Have Your Photos Tell a Story for a Big Impact!

When you share images on social media, are you telling a story? While one image may speak for itself, sometimes it makes sense to create a diptych, triptych, or collage of images to make more of an impact. I shared the diptych above on my Facebook page instead of adding each one individually because I think they make each other stronger. The contrast in color, focal length, and composition when juxtaposed in such a manner make me look closer at each panel. At the same time, each image emphasizes the closeness of the couple, which is the goal of an engagement session. That aspect, as well as the warmth of the images, relates them to one another so that they are able to work together.

Do you have a preference in how you share images, or what you are drawn to when other photographers share theirs? If you're interested in displaying your images in groups, you can create templates in Photoshop really easily. Using the same border thickness from one template to the next and adding your logo or name to each template will make the process of inserting your images and exporting for web sharing super fast!

-Friday Ambassador

What equipment do I need for class?

It seems that this question is always asked but no one seems to ever know the answer. Hopefully everyone knows that they can look at the Handbook and Catalog to review what each class requires. You can find that tab under the Academics tab in the Homepage of your Campus Common. After you click on that you will find a tab that say coarse list. In that list it has all the classes that AI offers so you will need to scroll down a bit to find the class you are looking for.  After you click on your class you will get a new window. From there you will need to click on Material requirements. At the bottom of that list it will tell you exactly what is required for each class.

I can tell you when you are buying your items that you need, you don’t want to sell yourself short and buy the cheapest things you can find. While its always nice to save money sometimes it’s not worth what you’re saving. For instance I’ve heard many stories of people just buying what ever they could find that was cheep, only to find out it really isn’t going to work for class.  Or they bought the cheapest thing possible and now they have to fight with their gear every time they try to use it. Other students have told me that they couldn’t find a kit for the strobes they bought so they just picked some items and they don’t really fit together. The biggest thing you have to think about is things like strobe lights you should be able to purchase them now and not have to purchase them again for many years down the road. So you might want to make a better investment with them since they should last you a very long time.

Another thing I find is everyone looking to buy things on Amazon. While they might have what you need you want to shop around. You also have to remember that as a student we can student discounts on some items from B&H (www.bhphotovideo.com) and Adorama (https://www.adorama.com/pages/FSE-education?mode=edu) They also sell some EDU value type items. If you are still unsure what to buy still make sure you ask someone, perhaps a fellow student, or even your Academic Counselor. Or you can always post your questions on the Google Plus page.

Works Cited

"Adorama Education Discount Program." Adorama Education Discount Program. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 June 2014.

"AiO: Course Catalog." AiO: Course Catalog. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 June 2014.

"B&H Photo Video Digital Cameras, Photography, Camcorders." B&H Photo Video Digital Cameras, Photography, Camcorders. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 June 2014.

Credit    : Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / Blend / Learning Pictures / Universal Images Group

Who's in your class?

You log in to your e-classroom, post an assignment, read and respond to at least two peers, and you're done with an assignment, right?  Right.  But there's someone in the classroom that you might not be aware of:

 

You.

Your presence and participation in the classroom speaks more about your academic and professional character than your actual work.  The instructors notice much more than you think and are more likely to pin-point certain students in the first few days of a new class.  They recognize ambitious students, those with great passion and ethics, but they also recognize behaviors of students who are not prepared to give their best effort.  Of course the academic journey is going to have some slow classes that aren't as particularly engaging as others, but that is an opportunity to evaluate yourself; your performance is a reflection of who you are academically and professionally and people take notice of this demeanor both online and in reality. 

Who are you? 

Are you always the last one turning in assignments?  Do you respond at the last minute?  Do you follow all of the instructions and ask for help or clarification when you need it?  Your employers and clients can see these behaviors and it is important to be self-aware about what messages you are sending as a student and professional.  You don't have to be #1 in everything, but it helps you achieve your goals when you have that mentality!  History and writing are not everyone's best subjects, but how you approach these challenges is a reflection of how you might approach similar obstacles in reality.  It's not too late to redefine your work ethic.  Discover your passion, improve your weaknesses, and increase your strengths.  Always try your best and establish a positive presence because you say more than you know. 

 

So, who's in your class right now: ambitious-you or absent-you?

 

What do you want your performance to say about you in the e-classroom?  Is it what you would want an employer or client to say about you? 

 

Tell me what you think in the comments below and thanks for reading today!

 

Works Cited

African businesswoman leaning on stack of paperwork. Photography. Encyclopædia Britannica ImageQuest. Web. 9 Jun 2014.
<http://quest-preview.eb.com/#/search/154_2895939/1/154_2895939/cite>

Woman reading book. Photography. Encyclopædia Britannica ImageQuest. Web. 9 Jun 2014.
http://quest-preview.eb.com/#/search/154_2880970/1/154_2880970/cite

Sunday Spotlight On: Why $35 can save you a lot of headache!

Becoming a photographer has been fun and rewarding. Every time I pick up my camera I feel proud of what I create and to know that I created it is even more satisfying. Registering your images with the U.S. Copyright Office is like wiping the sweat off your brow. It is the smartest move that a photographer can make to ensure that he or she is protected against the nuances of infringement.

I am not sure about you, but I know that I do not have the money to hire an attorney to fight on my behalf because someone was using my images without my permission. Four times a year I register my images with the U. S. Copyright Office and that gives me a sense of security.

I will admit that the process of registering images may be lengthy and sometimes confusing, but there are tutorials out there that can walk you through the process step by step. American Society of Media Photographers as well as Professional Photographers of America both offers guidance on how to register your images.

There are two ways to file with the Copyright Office:

Electronically is the quickest and cheapest method. A payment of $35 is required and your images are immediately registered!

Hard Copy is sending the images on a disk in the mail. Payment is $65 and your images will not be registered until they receive the disk.

Regardless of the method, I cannot stress the importance of securing your works of art. Make sure that you take all precautions to prevent infringement and know your rights as a photographer!

I am your Sunday Funday Ambassador! Happy Shooting! 

Mantler, Jeffrey H. "Be Copyright Smart: Why and How to Register Images." Professional Photographers of America. 2014. Web. 7 June 2014. <http://www.ppa.com/membership/article.cfm?ItemNumber=3058>

What a Difference Experience Makes!

No matter how many weddings I shoot, I get the same nerves today that I got the very first time I interned as a second shooter. The day before, I meticulously look over my checklist again and again, making sure all batteries are charged and lenses are clear. Because I am naturally anxious (thanks, genetics), even knowing that all my equipment is prepped is not enough to calm the nerves! When all else fails, it helps at least a little to look back at my early work to see how far my work has come.

On the left you'll see a shot from my very first wedding. Luckily I was second shooter, because check out those blown-out highlights - eek! While it is a sweet enough pose, the positioning of the couple could have been far better (just a few feet to the left for a fully green backdrop and a little more space over his head) and the moment a little less stiff overall.


Fast forward a few years to a recent wedding. The photo on the right is so much more natural, properly exposed, and shot with a far better lens! The framing has more interest and shows off the location (which the couple selected for a reason - it was gorgeous!). This was a moment in between poses, when the couple was laughing and enjoying themselves instead of worrying about where to put their hands or how real their smiles looked. Viewing these images the day before a wedding reminds me how far I've come and at least helps me beat a few nerves to get some sleep!

Before you trash those old photos that no longer reflect your capabilities, put a few in a folder that you can look back on when you start to doubt yourself or turn into a big ball of nerves. Whether it's a commercial shot with amateurish lighting or a super stiff portrait cut off at the wrists, be proud that you have learned from your mistakes and remember that we've all made them!

It would be so fun to see some side-by-sides of your "then and now" examples. If you have any to share, head on over to the PSPN Google+ page to show how much you've grown as a photographer! 

Have you ever waiting in line for hours in hopes to get something free?

Hello, everyone Thursday Ambassador here. I just wanted to share with you an experience I just had this week. I seen on some Facebook group pages that Samsung was going to give away a $847 mirror-less camera to anyone that exchanges their DSLR . Though I didn’t have a used camera that I would be willing to part with I figured I could buy one and use that. So I decided to go to NYC yesterday morning and try to get this Samsung NX30.  I left my house at 4am so that I could be in the city and at Times Square by 530am.  After getting in line I find out that I was #104 in line. They only had 250 free Cameras to give away. So I was lucky this time. There where a few that decided that they needed to be in line the night before. It only too me about 10 hours round trip from my house and waiting in line for the camera. While it was a Long day waiting I think it was well worth it so far.Over the next few months Ill be trying out this new Mirror Less camera so I will bring it up again from time to time telling you how I feel about it.

Has anyone ever sat in a line like his? Did you get what you went for?

Keep on shooting!

Throw Back

Thursday Ambassador

My Top 5 Resources for...

Throughout my time as a student here at the AIP-OD I have done a lot of research and ordered a lot of equipment.  It felt a little old-school writing papers again and doing all of this personal and academic research made me feel a little nerdy at times, but as a professional it is very important to take a keen interest in the things you do and always put in your best effort.  "Google-it" is not always the answer so I have put together a list of my top 5 places for...

 

  ...finding what I want and need to exceed.

 

Research & Purchases

 

5.  http://snapsort.com/

       If you're like me, purchasing your first DSLR was confusing and frustrating.  With all of the different brands, specifications, and prices out there it can be difficult to know what you want and need.  The best suggestion I learned about choosing a camera is to hold it; each manufacturer designs camera bodies differently and will feel differently in your hands.  If you're loyal to one brand or another or just curious, this website will help you look at the differences and similarities between cameras as well as what they recommend for you in regards to your particular requirements.

4.  http://www.bhphotovideo.com/

     This is a very popular site for shopping for gear.  What I love about them is their student discount membership and huge variety of equipment.  They have a great Used section where you can find deals on certain products and most of the time I can get free shipping--bonus!!  You can also "trade up or cash in" your used gear--a great feature for when you outgrow your gear and are looking to upgrade!

3.  http://www.adorama.com/

     Another very popular site and arguably the best next to B&H.  They also offer student discounts, free shipping, and have a Used department where you can sell your old gear too.  Both Adorama and B&H allow you to subscribe to email notifications for sales and discounts and I have taken equal advantage of their great deals.  What do I think makes Adorama just a little bit better?  They offer you the option to rent equipment which makes it easy to try out a new lens or DSLR, rent a camera body while yours is being serviced, or rent lighting equipment...just something to consider before investing in gear you aren't sure about.

2.  https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/

     The Photography program will undoubtedly present you with classes in which  you will have to write papers and answer discussion questions that require citations in MLA format; it's daunting, but essential.  "Why?" you might ask--two reasons: plagiarism and copyright infringement.  Both can get you caught in legal and academic disputes and that is very unprofessional.  OWL, the Online Writing Lab, is my go-to for writing a correct citation for the many types of resources I use which brings me to...

1.  The local public library.

    Yes!  I go to the library and you should too.  It is not only a great place to check out books on photographers you might be studying in classes like Photo History I and History of Photography II or for your own personal interest, but there are also books to help you learn how to make money for your photos right now, learn tips and tricks, and *wink, wink* I have also seen a copy of the textbook for those two classes at my local library.

"Outstanding past work in photography, and in fact in all the arts, is very important to today’s photographers. But it should be used for inspiration and not for imitation. These works should be something to be built upon, not to be repeated."--Alexey Brodovitch  (Benigno)

Do you have a favorite go-to for your resources?  Did I miss something?  Please leave me some feedback in the comments section below!

Works Cited

adorama. Adorama Camera, Inc., n.d. Web. 2 June 2014. <http://www.adorama.com/ >

Benigno, John A. "Famous Photography Quotes." mastersofphotography.blogspot. Blogger, 11 July 2012. Web. 2 June 2014. <http://mastersofphotography.blogspot.com/p/famous-photography-quotes.html>

bhphotovideo. B & H Foto & Electronics Corp., n.d. Web. 2 June 2014.  <http://www.bhphotovideo.com/ >

owl.english.purdue. Purdue University, n.d. Web. 2 June 2014. <https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/ >

snapsort. Snapsort, Inc., n.d. Web. 2 June 2014. <http://snapsort.com/>

"Used Department." bhphotovideo. B & H Foto & Electronics Corp., n.d. Web. 2 June 2014. <http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/browse/Used-Department/ci/2870/N/4294247188>