He’s fairly new with the concept of studio lighting. Of course anyone who’s read this blog will know that I do not condone building a business (or hobby) on a mountain of debt. Get what you can afford but don’t buy crap either. Never rule out used equipment either. Nor do I condone buying more equipment than you are capable of using. Build as you go is the best way in my opinion. He was going to get 2 Alien Bee 800 heads which is a great purchase. He was asking me about getting parabolics, which are diffused unbrellas, or softboxes etc. Advising someone about which light modifiers to get is like picking out someone else’s undergarments and socks. All are different and personal choice. All serve a different purpose, and none are meant to be the one and only. It also depends on the subject matter and style of photography as to what you choose. As well as size of the studio area, etc.

I know this sounds vague…..but until you’ve used different modifiers, it’s really hard to understand what the best choice is for you as an individual photographer. For headshot photography I lean towards beauty dishes. For shadow play and background light modifiers, I often use softboxes and black foam core to control the pattern and spread of light. Grids as well. That said, starting out with umbrellas or parabolics seems to be a sensible choice to me. They are the least expensive, and even as you expand your lighting arsenal, there will always be a good use for those. They are great for location and wedding photography, as they setup easy, and travel / store easily, taking up minimal room. They are designed to provide even consistent lighting. The only drawback is they are not as geared for controlling light and shadow unless you play around with angles of the strobes and close them some, or use foam core to narrow the path of light. But I think the better photographer is the resourceful photographer, who knows how to do a lot with less, until able to afford more. The whole idea is to play with key lights and fill lights, rim lighting, etc. with what you have before expanding. Although umbrellas and parabolics may not be perfect for everything, they are the most affordable, and you can always use them. The smart way to save money is to buy something that will remain useful.

This refers to using a slow shutter speed and a tripod, and while the shutter is open, using any light source in motion to light the subject in the area you are emitting the light. In the sample below, I used a 4 second shutter speed, in the dark of night, and a flashlight to light the subject. Of course I shined the flashlight to get the focus point locked…..the model had to be very still of course. Once I hit the shutter button gently, I waved the flashlight around and up and down her body and a little bit outside of there too to create some background ambience. That’s why they call it painting with light. You can use diffusion like a coffee filter but I was going for a harder light. I set the white balance at 3200 kelvin, and that was pretty close. Sometimes is about creating something with bare bones and making it a conversation piece, keeps things fun and keeps us resourceful!

And to add to it, after she found that creepy building, she saw something and ran away screaming, LOL! Went for a triple exposure, 3 quick robotic movements of the head and rest of her body still…..and me painting light with the flashlight, resulted in this.

I spoke with some clients about a Spring wedding, in early April. Without question, my favorite weather month along with October, and great for weddings, whether inside or outside….also outdoor portraits. People are less miserable by not melting in the heat, or it being so cold they can’t enjoy any outdoor photos. One precaution I brought up to them is to not only have a shelter in mind should there be rain, for their outdoor wedding party photos at a Nashville area park……but also that it’s still allergy season here in Tennessee, which is a very green state…..lots of trees and grass, wind, etc. All contributors to airborne pollens and allergens. I advised them to consider getting on Claritin allergy medicine early in the allergy season, if they suffer from Spring allergies. Of course after consulting with a physician. I have done that myself and it has helped me build more immunity during the season peak. My reason for suggesting that was less chance of watery and puffy eyes and bloating in the photos. A random but potentially important tidbit of information.

In any public domain, even a city park, when doing larger group portraits and wedding party portraits, this is especially important. With the effort it takes to get many people in the same place at the same time, it’s never worth presuming that special permission or a permit is not needed. If approached by park police, or whoever is in control of that property, your bases are covered. For one thing, staged photo and videoshoots always attract gawkers. And if it’s public domain, without a permit, you have no grounds to control your set as a photographer. I know the whole taxpayer argument, but also if you pay for a permit, it denies others the right to use that portion of that property while you are, so there are advantages. As a Nashville area wedding and portrait photographer, I have seen people assuming things backfire on them in this regard. Always best to verify.

In this photo below, I was shooting a wedding at a church near the Fontanel Mansion on Whites Creek Pk. and sortof last minute wanted to help find a better place for the wedding party and family group photos. I called the Fontanel Mansion and asked them if we could use their property for that purpose, they told me which areas were acceptable to use. I got the person’s name, thanked them and we were even greeted by management complimenting the bridal party on their dresses. If we had just showed up, they may not have reacted so kindly.

Yup it’s true! Say that you shoot um, maybe 50 images for one particular look for your model or client. When you go through them, you find 10 that you think are good. Out of those 10, you think 3 are excellent, and 1 or 2 to be outstanding. Which is not a bad ratio. Most of the people burning up a 32 gig memory card on one shoot, generally have a bunch of the same shots. And a lower ratio, as well as wasted time sorting images and wear on equipment, all for what? But that’s another topic LOL. The narrowing down and culling process is very important, and should not be rushed when you don’t have to. I like to have several different looks at the photos and look at small details, such as eyes, hand placement, angles, etc. Even a slight difference can make one photo much stronger than another that is similar. Also seeking critique from respected peers is also a wise thing to do if time allows and there is no imminent deadline. This goes back to haste makes waste.

Unless you are making a montage or photo collection with specific looks, etc., narrowing down with ONLY the very best is prudent, and a better representation of your work. And most of the time the client or model does not need that many photos per look……only the ones that sell them best as well! It works both ways. So, in closing, I ask, why release those other 8 that are just good, when the 2 that are outstanding are what is worth putting your efforts into? Discussion welcome.

Crocodile, bathroom tile, The Nile, LOL! The natural tendency for most aspiring photographers is to shoot, and experiment. And that usually means their style being all over the map, therefore leaving them without a style. Or specific genre / specialty. That’s perfectly normal and ok! The first order of business should be familiarizing themselves with their equipment and getting familiar with the mechanics (depth of field, focus, shutter speed, lighting, composition, and establishing connection with their subjects). As you shoot more, as long as you stay rooted in the technical and personal aspects of photography, you will grow. Growth also comes from critique from knowledgeable peers, as well as being inspired by the work of others. I am not suggesting that you try to emulate or become that other person…..that is a setup for a failed attempt. Even if 2 peoples’ brains are identical, their styles will be different…..that is what makes each artist different and unique, and eventually sought out by different clients. I might add that not everyone’s goal has to be working as a professional photographer, that may not be their passion.

As you become a more experienced photographer, and can deal with different challenges and issues we face in the field, you will figure out your passions and genres of interest…..then it’s about learning what clients in those genres need, and how to find those clients. And with your own unique spin on your work, and being able to produce what your clients need, you will develop a following if you play it right! The image below is a headshot of a new stylist that now works for a very nice hair salon I shoot for. Business headshot representing her hair styling skills and own allure to help gain clients, soon to be published in their upcoming ads.

I have worked with a lot of models and the photographer is like the bartender and cab driver, hears some cool, and not so cool stories LOL! I hear a lot about their dating and married lives. So, barring my own opinion, this is some of what they are telling me about YOU! (Guys) This comes from female models and some younger to middle aged female professionals.

What the women say they like…..Honesty, communication, stability, efforts to stay healthy and fit (especially models who say this), random surprises, occasional random compliments, affection, getting the occasional surprise cooked dinner, and breakfast in bed, surprise concert tickets to their favorite band, being listened to and not be trivialized, patience, and kindness. To name the most noteworthy selections. Oh, and frequent gift certificates for their favorite Nashville photographer, Jay Farrell, of course LOL!

Now, what most say they do not like and think makes you look like a tool if you do this…..(to put it so gently, LOL) Being controlling and jealous. That even makes you look like a tool to other men. Being manipulative and treating the woman like she’s not an equal. Not sure why some women even allow themselves to stay in situations like that, but it’s refreshing when they learn and grow out of it. Not treating them like a best friend, as well as a lover, also bad. Or omitting the truth or honesty in fear of the others’ reaction. I will say that either gender doing that to their partner only spells trouble and weakness in that relationship, having been there myself. Being too clingy, bad and embarrassing to them, same as trying to be a white knight. Blowing up their phone, as if she has nothing else to do besides being at your beckon call. Knock it off, she will know soon enough you called. Same with excessive texting before getting a reply. I may be forgetting some, but those are the ones that stick out in their mind….I hope some of this is a useful tool to someone!

I seldom use this blog to discuss my own personal life, but sometimes it’s good to keep it real! I’m 39 and a bachelor…..been engaged once, learned a lot from that 2 year relationship, at least 10 years ago…..the odd thing we still hate each other just as much as we did when we were dating LOL! I kid, sortof, haha. But I have learned that even relationships that don’t work out in the end, aren’t all negative. Some people aren’t creative enough to look at it that way, but we are enriched somehow by what we have learned from it, and the good times we experienced in that relationship. I have had a ton of relationships, this doesn’t qualify me as a marriage counselor, but I do know about the experiences I’ve had as a bachelor……lots of them LOL. Since my 20′s, I have been more honest with myself and done more personal growth, so my perspective changed some. I share this now.

Turns ons

- Obviously physical chemistry is important, but this discussion isn’t about just that. It’s a necessary ingredient but we shouldn’t stop at that, there’s much more.

-Positive outlook and upbeat personality.

-Kindness to others who have nothing to offer her or have less.

-Accountability. Being responsible for her choices and actions. Learning from mistakes, moving forward.

-Open minded. Not fear of the unknown.

-Non judgmental.

-Trust. Trust is earned, but once it is earned with her, it shouldn’t be questioned without good reason.

-Confidence and belief in choices and decisions.

-Conversationalist-interesting, invigorating, and challenging…..yet doesn’t go into war mode if we agree to disagree.

-A nerdy and creative side. It’s attractive and real!

-Being able to embrace beauty and flaws of themselves and others.

-Ambition and eagerness.

-Communication and balance with all things and people in their lives.

Turn offs:

-Negative energy.

-Victim mentality….their problems and bad decisions are always someone else’s fault. Boo hoo.

-Co-dependent. Do you not have your own brain? Use it. The longer you’ve allowed yourself to be in an unhealthy relationship, the longer it takes to unravel the damage done.

-Trying to size someone up too quickly, as if the people she meets aren’t worth investing a little time in to get to know them. If I sense that, I get patronizing and sarcastic. They usually bail LOL!

-Using the “busy” card as an excuse to be unreliable or non responsive. Honey….we are all busy, you aren’t that special. I usually think “flake” or “ding bat”. Professional adults manage it daily.

-Complaining about where they live or where they work, and aren’t using any energy to try to change it or better their lives.

-Those still living in past relationships or mourning over ex’s. Move on with your life, apparently he did! Don’t enter another relationship until you’ve healed. It’s not fair. Learn to be alone first.

-Being needy or clingy too fast. Or the other extreme, standoffish behavior or indifference. Things happen with time….I don’t want to be needed. I want to be wanted.

-Financial irresponsibility and excessive debt. I’ve worked hard to get that out of my own life, I don’t need someone who is flippant with money and buys 187 pairs of shoes just because.

-Insecurity! This needed to be at the very top.

For your wedding? Of course before I discuss this, I do NOT mean different independently hired photographers, or aunts and uncles grappling with the hired photographer and snapping away. If a second shooter is needed, he or she needs to be working directly under the hired photographer, so that they don’t get in each others’ way and so that the primary can provide direction to the second photographer, so different settings can be captured without needless duplicates. Therefore, that second photographer is the primary photographer’s responsibility. With every project, there must be a project manager and coordinator. I have done both, obviously I assisted and was a second photographer for another wedding photographer before becoming a professional wedding photographer myself.

Now, to the meat of the issue. For the most part, I haven’t needed to hire a second shooter if a small or medium sized wedding. Which the high end of number of guests for a medium wedding, around here, I would consider 100-120. And 4-6 in each of the parties. However, most of my weddings I do hire an experienced assistant, which helps keep things moving and organized. So, if your wedding is relatively straightforward, and there aren’t different events in different locations that you want captured, a majority of the time, one shooter should be able to handle it, with an assistant or two to help organize and lug gear. If you are hiring an experienced photographer, I don’t usually see a need to have a second shooter in a case like that. Yea, different vantage points, I hear that argument…..extra photos, that one too. That doesn’t always mean better. If you have the budget to cover it, that’s one thing. But if you just want to have a good wedding and spend what you need, but not more than you have to, in a simple setting, most of the time you are fine with one photographer.

For larger weddings, a second shooter would pay off. Be prepared to spend an approximate 200-300 extra per hour to cover him / her, depending on market, as well as more post production time for the extra photos. But larger weddings usually need it, and things roll smooth. If you are working on a budget, be realistic about what you expect your photographer to capture. By all means, discuss this in the meeting stage. Details, ceremony, group portraits reception, and candids (if time does not conflict with other obligations and timelines) are normal. But if you have one photographer, and you have several people working in a church kitchen, etc. there may or may not be enough time to capture them while the photographer is working the reception. As an example. A lot of this boils down to timelines and planning, which is good to involve your photographer in so everyone is on the same page.

Abso-freakin-lutely! LOL! I have done several of them over the years but not so many lately. I understand many are trying to cut back and all that. But, as a realtor, you are a professional offering a very personal service. Home selling and buying can be a tiresome and nerve racking process, so it’s always nice to have a good assertive realtor who is also caring and human. A photo can help represent that. Most every realtor’s business card has their photo on it. So why not put some care into it, since it represents your professional image and what your potential clients will see? Nothing less flattering than red eye from on camera flash, shot by a friend etc. Or a shiny hot spot on a man’s head who is folically challenged lol. Those are just a couple reasons why investing in a professional headshot is a worthwhile investment.

I use a similar strategy as I would a corporate headshot. I don’t have the person look too casual and giggly, but not too stern and serious either. Hey that sternness could work for a lawyer though haha! I wouldn’t hire a friendly lawyer. Friendly, approachable, and confident. Good balance. Professional attire recommended, can be in between casual and dress, avoid distracting accessories or color patterns, since the focus is on your face. Not too stiff, but no excess of cleavage, or gold chains or chest hair sticking out either LOL! You get the idea. I do have a tip for realtors saving money on headshots. Get a few of your colleagues in your office to book a session too, and come to the studio at the same time, and that way it’s less setup and time, everyone wins! I can’t speak for every photographer, but I would certainly offer a per head discount if that were an option…..as long as no one cancels. Just a tip Here is a recent realtor headshot.

I was asked this question sometime last week. Of course this is all subjective and my opinion. First and foremost, not seeming interested in learning the theories and principles of photography is top on my list. I understand being eager to shoot and get field experience etc. which is fine. But the goal should be to not get comfortable with auto settings, but rather to familiarize yourself with being in control of your gear, and learning manual settings. Challenge yourself each time…..don’t neglect classroom / study time and learn what you are doing and why. Cameras are basically a computer. Are they smarter than a human being? They should not be. Working with natural light and controlling light should come before learning studio lighting. Learning how to use reflectors and fill flash are great, for the next step once you understand fstops and shutter speeds, focusing, etc. Learning how to work with less before buying more is not only financially smart, but creates more resourceful artists.

Next thing….trying to put themselves in the shoes of a pro before they are ready. Anyone who’s paid any attention to this blog over the past year knows exactly what I mean LOL! I can respect someone learning. Delivering consistent results that clients need and knowing the business is another thing. This goes back to…..no one owes you anything for your investment, only what you can produce with it and how you can work your way into the marketplace.

Finally, trying to get uber creative with Photoshop filters etc. to cover up a flawed or boring photo. It all has to start with a good photo. Then season to taste. I mean like mixed saturation, seldom works in a photo IMO. Part color, part black and white I mean. Or soft focus look, overly smoothed skin, over whitened eyes, adding planets behind the subject etc. Oh, let’s not forget attempts at HDR before knowing how to make a photo stand on it’s own first. You get the idea. This goes back to the first paragraph, learning your gear and mechanics of photography, and not putting the cart before the horse. The eye cannot be taught, but can be developed. Technical stuff can be taught.

If you fit the criteria to be signed with an agency, that’s awesome! Do some research on your eligible genre, based on look and body type, measurements etc. rather than just approach them with no clue at all….this shows you at least made an effort to do your homework  but let them provide final answers. Attend open calls and find out what photos you need to get started, and pay attention to the overall vibe……if you feel like a number and your questions are rushed along or if they address things clearly. Also avoid agencies that require modeling schools that cost thousands…..what a bunch of BS, LOL!

Assuming you want to go the freelance route, if agency modeling isn’t for you, or if your height / measurements do not qualify to get agency representation, etc, like say on www.modelmayhem.com . Most there are all about trade. Which is fine, but a cardinal mistake many new people make are not selecting photographers who can shoot in their genre. Of course if you want fashion or commercial work as a model, you’ll really need to be agency signed if you want to get more consistent work. That’s if you qualify. Assuming you are trying to build a commercial portfolio, you’ll probably be unsuccessful finding someone to trade with who knows how to shoot commercial portfolios properly. The photographer who shoots glamour and over smooths skin and over whitens eyes will not be able to help you. If you’re going after fine art, or figure study work, glamour, etc. find those who you like who shoot it well…..trade is fine, but if you have trouble finding someone who can shoot what you can use, hiring the right photographer should be an option. Sometimes you have to invest to succeed. In the long run, if you run things like a business and present yourself well, you are much more likely for a good payoff.

Finally….another mistake I see many new aspiring models make, is listening to the wrong people. I offered a test to one whose look I really liked…..she said her friend who has been a model for a long time advised her to start with beginners first so she can learn and be ready for pros later. Her friend is a complete moron, and is basically saying pros should fix the bad habits she learned from novices later……I just responded and told her she received some bad advice there, and explained why…..nil. Oh well. Like anything in life, you don’t seek advice from unsuccessful people and expect to succeed. Just like you don’t seek financial advice from a broke person, you don’t seek modeling advice from a random photographer who isn’t making any kind of living in the genres he or she shoots……or from a model who has dubiously gotten a few promo gigs at a local car show. Advice to new models about bringing escorts, don’t get me started…..that will only cost them opportunities. This business is about common sense, having the look, and being willing to learn. And street smarts. Successful freelance models usually travel a lot, and have a good following, and know how to network. And they don’t bring escorts, not show up, or neglect inquiries. My whole point is not to take advice from BS’ers, but those who are working and succeeding, and making a good product.

I’ve discussed headshot strategy in a prior entry, brought to you courtesy of the Jay Farrell Photography Blog, LOL! I traveled to Louisville to shoot a portrait of this man pictured below, to be featured in an article about his success on a personal level as well as with his position at Insight cable. Details of the publication to come soon, once published. I literally drove there, just shy of 3 hours each way, with my friend coordinating this project, shot about 20 photos of him in his office, for maybe 8 minutes, then we headed back, LOL! We’ve talked about lighting, dramatic lighting and shadow, and the best angles for each subject…..so of course I studied that for a moment before beginning.

Now, we’ll cover what I wanted this photo to say. I went with natural light from a window and used a reflector on the other side for fill. This was to create a dramatic mood, seasoned to taste. In this photo, he represents his own image, and that of his company. So, a clean cut look was important. Also the mood we wanted to convey was friendly and approachable, eager and ready to serve you, and caring. All in one. Almost to say, We’re pleased to have your business, I will see to it that your needs as a customer are met, and are treated with the best customer service. Very key ingredients to any commercial / corporate portraiture. Mood, lighting, expression. What the photo says is the voice of that person and the company.