So…I guess this would be Episode #1

The idea with these podcasts is to answer a question or two in under 10 minutes…so you can learn and apply what we teach as fast as possible.

Listen to the podcast below and leave us a comment.

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This is probably the Million Dollar question. The truth is that there are many ways to do this, but sometimes it takes trying and testing new methods until you find one that works for you.

That’s why I’m so excited to share a recording from a phone call I recently did with one of our NPB students. His name is Gregg Workman and he’s done some testing in this department and agreed to share one of his techniques with me and everyone else in our little NPB community.

This is why it’s so important to surround yourself with like minded people that have the same goals. You can speed up the process by learning from other peoples mistakes and success.

Press the play button to start the recording and Enjoy! As always…leave me a comment below and let me know your thoughts.

Make sure to take notes and do what Gregg did…Take Action!

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Topic: Printing labs & what to tell the customer…

Every once in a while someone asks me where I print my portraits. What should I tell them? I go to a local printing lab that a lot of professionals and amateurs use in Louisville. But I don’t want the customers thinking they’d just rather get a cd and take it to walmart and print it themself, especially since I’m not offering cd’s. Plus they can also see the price list for prints and although I don’t charge much yet, I still feel funny about that. But I also don’t want to sound like I’m trying to hide anything. So what’s the best answer?

Nikkia

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Nikkia – I get that same question once in a while too. I tell them I have them printed at a professional lab out of state (which I do). I use Black River Imaging most of the time, although I have used H&H too. If I’m in a real hurry I will use a lab here in town, but I never tell them where. They don’t need to know pricing.

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Nikkia, same here. Even when I used to local lab I didn’t tell them where I did it. They are aware there will be a mark-up but if they think I’m paying $2.00 for a 8×10 why is my mark-up $20.00?
I do explain to them there are local labs but mine are done out of town because I get a better product for them and I can actually show them the difference between local and H&H, which is who I use.

Carol

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Thanks girls! I actually thought as I was typing that question, gosh these people are gonna think I’m nuts! But you made me feel not at all nuts~  Glad I asked!

Nikkia

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I always think it is nice to get different opinions and hope one will work.

My son is a locksmith and will open a car door in 2 seconds and charge $25.00-50.00 and the owner will comment on the price versus the time it took and he says he will gladly relock it if they wish, they tell him no. Usually because they have called around and all the $20.00 places won’t show or that is only their day rate so they know there isn’t anyone available. Yes, my son used tools he bought (there are about 15 kinds of “slim jims” one doesn’t fit all models but he also goes to continuing ed classes and has to pay for his vehicle, gas, ins, etc.

Now we all have expenses, equipment to maintain, possible classes and other overhead and that has to be figured in with our prices. I remember one time when I was selling Tupperware a lady wouldn’t buy from me because S&H was $3.50 and we were no longer delivering to customers (now she would have been happy for me to deliver for free to her but it would have cost me gas, time and wear and tear on my car) and then she went to the next booth and bought a toy and did not hesitate to pay $8.50 for S&H because that was the way that company always had that policy.

Carol

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Wow my son is a Locksmith too- charges $65 and when not paid he has re-locked the car.

Does anyone question a doctors charge for looking at the x-rays that cost 50c No he charges for the 12 years plus of med school.

joe

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I tell people who ask me that i send them off to a lab in ______ depending what lab im useing ( i use 3 diff labs depending on what i am doing sports, portraits, etc…)

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I heard a story of a factory that had a million dollar machine that wouldn’t work properly. They had all the engineers and top dogs looking at it and no one knew what the problem was. Eventually they were told by someone that they should call this older gentleman that retired a few years back. So, they did. He came out there, looked at the machine, and put an “x” on a piece inside on one of the circuit boards with a black magic marker. He told them to replace that part he marked with a new one, and it would work just fine. So they did, and it worked perfectly. Saving the company millions in having to purchase new equipment, downtime, etc… When they received his bill, it was for $10,000. The top dogs were livid and asked him to send them an itemized bill. So he did, and here is what it said:

$1.00 – Black sharpie marker to put “x” on part
$9,999.00 – knowing where to put the “x”

If photography was easy, they wouldn’t be coming to you.

J
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I’m just starting portraits, but my sister is in the same mindset. she wants be to take photos of her step-daughters baby, wants them edited into Scott’s scale bg & the moon bg. But she doesn’t want to order through me, she wants to bring a CD for me to put them all on when I am done with the edits & she’ll print them on her “Good” Kodak printer. that way she’ll owe me nothing!

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Sounds like one heck of a good deal !!! NOT…
Have you take the portraits, have you edit them how she wants,
and then just give them to her on a CD so she can print all that she wants on her little home printer… and you get the big fat nothing for your effort and time…
I want one of those deals please

I presume you have enough sense to not go any where near it, at least under the terms you sister has for you.

Nolan

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Heavens NO! she may not talk to me, but I’m not doing all the work and giving her everything for nothing. Besides I don’t want one of my first sessions printed with a home printer.

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yeah it is amazing how people want something for nothing!!

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J, that was a great story you typed. I literally laughed at the itemized bill he sent the company. LOL I totally agree with the bill he sent!

I tell my clients the same – that I get all my prints through a professional lab out of state. We have pro labs here in Houston as well, but I don’t tell them who I go to. They don’t need to know all that. LOL

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OK…so the bottom line is people will be bold and ask some really BOLD questions. You as a business owner need to make sure you have your answers available on the spot. We’ve been asked this many times and always said a private lab. You shouldn’t have to answer personal business questions like were you get your taxes done and things like that…but you will.

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There was a question that came in from Colleen about setting up her Fundraiser table at an event she’s hosting. She wanted to know if I had any tips or suggestions on her table display.

Of course I did and I wanted to share these with all of our subscribers. I know most people just don’t think about the small things, but these can make a HUGE difference.

Take some notes and use these when setting up your next Fundraiser.

Enjoy!

Press the play button to start the recording.

After you get done listening…leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts.

Scott

It’s under 10 minutes long and it will give you some ideas on how to step outside your comfort zone and start getting some new clients in your photography business.

As always…leave your comments below and let me know your thoughts.

Enjoy!

Press the play button to start the recording.

Watch the short video below to see how you can follow this simple technique.

As usual…post a comment and let me know what you think.

Enjoy!

Another common problem new photographers have…is creating their (IM) Aka: Interest Magnet. This is a portrait to create desire for their services. Check out some of our IM’s  that we’ve created and now offer to our NPB club members.

Click Here To Check Out Our NPB Digital Creations Club

There’s certain elements that I cover in this video that can help you maximize both your profits and your client base. You can always modify and tweak these guidelines, but it’s a good starting point.

Enjoy!

Scott

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!

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!

Tips #1 Learning The Location

If this is a location shoot, you will probably want to visit the home first, so you can check out the windows and be sure that you will have adequate light.  If this is not possible,  ask the parents what the lighting is like for the particular  time of day that your sitting is scheduled.

Tips #2 Discuss The Wardrobe

Discuss with the parents prior to the sitting how they feel about the baby’s  wardrobe. You should consider photographing their wrinkly, soft-skinned bodies, so try to encourage the parents to forego  the clothing.

They  are only an infant  for  such  a short period of time and we want to capture every little part of them!  Make sure to  remind parents to remove clothes or anything that may leave marks on the baby’s delicate skin approximately 1 hour prior to the sitting.  This really helps in post-editing so you won’t be spending all of your time getting rid of sock marks,  etc.

Tips #3 Room Temperature

Before the sitting, make sure that the room or location is very warm.  Newborns can be very uncooperative when they are cold. I  sometimes use a heating pad underneath the backdrop or material that the baby is laying on for extra warmth.

Tips #4  Be Prepared

Be sure to have any props, baby posers, backdrops, etc. ready prior to the  sitting.  Keep hand sanitizer, clean blankets, paper towels, disinfectant cleaner, baby wipes and tissues handy.  Trust me, you will need these things!

Tips #5 Natural Posing

Pose infants in their natural position.  It looks awkward and unnatural to see  them sitting upright .  A beanbag poser is an easy way to pose a baby because it naturally molds around the baby’s body.  Not to mention that it is  very safe and  comfortable  for the infant.

Tips #6 Choose The Right Height  And Angles

Get down to their level.  When you shoot down low at the baby’s level, you are bringing the viewer into the baby’s world vs. standing over the baby and looking  down on it.  Very often, I lay on the floor on my stomach for some great captures.

Although, most of my time is spent at the baby’s level, it is a good idea to consider other angles.  You can also try shooting from a bird’s eye view or from down below the baby’s level to show other interesting perspectives.

Photographing newborns and infants requires a lot of patience.  I always allow extra time for these sessions because they can be so unpredictable.  Follow these tips and you will be on your way to nailing your next newborn session.

Happy Shooting!