In this short video I wanted to answer a question I received about dealing with being….OVERWHELM! This happens to all of us and sometimes we just need to not over complicate things. Watch the video and make sure you do the exercise I mention. It will give you and your photography business a detailed blueprint to FOLLOW!

Leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts!

Enjoy

I decided to create this video after one of our NPB Coaching calls and discovered a few common mistakes that can easily be fixed…so ultimately you get better results in your marketing.

Gregg, who’s one of our NPB Students, had a promotion for his Photography Business and was wondering why he didn’t receive the best results. After listening to the offer and email he was using…I had a few ideas as to why it didn’t WORK!

Watch the video below as I go through Gregg’s entire promotion and give my advice on how to fix it

I wanted to say thanks again to Gregg, for allowing me to share this with our subscribers.

Talk to ya later!

Scott

This is a follow up video to my blog post titled “Learn How To Use Digital Photography Backgrounds – Photoshop Tutorial“.

I received some questions on how to add Digital Backgrounds to the WorkFlow template.

Watch the video below to to see the actual process.

Click Here to check out our Digital Creations Club!

As always…leave your comments below and let me know what you think.

Enjoy!

Recently I had one of our NPB Students email me and ask how to create a High Key Portrait in Photoshop. So…I decided to create a video demonstrating how you can easily achieve this look using Photoshop.

Keep in mind that you can receive these same results with certain lighting set ups in a studio setting. But…sometimes when you’re first getting started you may not have professional lighting equipment or maybe just need to enhance your High Key shots. This technique will help you achieve those beautiful High Key portraits that you and your clients will love.

Enjoy!

As always…please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. We would love to hear from you.

Scott

Whether you are wanting to get a treasured photo your own family pet or you would like to photograph pets as a part of your photography business, there are a few things you should know before you just show up with your camera and expecting award winning pet photos. Here are a five tips to help you get the photos you’re looking for.

Tip #1 – Patience

First and foremost we must realize that stunning photos of pets involve a lot of patience. Waiting for that right pose or expression that represents the character of the pet may take a little time. Sometimes we get lucky and it happens very quickly, then there are the other times when it feels like we will never get THE shot! It can be frustrating but extremely rewarding.

Tip # 2 – Shoot Often

Shooting continuously can accomplish a couple of things. First it gets the pet used to the sound of the camera, second it allows you to capture candid shots in between formal poses. You might be surprised at some of the images you captured when you review them.

Tip #3 – Use Different Angles

The eyes are the most important part of the photograph. The character and soul of the pet can be more dramatically captured by getting down to their eye level. Shooting down from above by standing on a chair or something solid can also product effective and unique photos. Be adventurous! Experimenting with different angles may also generate exceptional portraits. Remember, the eyes must be in perfect focus.

Tip # 4 – Toys & Treats

There tends to be some controversy on the use of pet toys and treats to stimulate the pet in order to make a more appealing shot. On the one hand, the toys and treats can help you get more intense and striking images but on the other hand, some animals will become over-stimulated and become difficult to work with. Talking with the owner and observing the animal under both circumstances before the shoot can help you decide whether or not to use the props.

Tip # 5 – Composition

We can get so busy trying to get that perfect expression or interesting shot that we forget what is around us and in the background. Make a visual check through the viewfinder to see if you are using the rules of good composition. Are you using your thirds? Is the background uncluttered? Does the background complement the subject?

For example; it may not be wise to shoot a black dog with a dark background. If you find your location is not working, move around to the other side or change locations completely. It can make the difference between an ordinary shot and a stunning portrait.

There are a lot of things to remember in a very short space of time when you are working with animals. Taking pet portraits is challenging to say the least but is extremely rewarding. Capturing for the owner the essence and character of their much loved family pet turns that stunning portrait into a priceless memory for them.

Happy shooting!

In this video I’ll show you the power of Using Digital Backgrounds And Props in your Photography Business. When you want to give your clients more options and not spend $1,000 of dollars…you need to use this powerful concept. The possibilities are endless and the beautiful thing is that you get to use them over and over again.

In this example I used our “Yesterday’s Wicker Scale Prop And Background Set” to show you how these can be used.

For more information about our Digital Backgrounds and Props visit the link below.

Clicke Here…To Visit NewPortraitBiz Digital Creations Club

As always…Leave your comments below.

Taking family portraits presents a wonderful opportunity to capture the intimate relationships between all the family members.

What we will focus on here is mostly the immediate family that usually consists of between two and six people. Here are a few Digital Photography Tips For Great Family Portraits to remember when working with families:

Tip #1 Make them Comfortable

It is difficult to get great expressions on faces when people are straining to maintain a certain pose. It’s important to make every effort to pose the family in a way that will give you the best opportunity to capture their best ‘side.’

Tip # 2 Watch your Composition

Part of the challenge of family portraits is to compose your shot in a way that will draw the viewer into and around the photograph in a pleasing way. Pose family members in triangles. The natural flow of the portrait will then allow the viewer to see each family member in an easy and progressive manner.

Tip # 3 Using Props

Using a big wing-backed chair with mom or dad sitting in the chair and the rest of the family members posed around it always makes a great shot. Using park benches, trees, rocks, fireplaces, stools and even the ground or floor are all good ideas to help you capture that unique shot. Don’t be afraid to use your imagination and creativity!

Tip # 4 Dressing Similar

This should be discussed before the family shoot is to take place. It will save you a lot of headache if all the family members are dressed in complimenting styles and colors. Strips, polka dots, clashing colors and printed clothing can give you a disconcerting and uneasy feel to a photo. We want to produce a photo that will convey the harmony and love between family members and draw the viewer to the faces; not be distracted by clothing that is outlandish or clashing.

Tip # 5 Watch the Lighting

If you are shooting in a studio, make sure you have your lights set up to enable every person’s face to be clearly seen. Although shadows can add intensity and interest, make sure it is balanced properly. Taking family photos outside can present a whole new set of  challenges.

Shooting at the golden hour of the day (one hour before the sun goes down) is an option that will give you wonderful lighting conditions. Once again, it is of prime importance that all family member’s faces can be clearly seen.

Taking family portraits can present some very interesting challenges. You, as the photographer, have the opportunity to capture the very character and intimacy of the family unit. It takes planning and practice to create a stunning portrait that will become a  treasured family memory for years to come.

Happy shooting!

You can have the best camera and the best lighting, but if you don’t practice your composition and learn how to frame your shots, you pictures will be just average. It all starts with a vision and learning how to put a picture together in the cameras viewfinder. The camera is a tool that allows you to transfer your vision on the photo paper.

In this article you will find 6 composition and framing tips to help you improve your photography skills  and create shots that are  more than just average.

Tip #1 Shoot Vertical

When shooting a human subject, your format will be vertical 99% of the time. This is what a photographer calls a  “Portrait”. If you shoot horizontally, it’s referred to as a “Landscape”.

Tip #2 Shoot Off Center

One thing that a lot of beginning photographers do is capture their subject exactly in the middle of the frame. There is no rule that says you have to place the subject in the center of the photograph.  Some  compositions can be more exciting and dramatic if the subject is framed off-center. It gives the image a sense of movement and leads the viewer into the photographer.

Tip # 3 Fill The Frame

Try to fill up the frame with the subject.  It is natural to show too much of the  surroundings by shooting too wide.  Very successful head shots can be produced when there is no space above the head or even with some of the head cropped off. This simple tip alone can make your ordinary photos look more professional and interesting.

Tip # 4 Using Your Subjects Eyes

The eyes are our most expressive feature. Try to keep the eyes in the upper third of the frame and not exactly in the center.  Very often the viewer of a photograph is drawn to the face and expressive eyes can make a very dramatic photograph.

Tip #5 Create Your Own Center

There should be only one center of interest when creating you images.  You may have several subjects in the photograph but you can still achieve this by having the subjects touching one another or overlapping.

Tip #6 – Learn What To Crop

Don’t crop off limbs at the joints.  For example, a photograph that is cropped at the elbow will look strange.  Cropping at the forearm or bicep area will give a more natural look.

Final Thoughts:

Use these simple Digital photography Tips to help you improve your composition and framing. Practice often and learn from every shot you take and soon you will be shooting like a professional.

As always…leave you comments below. We would love to hear from you

You love animals and you love photography and people are always commenting on how wonderful your photos are. Could you possibly Start A Pet Photography Business, just because you have a passion? Of course, you can!

Most successful photographers have started their own businesses with very little experience and learned almost everything through trial and error. All you need is a little bit of talent, a desire to learn some of the technical stuff and a huge amount of passion and enthusiasm.

Tip #1 Start By Building A Portfolio

Take photos of animals every chance you get. If you don’t have your own pet models, then ask someone you know if you can photograph their pet. Tell them you are building your portfolio and that you will give them the photos in exchange for showing their pet in your portfolio. Most likely they will be flattered and you will be one step closer to getting paid clients.

Tip #2 Getting The Shot

Some of the best photographs of animals are the ones that are natural and spontaneous. The more time you spend practicing with animals, you will start developing a connection that will show in your photographs. Animals know if a person is genuine and they will become more at ease and trusting if they know they are liked.

Tip #3 You Don’t Need A Studio

Now, you may be wondering if you need a photography studio or if you can be an on-location photographer. Many pet photographers do not have a portrait studio and still get great results. If you want a studio, a small set up area in your home is all you would need. Animals are usually most comfortable in their own surroundings, therefore producing the most natural photographs. So, be prepared to do some traveling.

Tip #4 Get The Word Out

Remember to find a wide variety of animals to photograph. Start showing your portfolio around town, leave business cards at pet groomers, veterinarians, and other pet related businesses. As your business develops, your name will travel quickly by word of mouth.

Final Thoughts:

Starting  A Pet Photography Business can be a profitable, enjoyable and exciting career. As a pet photographer, you can choose your own work hours and clients and enjoy the freedoms that come from owning your own business. Pursue your passion, get started on your pet photography business and enjoy the rewards of being your own boss!

Happy Shooting!

I received this email from Debbie and I wanted to share it with everyone. I think it’s very important to realize that most people have some kind of fears and struggles in life, but the ones that constantly Take Action…will succeed.

I’m not sharing this to brag, just to allow you to see that you’re not alone and everyone experiences some kind of challenges through their journey.

I want you to read this and be inspired for this upcoming year and make the decision Today, that you can do this.

Here’s what Debbie wrote to us on  Christmas day.

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Hi Scott

Luv & hugs to you all!
Debbie

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I hope you feel inspired after reading that and see that it takes, passion, desire and a commitment to yourself and your dreams.

Keep focused!

Scott