A Background Can Make or Break a Photo!

Quick Tip

How many time have you taken what you thought would be a great picture and after you look at it you realize the photo’s background is too busy and lacks impact? I’ve done it.
Cameras have a tendency to flatten an image unlike the eye which can distinguish between the different elements in a photograph.
Pay attention to what is in the background.  If you are shooting a portrait set your f-stop on f/8 or f/5.6. This way you will get an out of focus background and your eye will focus in the person instead of a busy background. Pay attentions to bright background also. Light backgrounds usually distract from the subject.
The background can ruin a photo or make a photo so always look at the background before and imagine how it will affect your photo.
The photos below will reinforce what is written in this post.
Thanks!

A Few Ideas On How To Market a Photography Business

How to Market a Photography Business

The last few years have been tough on photographers.  It’s common knowledge that in a recession people hold back and stop spending money on luxuries.  Photographs are not a necessity.  It’s are a luxury.  So when this happens, photography businesses can suffer.  So, what do you do about it?  Do you just sit in your studio and hope that someone walks through your door? I hope not.  This is a sure way to fail. What you want to do is to step up on your marketing.

Here is a question for you… What is more important, being a good photographer or being a good at marketing?   I believe that it is more important to understand marketing!   I know several photographers in the area where I live and I can honestly tell you they are not the best photographers out there.  However, several of them are excellent at marketing.  This is why some exceed and others fail.

You are probably wondering how to market your business.

Here are a few ideas:

1. Word of mouth- the absolute best way to get customers. The disadvantage is that this happens very slow.

2. Business cards.  Hand them out to everyone you meet.  When you leave a tip at a restaurant leave a card( and a good tip)

3.  Displays.  Ask local businesses if you can display your photographs where people can see them.
Here is a short list of businesses that might display your  photos.

1.Shopping Malls
2. Movie Theaters
3. Restaurants
4.Hair Salons
5. Clothing Stores
6.Hospitals
7.High Traffic Office Buildings
8. Doctor and Dentists Offices
9.Country Clubs

4. Newsletters- Don’t talk about photography. Talk about your family and the good things in your life.  Help people like you as a person.

5. Testimonial Brochures- These are a great way to build trust.  Put these in places where possible customers can find them.  You can also mail these or put these out when you do your displays.

These are just a few ways to help market your photography business. There are a lot of other ways to go about it too.  If you think of any other ways, leave a comment and I will post it.

I  hope you find thing post helpful and thanks for reading!

Great Depth of Field Video!

I found this video on depth of field and think it’s great. Since depth of field is very important I suggest everyone watch it.  Thanks:)