Thoughts of winter...

I feel good today, because winter is no longer in my windshield, its remnants are scattered in my rear view mirror.

Clocks went ahead last night, the vernal equinox is just a week away (bring on spring), and my tomato seedlings are kicking butt!

It's still difficult for me to wrap my head around the fact that my friend in Maryland got more snow this winter than we did here in Maine, I'm not complaining, though I am willing to bet Mike is.

We've had just three plowable events all winter long. In a good winter we could have that in a single week.

This upcoming week we have 4 all day shoots (A museum, a mattress manufacturer, and a national foodservice company), so if you if you hear a bit less from me than usual, that's why.

I am sure there are some out there who won't think that would be such a bad thing.
Have a great week.

Practicing portraiture...

If you are looking to improve your portraiture skills before you start asking people to hand over their hard earned money for a session with you, one of the things you might want to consider is Model Mayhem.

It is possible to get models that are willing to trade their time for images to expand/improve their portfolio.

Before you go that route I would like to give you some suggestions to work by:

1. Be prepared. Don't bring a model in for a shoot until you have it well planned out. Both what you want to shoot and how you want to shoot it. I have heard horror stories (from models) about being brought in and have the photographer say "okay, pose!". I kid you not. A movie director would not say to an actor "okay, act!". Communication is key, a model can only give you what you are looking for if you (as the photographer) take them to that place.

2. Get the images back to your model in a timely fashion, they did their part and you need to do yours.

3. I encourage models to bring chaperones, I explain to them that going off to meet a stranger alone is not a smart thing to do.

4. Another thing I instruct them to do is to let someone know where they are going and when they expected back. The fact that I express concern for their safety helps put them at ease.

5. Have them bring their own music. Having something familiar will help them be more comfortable, less out of their environment.

6. Once the session is about to get going I tell the model they need to let me know if anything I ask them to do puts them in an uncomfortable position, either physically or intellectually.

7. It is not uncommon to have your model in the perfect pose and as you are about to snap the shutter you notice their collar is out of position or a piece of hair is in the wrong place, but you don't want the to move. Do NOT approach them to fix the issue without first telling them you will be approaching them and explaining what you are going to do.

8. If a model has had much of a drive to get to me I ALWAYS give them gas and toll money.

9. Should the shoot be longer than 4 hours I will also offer them lunch.

10. Though I have them sign a model release I always explain to them how and where I plan on using their images.

Those are (some of) the important rules that I go by.

Before you start using Model Mayhem you really need to head over to the Photographer & Model podcast, hosted by photographer Ron Davis and Model Shawna Rencher.

Each week you'll get a 15 to 20 minute interview, sometimes a photographer, sometimes a model, but both will give you their personal insight and perspective from a shoot.

An exerpt from their website that says (well) what it's all about:

"There are hundreds of photographers and models just like you working together to create stunning images. On the Photographer & Model podcast we interview those photographers and models so you can learn how to do the same. The show is about: Art, Relationship, Creative Process, Creativity, Diversity, Experience."

If you are looking to become a better photographer by learning how to manage, control, direct a portrait session/model shoot this is something you should seriously consider.

INSPIRATION - THE COUNTRY WEDDING

Photo Credits: Jose Villa Wedding Photography

Photography shows you won't want to miss...

In the coming week PBS will be airing two outstanding photography programs, both from National Geographic.

The first is "At Close Range" with staff photographer Joel Sartore. Though it's a repeat, the imagery is just as stunning, the story just as interesting the second (or third) time around. You can read my previous post on Joel here.

The second is a new show "Top Ten Photos of the Year", in it editors and photographers discuss the stories and details behind National Geographic's ten most memorable photos of 2009.

To find out when these programs will be on in your area you can check your local listings here.

STONEFIELDS HERITAGE FARM

STONEFIELDS Heritage Farm is a fantastic new venue getting ready to open its doors and host your next corporate retreat, special event, private party, community function, and of course Viva's favourite - your wedding.

Picture this...

After spending time with your bridesmaids getting ready for the big day, you step out of the old stone farmhouse in your wedding gown. You're full of anticipation as you follow your bridesmaids through the courtyard to the field where your groom anxiously awaits. Your family and friends watch in awe. The ceremony is picture perfect. Your guests are escorted to the pool area for cocktail hour while you have your pictures taken around the property with rustic barns, stone walls and gardens as your backdrop. Your evening reception is hosted under a big white tent decorated with delicate white lights. You savour the peace, tranquility and fresh country air that surrounds you while you dance the night away with your new husband, your family and friends.

The beautiful 110 acre property is located just 40 minutes from downtown Ottawa in the lovely town of Carleton Place. For more information on wedding packages and to see if your date is available for booking, contact STONEFIELDS at 613-253-3313 or info@stonefieldsheritagefarm.ca

Photo Credits: Weddings by XPhotography

Win a book in our latest contest!...

If you are interested in adding "The Photoshop Elements 8 Book for Digital Photographers" By Scott Kelby & Matt Kloskowski to your library it could be yours for very little effort.

We are going to randomly pick one person who posts a comment (to any post) during this month (March) and send them the book.

If you have already commented on one of our blog posts you're in the running!

The more comments you post, the better your chances.

The winner will be announced Aprils 1st (no joke).

A little something for veterans...

This month (March) Outback Steakhouse is giving all veterans and active duty personnel a free "bloomin' onion".

They are also raising $1,000,000 for Operation Homefront, a non-profit organization that provides assistance for service men and women, their families, and wounded warriors upon their return home.

And if you add Operation Feeding Freedom to the mix you have a company that thinks the contribution made by veterans is important AND takes their needs seriously.

Thanks Outback.