Posts by Brian

Why hire a pro photographer?

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A team of pros, ready for battle

With so many quality digital cameras plus the enthusiasts willing to work for little or free, the question comes up a lot:  why should anyone hire a professional photographer?  In my mind, there are four major reasons I hire a professional to do anything, whether it’s building a web page to installing a window.  Can I do all of these things?  Yes, I can.  And, I have.   But, since we all can only do so much in the course of a day–and only become an expert in so many disciplines in our lifetimes, we are all forced to choose where to spend our efforts.    With 17 years’ experience as a professional photographer, I’ve clearly chosen mine.  Here, then, are the major reasons I counter such questions with:

You get what you pay for
What’s your expectation of the quality, timeliness and satisfaction of a job you give to a non-professional?  Probably it’s just good enough.   If that’s what you want, you should hire an amateur photographer.

Peace of Mind
When you hire a bonded, licensed electrician, you put your trust in their skills and mentally check out of the process so you can attend to other things.  You know it’ll be done right and that when you flip that light switch, the lights will come on.  You know if they don’t, you know who to talk to.   You don’t worry, fret or stress because the problem is being handled.   With a professional photographer, you may be excited and interested in the outcome, but you don’t have to worry that the images witll be of high quality, of consistent tone and feel…..you’ll have the confidence that you are getting the best effort and the best results.

Quality Consistency
Anyone can take a great photo–especially with the digital tools available today.    A photographer I know, a pro, once had two flashes go down on him during a night time wedding–shot during a hurricane, no less.   He sweated a bit, made adjustments, and the bride never knew the difference.  The photos?  If placed side-by-side with images from other weddings,  other pros would be hard-pressed to guess which one had technical difficulties.    A non-pro would have folded when faced with a daunting technical issue like this, and the wedding would have been in jeopardy.   With a pro, you are guaranteed quality good photos every time–not just once in a while.

The extra 10%
An established photographer once told a much younger version of myself that I should never just give the client what they asked for.  There had to be a way to come back with something more, something in addition….some value-add.   That way if an assignment didn’t develop in the way the client was expecting, I’d have provided them with something else they could still use.   Great advice.  I call this the extra 10%.   A professional photographer is always thinking about what they can do that the client could use, or needs.  They listen to the client to truly understand the problem and use their experience and skills to provide a solution the client can’t be expected to think of.  Because they hired you, a professional, to do so.  The 10% is what you demand of yourself, not what the clients expects of you.

It’s a relationship
Why develop a relationship with a professional?  Because who are you going to call when you need your drain unclogged on a Sunday morning over a holiday weekend–the plumber you’ve worked with for many years or someone you choose at random in the phone book?   I’m always getting calls from clients wanting images processed for an ad, cropped, or to have a DVD burned from a long-ago assignment.  They know that no matter what I’m doing or wherever I am in the world, I have the systems and help to get the answers and what they need done quickly.   That gets back to peace of mind.

We live in a world in which we are bombarded with choices and information.  The professional in any field stands as an anchor in a sea of chaos, ready to make sense of your needs and to provide you with the solutions you actually need.   Whether you’re looking for a photographer or plumber, a tax accountant or a Realtor, do your research, ask for personal references, and do yourself a favor.  Hire a pro, and get back to your life and work.

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Shop Talk: Think in layers

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Add Adjustment Layers to the long stack of reasons why Adobe Photoshop is my go-to image editing software.   Most photographers are used to the idea of adjusting their images using tools like Curves, Levels and Brightness/Contrast.  You can directly adjust your images in a variety of ways using these tools.

Next time, use the Adjustment Layer versions of these tools (Layers–>Adjustment Layers).   In doing so, you apply these imaging changes not directly onto the surface of the base image, but on a layer sitting atop that base (or, background layer).  This provides protection to the original image, since you’re not altering the image itself.

The best part is that you can build layer on top of layer as you fine-tune your image.  When it’s all done and looks like you want it, you can then flatten it into one file and save that file.   One hint:  it’s a good idea to save a version of both your layered file–so that you can return to it and tweak individual layers later if needed–and the original file (because it’s good practice to always keep the unaltered original file).

There’s one other advantage to using Adjustment Layers:  the ability to use your brushes to add and deduct your adjustments to highly-defined areas of your image.   Here’s how that works.    After you’ve made a new Adjustment Layer (say, Curves),  given the layer a name and then done the adjustment, you’ll probably find that the adjustment you just made looks great for one portion of the image but not another.  If, for example, you’ve lightened the entire image but now find areas of the subject’s face are too light, it’s simple to fix.   Just go to the Photoshop Toolbar and go down to the bottom, where there are two colored, overlapping boxes used for setting foreground and background colors.  Make sure they show one black square and one white square.  If they don’t click the small black and white box icons above them.  Then select the black box by clicking the double-arrow icon between the squares until the black box is above the white box.   Next, go to the paintbrush icon in the toolbox.   Make sure the diameter of the tool is appropriate for the area you are going to paint–in this case, the areas of the face you want to darken.   Then click the mouse while holding the brush over these areas.   You’ll see them getting brighter.   What’s happening is that the black brush is selectively removing the adjustment you made earlier.   To add it back, click the arrow in the toolbar so that the white box is now on top, or selected.   Now paint again over the same area, and it will darken.

Once you get the hang of it, adjust the size and opacity of the brush in order to add or remove adjustments you’ve made from select portions of the image.   If you’re not good at staying in the lines, you can always go back and forth (black box and white box) in order to fine-tune things.

With a little practice, you’ll quickly become a fan of the Adjustment Layers -toolbrush combo.   If you haven’t been doing it, it’ll save you time and frustration–and will result in better image adjustments.   So remember–think in layers.

Original image with Adjustment Layer dialog box open
Image with Curves Adjustment Layer-the model's face on the right is too bright.
The final photo, pre-flattening, showing both Adjustment Layers in the Layers palette

TriPom: Pug-approved and locally made

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Frodo, expecting jerky

At times I’m reminded just how small Portland can be. Just last week I read in MaineBiz‘s  “New Ventures” section a profile of  TriPom Chews. Located in Brunswick, ME, owners Autumn Gullifer and Ken Bryant make chicken and turkey jerky treats for dogs.   As with all great ideas, once I heard about the healthy product they make, it seemed a natural fit for Maine–where healthy living and ‘buy local’ are deeply embedded values.

At an event this Tuesday night, a friend and fellow photographer Kathleen Kelly won a package of  TriPom treats.   Since Kathy has a cat but no dogs, she passed them on to me, thinking our two pugs, Frodo and Fred, might like them.   I then met Autumn and Ken in person, and got the back story about their business.

Ken is from Chicago and Autumn hails from Maine. They started doing their business to solve a problem–namely to provide a healthy treat for their three Pomeranian dogs that was a much safer alternative to similar treats made in China (and often containing harmful substances and ingredients).  They are bootstrapping their growing company and are already in an impressive 18 small pet boutiques and venues venues throughout the state. Their goal is not to get into the box stores that compete against the smaller pet retail operators.  The smaller service and retail shops are where they want to be, although they are pursuing direct online sales.

I love to hear about other small business owners living the dream. Great to meet you, Autumn and Ken! I can tell you that Frodo and Fred LOVED the treats. That’s not exactly a stretch for a Pug, but they seem to like them so much that I think I may be able to train them to vacuum their own hair from the carpet in exchange for regular TriPom treats. If that works, I’m a customer for life.

–30–

My favorite iPhone apps for pro photographers

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There is no end to “top ten” lists when it comes to iPhone app recommendations.  But since it seems like everyone is releasing a new one these days (my grandmother’s working on one right now, I think), it isn’t long before any of these published recommendations becomes out-of-date.  Besides, I’m actually curious what other photographers who own iPhones use to make their business and creative lives easier, more productive or just plain fun.   My list features some obvious, photo-related choices and many other apps that have nothing ostensibly to do with photography–but are nevertheless quite useful.

Here is my list with reasons why.  I hope it’s helpful, and I’d love to hear feedback if you hate/love my choices or have others of your own. Out of more than 300,000 apps I might have missed something cool, right?

Photography
Strobox

 What it does: I’m a geek at heart, and I like to keep recipe cards for many of my shoots–especially those that have great results I’d like to repeat. This app allows me to sketch my lighting/subject setup easily and, since I draw like a kindergartner, allow me to actually understand it when I look at it later.

What I like: Easy to use, nice looking icons. I can save them.

What I don’t: Doesn’t have icons (like a sun) suitable for showing location shoots, which is much of what I do. That’s what my pen is for, however.

Cost: Free
Photographer’s Contract Maker

 What it does: Great little app for customizing and presenting a variety of documents online. I use mine for model releases. It allows you to upload your logo, take a shot of the subject, and get their signature by having them ‘sign’ with their finger on the iPhone screen. It emails a pdf to you (and to your subject if needed), saving you the time it takes to scan your physical releases. Very customizable and useful.

I like: Customizable and flexible. I can create any number of documents that need signatures. Great online help videos, too.

I don’t like: that you can’t take a picture of your subject to append to the release. But, I wasn’t doing that with the physical releases, either.

Cost: $2.99
Light Trac

 What it does: For outdoor and location shooters, this one is a gem. Pop in any potential shoot locale and it’ll pop it up on a Google satellite map overlaid with lines showing of the sun’s rays during sunrise, sunset and any selected time. Just put in the location, the date, the time, and see how sunlight will work with your scene.

I like: Can reference future dates/times, and you can save locations.

I don’t like: Still in the honeymoon phase. It’s darn near perfect.

Cost: $4.99
Pocket Scout

 What it does: Records interesting potential photo locations for future use, complete with photos and detailed notes. This is great for a location photographer who is always on the lookout for good places in which to shoot.

I like: Allows you to take multiple photos for reference. Uses GPS to automatically enter the address of the location you’re at (no typing!) Allows tagging and sharing of locations.

I don’t like: Doesn’t work well on 3G phones (and not at all on 2G phones). It does work with iPads, though.

Cost: $2.99

Productivity Apps
Dragon Dictation

Dragon Dictation
 ReQall

ReQall
What they do: Both apps allow you to record audio and provide real-time transcription. Both make some hilarious translations from time to time. Otherwise, there are differences that–for me–are pushing me to keep both apps on my phone, for different purposes.

I like (Dragon): Lightning fast and a slight edge in quality of transcription. Can push to Twitter and Facebook, email, SMS. Ability to edit the transcription. Free.

I don’t like: No way to categorize or store notes.

Best Used For: To post sms, twitter and facebook items quickly when all you have is an iPhone.

Cost: Free

I like (ReQall): Can categorize, tag transcriptions or have ReQall decide for you. Can set up email so that it automatically emails you transcript without having to enter an email address. Can handle events and dates/times. Stores the audio so you can listen to it, and includes audio in emails so that even if transcription is garbled you can listen to the audio.

I don’t like: Can be very slow. Transcription seems a bit weaker than DD but still very good.

Best Used For: Great for to do lists; a productivity tool. Great for storing and organizing info that you record on the fly, such as blog post ideas, location shoot ideas, etc.

Cost: Free

How I use them: ReQall for quick hit ideas, events to be scheduled and notes to myself when on the go. Also as an organizational tool, to remind me about events and tasks. Dragon for dictating social media posts or messages without needing a keyboard and sending them on the go.
Milog
 What it does: Records your mileage and travel-related expenses such as tolls, parking fees, etc.

I like: It’s easy to use, saves locations and tags, and it emails me a swanky spreadsheet perfect for tax purposes.

I don’t like: Sometimes the odometer resets while I’m noting mileage and I have to reenter it. Once entered, though, it stays saved.

Cost: $3.99
Bento

 What it does: Personal (FileMakerPro) database that syncs up with your desktop version of the same software and can be used for everything from contact management to equipment inventories. I also love Japanese food.

I like: It allows me to carry a lot of my business information on the road with me. It syncs as long as I’m near my computer without having to be plugged in.

I don’t like: Shouldn’t it be free, since you need to have the desktop version of the software, which you have to pay for? Yes. It should.

Cost: $4.99
AroundMe

 What it does: Quickly finds information about your surroundings, wherever you happen to be. In a new city and need coffee? AroundMe will get you to the closest one.

I like: It’s free, easy, and allows you to search outside of the provided handy categories. Did I mention it finds coffee?

I don’t like: It can’t actually apparate coffee, hot and accompanied by a bagel, out of thin air. But it gets darned close.

Cost: Free
Square

 What it does: Allows you to accept credit cards on your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad.

I like: It’s free–no monthly fees or contracts–and the per-transaction fee is reasonable provided you have the accessory card swiper thingamabob (also free, from Square). It’s fast and very slick.

I don’t like: I use it only on occasion, but it would be nice if there were a merchant account level that required a monthly fee but took a smaller per-transaction fee.

Cost: Free

So….that’s what’s on my iPhone.  What’s on yours?

–30–

Now that’s a cool Christmas gift!

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It’s the end of the year, which means that it’s time for gifts!  I think I’ve mentioned I have the best clients…ever.  I got a good reminder of this when Jondi from the Maine Eye Center knocked on our studio door last Wednesday.   She was bearing a cool hand-made wooden box with a sliding top that, when opened, revealed a bunch of holiday goodies…all Maine-made, of course (see above for my hasty iPhone capture of the loot).   First was a monthly calendar featuring the work of local artist Erin Flett of studio e flett design.   My wife Beth loves her design work and recognized it immediately.   I immediately went to the peanut brittle, made by Sugar Hill Baking Company.  I was about to go monkey on the large plate of brittle, but noticed at the last minute the small wooden mallet and accompanying safety goggles.   Turns out there was a method to this madness.  I put on the safety gear, readied the mallet, and let ‘er fly.   After enjoying way too much of the treat I noticed that the box and mallet were made by Mainer Richard Holman.    Kind of a nice icing on the cake to see that everything was made locally.

Thanks, Jondi and Maine Eye Center!   Not only were these guys a treat to work with throughout 2010, but they are a class act, too.    Of course, now that ups the ante for me for next year…how do you top homemade peanut brittle and a hammer?

–30–

Aurora’s pics of the month

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This is kind of cool.   Every month, the picture agency Aurora Photos publishes a roundup of their favorite member image.  These images are featured in a regular Aurora newsletter sent out to contributing members in order to foster community among the close-knit group.   One of my photos, of senior citizens practicing yoga, was chosen for the month of November.    Given how difficult yoga is, I’m amazed at how effortless these seniors make it look.   Check out Aurora Photos to see more great work from their member photographers!

Happy Halloween from the worker bees

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No one can deny that we have a fun bunch here at the Fitzgerald studios.   Since Halloween is Sunday, we decided to make Friday a dress-up day.  There’s Lady Gaga (AKA Ayla Kelley), Lucille Ball (Stepheney Collins) and drones no. 5,568 and 17,321 (we’re worker bees…it’s definitely appropriate).   So, enjoy the slideshow…and happy holidays, everyone!

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Expand your mind (and your Mac) with hard drive enclosures

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A present to ourselves: the indestructible Burly Box from MacGurus (click image to view larger photo)

I’ve written before about the need to have a 3-2-1 backup system for your important image files. Now here’s a great tool that makes automating backups, cloning and file transfers a snap: a multiple-bay hard drive enclosure. Whether you have a multiple-drive war horse or are using an iMac or laptop, if you’re a photographer you probably should look into one of these. This particular unit is sold by the knowledgeable folks at MacGurus.  When I called, the guy who helped was Rick, the owner.

I chose a four-bay unit so that my primary copies of my archive as well as backups and system clones could happen in one place. The unit is extremely tough and comes with robust power and cooling systems, so it’s meant to be run–as you might expect–all the time. This “always-on” approach solves the issue many photographers face who have a good backup system in place that may not get consistently applied because hard drives aren’t always plugged in and attached to the computer.

Ours arrived this week, and so it was fun to just light it and open it the opposite way that I opened presents as a kid: sloooowly.  More on software recommendations for handling automatic processes soon.

Can’t wait for Halloween

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Our daughter, Maggie, is just three…so Halloween is a big deal. She has been planning what to wear for months, starting off as Rapunzel with short hair, eventually wanting to go as a green ghost (why not?), and finally to a….ladybug. I think the wings pushed her over the edge on this one. That, and the fact that black and red are (currently) her two most favorite colors. Since we got the costume she’s been trying to wear it to practice, which is how we ended up in the studio for an impromptu photo session over the weekend. I may be biased, but she looks great.