So…I decided to share another unique portrait idea that anyone can use and start creating with very little equipment. We created a Digital version for our NPB Digital Creations Club called “Gone Golfing“. I know…pretty unique name. LOL

Watch the video and I’ll go over all the components you’ll need to get started.

As always…leave a comment below and let me know what you think.

If you want to check out our NPB club…Click Here!

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 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.

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’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

How to use the “Limited Offer” in your Photography Business Marketing.

You can be the best photographer in the world, but if your marketing stinks, you’re pretty much out of business. You need to constantly focus on testing and improving your marketing forever.

I want to show you a very effective technique that small businesses don’t often use. This can be done over and over again creating a snowball effect that will continue to grow for years.

Using Limited Sessions Or Limited Time Offers

When using these limits in your photography business, it will create what we call (Scarcity) in the marketing world. This will help get people to Take Action and schedule their appointment or buy those extra prints for more profits.

This has been practiced by every successful business and it works. Why is “Black Friday” the biggest shopping day of the year? Because we’ve been trained through marketing that it’s the biggest shopping day.

Why can a store offer these special prices from 5AM until 10AM? They create the specials and remove them at 10AM. The specials don’t just disappear, they are removed by the company that created them. They make up the rules.

So now you might be asking ” How can you add this to your photography business marketing”?

Here’s one example that will show you the potential.

Offer a special theme day for your studio that you’re only having on a certain weekend. Your studio has 15 limited spots available for this special weekend and once they’re gone…they’re gone.

You should start advertising this at least 30 days before the event, so you can build up the excitement and sell out your 15 spots.

The most effective way to market this strategy is through email marketing. This way you can send out the announcement 30 days before the event. Then you should email again 2 times per week letting everyone know about the event. Most importantly, you want to email them when and if it Sells Out.

This is very important because now you’re training your prospects and customers for the next event. If they waited until the last minute for this event and then were  told it was sold out, they’ll call earlier next time.

You will find that the more events you have like this that sell out, the faster you will book up at the next event. Remember, your training your list just like we’ve been trained about Black Friday.

I want to finish by saying that you always want to be honest and upfront and give a reason why it’s limited. In this case, you can only take 15 appointments in 2 days. They are spaced 1 hour apart for their convenience and because you like to allow plenty of studio time for each client’s sitting.

Be creative and learn to love marketing your photography business and the rewards will be endless.

Happy Shooting!

In this video, I walk you through a simple workflow process for using Digital Backgrounds And Props in Adobe Photoshop. There a many methods and techniques to create cut outs in Photoshop, but this is one of the easier methods.

Adding Digital Backgrounds and Props to your photography business will allow you to offer your clients more choices and not have it cost you a small fortune. Your portrait studio won’t have to store all the backgrounds and props anymore. You’ll just need a bigger hard drive on your computer.

Photography Business Opportunity (No Studio Required)

That’s Right! You could actually get started without a studio at all using this method. Just go on location with your camera, basic lighting, white background and edit your pictures at your home office. Follow up with a proofing session of the clients portraits. Then….Make Some Sales!

Keep in mind that this does take practice, but if you follow this video and Take Action…you’ll be on your way.

Happy Shooting!

Scott

P.S.

Leave a comment below and let me know what you think.

If you would like to take your photos from a simple snap-shot to a more professional looking image, here are a few tips to steer you in the right direction.

Tip #1 – Shadows

Shadows can work for you or against you. If you are trying to take a shot outside on a bright sunny day, then the glaring sun can produce a very harsh and contrasty photo.

Having your subjects facing the sun will get rid of shadows but produce the ’squints’ which make the eyes disappear. Photograph your subjects with their backs to the sun and use either a reflector or your camera’s flash to provide fill light. Avoid angles in direct sun. If you can find shade somewhere, use it but remember you need to adjust your white balance.

On point and shoot cameras there is most likely a setting for ‘Shade.’ Better yet, wait for the golden hours to shoot outside. These are the first and last hour of the day; they are called the Magic Hour for very good reason. Try the early morning sun or early evening when the sun is going down.

Tip # 2 – Backgrounds

Watch what is in the background behind your subject. Having trees and poles coming out of people at various angles can be most distracting. Also having other people walking in or out of the photo or showing objects, such as signs or cars, can detract from an otherwise great shot.

Keep it simple; busy backgrounds will take the viewers eyes from the main subject. If possible, scout out your locations before the shoot.

Tip #3 – Subjects

Make sure you give your subject clear and explicit directions. Showing them where to stand, how to pose and where to look can help you compose the shot you are looking for. Take your time, but within reason.

People have a tendency to lose interest and have trouble maintaining their smiles and poses for extended periods of time. It is good to have some idea before hand of what kind of shots you want and where you want to take them.

If there is more than two people, grouping them to form triangles is a great way to make your photos look more interesting. Remember not to amputate hands, legs or arms at the joints or at awkward angles.

Tip #4 – Candid Shots

When taking candid shots, it is sometimes difficult to make sure you have the shadows right and the backgrounds clear. The subjects will not be posed but instead will be caught in real-life moments. Sometimes these turn out to be the most emotional and exciting photos.
A little blur can give movement, out of focus can add softness to a photo.

Use different angles and lighting. Most of all, take a ton of shots. Use your creativity, you may be surprised at what you captured!

Use every opportunity you get to practice these key elements. Use these tips all the time, engrain them in your memory so you do them instinctively and they come naturally to you; they will take your photos from snap-shots to works of art!

If you would like to share a Digital Photography Tip that you’ve learned, post a comment below.

Happy shooting!

Tip #1 Go the Extra Mile.

If you find their child or pet is a little difficult to work with, spend more time with them. Show them you care about taking whatever time is needed to get that special shot. Many people get embarrassed if their child or pet is not cooperating. Reassure them, make them comfortable and extend every courtesy in helping them. People love to feel special and important. This one point alone will keep your clients coming back and encourages them to tell others about you and your studio in glowing terms.

Tip #2 Be Prompt in Having Their Proofs Ready.

Other companies may be slower in getting their proofs and prints back to their clients. Be diligent on your follow-ups. Getting the proofs into your client’s their hands quickly can help maintain a high degree of interest and earns you more professional respect.

Tip #3 Traditional Viewing vs. Online Proofing.

This is probably the most important concept you need to learn. The traditional one-on-one viewing of  hard copy prints will do more to build your business than the impersonal presentation of on-line images. First, when they come to your studio, they can see the large prints you have up on the wall so you can show them what their print will look like. Because they can see the difference between smaller prints and larger prints, you will have the opportunity of up-selling to a larger size. When you hand them a 4×6 proof, they take possession of the actual physical copy of their image it becomes more real and personal to them than seeing them on the web.

Tip # 4 Using Customers for Marketing.

Putting your contact information and website on the back of each proof makes a great marketing tool. When they show the proofs to friends and relatives, many of them will take the time to go to your website to see your work. Once you have them there, have a special coupon available for download by simply filling out their contact information and email address. In all likelihood, the more proofs you have in circulation the more business you will see coming your way.

Tip #5 Offering the Extras.

As a general rule, whatever size print you first show people, that will be the size they most likely will buy. Always show them larger sizes. Usually they are so taken by the impact of larger prints that up-selling to a larger size is not a problem. Most people would like to be able to pick up their photograph all ready to hang on the wall. Perhaps adding a framing option would give you the opportunity to create a little more revenue plus provide your customers with a complete “Click and Hang” service.

It can’t be emphasized enough that great customer service is what will bring your clients back to you year after year. Developing that special one-on-one relationship with your clients and prospective clients is vital to establishing a strong foundation for your business. It is a very worthwhile investment of your time and resources.

I hope you enjoyed these tips.

Happy Shooting

Scott

Learn From Others

When we’re learning to compose good shots, we can get some wonderful creative ideas by looking at others’ work.

It’s not that we want to copy their style, instead we can absorb and remember the ideas and concepts; then apply that knowledge when we create our own images.

Here are a few Photography Composition Tips that will help take your photography from ordinary to extra-ordinary.

Learn the Basics

There are many wonderful resources out there either on the web or in book form that can help you learn the basics of photography. You need to know how to work your camera so you get the proper exposure. Knowing how to use your shutter speed, f-stops and ISO settings are important to achieve the shots you envision in your mind. Choosing the proper lens also takes a bit of thinking and using a tripod is a must in certain situations.

Use of Foreground Elements

A foreground element in a photo will be the first thing that a viewer will see. Sometimes people will use a prop, a gate, a rock, a tree or a small object to grab attention and lead the viewer into the photograph. Using foreground elements will give depth and meaning to the rest of the image.

Use of Standard Compositional Elements. Diagonal lines is one of the most effective compositional tools that is used to lead the viewer to the main point of interest. Setting up the shot by using an imaginary triangle will help take the viewer to from one point to the next and back again to the start, giving a feeling of completeness. This is a very useful tool when setting up portraits that contain more than two people. The use of S-curves and shapes are also a great way of leading the eye around the photo.

Using Light

Nothing adds more drama or more interest to an image than good use of light. Proper use of light and shadows give the image a three dimensional feel. Painting Masters of the past knew that the balance between light and shadows was of primary importance in giving their paintings and portraits life. Being able to identify and use available light sources in an artistic and interesting way is an art that takes plenty of practice and patience. Composing your shot to make use of this light can take your photos from good to spectacular.
Points to Remember

Here’s some final Composition tips for you to remember when composing your image:
~ Make sure your horizon line is level.
~ Look for distracting elements. Poles coming from heads, wires etc.
~ Watch your depth of field.
~ Keep it simple.

Being critical of what you see through the viewfinder and using these composition skills will take your images from being merely good shots to absolutely amazing and creative photographic art.

Once you practice using these simple tips, it will become second nature and your shots will improve every single time. Spend the time to practice and learn from each shot you take. You will start to see a difference in your photography and then it will become effortless.

Happy Shooting!

Scott