A lighting toolbox "must have"...

In yesterdays video Scott Kelby he showed how to use a "Flag" to control the amount of light (negative fill) that came out of a softbox and lit his subject. If you didn't watch the video yet, you might want to view it here before moving on.

What I want to share with you today is an alternative that is less expensive, more versatile, and significantly more portable.

It's Cinefoil from Rosco.

Cinefoil is a heavy duty aluminum foil that is painted flat black on both sides that can used as a flag, barn doors, and more (come back tomorrow and we'll show you more).

It's not very expensive, a roll of 12" x 50' is $32 and a roll of 24" x 25' is $29, but because it is heavy duty a piece can last you a long time. The two pieces you see me use in the video below have been used over and over again. They are the only two pieces we have pulled of the roll since we bought it a couple months ago and they are standing up just fine to all the work we've put them through.

See you tomorrow with another use for Cinefoil, the "Duct Tape" of lighting.

If you are a subscriber then you know the drill, videos are not pushed through with your subscription so either return to the blog to see it or watch the video on our YouTube channel.

Please watch this Scott Kelby video...

There are a couple reasons I want you to watch this video.

First, because Scott always adds something to the "photography" conversation.

Second, because Scott's video will add to what we are going to post tomorrow.

Here's a link where you can learn about (and hopefully buy) Scott's DVD.

Projecting your photography sales...

When we reviewed our "product of the year" we committed to writing about how/what we incorporated into our practice to improved our studio for us and our clients.

The first thing we added/changed was projection viewing, bringing each of our clients back into the studio to see their images.

Before I get too into it let me say a couple things:

First, if you don't have a studio, or your client is not local, projection viewing obviously would not work. For our long distant clients we use the sales guidelines from "How to Sell" by Joyce Smith.

Second, projection sales is not high pressure, it is not hard sell. It is showing your work in the best, "real world" setting. You are walking your clients through the images you took at their session, answering questions, offering suggestions, helping them to make an informed decision.

This blog has provided me the opportunity to talk with some very successful photographers and they will freely admit that one of the keys to their success is in studio projection viewing and the software they use is ProSelect from Time Exposure.

If you were buying some new flooring would you make a purchase from picture on the internet or would you go to their sales room and see what the different options were, look at it life size right in front of you, ask some questions, and make the most informed decision possible.

Too many photographers throw their clients images into an online gallery and then forward them the link. Chances are you uploaded a boat load of images to give your client a good selection, and you sat back and waited for the sales to roll in, and you waited... and you kept waiting. Then wondered why no sales are made. I know because that is exactly what I used to do.

The client has so many image options but they don't have anyone to guide them through the decision making process, no one is there when they view them to answer questions. So the client is confused, frustrated, and often will order an 8 x 10 and call it good.

But if you are sitting with them as the images go by, you talk (and laugh) about the images, about the session, about them. You start to get a feel for what images they like (and why), and how they want to use them (cards, wall hanging, etc.).

The first time I used ProSelect (the 30 day free trial) we were showing an image as a 16 x 20 framed print hanging on a wall behind a couch and I asked what size they had originally thought of purchasing and they responded "8x10" so I reduced the image to an 8x10 and they looked at each other with furrowed brows and the wife said "well, that's too small!".

They bought the 16x20 and it also ended up being the single largest print order I have ever made.

One of the (many cool) features is the ability to import a picture of the clients room so they can see their image hanging on their wall.

When I shot the session it was at their home so I grabbed some room/wall images without letting them know what I was up to, it was pretty darn impressive when they saw their family portrait hanging over their own fireplace.

You can read what other photographers have to say about ProSelect here and please check out the feature list here because it is so much more than just presentation software and has so many more features (like how seamlessly it integrates with Photoshop and Lightroom).

Better yet, download a fully functional copy of ProSelect and use it for 30 days.

To make it even easier they have posted about 40 instructional/tutorial videos that will not only show you how to use the software, but also show you how do others are using it in their presentations.

I promise you, using ProSelect is going to make your clients happier and your studio more profitable.

A true win/win.

TIS' THE SEASON... TO GET ENGAGED!!

While many lucky girls found themselves spending the Christmas season (also known in the wedding industry as engagement season), eyes glued to the new rock on their finger and celebrating their newly acclaimed title of bride-to-be, engagement season is not over yet.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day have both always been popular times for marriage proposals. Family and friends are usually gathered together providing the perfect opportunity to share the moment with them. New Years Eve of course is also a favourite. You're already in the celebratory mood and really, can you think of a better way to start off the New Year? But there's still one day left. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and completes the list of most popular days to get engaged!

Guys, are you ready to propose to that special little lady in your life but missed the boat over the holidays and are now hoping to redeem yourself on the 14th? Here are three reasons why Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to pop the question.

♥ Unlike Christmas and New Year’s, Valentine’s Day is an intimate holiday allowing couples the privacy to enjoy the moment alone together.
♥ It’s the most romantic day of the year.
♥ Most restaurants, hotels, spas, etc plan something special for Valentine’s Day so it’s guaranteed to be a great day/night.

Viva la wedding would like to send out an early Congratulations! to all the couples who will be celebrating their engagement this Valentine's Day.

Un-Freaking-Believable!...

It's a Kindle, iPhone, laptop, and more all wrapped up into one sweet little device that will cost under $500!

Nothing like cool technology to get me all a twitter.

I have to go wipe drool off my chin.

For a larger version of the video below follow this link.

10 Resolutions every photographer should make...

I came across a blog post by Lisa Bettany "10 New Years Resolutions Every Photographer should make" and thought she hit the nail right on the head.

Here are the first three:

1. I will learn how to use my camera.

This seems like an obvious point, but we are all guilty of skipping our camera manual and just fiddling with settings. Ah, this one works right? Spot-metering? Why not. Hey, what does
that button do? Seems to make things darker. Hmm.

I’m going to admit something to you that I ask you to keep hush-hush. I haven’t actually read my 5DMKII manual. I know. Horrible! I’m guilty of arbitrary button pushing and royally messing up shots because I don’t really know how to use my camera. Let’s all become technical experts of our cameras this year. Deal?

2. I will not use the Auto setting on my camera.

Instead of relying on your camera’s dubious Auto settings, force yourself to learn how to use manual settings. Upgrade to Aperture priorty mode (AV) first. Once you understand Depth of Field, jump into Manual mode. You will make mistakes and feel frustrated when you completely blow-out a shot, but this is the way we learn. Don’t get discouraged by your mistakes. Learn from them and push on!

3. I will not use on-camera flash

The only photos you should take with an on-camera flash are ones that end up on your Facebook wall of shame. Tape down that pop-up flash if you have to. Instead rely on your skills as a photographer to capture shots in low-light.

Shoot with a wide-open aperture, as low as your lens will go. Decrease your shutter speed & increase your ISO. Steady your camera on a tripod, gorilla pod or table top. Invest in a good lens. I suggest the 50mm f/1.4 or the f/1.8 if you are on a budget.

Now you have to head over to her blog and read the entire article.

You'll find other good posts at "Mostly Lisa" and I bet you'll bookmark her site before you leave.

And they just keep coming...

It was just a month ago that we celebrated reaching 1,400 subscribers and in the blink of an eye we have crossed the 1,500 subscriber threshold!

Add to that the comments you have been leaving:

"You have a simply awesome blog! I love coming here for inspiration and practical tips that both help me take better pictures but also help me to stay inspired."

"I follow your blog daily because in many ways you make me think about photography in different ways than what I had before. You help to ground me, and keep me focused."

"I LOVE YOUR BLOG !!!!"

"I enjoy your humor and your style, and you come across as a genuinely nice guy, which I'm sure you are. Your "off topic" posts are often very heartfelt and leave me with a good feeling."

And I realize that I have more friends than I deserve.

Thanks for coming and thanks for taking the time to leave such kind and thoughtful comments.