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Meet The Photographers Who Write For Digital Photography School ~ Alex Smith

10 Mar

You’ve been reading their articles for months or years, have you ever wondered “Who are the photographers who write for dPS”? Today we meet Alex Smith, another of the newer writers brought on to dPS last year.

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1.) How long have you been shooting?

I have been shooting for the past 7 years in some way, shape or form.

2.) Do you have a full time job or are you a full time photographer?

Photography for me is a hobby that has gotten out of control. I am not a full time photographer and spend my days as a member of one of the scariest, most fear-inducing professions in the world. I work as a dentist.

3.) If you had to limit yourself to one genre of photography, what would it be and why?

This is a tough one. I really enjoy all aspects of photography and love to push myself into the different genres as I find I always learn something new. If I had to limit myself though, it would be to conceptual portrait/fashion photography. I love pushing my own creativity and it is a blast to come up with an idea and see it through to the final image. Not to mention you get to meet a lot of great people with which to collaborate and create.

4.) When did you start writing for dPS and why?

I am new to dPS as of Oct/Nov 2012. I applied to write for dPS because I feel that I have learned a great deal from the site. I wanted to be able to give back to the site by contributing and communicating what I have learned to others. Also, I hoped to be a good motivational factor and example for all the other self taught hobbyists out there that are working hard to learn photography.

5.) What do you shoot with and what’s your favorite lens?

I started with a Nikon D80 and moved to a Nikon D3s a few years ago. Really, my favorite lens is whatever is on my camera, but if forced to choose it is likely the Nikon 24-70 mm f/2.8. It is extremely versatile and I find that it is on my camera most of the time.

6.) What would be your number one tip to any new photographer?

My number one tip to anyone starting out in photography is not to let fear rule you. This is a craft and skill that takes time to learn and you should approach it as something that you will be continuously learning more about. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, try new things and get out of your comfort zone. You have to practice and make errors to get better and you can’t let all your blunders stand in the way of your progress. Just remember that all photographers start at the same point…the beginning. Don’t be ashamed of your skill or progress and just continue to work at areas you feel you need to improve.

7.) What’s your next big project?

Currently, I am working on a series of themed or conceptualized portraits in collaboration with a local make-up artist. I have been getting into more styling and planning with each shoot and am excited to see where these shoots are heading.

8.) Where can people go to find out more about you and your work?

You can find out plenty about me here on dPS and also at www.shutterhogs.com which is an ongoing project that I am trying to develop with a colleague. Also, I am on Twitter as @shutterhogs and my portfolio can be seen at 500px.com/alexsmith88.

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Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.

Check out our more Photography Tips at Photography Tips for Beginners, Portrait Photography Tips and Wedding Photography Tips.

Meet The Photographers Who Write For Digital Photography School ~ Alex Smith

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Meet The Photographers Who Write For Digital Photography School ~ Helen Bradley

03 Mar

You’ve been reading their articles for months or years, have you ever wondered “Who are the photographers who write for dPS”? Today we meet Helen Bradley, a long time writer on the site.

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1. How long have you been shooting?

I have been shooting seriously for about ten years. I started quite by accident. I needed some slides for an art class so I borrowed a Pentax K-1000 film camera, got some quick instructions on how to use an SLR and headed out shooting. It was love at first click!

2. Do you have a full time job or are you a full time photographer?

I am a full time freelance lifestyle writer and part of what I do is to write tutorials, and produce videos and books about photography, Photoshop and Lightroom.

I also write about Microsoft Office and iPad apps so I get to include my photographs in what I do every day. If my photos aren’t the subject of a photography or post production tutorial, they’ll be illustrating a tutorial on some application or other.

3. If you had to limit yourself to one genre of photography, what would it be and why?

It would have to be street photography. I love city streets and the noise, dirt and bustle of big cities. I get a thrill from finding a really great piece of street art, stencil art or cool person to shoot. I like the buzz of shooting on the streets and interacting with people that I meet. I’ve met some really interesting people whom I’ve either photographed or spent time talking with because they too have a camera in their hand – or a paintbrush.

4. When did you start writing for dPS and why?

I started writing for dPS in December 2008. I’d seen a note saying Darren was looking for writers and being an Aussie I felt that that might tip the balance in my favor. I love writing about fun and interesting stuff. I’m a strong believer in something I once heard Guy Kawasaki say – that you should eat like a bird and poop like an elephant. He meant you should learn and absorb everything you can then spread the information far and wide. This is what I live to do so dPS was a logical fit for me.

5. What do you shoot with and what’s your favorite lens?

I am a camera junkie. I have boxes of film in my fridge, I own a Holga, a refurbished Polaroid land camera, a point and shoot converted for IR capture, a Lens Baby and my trusty Pentax K-7 and a bag of lenses.

My favorite lens is a 28-200 3.8-5.6 Tamron lens. It’s a great everyday lens – it’s the only lens I carry when I am out on the streets, it can capture pretty much anything and it’s not too heavy or awkward to hand hold.

6. What would be your number one tip to any new photographer?

Carry your camera with you. All the time. Everywhere. It’s really, really difficult to take a photograph without one.

7. What’s your next big project?

Thank you for asking! I’ve just launched a book in the 57 Secrets series. The book is 57 Secrets for Working Smarter in Photoshop and you can learn more about it at http://www.57secrets.com/photoshop.htm. It is available as a Kindle ebook and a printed book from Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/57-Secrets-Working-Smarter-Photoshop/dp/161038010X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1357091649&sr=8-2&keywords=57+secrets+photoshop

8. Where can people go to find out more about you and your work?

My web site and blogs are all at: http://www.projectwoman.com

I have a craft blog at: http://www.craftinggoodness.com

Find me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/projectwoman

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/helenbradley

YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/HelenLBradley

Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/116149445148279071329/posts

I also offer classes on Photoshop, Photoshop Elements and Lightroom and one on one training. Details here: http://projectwoman.com/articles/44PhotoshopTraining.htm

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Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.

Check out our more Photography Tips at Photography Tips for Beginners, Portrait Photography Tips and Wedding Photography Tips.

Meet The Photographers Who Write For Digital Photography School ~ Helen Bradley

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Meet the Look Lock: Bringing Your Camera and Your Phone Closer Together

25 Feb

Extra photos for bloggers: 1, 2, 3

You, your smartphone and your DSLR are about to become the very best of friends. Like one teeny tiny gang.

It’s all thanks to the Look Lock,
an adjustable arm that mounts to your camera’s hot shoe and grabs onto your phone with a strong clamp.

When your camera and phone join forces you can really grab your subject’s attention, make a video of your photoshoot, or even set up a teleprompter.

Who needs an assistant when these pals have got your back?

Check out the Look Lock
$ 75 at the Photojojo Store

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%20http%3A%2F%2Fphotojojo.com%2Fstore%2Fawesomeness%2Flook-lock%2F”>Tweet it!

Meet Mr. Digital Clover, A Keychain Camera with Film Camera Appeal Extra photos for bloggers: 1, 2, 3 Bus rides can…
Attachable Lenses for Your Camera-Phone, Fisheye & Macro/Wide Angle Phone Lenses Extra photos for bloggers: 1, 2, 3 Camera-phones. They’re a…
The Phlash: Camera Phone Super Flash Every photographer knows that the key to the art is…

Photojojo

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Meet The Photographers Who Write For Digital Photography School ~ Anne McKinnell

25 Feb

You’ve been reading their articles for months or years, have you ever wondered “Who are the photographers who write for dPS”? Today we meet Anne McKinnell, one of our brand new, fresh and minty smelling writers.

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1. How long have you been shooting?

About 6 years if you add it all together.

The first time photography was part of my life was in university 20 years ago. I wrote for the student newspaper and bought a used Canon AE1 so I could take photographs to go with my stories. I used to roll my own film, develop it, and make prints in my bathroom. After university I did some travel photography in eastern Europe.

Back then I lived in a darkness. My images were journalistic in style and focused on problems in the world, sad stories, homeless people, and I even had a whole series on graveyards. It is as if I lived in a world full of only bad things.

I photographed less often during the time I was building my career in software and working to pay for my house. When digital photography came out, I gave up on it all together thinking now anyone could make a perfect photograph.

A decade later I realized that digital photography does not mean anyone can make a perfect image. I renewed my interest in photography and purchased my first DSLR about 4 years ago.

2. Do you have a full time job or are you a full time photographer?

Well, about a year and a half ago I made a rather huge change in my life. I sold my house in Victoria, BC, closed my software consulting business, bought an RV and hit the road for the life of a nomadic photographer.

I decided that if I ever wanted to be a travel photographer I should just start living that life and see what happens. So I’m a full-time photographer now, it’s my second career, and I’m having a happier and more fulfilling life. I don’t make as much money as I used to but I’m happier.

3. If you had to limit yourself to one genre of photography, what would it be and why?

When I got back into photography four years ago I did it for a specific reason. Photography is the tool I use to become a happier person and so I decided to only photograph beautiful things and leave the darker side of life for other photographers.

I have a tendency to see and focus on all the negative things in the world. I wish I was one of those positive people who see the bright side of life, but I’m not. Being inspired by Dewitt Jones, I try very hard to focus on “what is right with the world” and I use photography to help me do that. It really works and has changed my perspective greatly.

So my one genre of photography would have to be landscape and nature. When I see something in nature that is beautiful it reminds me that the world cannot be all bad. My favourite thing is to get out in nature and find beautiful things that inspire me and keep me sane. Seascapes at twilight is what really does it for me.

4. When did you start writing for dPS and why?

I’m new! I just starting writing for dPS a couple of months ago. I have always loved writing and I did a lot of teaching in my software business so it seemed natural to combine writing, teaching and photography this way. It also helps me bring my photography to a wider audience.

5. What do you shoot with and what’s your favorite lens?

I have a Canon 7D. My favourite lens is my 24-105L lens, probably because it’s my only L lens and it’s the perfect range for those times when I go out with only one lens. It’s extremely versatile. However I have to say that on a couple of occasions I have rented the 400mm f/5.6L for wildlife photography and I LOVE that lens.

6. What would be your number one tip to any new photographer?

Slow down. You have to change the way you go about photography to progress from making snapshots to making great images that have impact. Spend some time thinking about the scene and what you want to say about it. I like to spend a little time coming up with adjectives that describe the scene and then use those adjectives to decide what kind of image I want to make. For example, if I come up with adjectives like “peaceful, calm, blue” I might use a very different technique then if my adjectives are “dramatic, stormy, gritty.”

7. What’s your next big project?

I’m currently writing a series of eBooks for new photographers that will help them enhance their vision, exercise their creativity, and learn new tools and techniques along the way.

It’s a bit of an unconventional approach because I believe in learning a bit of everything at the same time. When you get your first DSLR it’s no fun to memorize your camera manual until you understand what every single button does without making any images. It’s no fun to study composition endlessly without trying some fun techniques too.

I think of it like a chemistry class in high school. Sure, you have to learn the formulas and memorize some stuff, but you also have to melt things and set stuff on fire or you’ll get bored and start to hate chemistry.

You need to learn a bit of each thing and progress in all areas simultaneously and that’s how I try to guide new photographers in my eBooks.

8. Where can people go to find out more about you and your work?

The best place is on my website where I have a blog about my travels and how I make each of my images. I also have two free photography eBooks available there.

My website: http://annemckinnell.com

I’m also on a bunch of social networks:

Google+: http://gplus.to/annemckinnell

Twitter: https://twitter.com/annemckinnell

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnneMcKinnellPhotography

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/annemckinnell/

Mono Lake Silhouette

Basin Head

Calm at Convict Lake

Walking on the ocean floor

Green Point Beach

Tybee Pier

Boneyard

Buttle Lake

Rebecca Spit

Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.

Check out our more Photography Tips at Photography Tips for Beginners, Portrait Photography Tips and Wedding Photography Tips.

Meet The Photographers Who Write For Digital Photography School ~ Anne McKinnell

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Meet The Photographers Who Write For Digital Photography School ~ Darlene Hildebrandt

21 Feb

You’ve been reading their articles for months or years, have you ever wondered “Who are the photographers who write for dPS”? Today meet photographer Darlene Hildebrandt from Alberta, Canada.

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1. How long have you been shooting?

I graduated from a 2 year photography program in 1988! So over 25 years now, mostly as a professional. I’ve been in the industry in many forms including: doing commercial studio work; had my own portrait/wedding studio for 12 years; was a trade rep for an album company and coached my photographer clients on business; some editorial work; travel photography; and the odd image sale for stock. I’ve also done tons of art shows and sell my work in local galleries.

2. Do you have a full time job or are you a full time photographer?

I have a part-time job at a camera store, in the accounting department of all things. Mostly because I’ve done my own accounting for years and I needed something to get me out of the house after a 6 month extended RV trip around Canada and the US. Camera discounts are also a bonus, and it has connected me with teaching photography classes which I do here at the store as well as with two other local photography schools.

The photography that I do now is mostly for myself and my articles and classes. I make most of my living teaching classes, doing private tutoring (in person and virtually using skype), leading workshops and photo tours.

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3. If you had to limit yourself to one genre of photography, what would it be and why?

Tough question. I’d have to say travel photography, which to me encompasses fine art, urban, landscape, HDR, night photography, and people. I find joy in all those areas so I’d find it hard to pick among those. If I had to I’d say travel photography with people. Those are the images I find I want to see first when I download after a long trip. But I also love night photography and HDR, both of which I teach. Okay I can’t pick, so can I say I’d pick – “general”!

4. When did you start writing for dPS and why?

May 2012 was the date my first article was published with DPS. I wanted to teach to a wider audience than I currently had on my own site and share my knowledge with more people. DPS allows me to do that in a big way. I love hearing the comments from readers who have enjoyed my articles. Seeing their resulting images after applying my tips, and hearing how excited they are about photography is why I do this.

5. What do you shoot with and what is your favorite lens?

I’m a Canon shooter, I have a 5D MarkIII. However, not to get into a flame war here, I believe the camera is just a tool and whatever you use is just fine, be it Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony or something else. It’s about learning how to use it and this is the right place to do that! Not sure I have a favorite lens, but I’d say the extremes. I love either really wide angle images, or long lens tight shots. I tend to live in the 17-20mm and 150-200 range more so than I do in the middle. My wide is a Tamron 17-35mm. I also really love my 85 f1.8 for portraits.

6. What would be your number one tip to any new photographer?

Invest in education before you invest in gear. I’ve had several students want to jump from an entry level DSLR into a full frame one, thinking that it will magically make all their photos better. While there are some advantages of full frame (better at higher ISO, can get better shallow depth of field, etc) in my personal opinion mastering some of the other aspects of photography first will take you further. Things like getting the right exposure; what IS the right exposure; metering; controlling contrast; composition; lighting; choosing the right lens for the job; white balance; lighting; working with people; confidence; shooting in manual and RAW modes, and more. A full frame SLR is a big investment, but I suggest you invest in yourself first. An experienced, great photographer can do more with a crappy camera, than an inexperienced photographer can do with great camera – in my opinion.

7. What’s your next big project?

I have two projects in the works right now. First is a virtual photography class I’m collaborating on with another photographer, still hammering out the details as I write this but by the time this is published it will likely be available. It will be an 11 week (first one is free so you can try it out with no obligations, no money down), 15+ hour, live class which will incorporate lecture, Q&A, image reviews, and weekly assignments. The topic is two fold – Lightroom mastery and Image mastery, so a marriage of technical (image processing) and artistic (shooting and processing).

The second is an ebook that I’ve had in my mind for a while. It’s 75% written, now I just need to find time to finish it and process all the images. It will feature photo tips, things I learned along the way on my 6 month RV journey to reinventing myself as a photographer, as well as inspirational images.

8. Where can people go to find out more about you and your work?

My main hub is my website Her View Photography, where you can get my FREE ebook “10 Challenges to Help you Take Better Pictures Without Buying More Gear” and find out more about my upcoming photo tours, workshops and photography tutoring – both in person and virtual using Skype or Google Hangouts.

You can see some of my images on my portfolio site. My social media links are: Facebook, Google Plus, Twitter and Pinterest. Contact me here or by commenting on this article.

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Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.

Check out our more Photography Tips at Photography Tips for Beginners, Portrait Photography Tips and Wedding Photography Tips.

Meet The Photographers Who Write For Digital Photography School ~ Darlene Hildebrandt

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Meet The Photographers Who Write For Digital Photography School ~ Elliot Hook

14 Feb

You’ve been reading their articles for months or years, have you ever wondered “Who are the photographers who write for dPS”? Today meet UK photographer Elliot Hook.

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1. How long have you been shooting?

I’ve always taken pictures but it wasn’t until 2009 that I bought my first DSLR and started to seriously learn about photography.

2. Do you have a full time job or are you a full time photographer?

I have a full time job in research science meaning that photography is an ‘all-other-time’ consuming hobby currently. It is unfortunate that work stops me from getting out with my camera as much as I would like, but I am fortunate in that I enjoy my job, and can use photography as a way to unwind at the end of a week.

3. If you had to limit yourself to one genre of photography, what would it be and why?

I would have to say ‘outdoor’ photography as it allows me to cover both landscape and wildlife photography in one genre. I seem to alternate between the two in terms of which one I put all of my effort into, though really they are quite similar in terms of my approach – being up and out early for sunrise, trying to make sure I am in the right place at the right time and having patience to wait for the perfect moment. Trying to shoot landscapes or wildlife can be very frustrating as you are at nature’s whim, however, that just makes it all the more rewarding when you do capture that great shot!

4. When did you start writing for dPS and why?

I started writing for dPS in October 2012. It is a blog that has helped to inspire and teach me ever since I bought my first DSLR, so when I saw a post from Darren saying that dPS was looking to recruit new writers, I just had to apply. I really enjoy sharing images, knowledge and tips with others so I’m very happy that I am able to share what I have learned and help people avoid making the same mistakes that I’ve made.

5. What do you shoot with and what is your favorite lens?

I shoot with an Olympus E-3 and two lenses: Olympus Zuiko 12-60 mm f/2.8-4.0 SWD and the Olympus Zuiko 50-200 mm f/2.8-3.5 SWD. I’m not sure that I could pick a favourite of the two as they are each perfect for their intended use. The 12-60 mm gives me a great 24-120 mm effective focal length, perfect for landscaping and as a walk around lens. The 50-200 mm, when coupled with a teleconverter, gives me up to 560 mm effective focal length, perfect for capturing wildlife. Both give amazingly quick autofocus performance and both are fully weather sealed; I couldn’t ask for much more.

6. What would be your number one tip to any new photographer?

Don’t obsess about having the latest and greatest kit; it isn’t the camera or lens that defines the photographer or photograph they can produce. I see far too many folk out and about using top of the range cameras that they have no idea how to operate. My advice would be to just get out there and learn how to use your camera. The more comfortable you are with your camera, with its strengths and flaws, the more likely you will be to capture that special moment.

Oh, and get out before sunrise. The world is a completely different place before everyone else wakes up!

7. What’s your next big project?

There are so many things I want to try and get stuck into in 2013 that I don’t quite know where to begin. I don’t have any projects defined currently, but I have just booked my first trip to the Isle of Skye in Scotland for early in the year. It looks to be a landscape photographer’s dream, so I really can’t wait to go.

8. Where can people go to find out more about you and your work?

More of my photography can be found on my website at , or on my 500px or Flickr pages. I’m also on twitter.

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Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.

Check out our more Photography Tips at Photography Tips for Beginners, Portrait Photography Tips and Wedding Photography Tips.

Meet The Photographers Who Write For Digital Photography School ~ Elliot Hook

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Meet The Photographers Who Write For Digital Photography School ~ Barrie Smith

11 Feb

You’ve been reading their articles for months or years, have you ever wondered “Who are the photographers who write for dPS”? We thought it would be a good time to introduce them to you through a series of interviews.

Today meet Barrie Smith, Australia based writer-photographer.

1. How long have you been shooting?

Decades.

Barrie Smith

2. Do you have a full time job or are you a full time photographer?

I am a full time writer-photographer.

3. What does this require?

Ability to move quickly. Many of my subjects are people stories so I may make contact with the character one day, then talk to and shoot him or her the next.

My pictures are journalistic in style, so arty shots are not in the running.

4. What other jobs have you held in the industry?

Early days: film and video cameraman, then setting up and operating the TV workshop for a major international ad agency. Then directed TV commercials for a long, long time.

As a sideline started to write about photography for Australian and international magazines.

Wrote, photographed and self-published Australia’s only book on vintage cameras — THE CLASSICS: CAMERAS.

When digital cameras arrived (was it 1995?) I began shooting and writing on this topic as well as reviews on cameras and software.

Founding editor of Australian Videography and Australian Digital Camera magazines.

4. When did you start writing for DPS and why?

Nearly four years ago I joined the team, thanks to a tip from a fellow contributor. Enjoy my stuff on the Web. Beats the bum off conventional publishing. Immediate communication with your audience. Rapid appearance online as against months of lead time with magazines.

5. What do you shoot with?

Compact bridge cameras. Not a favourite of clumsy, heavy DSLRs!

6. What would be your number one tip to any new photographer?

It’s the driver not the car!

Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.

Check out our more Photography Tips at Photography Tips for Beginners, Portrait Photography Tips and Wedding Photography Tips.

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Meet The Photographers Who Write For Digital Photography School ~ James Brandon

07 Feb

Today, we meet Texas based photographer James Brandon, author of the e-book Tack Sharp: A Step By Step Guide To Nailing Focus.

1. How long have you been shooting?

I really got serious about it around 4 years ago on a trip to Mexico with my wife. We went to the Mayan ruins at Uxmal and I was hooked. I don’t know what it was about that trip but I completely came alive with a camera in my hand.

James Bradon & son!

2. Do you have a full time job or are you a full time photographer?

I’ve been doing photography full time as my career for about 3 1/2 years now. I worked at a bank before; selling mortgages, business loans and checking accounts. I made good money and hated every bit of it. I took a good look at my life and couldn’t see myself ever finding happiness on the path I was on. I worked long hours, always came home in a bad mood and just didn’t feel alive. I decided to start seeking out clients for my photography and slowly started building them one by one. I eventually went part time at the bank and a few months after that I put in my two weeks and haven’t looked back since.

3. If you had to limit yourself to one genre of photography, what would it be and why?

Travel for sure. My true passion in photography is traveling the world and photographing all the beauty that this planet has to offer.

4. When did you start writing for dPS and why?

I guess it was about two years ago. I had been a reader of DPS for some time and saw a place on the website for people to submit articles. I was really into HDR at the time and hadn’t seen a whole lot of articles on the subject at DPS. I submitted a three part series on HDR that was really well received. After that I asked Darren if I could continue submitting articles and he was gracious enough to allow me to continue writing.

5. What do you shoot with and what is your favorite lens?

I shoot all Canon stuff. Not because I think it’s better than Nikon, but simply because my first DSLR was a Canon Rebel. I now use a Canon 1Ds Mark III as my primary body and have a 5D Mark II as a backup. My favorite lens at the moment is one of my newest lenses, the Canon 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS. It’s the sharpest lens I’ve ever used and the image quality is just insane. And at only around $ 900 it’s one of the more affordable L series lenses you’ll find. If I was offered a $ 2,000 85mm f/1.2mm prime but I had to give up my 100mm, I would turn it down in a heartbeat.

6. What would be your number one tip to any new photographer?

Don’t waste your life doing something that doesn’t make you happy. That doesn’t mean that everyone reading this needs to quit their job and become a photographer, I’m just saying that if you aren’t happy with your life, change it. If you love your job and love doing photography on the side, then keep going. But if you hate your job and photography is your driving passion, then make a move in that direction. Start somewhere. Start anywhere. Just don’t look back at your life wondering what could have been. Life is too short. When most people think of the word “lazy” they think of someone sitting on a couch in their underwear eating cheetos and playing xbox. I think of my old self; driving day after day, every day to a job that was suffocating my joy and creativity…and not doing anything about it for so long. That’s lazy.

7. What’s your next big project?

eBooks! My goal in 2013 is to write 3-4 eBooks to start building a collection. My first eBook Tack Sharp has been a huge success and I hope to create more content that is equally as helpful to the photography community. I also became a father back in June of 2012 so my new and ongoing personal project is to document that little guy!

8. Where can people go to find out more about you and your work?

They can visit my website, follow me on Twitter or Google+.

Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.

Check out our more Photography Tips at Photography Tips for Beginners, Portrait Photography Tips and Wedding Photography Tips.

Meet The Photographers Who Write For Digital Photography School ~ James Brandon

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Meet The Photographers Who Write For Digital Photography School ~ James Maher

04 Feb

Today meet James Maher, New York City based photographer and author of The Essentials Of Street Photography.

1. How long have you been shooting?

James Maher

I became interested in photography in 2002 and enrolled in photography courses in 2003. I assisted for a commercial photographer in 2005 and 2006 and started my business soon after that.

2. Do you have a full time job or are you a full time photographer?

I’ve been on my own as a full time photographer since late 2006. The first couple of years were fairly lean times, but I’ve steadily grown a clientele since then and business has begun to take off over the last four years. Because of the rent here in Manhattan, I operate my ‘studio’ out of my apartment, which has a lot of benefits and a lot of downfalls – the biggest downfall being that our refrigerator is about 20 feet from where I work. It would be nice to have more space for portraiture, but I make do. And honestly, the beautiful streets outside of my apartment make for stunning backgrounds with so many unique colors and textures.

3. If you had to limit yourself to one genre of photography, what would it be and why?

I’m not sure I could do that to be honest. I have the most fun with street photography, where I get to walk around and explore. That’s how I got started with photography in the first place, because I had so much fun walking around and seeking out interesting places and people. I love to people watch. However, I love portraiture as well and connecting with people and learning about them. I guess if I have to pick one, it would be any type of photography that has to do with meeting or observing interesting people.

4. When did you start writing for dPS and why?

I wrote my first article for DPS in November of 2010, titled 14 Tips to be a Successful Freelance Photographer. I generally try to write for myself and then hope that other people connect with it. That article was a personal reminder of all the mistakes I’ve made and things I’ve learned to help me from falling back into the traps that I used to fall into. I find each article to be a learning experience. I’ve always loved to write and when I first found DPS I knew that I wanted to work with them. I can’t believe it’s been that long since the first article.

5. What do you shoot with and what is your favorite lens?

I shoot with a Canon 5D Mark II. My three primary lenses are the Canon 24-70mm, the Canon 70-200mm, and the Canon 28mm prime. I love them all, but I couldn’t live without the light 28mm. That’s my street photography lens and it’s so light and easy to use and 28mm is one of my favorite focal lengths. It’s not what I will use on most paid photo jobs, but it’s my everyday walk around lens.

6. What would be your number one tip to any new photographer?

Wow, only one tip – that’s tough. I guess it would be to spend a lot of time looking at photography and art. You need to develop your eye. Educate yourself. Go to galleries, hang out in bookstores or go to the library, and search through photographer portfolios on the web. Spend a lot of time doing this and maybe even make a digital scrapbook of your favorite photos to come back to over time. Also, this is a second tip, but don’t be afraid of failing or people not liking your work. Most good artists take criticism pretty hard but they’re not afraid of putting themselves in a position where they might fail. It can take years of failure to become a success.

7. What’s your next big project?

Last year’s big project was writing a book, so I’m a little burned out on big projects at the moment. I want to buckle down and allocate more time for shooting and writing. But I guess my next big project will be to focus myself to do more of my own portraits, where I control the outcome. When you become a photographer, your portraiture tends to only be done for clients who want to look as good and happy as possible. When you do portraiture for yourself, you can do whatever you want. So I guess my next big project is to spend more time and resources on this. I stopped doing this over the last five years as I focused on building a business.

8. Where can people go to find out more about you and your work?

Everything is on my website. You can view my street photography, my urban landscape and travel work, my portraiture and commercial work, join my mailing list, and learn more about my book. And if you have any questions, feel free to send me an email.

Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.

Check out our more Photography Tips at Photography Tips for Beginners, Portrait Photography Tips and Wedding Photography Tips.

Meet The Photographers Who Write For Digital Photography School ~ James Maher

Digital Photography School

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CupCake Meet 10

02 Feb

By Junior Hernandez Finally, I was able to work on this video of CupCake Meet 10 which was held here in Dallas, Texas. Do to very little available time to work on this video I rushed in post so this video is not perfect, example, email address in it is our old one so it wont work. darkimageproductions817@hotmail The event was a first for me and to be honest, it overwhelmed me when I got there. It was so big that I did not know where or how to start. LOL One of the cameras was a Nikon D300s and when you record with a DSLR you really need a tipod which it was the only thing I forgot to bring with me that day. You will notice why I need a tripod in lots of the clips. I still need to learn how to use this camera for video but it is what it is. I hope you enjoy!! Special Thanks to TinoX Beatz & The Progress for the beat! Special Thanks to Tiffany Truong for making this event happen and everything she does it for!
Video Rating: 4 / 5

cazillo.com I had way too many requests that I couldn’t ignore last week when I showed you my photos from Red Rock Canyon outside of Las Vegas Nevada. So for all you that requested it…here you go! First, as always, we need to start with a good histogram and well exposed image. The first photo has very little contrast but a very good starting point. There is plenty of data to work with, especially from a RAW file, it just needed to be moved around. The second I thought was a complete goner. Unfortunately it was overexposed, skies almost gone with cloud cover and a histogram pushed way to far to the right. Check out the video to see how I created both of these images…enjoy!
Video Rating: 4 / 5

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