Photographers Adventure Club Tips

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Creativity

"Art isn't about being good; it's about being creative."  ~Miles McDermott

I love that quote.  Even better is that an 18 year old kid taught me that concept.  If you promise not to tell anyone, I'll let you in on a little secret.  Sometimes I feel at tad bit inferior.  I know, one would never guess it, but it's true.  I've always compared myself to others, which is sooo bad for the ego.  Yet at the same time, I am always up for a challenge - to reinvent myself, to be a better me.  So when I decided to gear my life toward photography and design to satisfy the yearnings of my under-worked right brain, I discovered there are a lot of people out there who are better than me artistically.  Not just by a little bit.  By a landslide.

In addition to photography and digital design, I paint.  I've had people come into my home and gasp at some of the artwork on my wall - that my mother painted.  In contrast, I've had people come to my home who have never even noticed my mother's art on my wall, but have gasped at mine.  I'm not a watercolor artist like my mom.  I am an abstract expressionist.  It's all relative. 

Which brings me back to my young friend who happens to be an art student, and he's good.  While hanging out in my room one evening (everyone hangs out there, it's my she-man cave),  I was showing one of his friends my art and said, "well I don't know if everyone would think it's good, but I like it."  Which is when he gently scolded me and taught me that art isn't about being good; it's about being creative.  Say it with me.  Now memorize it.  Surely I'm not the only one who looks at her work and has these feelings of self doubt. 

I'm not a bad photographer.  I have a pretty good eye.  Oh, you can be certain there are tens of thousands of other people who are way better than I am.  I have met some of them in the Arizona Photographer's Group.  I do have one thing that not a single one of them has, however.  ME.  My heart, my thoughts and my emotions are all things I draw upon when I'm shooting someone's soul.  That's what makes me truly happiest of all.  

I think that's the beauty of the AZ Photographer's Group - the diversity, the knowledge, and the experiences that can be found and shared in the group.  I learned more in chatting with one of the members of the group in an hour than I'd learned in some of the photography courses I've taken.  I loved that this pro took the time to flip through my Kindle Fire and critique my work.  He helped me see things from a little bit different perspective; more importantly he helped me be brave.  My next photo shoot turned out to be pretty dang awesome. 

The image I've chosen to share with you is one of the out-takes from that shoot.  It's clearly not the "official" senior portrait we chose.  However, it was the most fun I've ever had during  a photo-shoot.  We were able to completely capture the essence of her soul, and I think that's why I love this shot so much.

So my photography tip is to be you.  Don't worry about being good; be creative.  It's all about the journey... being better tomorrow than you were today.  I'll never be a photographer for Vogue, but that's not my goal.  I want to capture someone's soul and immortalize that perfect moment in time when they are exactly who they are.... and I'm the one who was able to shoot it.

-Yvonne Michelle

Join a Camera club today to expand your creativity & education! If you are in CA, NV, NM, AZ, UT Check out AZ Photographers Group today!

 

Toby Keith's Model Cowgirl Shoot!

March’s Happy Hour and Photo Shoot was a yeehaw good time at Toby Keith’s Bar in Mesa/Tempe!  The theme was country and the models did a great job with their performance and wardrobes.  Rifles, cowboy hats, daisy dukes and lassos added to the thrill of the photography experience.  Thank you to Member Daryl who provided all the props for the shoot!

Over 60 people attended and everybody had the opportunity to photograph the models if they chose.  Things are very orderly considering the large group.  Generally, four people shoot at a time and pocket wizards are provided at no cost to activate the strobe lights.

A lot is involved in the coordination of these events.  Choosing the right facility, booking the models, providing the lights, props, pocket wizards, advertising and assisting people with camera settings and posing the models.  It’s a very valuable service that brings the photography community together for a fun experience!

These events have always been very successful and almost everybody who attends are happy to be learning and networking with other photographers.    Kudos to the staff and those involved with the Happy Hours!  What could be the theme for next month?  I bet it’s going to be good!

Some of our Sponsors included SMUGMug, Savage & AZ Photographers Group.  Savage provided us with 2 "Floor Drops" (Pictured Above) to set the mood! 

They also are providing members with a local discount to Tempe Camera, in Tempe, Arizona! Comment below or email for the 20% of code!

To Join a Free Model Studio Shoot next month or one of our 150 other events sign up here for Free: Arizona Camera / Photography Club

-Stacy

Photography Happy Hours to Learn!

The close out of 2011's Holiday Smugmug meeting was a HUGE success!  

We had three very attractive models posing under studio lighting, instructions on how to take high quality studio shots and over 50 photographers networking and mingling.  The collaboration of other photographers made this event outstanding. 

Members contributed lights, studio backdrops, pocket wizards and educated instructions. 

The enthusiasm, excitement and energy from these meetings are all very positive feedback! 

The gatherings are steadily growing in size and for 2012 it will be necessary to either have two events or increase the size of our meeting establishment! 

Come Join us for SmugMug Happy Hours in the Future: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PEVsmug/

Or Join http://www.AZPhotographersGroup.com for more education & Photowalks

-Stacy

Photos By: Ray Janus & Greg Skinner

Smugmug Happy Hour Event

November 17th, 5 pm.

This event had a great turn out!!  Members contributed backdrops, studio lighting, demonstrations, models and pocket wizards.  The first hour attendees signed in and socialized with one another while the three models made final adjustments on their hair and make-up.  After an hour, everybody was given group numbers and demonstrations were given on how to take better portraits, conducted by two professional photographers, with the use of a mannequin.  The group sizes were no larger than 5 people, this gave everybody adequate time to prepare for shooting a real model as they practiced on the mannequin together.  After 15 minutes, we rotated the groups and advanced the first group to shooting real models at a different station.  Over the next two hours this rotation occurred with different groups. Everybody had the opportunity to get great shots of the models and learn a little something about studio lighting.   We have seen an increase of interest from the photography community to attend these events, largely due to members sharing their positive experiences.      

I Huge thank you to Jessie, Tiffany, Stacy. Angie, Andrew, Nick & Fox & Hound

To attend these monthly educational events make sure to stay informed at http://www.AZPhotographersGroup.com See you soon!

Making it Big in Photography!

I was on the verge of making it big.  At the age of 29 years old I was going to be the proud owner of my own Brokerage.  After spending many years in the mortgage business I knew I was capable of making a great living.  Things took a little twist when I needed a photograph for my website.
   

My soul didn't leap for joy when I went to work everyday, I went through the motions the way many people do.  I wanted to get through the day and keep the weekend close to my heart.  I felt like I was existing and not living.  I wanted to do something exciting for my career but I didn't know what until I met the guy who took my picture. 
    

Granted he had a setup that would make any photographer drool.  With a push of a button the backdrop would fall and the lighting was dynamic.  With the music playing in the background combined with his fun personality the picture taking process was rather enjoyable. 
   

  The epiphany came to me while I was sitting on the little stool smiling for the photographer.  I wanted to be on the other side of the camera.  I stayed true to that desire and said goodbye to the Mortgage world for good. 
    

Making a transition into a photography career isn't the easiest task in the world but the benefits are numerous if the love is there.  Like starting any new business an investment is required but the biggest obstacle for many is seeing their personal value.  I've heard excuses like "it's too competitive"  or "I can't make enough money."  All of these beliefs can be true but so is the opposite.  Many photographers are making a great living in spite of the competition and no two photographers are alike.  Your photography will be different and special.  Our perception of the world differs and each of us will capture a photograph in a way that is unique to us. 
    

So if your desire it is to be a photographer, don't let fear stand in the way of your dreams.  So many resources are available in helping your achieve your goals. learn everything you can about your trade, immerse yourself in what you love and go make some money with it! 

You can start by joining a local association like AZ Photographers Group  ... They can help you get the contacts, experience & education you need!

Written By Guest Author: Stacy

Other Info:  http://www.howtoadvice.com/PhotoMoney

 

Photography 101 Seminar & Workshop

When:August 21st, 2010 11:00 am. in Mesa(Alma School/60)  

Are you a Newbie?? Hobbyist?? Point & Shooter?? New or just want to advance your skills in Photography?

This Seminar is for you! This class will explain basic exposure, composition, lighting, shutter vs f-stop, flash, tripod use, lenses & more!

=====Seminar Description=======

We will start our discussion from the very beginning, raising & answering questions essential to every serious photographer.

We will cover:

1- The theory of light and how it relates to photography
2- The Lens: How they work, how they differ from each other and when best to use each type
3- The Camera: What makes a camera a camera. A review of their past and the state of current technology
4- Exposure: The Exposure Triangle. How ISO, lens aperture and shutter speed interact in the capture of an image
5- An introduction to a couple essential photographic techniques. Stabilizing your camera, Rules of Composition

BONUS TOPICS: Time permitting we have some additional surprise topics we will cover. You'll have to come to find out what they are.

Regular Price: $299
Day of Price: $199
Early Registration Price: $99
YOUR Members Only Price: $49!!

Seminar Will Include:

• Workbook/Study Guide
• Up to 3 hour Seminar
• Professional Instructor
• Hands On Session
• Paid Lunch & Soft Drinks
• Door Prize Valued at $70.00 from fotoflot
• Room Rental Fees
• Sunday FREE Bonus: Hands on Workshop Photo-shoot for Attendees Only (not required)
• Free Bonus: Honest Critique of Sundays Photos when Posted by your Instructors!

NOTE: Please Be On Time we Start Promptly at 11 AM

Disclaimer: This is strictly a 101 Level class please do not sign up if you are above that level!

JOIN HERE: http://www.azphotographersgroup.com

6 Tips for Photographing Children in Groups!

TIP 1 

Try and get your subjects to laugh. Have some fun it makes them look more natural. 

 TIP 2 

  Make sure that the sun is to the back of your sweet subjects so that they are able to see. 

TIP 3

Feel free to  change locations if you find that it is not working. Don't be scared to get that whole group to move. 

TIP 4

If parents insist on coming to the shoot.... (which most likely they will) Instruct them at the beginning of the shoot that they are welcome to be there but it would help greatly if they would stand off to the side, not behind you (the photographer) kids tend to look at there parents for direction. You do not need 10 children looking in different directions. Example below. 

TIP 5

 Have a short meeting with them pr ior to the photo shoot. You can discuss Location, wardrobe, props. Have your clients look at your portfolio before hand. So that they are familiar with your style of work. DO NOT, under any requests, the day of the photo shoot start allowing the clients to direct you.... this is what will happen.

TIP 6

It takes about an hour (which goes quickly) to get about 10 - 30 good shots. So have fun and relax. If you are uptight your subjects will most likely be as well. You can do it. 

A big Thanks to my models. My nieces, nephews & my kids. This was a Photograph for our parents anniversary. They loved it. Made my Mom cry.... (I am so mean)

Guest Author:

Amy Canfield Rehbein

Join AZPhotographersGroup.com to Learn More & attend FREE Photo Shoots in Arizona!!

Essential Tips for Shooting Great Group Photos!

Groups of People are one of the more difficult subjects to capture, everyone is in a chaos moment, moving, talking not paying attention and more! It is difficult to get everyone doing the same thing at the same time!!

Try shooting a large group divided into smaller, more intimate groups. This has the advantage of seeing more of the people in the image instead of tiny faces in the photo.  If you need to shoot a Big Group Such as a team or School Class these tips below will help you do this better! 

Here are some essential Tips for shooting Medium to Large Groups.

1. Smaller is always better

Groups are shot for memories. You want to remember the event & people. You will get better images with  groups of three of four than a large group of eight or more. Plus smaller groups are easier to direct & place your subjects.  Obviously this isn't always an option ... Some photos such as Team, Family & Schools must be taken together!

2. Planning Your Shot before you get involved

Planning is important in any shoot. Move the guests around to create a more interesting photo. Be creative and don't just direct people by height. Group everyone around the Guest of Honor.

3. Location, Location, Location!!

Where you line everyone up is important. Control your background and beyond the image. You don’t want  any distractions from the group.  Control your Lighting as well, beware of bouncing flash off ceilings that have different heights and may cause shadows! Sometimes it’s great to place the group in their element, such as, a gardening Club outdoors. (The Image to the right has both Shadows on the Ceiling & the 2 guests to the left are behind others!)

4. Zoom Zoom Zoom

Get in close to the group by zooming which is why you don’t want it too large. The will help with detail in everyone's faces. If the group is too large try to get them to get their heads close together. You are creating memories not just a record of an event!  Fewer people but more detail is still a better idea. Also a ladder will get you a little higher and create a more stunning photo!

5. Keep Shooting!

This is important when taking shots of ANY group but essential when shooting large groups. Taking multiple shots makes it easier to get the shot as there might only be a second when everyone is looking at the camera & not blinking. You can use continuous mode to help if you want, Also in some instances I have had to merge photos in post processing, "borrow" a head from one photo and add it to a near perfect shot!

6. Don't Worry - Be Happy !

Don't Be a tired, grumpy old photographer!  Be happy even if you don’t feel like it. People feed off the  energy of others & a smile or a laugh can be contagious. A smile will relax your subjects & make them feel happier. Engage them, tell jokes & above all find ways to put them at ease. Have them give you a thumbs up, make a funny face or Point at the Guest of Honor for some custom shots!  If you are in a bad mood don’t do the photo shoot.

No group is ever the same as the next, every group has its own energy, & personality. What drives your group???  Find this out and work that angle! Shooting groups can be a lot of fun if you take the time to get into their world & engage them. The more you shoot groups the better you will become!

We Suggest doing Both a Series of Smaller Family Portraits and a Large group Photo as well! So this way your client can choose which they prefer!

One last Tip: Make sure your subjects are looking at you NOT mom, dad, or Aunt Edna Standing next to you!  An easy way to fix this issue is ask all the snap-shooters to wait until you give them the green light, if not it confuses your subjects and ruins BOTH Photos!

Cher!