I also love teaching.

I really really love combining both!  Shooting and teaching at the same time!

Mentor sessions are great for targeting personal questions and needs which we can address in the office setting, or in the field.  I’m trying to stress even more the importance of “field experience” for private lessons.  We can “talk” for a long time about photography technicalities, OR… we can just get out and shoot and talk and experience it together.

When the lovely, Sandy determined her questions, I prescribed a “field experience” section of our session with a follow up afterwards in the office.  She brought along her fabulous sister/BIL team for our models.

We had a great time learning all about backlighting

How to properly expose for backlight…

How to take silouette shots…

How to make the sun flare with sharp rays, and how to capture it artistically right where you want it.

Hooray for learning!  Hooray for shooting together!

The end.

Brooke Snow is a Lifestyle photographer in Cache Valley, Utah. She is a proud new mother to a humorous baby boy with hair that sticks straight up in the back. They enjoy walking and biking a lot… it helps stimulate creative brain power, challenge the extra pounds, and they discover the ultimate secret photo locations on their daily jaunts.

Brooke teaches private photography lessons as well as monthly photography classes in Logan, Utah.

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“What camera do you recommend I get?”

I have gotten this question emailed to me so often, that I finally decided to post my response on my blog!   I hope it helps!

The most important aspect is understanding how your camera works, and understanding light and composition.  This is the overall key to taking great photos.  Be sure to include in your camera purchase a plan for learning how to use the camera (take a class, or check out my book recommendations…)

This is what I usually recommend as far as camera’s go… they’re priced in tiers of expense as well as quality.  Any of these camera’s will do the job fine if the operator knows how to operate

Camera Recommendations:

Good: Canon Digital Rebel XSi, **Nikon D80 (discontinued now, but a great steal if you can find one)

Better: Canon Digital Rebel T1i, Canon 50D , Nikon D90

Best: Canon 7D, Canon 5D MarkII, Nikon D300, Nikon D700

Whats best between Canon and Nikon?

Welcome to the eternal debate reminiscent of mac vs. pc.  You’ll find loyalists in each camp.  As I stated earlier, the most important aspect of good photography is understanding how a camera works and mastering shooting in manual instead of auto.  Each camera will yield some great photos if you understand the principles of photography. That being said, I personally am a very happy and loyal Nikon shooter but have several Canon users in my classes.  I think Nikons are more user friendly, but that small difference can easily be overcome.  You adapt to what you have.

So much is in the lenses

My suggestion to everyone is regardless of the camera brand or body you get, is to get a nice lens.  Lenses make the overall biggest difference in the quality of your images.

I always recommend the 50mm 1.4 or the 50mm 1.8 to everyone.  This is quite affordable but will allow you to do those beautiful pictures with a subject in focus and the background blurred, allow you to shoot indoors without a flash easier than other lenses will, and I feel it is actually sharper and provides richer color.  I have lenses that cost over $1000, but still use my trusty 1.4 lens about 75% of my shooting.

Many people purchase their camera with a kit lens that comes in the package.  Though this lens is “decent”, the 50mm will make your images soar.  If your budget is limited, buy the camera body separate and add this lens as a replacement for about the same price.

*do be aware that this lens is a fixed focal length, meaning there is no zoom.  You will need to move forward or backward yourself to compose your shots.

**WARNING: in addition, if you purchase  a Nikon entry level SLR such as the D40, D60, D3000, D5000  the 50 mm is not compatible with these lenses.  Instead, Nikon has made the 35mm 1.8 lens to serve the same purpose.

This is one reason I don’t have these models on my recommendation list.  Not because they aren’t worthy cameras, but because not every lens is compatible.  According to the Inkleys store rep I chatted with, Nikon never intended these cameras to be “professional”–but made this change to make their SLRs more affordable.  The downside I see to this, is that I have students with these models who end up falling in love with photography, their knowledge and skills expand, and they reach a point where they are interested in upgrading their lenses and gear.  When you have to buy specialty lenses for these cameras, or if you ever choose to upgrade your camera later on, you need to upgrade your lenses as well.  In the long run, if you think you ever have a chance of loving this art so much you want better equipment, I’d stick with the Nikon D80 or D90 as a safe starter SLR in the Nikon family.

Where to purchase your gear?

I usually purchase all my gear on amazon.com.  I saved a whopping $1000 on my last camera purchase compared to the local photo store!  They always seem to have the cheapest prices yet still sell from reputable stores that have warantees and customer service.  I’ve also had great experiences with BH Photo, Pictureline, and Calumet.

BEWARE: If you find a site that sells camera gear for super super cheap— it is very likely too good to be true and will end up being a bad deal in the long run.  I’m one of the most frugal people I know, but can’t stress enough the importance of buying your gear from someone reputable.  Especially if you’re going to be spending several hundred or even thousands of dollars. Be smart.  Be safe, and stick with amazon or BH Photo, or other reputable stores.  You may have to pay slightly more, but thats a whole lot better in the long run to loosing out or getting drug into a bait and switch scam.

Hope thats helpful!  Good luck!

Anything anyone else would add?

Brooke Snow is a Lifestyle photographer in Cache Valley, Utah. She recently learned how to yodel so she could perform upbeat polka songs in the kitchen for the baby boy she is smitten with. Her delightful husband sings bass and does a great oom pah line to accompany the yodel chorus. She wrote an opera once, and dabbles in cowboy poetry.

Brooke teaches private photography lessons as well as monthly photography classes in Logan, Utah.

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Why am I so drawn to the energy of happy images?  I know that we can still be happy and yet peaceful at the same time.

I believe in being authentic, and that sometimes means that there isn’t always a smile present, or a leap in the air…

I think it all goes to the basis of what I think is the root power of photography.  Powerful images emit powerful emotions.  And most often, I want to look at images that emit happiness to the fullest extent, because it makes me feel happier inside.  Thats why my fridge is littered with images of my family captured in moments of joy.  I can not only relive the memories, but for a brief moment, I feel the emotion of what is happening.

There’s a place for all types of images, don’t get me wrong.  I suppose the core intent of it all, should be to

express to the fullest whatever the message.  Be powerful.

Brooke Snow is a Lifestyle photographer in Cache Valley, Utah. She grew up on a dirt road on the outskirts of town where her neighbors consisted of wild life…which of course made walking to the bus stop an adventure. She has been chased to school by a herd of 114 Elk, a skunk, charged by a Moose, and they once had a wild mink sneak into the living room. Sometimes life for her can be too exciting. She currently enjoys living in her suburb hundred year old house in a quiet neighborhood where so far the only “wild life” is the neighbors pigme goats that keep escaping.   As long as they stay out of her strawberry patch and garden, no one will get hurt.  Mr. Neighbor should really fix his fence….

Brooke teaches private photography lessons as well as monthly photography classes in Logan, Utah.

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I’m really becoming a fan of spending part of mentor sessions shooting together AND being in front of the camera.  So much to be learned behind the lens and experiencing what your subjects do in front.  And plus, what photographer can’t benefit from some amazing images of themselves?

I’d say that Vanessa can rock both sides of the camera  Check out some of her fabulous work on her blog!

To anyone considering a mentoring session, here’s what Vanessa had to say about her experience:

My mentoring session with Brooke is one of the best things I have done for my photography.  Not only was it beneficial to learn some advanced techniques like posing and choosing locations, but also to learn more about the business side of photography!  I came away from this experience feeling as though I have the potential of being a better photographer.  I also feel that I have a better knowledge base for my customers and business.  Brooke made me feel very comfortable and explained techniques in a fun and easy to learn way.  We did a photo shoot which helped cement the ideas and techniques in my brain and photographing with her is definitely inspiring!  Even after, I was able to see her more experienced perspective on the photos which helped me in my learning process.  If you are at all interested in learning more about photography or making yourself a more able photographer, I would highly recommend Brooke’s mentoring sessions!  It was, in every way possible, one of the best experiences!

Thanks Vanessa!  Best of luck in your bright photography future!

Brooke Snow is a Lifestyle photographer in Cache Valley, Utah. She is a proud new mother to a humorous baby boy with hair that sticks straight up in the back. They enjoy walking and biking a lot… it helps stimulate creative brain power, challenge the extra pounds, and they discover the ultimate secret photo locations on their daily jaunts.

Brooke teaches private photography lessons as well as monthly photography classes in Logan, Utah.

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BE A GOOD EDITOR

Its not referring to what you might be thinking.  I was struck by an important concept made my Scott Kelby recently, on the importance of being a good editor of your images.  Meaning…EDITING OUT all the bad, sub par, mediocre, good, and fairly good images, and only showing the BEST BEST BEST images.  He makes a pretty compelling argument, that people will think you’re a fantastic photographer if you’re only showing the fantastic shots.

Deleting, culling, narrowing down… whatever you want to call the process, is always the most time consuming part of my workflow.  Certainly more than editing the color/post production of the images by far.  Sometimes I might spend 1-2 hours just sorting through the images to choose my top 50 for presentation.

I used to present much more than I should to clients.  (Like 200 plus images) and though I had been warned about doing so, I had the little thought in my mind “but they might like this one…” so I’d present it despite the fact that there were other shots that were better or that I preferred more myself.

The consequence?  People have a difficult time selecting an image when they have to choose between hundreds of images.  The less options they have, the easier the decision.  I try to be around 30-50 images now.  Though I think that goal has made the culling process that much more time consuming.

Until yesterday.

I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before.

But I tried a new twist to my regular workflow.  Instead of making several rounds through all the images, each time cutting more and more until I was down to my desired final picks… I made two rounds.

ROUND ONE:

Delete all bad images (blinking, out of focus, poor composition, unflattering…)  This is also a good time for me to get a general idea of what we got from the session.

ROUND TWO:

Flag only the images that I feel are outstanding.  Not just good, not just nice, but the really super fantastic ones.  (It was also nice to not be in the frame of mind of choosing what to “delete” but instead choosing what was really “compelling”.  I think the frame of mind made a difference as well.)

Guess what?  I had my final number and it took 15 minutes instead of an hour plus.  I’m definitely making this a part of my regular workflow.  Now, I edit the ROUND TWO images and that is what the client will see.

And what about all those unflagged and undeleted images?  If they weren’t compelling enough to make round two, then they aren’t strong enough to be released.  They’re not bad, they’re just decent or just “nice”.  And by not showing them, spending time editing them, or keeping them around, three things happen:

1. I save myself oodles of time.

2.  I look like a much better photographer

3.  Its easier for the subject to choose which images to print and use with less to choose from.

In Scott Kelby’s words,

“If you want to be taken seriously as a photographer and you want people to start to view you as a pro-quality photographer, then take a tip from the working pros, which is: only show your very best work. Period. One thing that makes a pro a pro is they’re really good photo editors–they’re really good at picking and only showing, their very best stuff.  You don’t see their so-so shots or the shots that would have been great, if only… You also don’t see them showing seven or eight similar shots of the same subject. Only show your best of the best.

Your shots have to stand on their own, without you telling a story about why you like the shot. If you have to explain to someone why you chose it or why you think it’s special, it doesn’t belong in your portfolio.”

-Scott Kelby, The Digital Photography Book: The stepby-step secrets for how to make your photos look like the pros’! Volume 2 p. 195.

P.S.  I try to do extreme culling of my personal images as well, though it is much harder.  I really don’t need hundreds of images of my cute kid, and there really are the usual handfull of truly captivating images mixed in with a bunch of “nice” images.  But when it comes time to print or make albums, its usually only the captivating ones that make the cut… so in reality, I need to do better of making a digital cut much sooner in the workflow.

p.p.s. Flagging, rating, or coding your images is possible when using a photo organizer/editing program like iphoto, Lightroom, or Aperture.  A complete necessity for anyone who takes more than a few shots

What helps you be a better editor?

Brooke Snow is a Lifestyle photographer in Cache Valley, Utah. She grew up on a dirt road on the outskirts of town where her neighbors consisted of wild life…which of course made walking to the bus stop an adventure. She has been chased to school by a herd of 114 Elk, a skunk, charged by a Moose, and they once had a wild mink sneak into the living room. Sometimes life for her can be too exciting. She currently enjoys living in her suburb hundred year old house in a quiet neighborhood where so far the only “wild life” is the neighbors pigme goats that keep escaping.

Brooke teaches private photography lessons as well as monthly photography classes in Logan, Utah.

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I have a Senior shoot tonight at 7 p.m. in Smithfield.  If you’re interested in coming send me an email (brooke@brookesnow.com) by 6:00 p.m. with your phone number and I’ll call you with details.

Click HERE for details on assisting.

Ten bonus points for whomever can tell me why I would have a reflector on my head (or above me)

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I sort of feel like my days look like this

Only I don’t have near as good of form!  I’m more likely watching the world pass, rather than passing through it with such perfectly focused intent.

I am learning that I can’t do anything that requires sitting when Buzzy is awake.  He’s about as fast as these fabulous whizzing bikers are!

Oh how small the world.  Did you know this great guy is the same as THIS GREAT GUY?

Ben invited me to come photograph his work place bike sponsored event yesterday.  I think any company that supports road biking should win a special prize.  Like free panning photographs of each of their riders?

Want to learn how to pan your images like the ones above for cool motion effects (all done in camera)?  Come take my Photo Basics class. Our September class still has a few seats left!

I’m off to chase the little legs that are escaping out the door at a lightening speed crawl!

Happy Thursday!

Brooke Snow is a Lifestyle photographer in Cache Valley, Utah. She is a proud new mother to a humorous baby boy with hair that sticks straight up in the back. They enjoy walking and biking a lot… it helps stimulate creative brain power, challenge the extra pounds, and they discover the ultimate secret photo locations on their daily jaunts.

Brooke teaches private photography lessons as well as monthly photography classes in Logan, Utah.

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I do plan to make this class available for photo class parties in the future  Hooray!

In other news… guess who figured out how to climb, stand, and jump around his crib?

And I’m sure you’re all interested in the absolutely compelling photo-journalistic slideshow beautifully set to music to give an emotional impact to such a life milestone… CLICK HERE.

Happy Tuesday!

Brooke Snow is a Lifestyle photographer in Cache Valley, Utah. She recently learned how to yodel so she could perform upbeat polka songs in the kitchen for the baby boy she is smitten with. Her delightful husband sings bass and does a great oom pah line to accompany the yodel chorus. She wrote an opera once, and dabbles in cowboy poetry.

Brooke teaches private photography lessons as well as monthly photography classes in Logan, Utah.

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It was my third wedding and I was totally a newby photographer. I thought I had downloaded the pictures to my computer since I had already viewed them on screen, so I automatically re-formatted my card, not realizing that I had actually just DELETED ALL MY WEDDING RECEPTION PHOTOS for my client.

Let us ponder upon the grave feeling of disaster that I felt in that moment. The supreme humiliation at my lack of professionalism, and my horrific imagination at the confrontation that I would soon have in trying to explain to my client that I had just lost their pictures. The pictures that could never be repeated. Never re-shot . A once in a lifetime moment that would never happen again, and now were lost forever.

To my extreme gratitude, my discovery actually happened in the presence of another professional photographer friend. When he discovered what I was suddenly weeping and whaling about, he said,

“Hey! You can get them back! Don’t worry!”

Of course I suddenly perked up. He was on his way to Pictureline which happened to have some “recovery software”. I called them up, explained my situation, and since I had only reformatted the card, and not yet taken any other pictures, they said that they were almost certain that they could recover them all. Yes, it cost me $40… but I would gladly gladly pay $40 any day over facing a wedding client to inform them that they would go through this life never having a record of their day.

It only takes an experience or two of disaster to provide enough motivation to get some things in order.  Having a computer crash and loosing all your family photos into the virtual graveyard of no return, loosing memory cards with valued images on them, re-formatting cards on accident before downloading images, or even having cards become corrupted…ALL qualify as a disaster.

Here are some solutions:

Back-up online.

Never just rely on your computers hard-drive alone.  The online back-up that I highly recommend is Smugmug.com.  I love smugmug!  I can’t say enough good things about their company, their customer service, their ease of use!  I use smugmug not only as a professional photographer (for my clients online galleries and printing ability), but also my private and personal family pictures as well.

Smugmug backs up all your images in 5 different states!  If some major disaster happened in one area to affect a server, there is still 4 different states with your images on a server that are protected.  They have unlimited storage, you can have family and friends view your images from anywhere in the world, and their print quality is amazing.  In fact,…. I actually don’t burn DVD or CD copies of any of my images.  Disks are chancy and don’t last more than a few years.  They will also be outdated someday in the future, and I love that smugmug will easily change with technology and I won’t have to update any media formats as time goes on either.

External Hard Drives are your friend!

As much as a I love and rely on my computer, you should always have your images backed up somewhere in addition to your computer’s hard drive.  I use a Terabyte External Hard Drive, exclusively when I download my images, since 20 gigs a week can eat up your computer hard drive space pretty quick!  If something were to happen to my computer, the images are still safe on the external hard drive.

Have a portable hard drive backup.

I purchased an Epson P3000 a few years ago. This can be found at amazon or a few other places online. When I finish a card from a shoot, I put the card into the epson, and it downloads everything.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this handy device.

Now I have the pictures in two places: The card and the Epson. I then download all my images from the Epson to the computer (which is much faster than the card reader).

This also works wonders for travel, and it costs about the same as buying 40GB worth of cards.

I would say this is a “must have” for event photographers.  Good to know on site if your card has become corrupted, when you have the option of still doing a re-shoot, rather than waiting to download at home and finding out then.  And just so you know, I have had my cards become corrupted on a shoot.  I didn’t find out till I got home (and used the opportunity to purchase online recovery software–essentially the same that the camera store uses…).  To this day, I have never lost a clients images permanently, but I now take extreme measures to make sure that never happens professionally, or personally.

What do you do for backup?

Brooke Snow is a Lifestyle photographer in Cache Valley, Utah. Her talents and awards include winning the 4th, 5th, and 7th grade spelling bees. Unfortunately she’ll always remember the words she lost on: Buzzard (only used one Z) and Squirrel (only used one R). Completely defeated, she now relies on spell check, and husband check. Both are quite reliable and keep her looking more intelligent.

Brooke teaches private photography lessons as well as monthly photography classes in Logan, Utah.

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I called and consulted with the family and due to black cloud concern, we postponed until later in the week.

It never did rain on Monday evening, but sure looked threatening.

I sometimes forget that moments that seem less than ideal, sometimes challenging, maybe even threatening, are the very elements that can combine into something totally extraordinary. Getting out of our comfort zones can seem frightening (I love my comfort zone), but if we always walk a safe path we’ll always get predictable results.

When storm clouds hit a couple weeks ago during a fabulous mentoring session, I was hesitant of continuing plans for our shoot together. But given the completely un-reschedule-able-ness of the moment, we went through with it.

So glad we did.

And we did indeed get lucky.

Can’t wait to share more from this fun weekend.

Brooke Snow is a Lifestyle photographer in Cache Valley, Utah. She grew up on a dirt road on the outskirts of town where her neighbors consisted of wild life…which of course made walking to the bus stop an adventure. She has been chased to school by a herd of 114 Elk, a skunk, charged by a Moose, and they once had a wild mink sneak into the living room. Sometimes life for her can be too exciting. She currently enjoys living in her suburb hundred year old house in a quiet neighborhood where so far the only “wild life” is the neighbors pigme goats that keep escaping.

Brooke teaches private photography lessons as well as monthly photography classes in Logan, Utah.

Like this? Share it!

Share/Bookmark