Sunday Spotlight On: What type of photographer are you?

Upon entering school some of us are already settled on what genre of photography that we want to go into. During the first week of class I see a lot of my peers take pride in how much they enjoy being a wedding photographer or a family photographer. Indeed their images are stunning to say the least but as class goes on, when we have to go outside of our comfort shooting genre, a lot of us may struggle. If not you, I will gladly raise my hand and admit to it.

Let’s think of photography this way. If all photographers had to work in a huge building (sort of like a hospital) then every photographer would probably have their own wing of the hospital. One side may be the Travel Photographer, the other side Family Photographer, Street Photographer and so forth. Then people could just go to the different areas and have their needs met. What people who are not photographers fail to understand is that not all photographers specialize in each others chosen field. Would a Pediatrician treat a patient who is in need of a root canal? An Obstetrician treat a patient who is in need of a heart transplant? Just because we dabbled in all styles of photography when we were in school does not mean that it is our specialty.

What you choose to specialize in is the area where you are the subject matter expert. While in school take time to apply what you have learned and give the material your best and then figure out what you are great at and then you can be the subject matter expert in more areas. 

If you hate people, Pet Photography may be the job for you.

If you like to look down on other photographers, then Satellite or Aerial Photography may be the job for you.

If you want to have fun in the sun and still get paid to do it then, Travel Photography may be the job for you.

If you do not like to talk much, then Underwater Photography may be the job for you.

If you like to eat, Food Photography may be the job for you.

If you like to run and stay in shape, Paparazzi may be the job for you.

No matter what your job is, be great at. Love it. Embrace it.

I am for Sunday Funday Ambassador. Happy shooting!

Top 10 Photographers to Follow: Wedding Photographers

1: Chrisman Studios

Why to follow them: Ben and Erin Chrisman, along with their colleagues, revel in the unexpected and aim to surprise. With multiple awards from organizations like the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA), they bring a great deal of creativity and ingenuity to the table.

Where to follow them: Their images are best viewed on the Chrisman Studios blog, but you can also find Ben Chrisman on Google+. Be inspired by how they find interesting ways to shoot a scene, and soak up the amazing locations they get to visit!

2: Kevin Weinstein

Why to follow him: Maybe I’m a bit biased since I chose Weinstein to shoot my own wedding, but his vivid color images are so full of life and his wry sense of humor comes through in his posts. His mobile captures are equally as bold as his DSLR images.

Where to follow him: See his vibrant style on Instagram or follow him on Facebook.

Source: Weinstein, Kevin. "Chicago Wedding at The Ivy Room : Jeannie & Chris." Jeannie Kao and Christopher Zuehlke Chicago Wedding at The Ivy Room by Kevin Weinstein Photography. Kevin Weinstein Photography, 12 Nov. 2013. Web. 06 Feb. 2014.

3: Mike Olbinski

Why to follow him: Olbinski’s posts are not exclusive to wedding photography. His storm chasing posts are just as intriguing as his beautifully lit portraits.

Where to follow him: Add him to your Google+ photography circle to keep up with his latest posts.

4: Morgan Lynn Razi (Morgan Lynn Photography)

Why to follow her: Razi beautifully combines color and black and white images into her portfolio. See how she maintains a consistent feeling across both styles with candids as well as formal portraits.

Where to follow her: Razi’s blog and Facebook page are consistently updated.

5: Katie Stoops

Why to follow her: Stoops’s branding and consistent photographic style may inspire you to work on defining your own.  

Where to follow her: Her Instagram feed is full of bright, playful images that give a great sense of who she is as a photographer. She shares both DSLR and iPhone images on her feed. Check out her blog to see how she tells stories with her images.

6: Salvatore Cincotta

Why to follow him: Those of you who follow the wedding industry at all have likely heard of Sal Cincotta. With too many photographers trying to make a buck off of others by holding talks just to hock their products, Cincotta actually has a ton of worthwhile information to share.

Where to follow him: His Behind the Shutter blog and magazine are free (though there is an option for a paid membership that comes with various privileges) and bring together pros sharing business tips in addition to photographic techniques. You can also follow his Facebook page to see his work as well as industry news.

7: Pradeep Sanyal

Why to follow him: The Indian weddings in which Sanyal specializes are full of color and liveliness. He is also a talented street photographer!

Where to follow him: His active Google+ stream shows off people and places from his point of view.

8: Matt Miller (Diamond Eyes)

Why to follow him: Miller’s time spent in a punk rock band managed to translate into a quirky and fun photographic style. Watch as his new business gains traction and you might get some great business lessons for your own studio!

Where to follow him: While much of his recent work was with a larger wedding photography team called Our Labor of Love, he’s branched off on his own and will be posting on his studio’s Facebook page.

9: Roberto Valenzuela

Why to follow him: Valenzuela’s posing techniques could fill a book. In fact, they do! Posing is something that takes practice and understanding of various body types, so studying the images of people who know what they are doing is quite helpful.

Where to follow him: Follow his Twitter feed and read his blog to see how he makes posed couples and groups look natural.

10: Andy Brown

Why to follow him: Based in New Zealand, Brown’s images are filled with lush landscapes while his work showcases a multitude of different lenses. His images don’t stop with the weddings, though. He also shares images of his finished albums, giving glimpses of contemporary layouts that will get you thinking of how to help clients tell their stories.

Where to follow him: His website has a blog-like feel, and his Instagram feed features recent work.

Have anyone to add to my list? Leave a comment with a link for us all to check out! You can also feel free to see some of my work on my blog or keep in touch with me on Facebook.

-Friday Ambassador

Work Cited:

Weinstein, Kevin. "Chicago Wedding at The Ivy Room : Jeannie & Chris." Jeannie Kao and Christopher Zuehlke Chicago Wedding at The Ivy Room by Kevin Weinstein Photography. Kevin Weinstein Photography, 12 Nov. 2013. Web. 06 Feb. 2014.

*Please note that I am out of the country with limited Internet access, so I may not be able to respond to comments today. However, I really want to hear your thoughts or questions and will get back to you as soon as I am able.

Connect with Local Photographers

Though the ultimate goal of a photographer is to get clients and make money doing something he or she loves, it is important not to neglect one of the best sources of leads: other photographers! Oftentimes a lucky professional will have more opportunities than he or she can take on. When that happens, the photographer will usually refer the potential client to another professional that is capable of handling the project. But how do you connect with other photographers, and how do you make sure you get on their list of referrals? There are tons of resources you can use! Start off connecting with our peers and instructors using this fabulous introduction by the Wednesday ambassador, then read on for ideas on how to network outside our program.

Meetups are a great way to get out, shoot, and meet others interested in photography. Some groups set up model shoots complete with wardrobe, makeup, and hair styling. Others focus more on local places or events. You’ll find all levels of photographers in these groups and can join in any meetup that interests you. Meetups I have attended include a visit to Architectural Artifacts (a vintage/antique furnishings warehouse), a tour of Intelligentsia Coffee, and a winter celebration complete with rescue huskies! If you don't see a group that fits your interests, create your own and set up any type of outing you can think of. Others will be happy you have taken the initiative.

Some web hosts for pro photographers have local groups that meet to discuss various issues relating to the industry. SmugMug is my web host of choice, and its local groups are called “SMUGs” (SmugMug User Groups). Similarly, a host called Pictage has local “PUGs” (Pictage User Groups). You don’t even have to use these web hosts to attend the groups, so check out if there’s one in your area. From such groups, I’ve learned about accounting for photographers, shared strategies for promoting products like albums, and even met for social outings where photography was the unifier but not the only topic discussed. At one meeting, I connected with students of another program that were interested in shooting events. I used one as a second shooter for two weddings (see one of her photos below, of me shooting a bride and groom's portrait) and referred the other to shoot an event for a friend. You can meet all kinds of people that just might help you get a break into the genre you’re most interested in.

Photograph by A. Rearnkham for Carolyn Lloyd Photography

You don’t even have to leave your computer to network (though I do recommend it!). There are a plethora of online forums in which you can submit images for critique or discuss new gear. Whatever your interest, there’s a forum for that! Check out PPA’s theLoop or a relative newcomer, The Professional Photography Forum. If you have a favorite forum you’d like to share, please do so in the comments!

Happy networking!

-Friday Ambassador

*Please note that I am out of the country with limited Internet access, so I may not be able to respond to comments today. However, I really want to hear your thoughts or questions and will get back to you as soon as I am able.