Photographer's Rights!

Photographers - professional and amateur alike - get stopped on a regular basis by authorities, police, security guards and the like. There is a real misunderstanding about what, where, and when photographers may take photographs. I found this interesting video on YouTube about a protest in Los Angeles by photographers.

Basically it's a mash up of stories and personal anecdotes of photographers and their personal stories of being harassed and questioned while taking photographs. It fails to give all the real information but it's interesting none-the-less.



If you're interested in knowing what your rights are exactly then you should visit the site by Attorney Bert P. Krages that outlines photographers rights.

If you have any questions or thoughts please feel free to leave a comment.

I'm still around... honest!

Sorry for the long absence... It's not that I haven't had much to say, but rather that I just have way too many thoughts. You see I'm always trying to think of better ways to bring you better photography - and package it in a way that I think you might love. I unfortunately forget to post the thoughts here.

My lack of posting also is a shame because as of lately (I'm blaming the economy) business has been rather slow. So forgive me twice.

So with that in mind, I'll need to get in the habit of posting on a regular basis and so I have a few topics that'll be posting in the on-coming weeks.

1) I have a video from YouTube that I'd like to show you regarding photographers rights. Every once and a while, under a blue moon mind you, I do get asked about the legal side of photography. What are and aren't you allowed to photograph while holding a camera in a public place. I think you'll find it interesting.

2) Also, I've come up with something new for you high school seniors... and guess what? It won't cost you a penny more. Do you wanna hint?

3) Thinking about seniors - I created a poll on Facebook regarding what seniors want in photography. The results contained great information from 99 people and I'll be sharing that with you. I'm sure the other professional photographers that visit my site will like the information as well... you know who you are!

4) I'll also be posting information on why I charge what I do and what that means for you. For those that shop on price alone, you'll want to read what I have to share.

Well that should get me through the next month I think. Unless of course you have something else that you'd love to hear my thoughts on. If so, please let me know! I'd be more than willing to give you my thoughts. Leave me a message on this post or shoot me an email.

So long for now... and remember to have fun.

Facebook Fan Club.

My buddy Justin got me involved with facebook about a year ago. I have to say it: I wasn't excited at the time but now I'm glad I took the leap! Well, until just recently I only had a personal page.

Now, my beautiful people, I have a Facebook Fan Page! It's pretty sweet and I have a special free offer you can can only get if you post to my discussion boards!

Oh, and if you have a Facebook account, be sure to friend me: Just write "Blog" in the invite message area so I know you found me through here! Thanks and enjoy the today!

How To Stop Freezing!

There is something that happens very often when people get their portraits created. Often, right before the camera is brought to the photographers eye. Just before the realization hits a subject that this image will be a lasting impression for many years - a freeze happens!

Muscles tense.
Eyes pierce the air!

Where there once was a normal human now stands a frozen statue. While there are many reasons why we freeze when we get our portraits taken (at least professional portraits - I'm not speaking of those random photos for Facebook or MySpace.) like bad past experiences, thoughts of school picture days, not liking the way you look in photographs, the eternal nature of the portrait, etc. Basically, we don't want to look bad!

Let me reassure you, there is nothing to worry about because:

• You went with a bond fide professional... you have chosen a professional photographer right?
• You've seen the photographers portfolio and know they do outstanding work... nothing to worry about there.
• The photographer is making pictures that represent you and your personality.
• You've discussed your needs and desires before the photo was created.
• Your photographer understands the frustrations and anxieties of the subject in front of his/her lens.
• Your photographer understands posing and how to position the body so it appears more flattering if desired by the subject.
• Your photographer isn't always behind the lens but has experience in front of a lens as well knowing exactly the way it feels to have a portrait made of them selves.
• Your photographer knows that he as the photographer, not the camera, is the most important thing he has to make a great portrait!

If these things are true of the photographer you hire, you'll not be let down. You'll be able to let that frozen grin melt from your face and warm up with an authentic smile when the lens is pointing at you.


A few photos I referenced (or rather, linked to) in this post belong to Lou Russo. To see his work go to www.lourusso.com.

(Your) Site Happens!

Today I had a massage*. It was wonderful. Working for a company today (Hairdirect.com) at their location I was allowed to partake in this massage benefit. I had a five minute chair massage and after I stood up from it, I felt like I had just had a 25-minute power nap. It was fantastic.

I don't expect a massage with every client. Every photography client -business or consumer - is unique and each location is just as unique.

Working on site, as I always do posses difficult challenges; some are easier to over come than others. You might dread the thought of me coming to your home, business or location with this preconceived mindset: My location just isn't photogenic. It's just to________. (Fill in the blank with any depressive word or term, ie: ugly, messy, rundown, plain, trashy - all words I've heard)

Be confident! My job is to find the best location within your location to make sure you have stunning images and portraits. It's my job and what I do. At the very least- get a hold of me and discuss your, ugly, messy, rundown, plain, trashy location that I'll have to take portraits in.

Just like the massage therapist made me feel like I just took a power nap in only 5-minutes by doing some great work, my job is to make you look fantastic no matter what the location.

Have fun!

*The massage therapist today was Tom Miller of Camp Hill, PA. He can come to your office or party and is a great morale booster. All the people at the Hairdirect office loved it! You can call him at (717) 972-8794. His website is: HERE. >> http://www.massagesbymiller.abmp.com

This is not a paid endorsement -- I just really loved the massage.

The perfect photographer for the job... a found article.

Recently I came across this article on a colleague's website that does head shots in Las Vegas. He was kind enough to give me permission to use it here on my blog. As always, whether you choose me or another photographer, I just want you to be knowledgeable in whomever you choose. I think Daphne has given some great tips here from her years of experience working with photographers. Enjoy!

Five tips for getting exactly the photographer you need

By Daphne Gray-Grant

You've recently returned from an important family birthday party and you've dropped your film off at the photo shop. When you return an hour later, you eagerly rip open the envelope and pull out your pictures. You groan. The lighting is too bright, important people are out of focus, and worst of all, the photos just don't "capture" the great time you had at the party. Now re-visualize this same scenario. But imagine your disappointment if you'd actually paid a photographer to take the shots - and they were still rotten.

As someone who's spent more than 25 years producing publications, I've had to oversee lots of photographers. Most of them have been pretty good and a few have been exceptional. But every once in awhile; I encountered a dud. And that's really bad news if you have a one-time event like a wedding or anniversary celebration, where there are no second chances. So let my experience help you. Here are five tips to help you get exactly the photographer you need and deserve.

1) Get recommendations. This is an old piece of advice, but it's an excellent one. Ask family, friends and business acquaintances for photographers they've used and have been happy with. If you draw a blank, then turn to the yellow pages or the Internet. But be sure to get references and FOLLOW UP whether by phone or email. You may be surprised (pleasantly or otherwise) at what you learn.

2) Examine the photographer's portfolio carefully. Make sure you see lots of examples of the KINDS of shots you want. It might help to think about photography like music. You wouldn't hire Elvis Costello if you wanted a James Brown sound. They're both great musicians -- just different genres. Photographers, too, tend to specialize. Some are top notch with portraits; some are better at landscapes; others excel at shooting products. Furthermore, some are best at formal shots while others shine with candids. Go with a photographer who specializes in the subject matter, and "look" you’re seeking. You don't just want a "good" photographer; you want the one who is exactly right for you.

3) Don't shop on price alone. Of course price is important. It's always important. But before you set your budget, get a realistic idea of the range in your city or town. This might mean getting quotes from as many as five different photographers. Just be sure the quotes are apples versus apples. (Specify number of photos, time involved, film or digital, proofs, reprint rights etc.). Then, don't go with the least expensive. Would you pick the cheapest brain surgeon? Would you pick the cheapest roofing contractor? (Well, you might. But you'd be wrong.) The "cheapest" of anything can easily end up being the most expensive if the results are poor.

4) Give the photographer specific examples of what you're looking for. Of course, you're familiar with the old expression "a photo is worth a thousand words." Well, this applies double to photographers. Photographers are visual people; otherwise they wouldn't be in their line of work. Thus, it only makes sense to communicate with them visually. I frequently troll the web or flip through dozens of magazines looking for photographs I can use to convey to photographers exactly the kind of "look & feel" I want for a specific job. Giving sample photos to photographer’s amounts to talking "their language" and it is one of the single most effective things you can do to guarantee a good result.

5) Ask the photographer for explicit directions and allow the necessary time. Don't just tell the photographer what to do; ask him or her for advice. If it's a photo of you, ask about clothing, hair and makeup (yes, this applies to guys too.) Arrive on time or early and don't have a pressing appointment you have to rush off to. Good photography takes time; allow for it.

The principles for selecting a photographer should be similar to those you'd use for hiring a contractor to renovate your home: Get recommendations; know what you want; don't go with either the cheapest or the most expensive bid; and communicate clearly and thoughtfully.

Come to think of it, those are also excellent recommendations for any sort of relationship, including a marriage!

Daphne Gray-Grant offers practical advice on writing and editing for anyone who produces publications whether print or online. Sign up for her free weekly newsletter, Power Writing, at www.publicationcoach.com

New Website = Savings

If you haven't already noticed, I have just uploaded a site redesign. It think it's neat and uses a few colors that I wanted to experiment with. It really allows it to stand out and be different... like my work.

Also you'll notice:

• a total of 5 new galleries (here's one)
  
• new gallery application for easier viewing
• photo captions for each gallery photo (check these out... it's really great information)
• more information throughout the site
• better, more efficient layout
• better pricing information than on the old site.

Speaking of Prices: For anyone that books a non-business session with me from 3/24/08 - 4/24/08 will receive $50.00 off the creative session. Just mention this promotion when you call or email me.

I'd love to hear what you think of the new site. Do you like it better, worse? Are the colors too much or do you like the combination I used? Do you have recommendations or ideas to make it even better??

Leave a comment for me to let me know. Of course you can always contact me through the regular channels too.

Thanks!