Take & Talk Pics

Today’s featured guest is Rebekah Nemethy - Pet and Product Photographer

Rebekah and her business Reflective Photos began as a photography career with weddings and after doing one she knew it wasn’t her calling for her photography. After some exploration in different areas of this visual art Rebekah found her stride in pet photography. Aside from her pet photography Rebekah has been with the photography department at Consumer Reports for the past 5 years.

Good take away's from this episode:

Transparency! be clear about the details with your clients. It is easy to be caught up in the big picture stuff.

"You're only as good as your last photo." - making new work will always lead to improvements and the lack of attempts for better work is only settling.

Small an manageable goal will be of great practice for the big ones but they will also be the building blocks for what you may one day call success. 

My path to pet photography was definitely not on a straight, high-speed highway; I took the back roads and got lost several times along the way.

I think, in the back of my mind, I always knew I wanted to be a photographer. In my junior year of high school I learned to shoot, develop, & process black and white film. Those were the days before Photoshop became my dark room of choice.

In college, I decided to major in the visual arts with a focus in photography, which went well until I started to think about what I would focus my career on. I thought that weddings would be the most lucrative and sensible career choice… actually I figured it would be my only choice because I knew everything at 19.

It was during my second year of college that a friend who was getting married asked me to shoot her wedding. It was the first wedding I ever attended, the last wedding I ever photographed, and the straw that broke the photographer’s back.

I switched my major to journalism within the year. I wrongly assumed that if I didn’t want to do weddings, I’d never make it as a successful photographer. Like I said, I was 19 and I knew everything!

After diligently studying the New York Times, I had my first news quiz in my Journalism I class. I think I got a 30 (yes out of 100), totally embarrassed myself by disputing one of the answers and revealing my total ignorance of common geography, went to my car after class, and cried.

Journalism was not for me. Nevertheless, I toughed it out for the next two years and got my degree. I tried to write for a while after college. I even started an online literary magazine with a friend of mine. Then I tried to make some money writing online articles, but the writing went painfully slow and I was still working as a waitress and bartender to pay the bills.

I became desperate to find a career that I would love to wake up to, but I knew I had to make money too. That’s when I found my camera again. I mean, it had been there all along, and had even evolved to a digital body… but this was when I started to look at it as an opportunity once again.

I printed up 50 fliers about my soon to come portfolio building month: free photo sessions in June only. Although the flier said I would shoot babies, kids, couples, families, and dogs, (everything but weddings) I found myself handing them out at dog parks.

Before I knew it my portfolio was barking at me! So I guess I can’t really say I decided to get into this line of work… but I decided I needed a job I could love… and this is where my heart took me.

I will continue to let it lead the way!

Recommended Resources:

The Photo Forum

Eneloop Batteries 

w: reflectivephotos.net 

blog: reflectivephotos.net/blog

Networking with Instagram

Have some fun with your personal Instagram live and your business life!

The mix will allow for a following to see the serious posts

We hear it in blogging, podcasts, at seminars, workshops, or in a classroom; content is key. Have relevant and current content or in this case popular current hashtags.

Being an active part of your Instagram community is important. Like I discussed for facebook groups and how you need to be an active listener and pro-active with critiques, it is the same here. Follow, favorite, and create buzz about the posts that interest or inspire you. Chances are, there are others waiting to be inspired by it too.

It’s no secret with video being standard on DSLR’s and Mirrorless systems that motion picture plays a pivotal role in our world. Instagram offers the same opportunity. One, for an additional way of delivering content and two, this helps in cultivating connections. Instagram has now been competing with Twitter in this arena and it can only help you to have two spaces to cash in from.

Hashtags are still important! They become the gateway for new followers and as visual people we can quickly determine if we would like to follow back. A quick glance at what they share and we can see if we are beating to the same drum or not.

Instagram is actually an incredible editing software. Yea there are limitations but for a small, mind you FREE, platform this app can set the mood for your work you may not have contrived at the time of capture.

Mix it up a bit. This filters and edit options are a tool. So try to change up what you use and how often. Having all the same look will only attract the same small audience. If we are Networking with Instagram then we need to play to a larger audience.

Those rare occasions where you meet someone face to face try to find them on the social sites and continue the conversation or exchange.

Take this one step further and incorporate Instagram Direct. It is similar to Snapchat where you send a photo or video privately.

The most valuable direction for growth in anything we do is due to constructive feedback. Instagram is a platform where the potential for critique is sometimes overwhelming. Think of it as Paying it Forward. Followers or others in the community should be sharing and educating others, just as we all should, for Instagram, Twitter, and facebook.

Lastly connect to your facebook. That is a free additional post without doing a thing!

Happy Posting, Happy Networking, and Photo World… Happy Shooting!

Fundamental Fridays - Metering

Metering for a proper exposure seems easy enough. However, should we follow the meter in our cameras? I say yes... well... no... kind of both. Use your meter. understand that your camera meter is always lying to you and learn the strategies to over come the issues  of manual metering. Camera priority modes are great for learning but the offer an out from the education process of trial and error. Listen to today's Fundamental Fridays episode to understand how to meter your camera correctly under any lighting situation.

Happy Shooting!

Click here to register for the first ever Take & Talk Pics/Rob Krueger Photography FREE workshop!

Today’s featured guest is Tony Sweet.

I had a blast interviewing Tony and getting to bring his story to you Photo World. Living through the interview, editing the interview, and now listing to it... I am still inspired. Tony reminds me that persistence and forward motion is the best path. No matter the turns you take or the learning experiences you have if you Keep an Even Keel you can look back to see your success but not get hung up on any ups or downs throughout the journey.

"When the Student is ready the Teacher Appears." - Zen Buddhists - Tony Sweet

After successful careers as a jazz musician/educator, and professional magician, Tony settled on photography as his chosen means for personal expression. Tony has become an in-demand speaker throughout the United States and Canada on creativity in the digital age.

Tony and Susan Milestone conduct Visual Artistry photography location workshops in the United States, Canada, and Iceland. Tony maintains an active speaking schedule to photography organizations, industry trade shows and PPA schools across the continental United States and Canada. He also conducts an annual Visual Artistry Creativity Seminar series.

Tony’s photography is published worldwide in every medium and is represented by Getty Images. His iPhone photography is represented by Aurora Photos. Tony’s images are also used by Nikon, MacPhun, Singh Ray, Alien Skin, Topaz, Lensbaby and others for national ad campaigns.

An interview with Tony on macro photography was published in The New York Times.

Tony is a Nikon Legend Behind the Lens and a GuraGear Pro.

Tony has authored five books on the art of photography: Fine Art Nature Photography (’02), Fine Art Flower Photography (’05) Fine Art Nature Photography: Water, Ice, Fog (’07), Fine Art Digital Photography (’09) and HDR Photography (2011). He and Masterphoto Workshops have co-produced four photography DVDs: Visual Artistry, HDR Made Easy, Visual Literacy and Flower Photography Artistry, as well as an iPhone instructional video series. His Creativity Seminar lecture series and On Location-Cape Cod will be released for digital download, April 2015.

Recommended Resources:

Snapseed - ios

Snapseed - android

w: tonysweet.com/

blog: tonysweet.com/blog/

http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/tonysweetphoto/likes

Click here to register for the first ever Take & Talk Pics/Rob Krueger Photography FREE workshop!

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2015 © Take&TalkPics

Hey Photo World! Like last week I'm discussing real networking options with your social media. It's no secret that success can come through the connections you make on social media mixed with the effort you put in in maintaining those relationships. Just like last week when I talked about networking through the use of Facebook; Facebook groups and making lists, I discuss the importance of Twitter in a few strategies on how to make your connections meaningful.

If you're not voicing what it is you'd like to discuss then there is no network to follow along in that discussion you have to know what you'd like to talk about so that others can see what it is you're saying.

Are you selective about who you follow? Are you selective about who follows you?

Most people would tell you it doesn't matter who's following you it's actually a benefit regardless of who they are and what it is they are doing with their network on Twitter. It's arguable that it is a good idea but I can see the reasons why it wouldn't be beneficial to have followers that you disagree with on many levels. The more important task here is who you select to follow. There are a few different strategies on that particular topic that I discuss in today's episode.

Why are you tweeting what are you saying is it important?

Who are you following are there specific people you look up to? Do you only follow anyone who follows you that more automated responses a follow back? When you follow someone do you tweet directly to them to start a conversation? When someone follows you do you engage with them as a new active follower of your account?

Few months ago I interviewed a photographer and ask them how do I get in touch with so and so? They suggested to me start retweeting what it is they have to say to show that you're interested in their topics then have something reasonable to discuss the question to ask and engage them directly.

Something that most of us forget about Twitter if we want to have a large amount of followers we want to appear to be a Rock Star. The problem with that is we become very secluded in our network thinking that it should be about us our pictures, ideas, quotes, things we find, and what we feel is worth sharing. (Retweeting) that solo act can only grow your network so far. Movie stars and music legends have no problem gaining followers but for the average user we need to put in the work for building a strong and relevant network.

Include your network tweet directly to them or tweet mentioning them. Building a strong relevant network is letting go of the idea that we are popular or above others. The reality is in business there's room for everyone and that means we're all in it together.

For a long time I thought the only thing to do with Twitter is favorite, tag, and retweet what are you have to say. Twitter is way more intense as far as the work involved to engage conversations with others. Perhaps there's an article you read or maybe a post on Facebook you related to. Tweet about that specific information and LINK BACK! The truth is information is vast and accessible. We're crazy if we think we have some sort of knowledge that others do not or could not acquire.

The purpose of Twitter is to: within 140 characters; express an idea, connect to others, or share what you have.

You can use that in building your network or build others networks. Playing middle man has always been a lucrative business. With Twitter a wealth of connections could be that income you are seeking. Use your network to be a stepping stone for others to connect with fellow business owners and photographers. I began Take & Talk Pics by cold calling for interviews. Now, because of my network, I build the chain of people I am introduced to. Same thing on Twitter. Build your network and expand by searching your network's network.

On a daily basis have invoking post that can engage others with questions, comments, or debate.

Happy Shooting & Happy Networking!

Click HERE to register for the next Take&TalkPics.com webinar!

Be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter!

2015 © Take&TalkPics

#HeyPhotoWorld

We set our exposure, compose our frame, and release the shutter. Sounds easy enough. However, the complexities of making a great photograph are not so easy. There are dozens of things to consider in making such an image. One of those things to think about is the White Balance.

The White Balance ultimately controls the color temperature based on the lighting conditions. In reality it is correcting the difference in color temperatures to deliver correct color exposure to better match what you see with your eye.

A nice little problem photography will always have is the subject of the way you see with your eyes. Each person will interpret color a little differently from the next. What this means is when I see green you may not quite see the same green but you can look at or be a little bit more yellow or slightly cooler. Typically we don't find such severities in the difference of how we see colors however, in a minute but measurable difference there is a change from person to person.

Same story goes from camera to camera. Not just the maker but the camera models as well. As technology advances we find better specifications to automate the corrections for color temperature versus what is available due to the light situations.

In this episode I discuss white balance and how to custom white balance can make all the difference. Although many photographers would argue that auto white balance is the best choice and corrections later will make up the difference I strongly disagree. Many situations do well with auto White Balance but when you have the time I urge you to receive the gift that is "getting it right in camera" - enjoy!

Next week I will go in depth on the power of the gray card.

Starting Monday September 28th I will be offering a FREE Download on 3 exposure metering tricks to use anywhere any time!

Happy Shooting!

Click here to register for the first ever Take & Talk Pics/Rob Krueger Photography FREE workshop!

Today’s featured guest is Kathleen Clemons.

Kathleen is a photographer based out of Harpswell Maine. She is represented worldwide by Corbis and Getty Images. Lensbaby.com has named her a “Lensbaby Guru” and describe her as the “Geogia O’Keeffe  of Flower Photography”. Kathleen is a photography instructor at The Bryan Peterson School of Photography where she teaches five online classes. She is also an instructor for the Santa Fe Photographic Workshops and CreativeLive.com.

Kathleen Clemons is a photographer from the coast of Maine.  Primarily a nature photographer, Kathleen is known for her creative use of natural light and unique compositions. Her work is represented  worldwide by Corbis and Getty Images. Lensbaby recently named her the "Georgia O' Keeffe of Flower Photography". She is an instructor at The Bryan Peterson School of Photography and also teaches for the Santa Fe Photographic Workshops. She recently filmed classes forCreativeLive.com and Craftsy.com. With a degree in education, and a passion for both photography and teaching, she loves to teach others how to improve their photography skills. Kathleen's photos may be viewed at www.kathleenclemons.com.

Recommended Resources:

Lens baby mobile

Lm20

Bryan Peterson School

Craftsy.com

w: kathleenclemonsphotography.com

blog: kathleenclemons.blogspot.com

Instruction: kathleenclemonsphotography.com/instruction

Click here to register for the first ever Take & Talk Pics/Rob Krueger Photography FREE workshop!

Be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter!

2015 © Take&TalkPics

Today's Monday Message addresses the Networking topic. More specifically: How to Network With Facebook!

I say it on the show often enough or a guest will bring it up during an interview question and we all know a bit about Networking and the importance of doing so for our businesses and our work. I am breaking down How to Network With Facebook on today's show because with a small amount of direction we can achieve greatness. Rather than simply suggesting to "go out and Network", I am laying out a few steps to take to improve your Facebook Networking skills.

Please share how you use Facebook to network in the comments below.

Happy Shooting!

Click HERE to register for the next Take&TalkPics.com webinar!

Be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter!

2015 © Take&TalkPics

#HeyPhotoWorld

For today's Fundamental Friday I go over Compositional Elements in Photography. 

There so many I am sure I am missing a ton. However these are a few worth...

Show Notes Page

Today’s featured guest is Lewis Kemper.

Lewis Is a Fine Art nature and wild life photographer and has been for over 30 years. His travels throughout 47 states from Alaska to Florida are the scenes for his subjects. Lewis still does color work with a 4x5 camera as well as digital work and is a Canon Explorer of Light Emeritus.

Lewis Kemper has been photographing the natural beauty of North America, and its parklands for over 30 years. During his extensive travels, he has been to 47 states from Alaska to Florida.   His work has been exhibited and published in magazines, books, and calendars worldwide.