Wedding Sneak Peeks - Plus Things I Learned At This Wedding

Life has calmed down a bit for us. My little guys is starting pre pre school soon and my health issues are starting to resolve. Thank goodness because I booked this wedding some time ago. It's for the couple whose engagement photos I shot way way back when. I wanted to share them here along with some other tips I learned while doing this wedding:

Here are just a couple of my favorite shots in a slideshow...



Some things I learned:

1. Always have a ton of batteries and more memory cards than you think you will need.

2. Shoot in RAW as much as possible especially if you aren't sure of the lighting or have a fast paced day.

3. Make a kit with double sided tape, sewing needles and white thread, deoderant, breathmints, small scissors and whatever else you may think the bride may need. Sometimes you have to jump in and save the day. I had to fix a flower bouquet and a dress.

4. Have a game plan (and a back up game plan). Visit the church, where the after shots will be taken and the reception hall ahead of time. Get an idea of what shots/poses you want to take and when.  I would have been lost without doing that. The church was extremely dark so I had to rent a faster lens, the reception hall had a mansion attached to it with one of the coolest fireplaces that otherwise I would have never known existed (and produced some of the best pictures of the day).  I had 20 minutes to shoot at the house ahead of time (when I thought we would have an hour) and 25 minutes between the church and reception. I had a game plan as to what shots I was taking, had everyone lined up and ready to go. Had I not had a game plan, I would have been sunk.

Once my laptop is back from the shop, I will do some screen prints of photoshop processing (easy) for this volume of photos. I took 1600 pictures. 1200 of which I decided were keepers. I'll also share how I did my workflow too. I think that I took the long way around but it's a learning experience for me. I have never taken and processed that many pictures before.

More Free Photography Classes!!!

There are so many workshops out there, however, they are usually expensive. So what does the rest of us do when you want to learn more about photography or post-processing? Get on the internet and look for freebies. I just found some great online and FREE classes that I wanted to share with you:

You can go to http://h30187.www3.hp.com/all_courses.jsp?hplcpsession.id=636bc5a7669f2a9af89a406faf6f to enroll and take free photography classes from HP.

There are over 100 different courses you can take from post-processing, composition, photoshop and even general business courses (unrelated to photography).

I can't wait to learn some more about Photoshop! Check out some more free workshops I posted about HERE from Creative Live

Sneak Peek at the Beach Shots SOOC

Hope everyone is having a safe and happy holiday weekend....I finally got a chance to pull some of the beach shots from last weekend off the old CF card:) My laptop is in the shop due to a virus, so I don't have access to my photoshop but hubs graciously let me use his computer. I figured I would post the SOOC (Straight out of camera shots) no cropping, adjusting the white balance (I admit, I completely flaked on the white balance and just used auto as you can tell) or anything! Eek...let's see if I followed the tutorials I posted about HERE

On Assateauge Island Day 1 - We went out midday which is tough because the son was almost directly overhead, giving some really harsh shadows. It was also ridiculously sunny, which is normally what you want when you go to the beach... but it's not what you want for beach pictures. A slightly overcast day would have worked out much better. Early morning or late afternoon right before dusk would have been perfect but nap time and bedtimes wouldn't cooperate so I made due with what we had.

 This shot was little mans first dip in the ocean. Doesn't the water look so blue??? I can assure you it wasn't. I don't venture out in water that you can't see your feet in... I was permanently spoiled by Key West!

I think I did OK with the picture on the left. I will probably do a curves adjustment and crop a little, but overall not a bad candid pic.

I used my husbands pants as my point for exposure metering since the sand and ocean and little mans shirts are so light and hubs shirt is black... The pants were the closest I could get to gray since I didn't have a gray card with me.

 Love this pic (going to get rid of the people in the background)... the surfer girl was a lot of fun... we were talking about the pending "appocalypse" that was supposed to occur that day and we agreed that we couldn't think of a better thing to do on our last day on earth than spend it at the beach... but I'm still glad I'm here now to talk about it:)

What a difference a day makes... below was our next day at the shore on the Ocean City MD beach... The day was overcast so the sand was more true to color, the shadows weren't so harsh and there was no squinting from looking into the sun. Perfect day for pictures. These were taken at the same time of day believe it or not.

There are so many more... I am thinking about posting to a photo share sight but right now here are the ones we will be using soon to discuss post processing and creative cropping. As soon as we get my laptop back, I can start post processing...I think the last two are slightly underexposed, so I will fix that, too.

Things I would have done (or done better) next time:

Bought a Polarizing filter - it would have made the sky and ocean "pop"

Used my flash to fill in some of the shadows to try to get rid of the "racoon eye effect"

Used a reflector to try to get rid of some of the harsh shadows

Changed the time of day of the shoot... Dusk and dawn would have added a warm hue to the skin tones.

Let me a comment to know what you think. When we do the post processing tutorial, I'll include all the data like what exposure and aperture I used.

Free Photography Workshops Online!

I just participated in the free live seminar with Creative Live for Food Photography with Penny De Los Santos. It was fantastic. I didn't get to watch the whole seminar, however, I did get enough out of it to learn some new food photography tips. I just received an email from Creative Live - they are having more free Photography seminars and I thought I would share the info!

Yes they are free - when you watch them live. They usually replay them late in the evening for free as well with other time zones. If you want to watch it after the fact or a copy of the DVD, there is a fee for the workshop. The setup is basic. It's a live webinar with an audience. There are places to log on their site so that you can chat with other people who are watching and another spot to ask questions. There are moderators that are reviewing the questions that are in the room with the speaker. There is a live audience actually taking the workshop in person. If you have a flexible schedule, these are great.

Here are the list of the future workshops:

June 10th and 11th  
     Doug Landreth, Artistic Post Production
July 29 - 31   
     Lighten up and shoot - Street Photography
August 26-28 
    Mark Wallace: Anatomy of a Photoshoot
September 9-10
    Tamara Lackey: Taking Care of Business
October 7-9 
    David Nightengale: Dramatic Images and Practical HDR *** I
    have been wanting to do HDR photography forever, can't wait
    for this one!
October 21-23 
   Rick Sammon Photography Weekend

I plan to attend each one... This is a great way to get workshop training but without the price tag... The site to get started and register is HERE... Remember you want to ENROLL not purchase. The current available courses to attend for free are listed first. You will have to create an account and give your email and that's it:) Enjoy!!!

Beach Vacation Time - How to take great photos on the beach!

We haven't been on a vacation in years so when my dad and stepmom asked us to share their shore rental this weekend, we were all in! My mom is coming in from western PA to stay with gram and our dog and we are driving until the map turns blue.... I wanted to get some beach photography experience in so I decided to lug all of my equipment along. I've been researching some tips to use when photographing on the beach. Since there is harsh lighting at times and also the sand is sometimes an unwanted reflector, it may be challenging.

Here are some links to articles that I found interesting...

10 Beach Photography Tips

How to Take Beach Photos 

Photography on the Beach

I'm definately picking up a polarizing filter before we go to give those rich sky tones and water hues...can't wait to share some pics with you next week when we get home!!!

I'm Back in Action.... Is anyone still out there?

Little Man is not so little anymore!

Hopefully there are some of you still out there… I have missed everyone! Photography has taken a back seat in my life the last year and I decided to put the growing of my business on hold to take care of my aunt, who I have mentioned in the blog in the past… She was battling cancer and the cancer won. The last year has been spent taking care of her, my son – who we found out had minor developmental delays and who has two therapy sessions a week, my gram who is still with us and is slowly declining due to dementia. I found myself barely being able to get out of the house, let alone work on growing a photography business. So I decided to take a breath and focus on my family first. Unfortunately we lost my aunt the beginning of this year to a long battle with cancer and 3 weeks later lost my husband’s brother at 27 to complications with his lupus. I began this fog for months which I have just climbed out of. I had a cold that lasted for months and could barely get out of bed. I found out I might have Rheumatoid arthritis which is a scary prospect and until the rheumatologist confirms it I refuse to believe it (even though my bloodwork and joints tell me otherwise), but most of all I think I just checked out mentally. There was no pressing matters or worries anymore. No running a million places or hoping for miracle cures. There was just silence. For seven years, I have taken care of my husband’s grandmother and aunt and the last two and a half my little man but never myself. It’s been a blur of doctors, therapists, ER visits, chemotherapy, and now funerals. Now there are only occasional checkups and little man is now cleared of therapy and is flourishing. I had been contributing to the deals blog and trying to make some connection to the outside world because I was starting to feel like a recluse, however, my efforts were futile. I realized that I missed photography and people who shared the love of photography… In January at the height of what was happening, I realized I hadn’t picked up my camera in months. I hadn’t taken a picture or looked at a tutorial, wrote in this blog, or even logged on Clickin Moms which used to be part of my daily routine and I was extremely sad. Before I couldn’t imagine a life without photography and for months I had been living it without even realizing it. I have been taking pictures for decades almost involuntarily. My camera was an extension of myself, it was part of who I was, it was my faithful companion but in the craziness of the last year, I put it down and forgot to pick it back up again.


So I have decided to start back up again and immerse myself with learning more about photography and sharing it with you all. I've decided to find some happiness in the craziness that life has thrown at us.  I just bought myself a continuous light kit (so I can master the studio lighting) that I just got off of ebay and some new lenses. I have even some events booked for friends and friends of friends. I have a huge idea list and lots of deals to share with you…. So hopefully you all can forgive me for being gone so long and share this journey with me:)

Jen

PPA Membership - my thoughts

When I decided to become a photographer and do it for profit, I weighed the option of joining PPA. I ended up doing it. I get a newsletter, Professional Photographer Magazine (which I personally love - they have articles from real photographers who have small studios and they are very candid about struggles, what they have tried, what worked/what didn't), and a ton of discounts. I got my equipment insurance and liability insurance which was completely affordable. Even if you are just doing this as a part time gig or hobby, doesn't hurt to get liability insurance. What if you went to someones house (even a friends) set up your light stand and it fell on something and broke it or worse it fell on one of their children. I think I have a million or something like that in liability. More than enough for non-studio. Plus if you ever plan on shooting a wedding, youmay need this for the venue. The wedding that I am doing in September, I contacted the facility to find out some information about it and set up a tour (so I can see conditions/lighting) and they required it....

They also have an agreement with Fed Ex where you can get an acct and get their discount on shipping. I am still working out the application with Fed Ex but it is soooo much cheaper than going to the local Fed Ex store.

You have access to Webinars (I love webinars) You never know what life brings so attending a workshop is impossible. I learned this as I had to cancel my flight for Launch ( i am still upset about this - I won in a contest and was soooo bummed) when my aunt who lives with us, her chemo was rescheduled for the day I was leaving. My son got fifths disease and ended up in the ER the day before I was attending Ana Brandt's (love her) maternity workshop in NYC which I paid for. Yes my husband and I do have bad luck in some things. That's why I love Online courses and webinars. I can take it in my PJ's in the comfort of my on home while my son is watching Wheel of Fortune (his new favorite show). A lot are free - some have a small fee for members.

They also have a resource section that has sample forms, contracts, and important business information.

Worth the money? Depends... I feel like it has been a huge benefit to me, however, If you are just in it for fun, look around the site http://www.ppa.com/ and see if it is for you:)

Taking a break - good or bad?

So I hate to admit, I haven't even touched my camera in the last three weeks. After the Valentines Day shoots, I put it down, craziness ensued and here I am. I have 8 requests for Easter photographs plus my own kid and I haven't even thought about Easter yet! OMG. I need to get my butt in gear!

So I guess I am wondering - what do you do when you get burnt out with photography? How do you get your interest back? What do you do to motivate yourself?

Right now I am going to come up with an Easter Mini Session plan... that is #1 priority.

Now to hit hobby lobby for some props.

So far I have a large basket for Newborns, small Children.... Couple backdrops..... I would love to go hard core and rent some chicks from the local farm (yes they rent live chicks) but that spells disaster. Plus I'm afraid the toddlers and younger ones may hurt them.

I'd love to hear some of your motivators or what you do when you burn out to get back in the game!

Back in Action

2010 has proven to be more hectic than 2009 for sure already. Sorry to have left you all hanging. As soon as I put out one fire another one erupts. Oh well....

I have been catching up with a couple of my personal favorite sites   - Coffeeshop Photography, The Pioneer Woman and Texas Chicks

If you haven't checked them out lately - There are a TON of new actions and storyboards on Coffeeshop AND I noticed that Rita is doing custom blogs and Logo Designs. There are a lot of great tips and even a section on how to tweak your blogger blog!

They have a really neat story board now http://coffeeteaphotography.blogspot.com/2010/03/coffeeshop-shadowhouse-storyboard.html

The Pioneer Woman  http://www.thepioneerwoman.com/ is another one of my favorites, too. She has a new action from TRA made for her:) You can check it out under the photography tab. Also check out her recipes. I have this one added to my google reader. I love her! I also get a lot of great recipes from her site as well:)

Get your actions loaded:)

Lighting Tutorials

Found some of these for you to check out:)

Portrait Lighting Techniques



More on Lighting

Free Prints

I always like to pass on when I see free prints deals.... For a photographer, I really don't get a chance to print out personal pictures for my own albums, when I do, I usually look for the freebies to fill my scrapbook. Would never use for clients or pics that I would be showing to clients, but for me they suit just fine!

CVS has 50 free prints http://www.cvsphoto.com/account/register.aspx  if you register, you can always pick up at the store!

SNAPFISH http://www.snapfish.com/  usually has freebies for new customers, last time I checked you get 50 free prints and if you purchase at least 1 print (usually .09) you will get another 100 free....They have cute novelties for gifts for families or friends.

HOTPRINTS http://www.hotprints.com/?site=ite=ny2010 Thanks to Couponers United!! Get a free photo book

As always, if you are trying to test out a professional printer for those wall hangings, archival or client prints, get the free sample prints

MILLERS - http://www.millerslab.com/ 
CPQ - http://www.cpq.com/   *** right now they are offering 30% off 16x16 or larger prints
WHCC - http://www.whcc.com/

**most will require you to be a professional photographer to access, order, and view price lists**

Those are my favorites. Millers will mark up the samples, but the other two do not. I used them for display. All three have exeptional prints in my opinion.

I just won 5 Swagbucks!!!! Wooohooo

Just got me 5 Swagbucks from doing a search on my SWAGBUCKS toolbar. Swagbucks is a great way to earn extra cash and gift cards. You can earn points for searching the internet, playing games, taking surveys, trading in old electronic equipment... Can cash in via paypal, gift card (amazon wooohoo) and as entries into contests. All of my mommy and money saving favorite bloggers swear by it so I checked it out earlier this month.

If you want to check it out, click here . I installed the toolbar and nothing in my antivirus antispyware came up. As always, with anything, make sure those are up to date.... remember my drama in December!!!

I forgot I had this acct since beginning of January. I used it the day I signed up and today and earned 10 swagbucks from just searching those two days. At 45 you can cash out for $5in your paypal or a $5 gift card.....

Always looking for a deal:)

Marketing Monday and a Freebie too.....

Hi, all... back in action:) Today I wanted to talk about partnering up with local businesses to promote your photography business. Here are a couple examples.

1. Contact local bridal shops, limo services, DJ's , Retailers that have gift registries. See if they would be interested in raffling off a free engagement session to their customers or maybe $200 off a wedding gift certificate. This would be something that they would promote so the only cost to you is your time for the session. If they like you they may book you for the wedding. This can generate a lot of business.

2. Partner with a local business for advertising or to take place in local bridal shows/baby shows. Offer to donate the prize (usually required for registration) and offer to man the booth/buy lunch. Give them acknowledgment on your blog/website and even offer to give brochure to customers of yours for engagements. This is free advertising for them, you are covering the giveaway and they are going to the show anyways, so they incur the cost of the show.

3. Offer to do a photobooth at the local event. This won't cost you anything, yet you will get a lot of exposure. I did this for the local fire company. Gave them a disk of the pictures for the website, set up online ordering for the parents and included a $25 off session gift card.

4. Call the local paper or magazine and see if you can offer the "weekly giveaway". I would donate a free session. Possible exposure of thousands!!! Our magazine offers the readers a chance to in a product/service from the business of the month. I am awaiting a call back from the advertising director - keeping my fingers crossed:)

These are just a couple Ideas that can help you market your business....More to come

FREEBIE - This is courtesy of THE FREEBIE BLOGGER, one of my favorite freebie sites

Free Guide 10 innovative ways to use twitter for business

Where have I been???? An apology

First of all I have to truly apologize for being MIA the past 3 weeks. Life has gotten insane and I have been a little off track. Hubby has been on call for the past 2 weeks and has been working almost around the clock. "The big thaw" came early here in PA. Last week the temps were high 40's to 50's for a couple days and surprise surprise, pipes were bursting left and right. I guess they get frozen and then as they thaw expand and boom - he has a more technical reason but I like the boom theory. My husband is a sprinkler fitter (and fireman) so this was the worst possible week to be on call!!! With him working round the clock, it leaves me with my son, my grandmother, and my aunt who has successfully finished her first round of this new Chemo drug, with side effects of course. I have officially launched http://www.jencarlphoto.com/ - CC is welcome. It is still a work in progress. I am working on the Jen Carl Photo Blog and also My new Money saving blog - Lehigh Valley Money Saving Momma as well. I am finishing up with my job hopefully by March 1 a little later than I hoped and we are in the process of refnancing and taking advantage of the low interest rates. Also car shopping as well - the Edge is finally going! Who would have thought with a newer car we would have so many problems? So between all that I am physically and mentally exhausted... Oh plus little man is 1 on Saturday so add a huge family party in the mix. All in three weeks, plus still working while everything is being finalized...

And then she swooped in. My mom... who could hear the desparation and feeling  of being overwhelmed in my voice yesterday drove 4 hours this morning to come and save my sanity. Thank god for little miracles. She is staying until Sunday!!! I have been wondering what it has been like to sleep and eat, it has been so long I can't recall.

I will now be catching up on emails and posting the tutorials I have been compiling and have a couple stories to share as well.... I have a bunch of PHOTOGRAPHY FREEBIES that have made their way in my inbox that I wanted to pass along. And have a tutorial on how I got my business "paperwork together.  Also I can get to the post office to send a couple of you what I owe you! Woohoo! Again I am sooooo sorry guys.... I will be catching up over the next couple of days and in the weekend.

My Schedule is going to be:

Marketing Monday
Tutorial Tuesday ---- have a great one coming up on making your own photo jewelry
Freebie Friday

and whatever else comes up...... Also my business 101.... I am going to be giving a play by play on how I "officialized" my business.

Hope the new year is being kind to all of you. Can't wait to get all caught up.

My awesome phone call today

Recieved a call from a woman who saw the maternity pics that I did for a couple I knew and called to book a maternity shoot!!!

I am going to get her on my own baby plan....

Now I just need to finalize one! There is a huge market for baby photos. Most moms go at least for the holidays, newborn and maternity, so right there is three sessions, plus photos!!!

I think I will offer a booked maternity will include newborn session fee (so buy one session, get the newborn free) and a free 5x7 with each session. Since my sessions proof between 15-20 for maternity and 15-30 for newborn, I feel that the newborn with the add ons like announcements, etc are really going to pay off. What mom wouldn't take the free newborn session if they are going to get the maternity done anyways?

I'll prob offer then first dibs on special holiday sessions and discount for sessions in the first year. That will get them coming back to me. I would hate to offer a "club" because that is very discount portrait. However, there are a lot of people who like that so maybe I can run the numbers.

Wow soooo excited:) Love word of mouth advertising.

Planning Vaentines Mini Sessions

Time to start thinking about Valentines Day minis incase you haven't already. I will be sending out my newsletter to friends/family/customers/referrals In the next week or so. Offering limited mini sessions. As a perk to past clients, I am offering them to existing customers first come first serve. Mini Sessions are great because they are usually in one spot, customer comes to you and you can pack a day or two and work your butt off for those two days.

I am offering packages only for Valentines Day. Since this is my first ever, I will keep it simple. I am doing a choice of three backgrounds (but only one choice per child)

Package one 

1 - 8x10
2 - 5x7
4 - Wallets

Package two

1 - 11x14
1 - 8x10
4 - 5x7
8 - Wallets
16 - Greeting Cards

Package Three

1- Photo Necklace
1 11x14
1 - 8x10
4 - 5x7
16 Wallets
20 Greeting Cards

I am still working out pricing details (way to wait for the last minute, Jen!) I am doing this two days (only) at the hall behind my house (so far) still working out details

It will be $100 for the two days (not bad considering these sessions are about 15-20 minutes long and I will book about 45 minutes apart. I could fit about 8-10 in per day. About 16- 20 total customers. If I can generate that many!!! Still marketing my butt off. I know I have 4 guaranteed without even advertising. Got to luv the fam and friends who wants to get in on these all!!!

I feel like this is a little commercialized. However, this is a great way to get an add on for customers who don't necessarily want a full session but want to enjoy a small mini. Keep our fingers crossed!!!

Will let you know how it works out!!!

Been hustling my butt off the past couple weeks. Lets see - my new car broke down (again can we say LEMON?) , lost a beloved family member to a health battle (very hard time for us) Xmas, new years, my aunt who lives with us is starting Chemo on Tuesday and I had a crazy bug (but had both my flu shots go figure!!!).

I wish everyone a happy new year and hope that this is the best year ever.

I am on a positive thinking kick - so only good thoughts. Been reading a book by Joel Osteen, a famous TV preacher that my mom swears is the greatest and believe me I am not using this as a forum to shove my religious beliefs to anyone cuz that is not me, but regardless of your beliefs it is a great way to think positively and to put your best self forward. It is very inspirational. and I can see a difference in myself lately. No more dwelling on the hard times just better times ahead! :)

Winners Announced

Thanks for everyone patience! I wish you all a Happy New Year

And the winners are:

Jillt   -$50 Restaurant.com gift card
O'Shrock - $25 Restaurant.com gift card
Tamsen - Baby Cocoon
JEnprincess88 - Leather Proof Book
Christy - Leather Proof Book

Thanks all!!!! Very excited to dive back into blogging and checking those resolutions off of my list:)

Please email me at jensphotomojo@yahoo.com to claim your prize!

Shutterfly Coasters are here

I admit I am a junkie for Freebies..... I opened up that shutterfly acct and got all the freebies I could (i blogged about it 2 weeks ago) including my photocoasters. The value is $24.99 +tax and shipping. I paid 5.99!!! As soon as I get back to the house, I'll take a pic and show it on here.

http://www.shutterfly.com/

I wouldn't use these as customer sales, however, they are awesome and cheap for me!!! They do have great quality stickers as well!

Hope everyone has a happy and safe new year!!!

Deal of the Week!!!!

So Today I went to Walgreens and CVS didn't do to bad.

At Walgreens got all of the below Items and paid 39.81 out of Pocket - when it was all said and done, I left with all of those items  - a Mail in Rebate for $15 and $14.50 of register rewards. So basically it was like paying $10.31 for all of it!!!!
But I also got a free coupon for tide up to $8.99!!! So really for less than $2! I used a coupon for Everything!!! 3 Pepto - 2 Pampers Jumbo Packs - 2 boxes Tampax - 2 bags pads - 2 Olay Regenerist Wow Retail Value is appx $70 - so I watched for sales and deals and matched with coupons and oila!!

Then I went to CVS and got two bottles of Dawn and 2 Ivory 3-pack of soaps for $1.64 out of pocket (that includes tax) . We don't use IVORY, however, I had 2 coupons for $1 off each and they were 99cents on sale so they were free. I only really paid for the dawn. I have been making care packages for a friends grandson who is in the military and stationed in IRAQ. I am always getting free Saline Contact Solution and I don't use it so I send it over there. I always get the free items with my coupons even if we don't use them - grocery I take to the food bank and non-perishable goes to military care packages.

In the new year  - I will be splitting my blogging efforts to two blogs! One will be money saving and my new journey as a SAHM (stay at home mom sort of - still doing my photography on the side) and the other will be my photo blog. As soon as I have the web address for the new money saving blog will share it with you:) I'm very excited about this new adventure I am about to pursue!!!

One of my new places of Interest!!

Here is RowNine... They have designer boutiques open for a small period of time with savings up to 80%.... Mark Jacobs (my favorite) is coming up in the next couple days.

Click here to sign up (FREE) so you get the email alerts