still might in the future.  Now, what makes this pack unique is that you can only access your gear from the REAR of the pack, the part that sits on your back.  There is a front-access pocket, but not to access your gear.  I use the front pocket for my lens cleaning cloth, solutions, and just random things I might think I need, including my iPad. The back has enough room for just about anything you could possibly need.  In one review I read (because I always read them before I buy anything) One guy had two 5D's with four lenses, including a telephoto.  The best part about this pack though, is where it gets its namesake "flipside".  This is what I was talking about in the "lens" part of this post. If I want to change lenses, or access my actual gear, I take the shoulder straps off my shoulders (there is a waist strap), turn the pack so it is in front of me, supported by the waist strap and the build of the bag, and open my pack and change my lens. USING BOTH HANDS. The design is genius, if I do say so myself.  I can even continue walking, albeit at a slower pace, and change my lens, lens cover, put my lens hood away, anything. And it is rugged. The first time I used this pack, my dearest and I were scrambling across the side of a mountain shooting abandoned mines from the gold rush era, and I remember thinking to myself that if I fell off that mountain, I was certain my gear would fare better than I would. HA! And I meant it. I am certain the equipment would have remained in-tack, where I would have certainly (at least) broke something. You can check them out here: http://store.lowepro.com/backpacks/flipside-400-aw

So there you have it, my top five essentials for an outdoors nature shoot.  Is there anything that you would add?  Something you think I forgot?  I encourage you to comment below, and let me know what YOU think.  I challenge you to engage, and perhaps we will get a conversation going. :)

B&H Grey Market Item Definition:http://www.bhphotovideo.com/find/HelpCenter/USGrey.jsp

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