Photography Tips- Out of Focus can be Good in a Photograph.

Photography Tips- Out of Focus can be Good in a Photograph

You are probably thinking I am crazy. Right. I will admit it. I am. Everyone know is. Here’s the thing. I do think that having an image that is out if focus can be good sometimes. Notice I said sometimes. I had a session with a lovely lady the other day and I was shooting with a lens that has really shallow depth of field.  I decided to see what would happen if i experimented with having her out of focus, but still the main subject. I shot ditigal because I still have a hard time affording to shoot film for something like this and because it was experimental and digital is cheaper and I could see it right away, why would I shoot film for this. So. I shot and shot and shot, Cause that’s what I do. Here are a few examples of what I mean. I like them out of focus. What do you think? Really, I want to know.
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I am in a hotel room in Bozeman Montana and it is about 7:15am and I will leave soon but since I will be staying in Hotels for a while I will make the best of the time and do more posts. I hope you enjoy my blog and my photos. Do you know that I own a photography school in Missoula Montana and I teach workshops? You do know. Visit my Facebook page for Missoula Photography School to learn more about my workshops and how you can attend!
Click here for the link!

Brian Johnson is the owner and main writer for Buffaloz Photography Training. He is a bit weird at times but is always a fun likable guy. He also owns Missoula Photography School and Ayres Photography. 

Photography Training: Finding Your Style

Photography Training: Finding Your Style

I must say that when I started out I thought I was ok. And I was. I was 14 and shooting my first wedding. I was using a Yashica FX-D with on camera flash. The wedding turned out pretty good and I made 300 Dollars. Not bad for a 14 year old. That was 1987.

Even though I was proud of those shots and they were good, if I was shooting the same way now I would not be happy with myself. A lot of photographers get stuck in the one mode the learned to shoot in. They don’t challenge themselves. They don’t learn. They don’t look. They become stagnant.

I could not do that. A few months ago I looked at my work. I do good work and my clients love it. I loved it. But then I looked around at what inspired me. I realized I was not shooting what I wanted. I was not taking the images that I admired. I was taking shots that I knew I could get.

I decided it was time for a change. So. I changed. I have decided to change my business model. I have decided to shoot the type of shots that inspire me.

So, if you are not shooting the type of shots that inspire you maybe you should ask yourself why? I went looking for a new style. I found it on Tumblr. There were other places too but I was inspired by a specific look and a specific blog. My work does not look the same but this woman’s blog was my inspiration.

These shots are some of my new work. I have gone with a more intimate idea of work and portaits. I am looking forward to this weekend. I have my first client to shoot in my new style. I will let you know how it turns out!

Brian Johnson is a professional photographer and the owner of Buffaloz Photography Training. Missoula Photography School and Ayres Photography






If you are interested in being a guest writer for this site please contact me at ayresphotography@yahoo.com

Buffaloz Photography Training: Free Online Photography Tips, Training, and Tutorials.

Photography Training: One Tip on How to Take Better Portraits

This post will help you if you are a beginner or even a professional. 

In the past I have said that it is good to reinvent yourself as a photographer every few years. I even went as far to say that a great example if reinvention is Madonna. Love her or hate her, she was very successful at reinventing herself and that is why is was popular in the 80’s, 90’s and is still successful after 30 plus years of being a musician. If you can reinvent yourself every few years and you are running a photography business there is a good chance that you won’t be out of  business in 10 years from now. I reinvented myself, and  I will do it again and again and again.

One way that I reinvented myself was I made one simple change in how I photograph. I don’t always do this but a large portion of my images have this in common. So, you are wondering what I am doing different? I use depth of field to the max!! I must say that I am not the only photographer out there that does this but I have a certain look to my images that sets me apart. Some can look at an image of mine and say, “yep that was shot my Brian”.

You might wonder how I do this….?? Well, the main thing I do is I shoot almost all portraits wide open!! What I mean by this is I have lenses that have large apertures. They have apretures like f/1.1 and f/1.4. These apertures allow me to create very shallow Depth of Field. Basically the backgrounds go out of focus. I have invested in lenses that help me get this look. If you buy a camera and it comes with a kit lens you probably can’t get this look. So, you really need to invest in some good quality lenses with fast apertures.  

I spent over a thousand dollars on my Voigtlander Nokton 50mm. I got my 85mm f/1.4 for a lot less. It’s a Rokinon. The Rokinon is not as sharp as the Nokton, but it does a great job. Next I will get a 35mm f/1.4 Voigtlander and then I am not sure were I will go after that. Anyhow, fast lenses are very important to the look and style that I want my images to have. 

To take advantage of these wonderful lenses I have I need to make sure when I take the picture I have space behind the subject. If you have lenses like mine and you put your subject right up against a wall it kind of defeats the purpose.

If you want to learn more about how to pose people click here and check out this ebook! It’s a great resource on how to creatively pose!

These are examples of what I mean.

See how I do not put them up against a wall? I almost always use f/1.4 for the Aperture and adjust the Shutter speed to allow the correct exposure.

Notice the leading lines in the image above? Do you notice the Shallow Depth of Field in this shot also?

Again, I have very shallow depth of field. When you have shallow depth of field it will separate your subject from the background and make the subject stand out. 

Again, this lovely lady stands apart from the background because I used a wide aperture of f/1.4.

If you have questions or need clarification on any of this please leave a comment and will answer you back!!

Thanks! -Brian

Is my goal if working as a full time photographer something you want to do? If so check out this ebook and learn how to get started!

Buffaloz Photography Training: One Tip on How to Take Better Portraits 

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Photography Training: Why it is Important to Touch Up Your Photographs.

Photography Training: Why it is Important to Touch Up Your Photographs.

I have worked for over 20 years as a professional photographer. Everyday that I have taken photos I have learned something new Even though I write this blog and I shoot almost every day I still get a big surprise once in a while. 

I have touched up my images myself since the beginning of my career. I used to develop and print my own film and now I use computer programs which make it a lot easier. 

The other day I had an awakening. I wouldn’t say it was rude because it came from a good friend. I had photographed her son a few weeks ago for his senior portrait. As most boys his age do, he had a small problem with acne. I did not remove them and sent her and gave her the images. Well, she called me yesterday and asked me if I could take care if it. 

It was at that moment that I had a paradigm shift. I had become lazy. I was putting my name out into the public and I wasn’t putting my best foot forward.  When she got off the phone with me I will have to admit I was kind of embarrassed. I have made to new promise to myself that I will only sell, and post( on my various sites) my best work. This principle is the same with any job. Always do your best and don’t do  half @%#@#  work.

Here is an example of an image that is touched up correctly and one that is does half @#$^.

The Image below is good(at least I think it is. I took it)

This Image is better. It took me 5 minutes to do this.

Not touched up but still nice right?

Much better don’t you think?

So, if you don’t have programs to touch up your images then you are missing out. The program that I used to touch up these images cost me $50. That’s it. Anyone can afford it.

Also, you should check out this e-book. 

The Easiest Way to Start a Photography Business Book Click Here! Only $97 dollars!
-If you are interested in starting a photography business, this is a great resource!
All kinds of great info to get you started!!

AND

Portrait Photography Guide Click Here! Only $47 dollars!
Any excellent resource if you are interested in learning the art of Portrait Photography!

If you want to make money at photography they will really help you out. I recommend them. 

As Always thanks for reading this blog and if you have questions please get hold of me or leave a comment.

Buffaloz Photography Training: Free Online Photography Tips, Training and Tutorials.

Photography Training: Learn about TLR Cameras!

Photography Training

Photography Training: Learn about TLR Cameras!

A great video on Twin Lens Reflex Cameras!! Yes, It’s film. Don’t be afraid. There pretty easy to use and a lot of fun!!

Photography Training: Learn about TLR Cameras!

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Buffaloz Photography Training: Free Online Photography Training, Tips and Tutorials!

Photography Training: How to Make Money with Photography Online.

Photography Training: How to Make Money with Photography Online.

I get asked all the time how I make money with photography online. In fact, I get asked how much too. 

Here is the thing, I married and I have a family to support. I have to make money with photography if I want to buy new equipment(photography can get expensive). If I don’t make money, I don’t do photography.My wife would lay down the hammer. Haha!!

Because I love taking photos and buying cameras I have learned how to make money with my camera. Here is the thing, It’s exciting to make money with photography. I mean, how many people really do what they want and love and get paid for it? I’m in San Francisco right now on vacation and I’m still making $$!

I have also learned that if I can do it, so can you. It’s not rocket science. I learned by reading books and asking questions. I build a network( I am still building it) so that others would know what I do. This last few months things have really blown up.  I am so busy that I can hardly keep going. I have tons of portrait sessions, and I am shooting commercial photography and now I am getting into fashion and fine art portraiture. I’ve been asked to do a year long photography project too!  I have a full time job that I will be leaving it soon! YAY!

It all started online. I learned about stock photography and other places to show my work and how to market myself online. I remember last Christmas when an ad agency from NYC got hold of me and asked me to shoot for Chevy.com! It was fun and I got paid good too!  

You can do it too! Imagine you could live where ever you want and make money online by selling your work.  If you sold your photography online where would you live? What kinds of things would you do when you didn’t have to punch a clock and work a 9 to 5 shift? Actually, you could probably do what ever you want to do and live where ever you want too. 

You don’t have to be the best photographer(I’m not), and you don’t have to be the smartest person around. You just need to learn how to make money online. It has taken me about 9 months of serious work to get to where I am at. It might take you longer or maybe not, but if I don’t try you will never know. If you could see yourself  9 months from know making 30 dollars a day selling photography online, what would you think? Now image seeing yourself in 3 years making 150 dollars a day and probably way more! Now image 5 years….
How would your life be different?  What kind of car would you drive? What would your schedule look like? Would your commute to work be gone? Could you afford that dream vacation?  You get the point.  

 Click here to learn how to make money online. This ebook will tell you how!!

It will be a good start. One thing I realized a while ago is that books are an investments. I have spend a ton of money of books. I have read self help books, montivational books, photography books, business books, investment books.  I read a lot.  My wife says I’m a nerd. She’s right. I still tuck my t-shirt into my jeans. LOL

This is one of the images that I sell online. Nothing fancy. Actually, images like this are easier to sell online than artsy stuff! I know, Who would have thought?

Now, don’t expect to make money overnight. It will take some time. The trick to becoming successful with selling your work on line it to never give up. Be committed. If you have the knowledge and are keep at it, it will happen! Plus as you go along, you will get better and smarter about it and then BAM!! Your making money!

This ebook has really helped me and I am sure it will do the same for you!!

Are you interested in learning how to make money with photography Check out this ebook and learn how to make money with photography!!  

There are other ebooks in the shoppe page of this site but I would start with this one. It is easy to understand and will give you the knowledge to get started.  I will warn you that after reading this ebook you will need to take action. You can’t read it and then decide that you will do it later. If you are gonna do that please don’t buy it. It will be a waste of money. But if you really want to make money with photography online, and you really want to change your life, get this ebook. It’s the starting point!  I want you to succeed and I am here to help you. It was one if the best investments I ever paid for! For me it has paid for itself at least 100 times over and will continue to do more.  

Where will you be in 9 months? Making money with photography, or sitting on your couch thinking you should have invested in your education 9 months ago? You decide.  You know the path I chose.

I need to tell you that I do make a few dollars if you buy this ebook. I need to feed my family and pay for expensive photography equipment, but I only recommend books and products that I believe in and have tried. So help me support my family and learn  how to support yours at the same time!! If you have questions feel free to send me a message at buffalozphotog@yahoo.com

Thanks, Brian!

Photography Training: A Few Shots From Our Vacation So Far!

Photography Training: A Few Shots From Our Vacation So Far!

I thought I would share a few shots from my families vacation so far. We are staying in Oakland but we are going into San Francisco for most of the days. Anyhow, Here are a few shots I took today! Hopefully I will have more for tomorrow. Hope you enjoy!

Buffaloz Photography Training: Free Online Photography Tips, Tutorials and Training!

Photography Training: How to Protect your Gear from Being Stolen

Buffaloz Photography Training: How to Protect your Gear from Being Stolen 

I am on vacation right now and I am really having fun. I was going to wait back to do a post but after yesterday I decided I should just do a quick post. Anyhow, I am in a big city with my family and I never thought I would need to be concerned about someone robing me and taking my gear till yesterday. I was on a local transit system and saw three fights yesterday.  I grew up in Kansas City and was not too worried about my safety, but I have now lived in a small town in Montana for over 20 years.
I have been carrying three cameras on this trip, My Leica M3, my Contax G1, and my Lumix G1.  I am carrying several expensive lenses. I know that Leica has the MP version which is mostly unmarked, thus safer to carry when in a dangerous area, but I really thought it was kinda stupid till yesterday. I mean, why wouldn’t you want others to know you shoot a Leica(I’m a bit of a camera snob). I now understand. Anyhow here are a few tips on how to be safe in a dangerous area. I must note that I am not even in a bad area, I am just in an area that I feel uncomfortable with. I am pretty sure when I was 16 and in areas of Kansas City I did not worry at all. Living in a small town has changed me a bit.

Leica MP

1. Use an old bag. This way you do not draw attention to yourself and your gear.

2. Try to fit in and not look out of place. This way others will not notice you as much

3. Pay attention to your surroundings.  Look around  and know where the danger is. If someone is making you uncomfortable get away from them. Large crowds are good. Don’t go somewhere where you will be by yourself.

4. Use the buddy system and if at all possible stay with a group of people. One thing that is really nice is that I have children. People have actually apologized for bad language and smoking weed in front of them several times since we have been here. I am not saying that you should use your children for protection, I would never put my children in harms way but I know from past experience that others are careful what they do around children. But be careful and NEVER put your children in danger. In fact, if you do get in trouble and your children are with you, your first responsibility should be to protect them. I would give my life to protect mine.

5. Switch out your memory card every once in a while. That way if you camera is stolen, at least you won’t lose all of your images.

6. Carry your bag in front and keep it zipped up. It might look weird but are you concerned more about your appearance or not losing your gear. For me, my gear is worth more than my two cars combined. It would be devastating to lose it.

7. Make sure your gear is insured. This way if it is gone at least you will be able to replace it.

8. If you are carrying expensive gear use tape to cover the logos and anything that might attract attention.
Leica owners do this all the time.

9. Be careful and trust your instincts. If you are unsure about something don’t do it or go there. Is it really worth losing your life, or gear? I think not.

That’s about it. There are a lot more things you can do. I have just named a few and you are welcome to add some more of your own. Leave a comment and I am sure that others will appreciate it.!!

Thanks!

Buffaloz Photography Training: Free Online Photography Tips, Tutorials,  and Training

Photography Training: Improve your photos with two simple rules

Photography Training

Great video on how to improve you photography by doing a few simple things!

Great video!

Buffaloz Photography Training: Free Online Photography Training, Tips, and Tutorials

Photography Training:How to use a cloth photo backdrop on location

Photography Training:How to use a cloth photo backdrop on location

Great video! This is a good idea!!

Buffaloz Photography Training: Free Online Photography Training, Tips, and Tutorials!