Insanely Useful Photography Tips

~ Equipment is a crutch; composition cannot be bought.

~ Discovering your voice as a photographer is a path, not a destination.

~ Don’t photograph to impress their brains, photograph to touch their heart.

~ Simple beats complex every time.

~ Imperfections are real, art has flaws…

~ Inspiration is scarce, remove all distractions when shooting.

~ Respect mistakes – do not hide or cover them up. This is where you grow and are shaped as an artist.

~ Sleep

Insanely Useful Photography Tips

~ Equipment is a crutch; composition cannot be bought.

~ Discovering your voice as a photographer is a path, not a destination.

~ Don’t photograph to impress their brains, photograph to touch their heart.

~ Simple beats complex every time.

~ Imperfections are real, art has flaws…

~ Inspiration is scarce, remove all distractions when shooting.

~ Respect mistakes – do not hide or cover them up. This is where you grow and are shaped as an artist.

~ Sleep

Insanely Useful Photography Tips

Question - what's the best way to create a quick buzz in your city about your photography biz??

Answer - Volunteer to photograph charity events ~ and it’s a good way to improve you skills

Insanely Useful Photography Tips

Question - what's the best way to create a quick buzz in your city about your photography biz??

Answer - Volunteer to photograph charity events ~ and it’s a good way to improve you skills

WORKSHOP NOW: BOOKING

After completing the research for the “HOW TO EVERYTHING: PHOTO 101” workshop I had the epiphany that understanding your camera is confusing. This is why:

Anything small is large, and anything large is small
Everything has two names, which mean the same thing
Everything has a dual purpose
Photograph the light first, subject second

What the...Photography jargon is confusing, repetitious and mostly not needed. I have no idea why the photography language has evolved into what it is.

Beyond the confusion lies simplicity ~ this is what you will learn in the workshop.

Using your camera in manual mode is easy, creative, fun and will open a new view of how you see the world.

What you will learn:-Understanding exposure-How to use your camera in manual mode-How to take a photo “correctly” in camera-Natural light techniques-Understanding your lens

Location: Historic North Side of Pittsburgh at Annie O’Neill Studios
Date: September 17, 2009Address: 502 W. North Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212Time: 6pm – 9pmCost: $55.00

Contact Elizabeth Craig at 724.355.9079 or by email at craigphotography@mac.com for more information and to register.

WORKSHOP NOW: BOOKING

After completing the research for the “HOW TO EVERYTHING: PHOTO 101” workshop I had the epiphany that understanding your camera is confusing. This is why:

Anything small is large, and anything large is small
Everything has two names, which mean the same thing
Everything has a dual purpose
Photograph the light first, subject second

What the...Photography jargon is confusing, repetitious and mostly not needed. I have no idea why the photography language has evolved into what it is.

Beyond the confusion lies simplicity ~ this is what you will learn in the workshop.

Using your camera in manual mode is easy, creative, fun and will open a new view of how you see the world.

What you will learn:-Understanding exposure-How to use your camera in manual mode-How to take a photo “correctly” in camera-Natural light techniques-Understanding your lens

Location: Historic North Side of Pittsburgh at Annie O’Neill Studios
Date: September 17, 2009Address: 502 W. North Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212Time: 6pm – 9pmCost: $55.00

Contact Elizabeth Craig at 724.355.9079 or by email at craigphotography@mac.com for more information and to register.

How to be the Greatest 2nd Shooter….Ever

~ 7 Insanely Useful Photography Tips & 5 What to Expect Tips~

You want to be a great photographer…yes.

First you need to be a great second shooter. Why start at number 2 when you want to be number one?

Steve Williams is Tiger Woods’ caddy; I’m guessing he does not suck at golf.

Simple answer: you need to be on the field. No matter how many classes you take or books you read the game is played on the field. Experience and fast reactions mixed with the ability to think on your feet are mandatory.

1. Shoot 50/50 – 50% of your shoots should be in the style of classic, traditional photography. Capture all the key moments of the day. Remember to shoot safe and smart. Pick a safe ISO and F/stop to get that shot. You are not going for art here, you are going for documentation of the day. The photos you take may never see the light of day but they have to be there in case of an emergency. If the main photographer happens to lose images due to a failed card, theft or computer problems, your shots are now playing 1st swing.

2. Shoot the other 50% in the mode that you’re going to compose the best F’ing, photographs ever. Go for the shots, be creative, change yourself, push the limits of your abilities. Create photographs that will get you remembered.

3. Do you homework. Know the equipment that you will be working with that day. Understand the camera, lens, lighting, flashes, reflector, computersand software that you will be working. Be remarkable with your knowledge of gear. You want to be able to counsel the main photographer on exposure and equipment as needed.

4. Be proactive: the 2nd shooter’s job is to know the outline of the day and to be prepared for every situation. Set up lights, have lenses and flashes ready to go when needed. Ask the main photographer where s/he is at on card count. Have back-up batteries ready to go at the asking.

5. Yes you carry the equipment. You open the doors. You get the drinks. You pack the car. You do what is asked, with a smile.

6. Second shooting is a business relationship at work. Show up on time. Be consistent in your work. Advise on the subtleties of the day.

7. Ultimately the main photographer makes all the final decisions and they get all the reward (& risk) for the outcome of the day. Your part is to enhance and aid the experience for both the photographer and the subject.

What the second shooter gets!

1. Gives you the opportunity to shoot in a live fast-paced environment. Remember that is the one thing books and classes cannot teach you.

2. Behind the scenes look at your future.

3. Realization of your confidence and talent to go it alone as a professional or to hit the books some more.

4. Ask up front about image rights and be respectful of whatever (if anything) is offered to you.

5. Competitiveness; do not even go there. You were just given the greatest photo opportunity you could ever ask for. Be respectful.


If you like this article please be sure to pass it on…friend me on Facebook, connect with me on Twitter and info on private consultations can be found here on Photographer's Corner.

How to be the Greatest 2nd Shooter….Ever

~ 7 Insanely Useful Photography Tips & 5 What to Expect Tips~

You want to be a great photographer…yes.

First you need to be a great second shooter. Why start at number 2 when you want to be number one?

Steve Williams is Tiger Woods’ caddy; I’m guessing he does not suck at golf.

Simple answer: you need to be on the field. No matter how many classes you take or books you read the game is played on the field. Experience and fast reactions mixed with the ability to think on your feet are mandatory.

1. Shoot 50/50 – 50% of your shoots should be in the style of classic, traditional photography. Capture all the key moments of the day. Remember to shoot safe and smart. Pick a safe ISO and F/stop to get that shot. You are not going for art here, you are going for documentation of the day. The photos you take may never see the light of day but they have to be there in case of an emergency. If the main photographer happens to lose images due to a failed card, theft or computer problems, your shots are now playing 1st swing.

2. Shoot the other 50% in the mode that you’re going to compose the best F’ing, photographs ever. Go for the shots, be creative, change yourself, push the limits of your abilities. Create photographs that will get you remembered.

3. Do you homework. Know the equipment that you will be working with that day. Understand the camera, lens, lighting, flashes, reflector, computersand software that you will be working. Be remarkable with your knowledge of gear. You want to be able to counsel the main photographer on exposure and equipment as needed.

4. Be proactive: the 2nd shooter’s job is to know the outline of the day and to be prepared for every situation. Set up lights, have lenses and flashes ready to go when needed. Ask the main photographer where s/he is at on card count. Have back-up batteries ready to go at the asking.

5. Yes you carry the equipment. You open the doors. You get the drinks. You pack the car. You do what is asked, with a smile.

6. Second shooting is a business relationship at work. Show up on time. Be consistent in your work. Advise on the subtleties of the day.

7. Ultimately the main photographer makes all the final decisions and they get all the reward (& risk) for the outcome of the day. Your part is to enhance and aid the experience for both the photographer and the subject.

What the second shooter gets!

1. Gives you the opportunity to shoot in a live fast-paced environment. Remember that is the one thing books and classes cannot teach you.

2. Behind the scenes look at your future.

3. Realization of your confidence and talent to go it alone as a professional or to hit the books some more.

4. Ask up front about image rights and be respectful of whatever (if anything) is offered to you.

5. Competitiveness; do not even go there. You were just given the greatest photo opportunity you could ever ask for. Be respectful.


If you like this article please be sure to pass it on…friend me on Facebook, connect with me on Twitter and info on private consultations can be found here on Photographer's Corner.

My Top 10 Mistakes ~ Insanely Useful Photography Tips,

Confessions from a professional photographer ~ things that have taken me entirely too long to learn

1. How to sync multiple cameras so at the point of download all images are in sequential order.

2. Project manager application in my darkroom software.

3. To start thinking like a digital photographer instead of film-based photographer.

4. I love the 18-70mm lens, but prime lenses are better.

5. A whales tail is better left on a whale and not on my camera

6. Not to trust Google Maps or GPS

7. Pack food and drink on days of long shoot

8. Hand-held light meters are still important in a digital world.

9. NEVER delete in camera…never, do that…never.

10. Being part of a photo-community is better than being alone.

My Top 10 Mistakes ~ Insanely Useful Photography Tips,

Confessions from a professional photographer ~ things that have taken me entirely too long to learn

1. How to sync multiple cameras so at the point of download all images are in sequential order.

2. Project manager application in my darkroom software.

3. To start thinking like a digital photographer instead of film-based photographer.

4. I love the 18-70mm lens, but prime lenses are better.

5. A whales tail is better left on a whale and not on my camera

6. Not to trust Google Maps or GPS

7. Pack food and drink on days of long shoot

8. Hand-held light meters are still important in a digital world.

9. NEVER delete in camera…never, do that…never.

10. Being part of a photo-community is better than being alone.