Hi Everyone,
I receive emails everyday from all over the world. I never thought I would be saying this, but it’s true. I can’t believe that I can reach out and communicate with people in Australia, Brazil,United Kingdom…just to name a few. It’s really AWESOME!
Since I released a few Free videos about getting started in a Photography Business, people have been watching them and wanting more. There’s always going to be questions. I’ve been doing my best to get back to everyone, but it’s getting to the point where there just isn’t enough time in the day.
I will try and answer your questions here or in future videos.
The Benefits of having questions public, is that everyone can listen in on the conversation. Everyone can learn from each other this way. This is very powerful for people just getting started.
So, let’s use this space to ask the questions or post your comments. I’ll do my best to answer your questions and keep it real simple.NOTE: Go to the bottom of this page and use the “Post Comment” link to leave your question or comment.
Talk to ya soon!
Scott
Leave A Comment Below:
364 Responses to “Submit Your Questions Here”
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Do you recommend using green screen and if so, do you use a software product to remove the background?
Thanks,
Tony
I used photoshop elements 8 on a 30 day download. I learn a lot from your videos. I’m ready to buy but I am just starting out with no clients YET. Should I buy elements 8 or maybe an older CS Copy?
Thanks Teresa
Nebraska
your whole Digital Creations program seems quite overwheling to me, so many different steps to try and remember to create my own Digital images. I am not very photoshop friendly and have a hard time remembering every detailed step in creating a Digital Portrait.
I like what I see on your videos, but have a hard time appling all the different steps your attempt to explain in your videos.
I’m getting ready to purchase a the one light setup as suggested from Alien Bee’s, I’ve decided on the AB800 with stand and the wireless system, but I cannot decide which modifier to get? They have a 32×40 and a 30×60 softbox, my studio is around 20×20 in size, and my backdrop is a 10×20 white and black to start with. Which softbox would you go with that would be the most versatile and useful with only one light?
To add to my above question. How would I light a white background with only one light? Is it possible to buy a couple of cheap continuous lights to light the white background or will that be a problem to mix lights?
Hi Scott,
I was wondering if or when you get a chance you could do a tutorial or direct me to one that you may have done that shows me how to create edges to my photos. The reason I am asking is I ran across some software called AutoFX Auto FX Photo/Graphic Edges Platinum 7.0 and downloaded a trial version of it and it was AWESOME! Problem is I couldn’t save any of my pic’s (not a surprise)and I am a person who likes to see the finished product in my hands and this software is on the pricey side. So with not being able to see it as stated I am a little leary of buying it and then i thought of you and wondered if maybe you knew how to do the same thing only on photoshop. I was especially fond of the vignette that they had which is honestly one of the nicest I have seen.
Well thank you for your time!
Malena Rosenberry
Hi, I hope I’m in the correct area as far as leaving questions goes. I am very much a beginner, revceived a nikon d200 about a yr ago and still am learning how to use it. My husband and I have an 8 month old and have taken shots from day one. We would like to take this hobby to the next level. What would you recomend as far as a backdrop fabric? Any necessary lighting needed for a home studio? Any learning sites you can recommend for techniques, user friendly? My camera has a built-in flash but from what I’ve been reading I should disable it and purchase something different?? Thanks so much for your time, I appreciate it. Lisa
Hi Scott
Just wanted to let you know that I have my first Photo party next week.I’ve been watching your video’s and have created some photo’s which everybody loves.So I’m taking it to the next step and am having a party. Where I live, there are quite a few kids that live near by so I’m going to have a theme day.Hope fully I’ll get some sales out of it. Atleast I’ll be getting my name out there.Wish me luck. Thanks for giving me the tools to step out. Linda
I am wanting to start my own photography business and im trying to learn things about it. One question that i have is where do I order the prints from? Also I just wanted to let you know what you are doing is great an it helps so much. Thanks
Hi Scott,
WOW, I just finished watching the first video. It’s fantastic! Thanks for making such a valuable learning tool available. I have a small photography business,(very small) but hope to grow as time goes on. I have the D700, SB800 and SB900, a soft box and the Gary Fong light Sphere. My question is I’m just not sure what my set up should be for a studio. I’m not sure how I should set up my lighting and what the power output should be. At the present I’m just shooting outdoor photography. I could really use your help. Keep up the great work!
Sincerely,
Heather
PS – Do you offer workshops?
hello Scott,
Nice to watch your videos.. I’m a new Digital artist/Photographer in Fayetteville TN, new because we recently relocated here from Florida and purchased a house on 3.44 acres. I have taken photographs for over 35 years now, and have practically grown up with computers, so my preference to stay digital as an artist / photographer should be obvious. I have developed my own style and have some available on my web site http://www.borsingphoto.com
I am a member of the local arts club and are attending the Fayetteville annual Art Fest and in booth 12 the 16′th / 17′th of March. Because of limited time I would like to purchase some of the backgrounds you mention. I have yet to set up my studio in a allocated room next to our garage and to create my own digital props etc.
Sincerely Carl Mikael Borsing..
Apologies Everyone… The Art Festival is on the 16′th – 17′th of April and not in March as mentioned previously
Sincerely, Carl Mikael Borsing..
Hi Scot,
I don’t have a question, but I do have a suggestion for an article. You should talk about how it is not necessary to have the latest and greatest equipment to succede in photography. The most expensive gear is certainly not required.
I have seen other photographers with equipment five times more expensive than mine, produce poor results compared to mine, simply because they did not understand lighting, posing, composition and cropping.
If I had $1,000 to invest in this business, I would spend $500 on gear, and the rest on books, DVDs, and classes. Then I would spend even more on marketing info. I have seen incompetent and dishonest people succede wildly with great marketing, while well trained and experienced professionals fail miserably. The difference has always been marketing.
All the Best,
Richard ‘Doc’ Sweeny
Thank you Scott and Lisa!
Two Questions and a comment:
I took one photo of my granddaughter and put it in the archway,
though I could not resize it. Even with her photo really big looking out one side of the arch,people asked for my business card!
1)After the video you sent out today (great video, great photo!!!) I looked for a bounding box in CS2. I must have something set differently than you, can anyone help?
2)My latest photos are tiff format. when I try to put them in a background, a PS warning box pops up: The target document has a different depth than the source document. This may result in lower than expected quality. Are you sure you want to proceed?
Can’t find anything in the book about it. I’m stumped. Any input?
Thank you!!!
Hi Scott,
Could you direct me to the tutorial you did with the fish prop please?? I seen it once and now I can’t find it. Thank you!
Malena Rosenberry
Hi Scott,
Thank you for all your help,those videos are really helpful!
I am new at photography,but I really enjoing doing it!I just got my studio setup,and ready to get started,but what should I start with? take pictures for my portfolio first,than do the website?Or how to know costomers that I am in a business?
Thanks
Tanya
Scott,
Got the fish_prop video but when I click on Download Fish the file is zipped and is 33Megs is that possible?
Thanks I’m just getting started. Am currently working on a church directory with 300 members. Unfortunately it’s mostly voluntary.
Tom
Hi Scott, I need help! I have touched some photos and save them as a JPEG and after looking at them, see that they need a little more work. I tried to open them back up and it will not let me. Just wondering if you could suggest anything that I could try. Thanks and the videos are a GREAT help. Thanks for your time.
Stephanie
dear scott
i am having a hard time removing the subject from the backround inwhich i shot the original shot. please help me
vincent do you have a video starting from the begining
I am sure that you have composed a video that discusses studio lighting, but where would I go to find it. Basically, I am playing around with the idea of doing potrait photography on the side, and I need help in understanding exactlly what type of lights, how many, etc that I would need to get started. Thanks!
Hi Scott,
How do I regsiter for your program and get access to the blogs, forums, coaching, etc.? I can’t find a way to sign up anywhere.
Thanks.
Dan
Where do I get the cover up prop images? Bird bath, laundry basket etc.
Regards, Noel
Hi Scott
I have several play areas for children near my studio some already have other studios advertising in them. I like the idear of running a portrait competition. But am finding it hard to get shops and play areas to agree to it. Whats in for them type of thing. have you any idears? as a kids play area is be a gold mine of potential customers.
Thanks for a very usefull site.
Gary England
Hi Tom Brayman,
I was wondering if you could direct me to the fish prop video??? I have looked and looked and I can not find it. Could you provide me with the url?
Thank You!
Malena Rosenberry
Hi Scott!
After watching quite a few of your videos; I have a few questions.
Will your digital backgrounds work with Corel Photo Shop Pro X2 Ultimate?
How do you create a collage?
Is it better to shoot in Raw or Jpeg?
Thanks so much!
Hi Scott
I love your videos and blog. I’ve learned a lot! I was wondering how you present prints to your clients? Do you have boutique packaging, personalized bags, or folders?
Also, what is your turnaround time from shoot to delivery?
Thanks!
Hi Janelle,
We have used various methods, but usually use a gift bag to present the proofs and a larger one for the prints. You want to make the packaging look like a gift and compliment your style.
We usually have a 10 day turnaround time for most orders. Sometimes larger prints can take longer and the client understands this.
I hope this helps.
Scott
Hi Scott,
I found your site through youtube and needed some advice regarding my boyfriend who is more puzzled by the business part than the actual photo taking process. We cannot seem to decided between the difference of an LLC or sole proprietorship. We have looked into the info but need a photographer\’s advice and or imput. What did you start with? Is there an order to it- sole then LLC? (or can you go to LLC first?) He has attended workshops where an accountant was stressed..what are your thoughts on this and how soon would we consider an accountant? Again, do you get an accountant for a sole prop and/or an LLC? Thank you, your answers would benefit us greatly!
I am looking into buying some of your wonderful digital backgrounds, but i have a question about sizing them. How do you size the digital backgrounds without cropping the photos? I don’t know if there is any other way to crop, but when i crop my photos say to a 8×10 it crops 2 inches off my photo. I would like to know how to crop first before i buy any backgrounds.
Hi Natalie,
I think you just answered you own question
You will need to crop your images at whatever size you want them to print. This will allow you to see what will be getting trimmed before you actually print them. You will always loose part of the picture when you crop them in different sizes.
I hope this makes sense
Hi Scott
I just recently retired from the construction industry also
I’ve been a hobbyist photographer since the 1980s I have most of the equipment and we converted in our garage into a studio we have the strobe lighting, soft boxes, 3 high and Canon cameras, multiple lenses, editing software and we created a website
sounds like a pretty good start! I have one major problem advertising, we are listed in the Yellow Pages I’ve created flyers and brochures I’m walking from house to house and delivering them sending introductory letters to schools, is there some other advertising that I could do on a low budget, I would greatly appreciate any advice that you have.
JIM
Hey Jim,
I’m not a big fan of the Yellow pages for getting direct business. I’m not saying you shouldn’t be in them, I just think these are best for when people are trying to find your number.
I would try to get displays set up in your local businesses and have contests or giveaways to get attention. It’s best to get businesses that would compliment yours.
You could also do fundraisers for schools to get your name out there. Most schools have a fundraiser at least once a year to raise money. They look for businesses to donate Gift Certificates and they’ll promote you at the event.
We’ve also done the “Make A Wish” foundation and have received business from this as well.
Basically, find any way to show your “Interest Magnets” to get peoples information so you can follow up with your services.
Think about how you can add value to peoples lives and give them lasting memories and the business will come.
I hope this helps!
Good Luck
Scott
Scott
Thank you for getting back to me so quickly”” I’m going to do exactly what you suggest
It makes very good sense. I’m also going to continue going house to house with the Flyers
I have been contacting local businesses I am a member of the Chamber of Commerce in my town I’m going to try and venture into other townships.
I have about 60 variety picture frames, I made out of mahogany, and maple, they are studio style and a very from 5 x 7 all the way to 20 x 24 they of course feature my personal work. I had other purposes for them but for now I’m going to use them for school and church and other functions for the use of fundraisers and auctions.
Also I’m not too sure how I’m going to develop it but I’ll figure it out! to create a free photo section as a giveaway and just offer it to various schools and church organizations.
Scott”” I want to thank you for your advice and development of your videos you are a big inspiration.
Have a great day.
JIM
How do you download your photos on the web with it not comming out so dark. Everytime i post a photo it does not look the same as the orginal. It turns out to dark. Is there away to fix this problem?
Hi Scott
I watched your video on hair extraction. I use elements 7 and it doesn’t seem to work the same. You talk about setting “protect foreground color” and “sample once”. I don’t see these in elements 7 and have trouble making this work. Any suggestions on how I could do this in elements 7?
Shannon
How do I know which labs to use?
Hi, Scott
I have an opportunity to pick up a couple
Bid package requests from 2 high schools
I never did any school photography that required 1 year contracts.
also I have no idea how much to bid on.
I do know there is a little more than 300 seniors
and about 800 other students these students would be full class photo
also during the year they want some athletic shots, club shot, if some day to day student activity shots some with panoramic.
If you can possibly give me some kind of baseline on how much to bid
for like the seniors individual portraits, full class portraits, athletic shots, and a day-to-day
student activities.
I would greatly appreciate your support.
JIM
I wanted to know how to put a newborn baby in a flower like ANNE GEDDES pictures and help techniques would be greatly appreciated I love your work Monica
Hi scott I wanted to know why My portraits are cut off somtimes when I get them printed at a lab in a 5×7 or 8×10 size.
I’m sure you’ve answered this one already, but that is a lot of feed back to read through. So, if you don’t mind repeating yourself, i’d really appreciate it. Question: To start up my own photography studio, which I would love to Have home based, what would be the basic equipment start-up? Thank you that was all I needed to know. Oh! It’s really noble of you to help everyone else out. You put a lot of thought into your hardwork, and have much consideration for others that were like you when you first began. Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to help the rest of us.
When using the pen tool for cutouts I get a white wedge that
keeps getting bigger and taking away part of my picture as I am tracing and I don’t know how to prevent it. And it makes it
impossible for me do cutouts with it.
And also if you visit my website sign my guest book and
let me know what you think of it. If you think it sucks tell me
what you think I should do differently.
are you using the big Photo Shop or are you using Elements?
I use Photoshop CS2 mainly, but I do own Photoshop Elements 6 & 8. I find myself using CS2 a lot because it has everything I need. I haven’t found the need yet to upgrade to CS5.
Scott
When using the pen tool it keeps blocking out part of
the picture I want to keep. How do I prevent this
Hi Scott,
Thank you for all of your great info…it has helped me a lot!
I have a question regarding your goldfish prop. When I get it in PSE it has a black background. How do I get it to be transparent like yours is?
Thank you!
Melissa Prescott
Just received the first video. Great! I love the idea with the feet. I am going to try it out for practice this weekend.
How do I find a good photo lab? What do I look for?
I was looking at your pricing video. Confused on what you are referring to when you say proofs. Please explain
Scott, I’m working with Elements 6 – and I still haven’t figured out how to get all the backgrounds into the layers palette. I’ve watched a good deal of your videos and have learn4ed much – one video you are using CS – you are taking your daughter shot with a white background and putting her on a pink background and then erasing the background. Is this possible with Elements 6?
which labs do I use?
I was wondering the legal side of things do u have to register name? how u charge people taxes when starting out please never took any buisness classes. Just want to know if need permit or anything or can I just start?