Fundy SOS - Album Design Software, Online Album Proofing, Work Flow Software, Photography Pricing Software » Ideas

Can the EP-2 Be a Pro Camera?

"Fundy" — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 04:24:03 +0000

It’s official, I’ve sold off my last DSLR and 35mm lens. The only “high end” camera I own is the Olympus EP-2 along with the 20mm 1.7 and 45mm 2.8 (remember, Micro 4/3 cameras have a 2X lens factor). Today, I took that little baby out on the town to see what it could do. Just for fun, I set myself up with some constraints. I only shot in manual, only used the two lenses listed above. Additionally, just for something different I only shot in 1:1 and 9:16 panorama format. After shooting in 2:3 ratio for so long, I want something a bit different, a bit fun. For me square format means those old Hasselblads that I could never figure out how to use. The 9:16 ratio has something about it. With all of the wide screen TVs, widescreen cinemas, and panoramic cameras out, the format really interests me. Exposure Shooting in manual is sooo easy with this little thing. While the electronic viewfinder seems a bit odd at first, the bonus is that you have a live histogram all of the time. Just watch the histogram fall into place as you adjust the aperture or shutter speed. Getting proper exposure is pretty much a 100% guarantee. Manual Focus One of the bonuses of shooting with the EP-2, is that whenever you adjust the manual focus ring, the viewfinder auto 7x or 10x zooms in. So, you have a mega close up of where you are focusing. It works like a charm. I did have a few shots out of focus due to moving around after focusing. User error. But, when it is on, the focus is on. Quality Overall, the quality looks incredible. Is it on par with a high end DSLR? No, of course not, the sensor is half the size. But, as you can see, the clarity is far from in this 100% crop. This image was actually taken with the 1:1 ratio option, so I didn’t even use the full frame. As a test, I did a vertical crop at 5:4 and did some quick test prints at Costco. The 16×20 looks incredible. Absolutely no issues at all. It is sharp as a tack. The 20×30 print, lost a little resolution, but at arms length, in a frame, you would be hard pressed to find any fault with it. Some More Shots Here are the rest of the shots from the day. I hope you enjoy them. Fundy

DSLR, a Tape Measure and America

"Fundy" — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:49:36 +0000

This Levi’s ad was created with a Canon Mark II and a whole lot of sweat. It really is amazing what you can create with very little. These guys drove across America and in 14 days created this Ad. It really is amazing. For the behind the scenes check out this Video.

DSLR Walk Across America

"Fundy" — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:46:29 +0000

Anatomy of an album design

"Fundy" — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 20:26:24 +0000

Album design can be daunting when you first start designing albums. How do you design an album spread, much less an entire album?

If you take a deep breath and separate it into small steps, designing albums can be as easy as baking a cake. The first thing to do is choose images that will tell a story. When you are going through a wedding, choose images that will tell the story of the entire day. I usually go through a wedding and pair down to 80-100 images and put them into a completely different folder. Then I’ll scroll through the thumbnails of all those images a couple of times to really cement the story in my head.

Once I start designing I just keep in mind one single principal. Main image and supporting images. It’s all about finding the main image for a page and then finding images that support that one main image.

On the left here, I have one main image, a fantastic shot of the bride from below, showing off her beautiful wedding dress. This was one of the bride’s favorite shots from the wedding and was featured on Oregon Bride Magazine. Why? It shows off her dress. For you guy photographers out there. The dress is important!

Once you decide on that main image (usually, I place one main image on one side of the page) it is just a matter of making the supporting images fit on the other page.

One key to creating nice albums is to make sure your supporting images fit. If I had placed images of the couple inside dancing along with this main image, it wouldn’t have worked. The album design works because everything is related.

And the bonus? Once you start designing like this, you start shooting better for your albums and your albums just get better and better!

Fundy, over and out…

Portfolio Building, even for the built!

"Fundy" — Fri, 21 May 2010 07:16:30 +0000

Today I had a phone consult with a new photographer, we talked about everything from aperture to the Zone System. Okay not really, but you get the point. As we talked, planned and worked out some strategies for her new business one of the topics she wanted help on was portfolio building and how to go about doing it. Thanks to her, I finally had some inspiration on what to talk about here this week. I have a few ideas to share with you and hope that you will share a few of your own in the comments as well. I’m going to break up my ideas into 2 separate categories; starting a portfolio and creating the portfolio you really want. Starting the Portfolio: If you are brand new and just starting, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to build a strong web presence that will move potential clients toward taking that first step and contacting you. What could play a larger part in that then the images that you’re showing them? It can feel overwhelming to look at well established photographers work who display 30 different images in each of their portfolios and you’re thinking, that means I need at least 30 different sessions. You don’t have to do it how they have, realistically you can’t (yet) so what’s the alternative? Why not build each portfolio around one model. Creating your ideal session with the sole intent to walk away with 10 – 15 great images for your portfolio that tell a story and give variety. If you want to photograph children and families, find 3 to 5 adorable children who belong to adorable families and build your portfolio off of them. If you want to photograph seniors, find 3-5 seniors. Ifit’s wedding and engagement, find 3 (mock if you have to) engagement sessions and create 2 simple mock weddings to photograph. I suggest making sure you find variety in ethnicity and age (when it comes to kids) to give your viewers a greater opportunity to connect with your images. The beauty of this is that when potential clients come to your site they will assume that you are featuring some of your current favorite families. This is a fantastic alternative to a portfolio filled with multiple images from the same handful of sessions, which only results in a perception that you’re not well established. Key to Success: The key to making this truly work is in realizing that this shoot is for you, not them. You are shooting at the locations that you think are most interesting, you are asking them to wear or providing clothing that will reflect the image you are working to create and you are setting up the shots for how you feel your work will best be displayed in your portfolio. In order to have this kind of control these sessions cannot be charged, and as a thank you, offer an 8×10 or their favorite image as a digital file and the rest at a discounted price. And make sure you have a model release! Creating the Portfolio You Really Want… Or in other words, Building a Portfolio around your Passion: If you’ve been at this for a while, you may have an established portfolio… but is it a ‘good’ one? Quantity never was quality. If you have a portfolio with 20 images but only 10 of them are great, it’s time to shed some excess weight because those 10 not-so-great images are dragging your 10 greats down. So first thing is first, you gotta put your tough skin on and go through (with someone, preferably a photographer you admire that will be honest with you) and take a hard look at your portfolio and cut any that are not a representation of your very best work. Once that’s done you may be looking to add to it. Here are some typical rules to follow: Never include images from the same session more then once in a portfolio (unless you’re doing what I mentioned above). Update your portfolio at least twice a year for fresher up-to-date content. It’s better to have 7 great images as apposed to 20 mediocre! Create concept shoots that are solely for your creativity and the opportunity for new portfolio images. And that last bullet brings me to my final thought for the day… Creating the portfolio that attracts the clients you want! If you don’t want to shoot toddlers, don’t show any toddlers. If you love bright, vibrant imagery you shouldn’t be showing a vintage processed image of a girl pushing an antique baby buggy. You attract what you show so make sure you’re showing what you’re attracted to!I’m having a lot of fun with this last idea lately! I’ve been buying props and scouting locations solely for the idea of fun concept shoots! In fact yesterday while at children’s play place for my daughter’s birthday, I saw a stunning and unique little girl and I knew I just had to photograph her so I walked up to her mom and started a conversation. The great anticipation to this is that I’m going to be shooting this session all for me and am planning creatively as such, it’s a refreshing and happy way to shoot!

A Strong Referral Program…

"Fundy" — Fri, 14 May 2010 08:00:20 +0000

What makes a strong referral program? I can tell you what doesn’t… Free 8×10. Don’t get me wrong, that’s a nice incentive but that’s not (in any way shape or form) going to give you a solid base of referred clients. Why? Because there is no connection to an 8×10. It’s a distant thing that they may or may not remember to even ask for. If handing a stack of referral cards is your referral program, it may be time to restrategize! Here are 3 ideas for a solid Referral Program: 1. Emotions! The absolute best referral program is simply connecting with your clients. When I put in that little extra effort or make them feel that I’ve gone a little further for them I help them know they are important to me. Add to that a personal touch and a genuine connection is made! When I accomplish that, I’m no longer a photographer, I’m their photographer. 2. Give them something to talk about! This is such a crucial step that that for whatever reason to many photographers aren’t thinking about. Your clients may not be so overly eager for a stack of 8×10 that they want to hand them out like smut cards on Las Vegas Blvd but if you give them something personal… they will share it. The two best opportunities I’ve found for that is the mini books (get a free template download HERE and HERE). It’s like your own personal mini billboard. And the iPhone cases!

The iPhone cases have been my best form of advertisement ever! And that’s exactly how I look at them too! I don’t mark them up at all, first because I want to get them in the hand of every client that owns an iPhone and second because if they go to the uncommon website and see the price I don’t want them to have any negative feeling toward the one they have in their hand. 3. Referral Cards. Last of all are the referral cards. Once I’ve made the connections and given the tools to talk about me then I think about the referral cards. I give each client only 8 cards. I don’t want them to take a stack of 50 and set them aside somewhere with the stack of mail they need to get through. Instead, I want them to feel like these are special, precious, like there is a dollar value credit on each of these little babies, because really — there is! So there are a few ideas that I’ve come up with and used for my business, what ideas are working for you?

The Pretty Factor

"Fundy" — Fri, 07 May 2010 07:00:00 +0000

I am a sucker for pretty in the worst way! I love great packaging and have been known to spend quite a bit more then perhaps is necessary because of “it”. I like to affectionately refer to “it” as The Pretty Factor! Packaging has the power to evoke emotions and because of this often oversighted fact many have bought more (and even more importantly less) just because of the packaging. To start lets use these two soaps to illustrate my point. On the left we have Softsoap, it’s the bargain brand – about $2 a bottle. Right off I know I can buy it just about anywhere. It’s sensible, it’s plain, it’s practical. Sorry Softsoap, you still serve your purpose hiding in my Pottery Barn soap dispensers, but lets face it, there is a reason you don’t get to stay in that original packaging – you’re lacking that pretty factor. Now Lucia Organics on the other hand - right from the start this packaging evokes emotion for me. It’s luxurious and beautiful. The bottle is sleek and contemporary. A thought pops in my head, this comes from one of those cool boutiques down town that I can never enter because of three unpredictable kiddos, but if I had it… People would think I hung out down there. It seems to scream at me, ‘what’s inside this full sized figure is a lot better then you’re gonna get from that sherbet orange thing- I’m the real deal and I’m worth it.’ Maybe this feels slightly exaggerated to some of you, but for others, you’re feeling exactly what the soap is dish’n out.

Here is another company, we all recognize it, we’ve all heard it referenced before. Why? Because they have done something right! Even if you have never actually been inside Tiffany & Co. you know what to expect – now that’s well branded. And as a reference to packaging I want to point out how streamlined everything is. From the store front to the website, packaging and finally the product, it’s all in perfect coordination. How is your packaging? What feeling or emotions do you think it’s evoking? I recently designed this case for a wedding. When I sat down to design it, it was with this client in mind. I incorporated their wedding colors, keeping a romantic undertone for the background and I obviously went for a high quality feel. I wanted to offer their disks in a keepsake where they would be reminded of the quality and excellence that I strive to offer. It’s a win-win as this case and the disks inside will both serve as reminders of the excellent experience they had with me, and when they show it to friends and family it will give them one more thing to oooh and awe over! Bringing their thoughts back to… ME!

What I used: CD Case: WHCC, Disk & Case Design: My Own, CD Labels: Avery 8960

What if you’re thinking ‘But I don’t have a budget for packaging!’ Packaging should be part of your COGS (cost of goods sold). I know exactly how much each box, ribbon length, tissue paper and every other miscellaneous embellishment costs. I calculated each of these so that I know what my actual cost is and from there I can determine a profitable pricing structure. At first I couldn’t afford to buy in bulk so I purchased the packaging offered by my lab. But as I grew I was able to buy from the source and drastically cut my COGS down even with customizing it to my own style. The key point is that however I was obtaining my packaging, it was built into the price of the product! Some quick thoughts: 1. Always try to keep your COGS as low as possible because that’s more profit for you. 2. Keep things simple and streamlined to match your branding style and theme. 3. Remember the finishing touch with HOW it’s presented will make an impact one way or another! 4. Plan it out before you go spend a fortune on Pretty Factor’s!

Free 3×3 Accordion Mini Album Template!

"Fundy" — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 07:00:37 +0000

Hello, I’m Leah of Leah Remillet Photography & writer of the blog, Go{4}ProPhotos. I love to share so I’m excited for the opportunity to be a writer with this group of talented photographers and business owners. I, like you, have a love affair with photography! For me it started not very long ago when a friend sent me an email to share some new family portraits she had done by a photographer named Mark Lee. This was my first experience with “outside the box” photography. Before these images entered my inbox (I know, *gasp*) I’d never known of such a thing as lifestyle or contemporary photography. I knew of going to chain studios and getting chain results and although I loved photography, that had just never sat well with me. But when I saw her images, a spark in me ignited. It was love at first sight. These images were overflowing with color and personality. Without warning, this very crazy thought popped into my head. I want this. But I wasn’t thinking, I want to have my pictures done too. I was thinking I want to create images like this. So I figured I should start by buying one of those big cameras. As I began this endeavor I decided to start a blog to document my journey as I worked to Go{4}Pro. Amazingly (at least to me) as the months went by, the blog grew, and currently Go4Pro is read by thousands and thousands of photographers each week. My background is in business and marketing and that’s where I love to focus and teach! I’m looking forward to sharing ideas with you here. For today, I’d like to leave you with one thought and a free download!

The thought of the day is: Referrals! Next Friday I’m going to really dive into what a strong referral program is and isn’t. But for today, I’ll leave you with this question… Are you making it easy for your clients to talk about you? I have multiple products that I want to get into my clients hands because I know with those products it makes it very easy to talk about me! One great way of doing this is the mini albums. Moms, brides, Grandma’s and Aunties can tuck these little “Referral Cards” in their bags and when ever the opportunity strikes, they have a fabulous way to share all about Leah Remillet Photography! And with my website on the back cover I make it easy to pass on my info as well.

All templates are available as instant downloads! And were created using CS4, files are set up for easy image drop right into the masks however a general understanding of layers masks will be helpful. Template may be used for personal use including for your photography business, never to be redistributed, or published with out written permission from Go4ProPhotos.com Enjoy!

DOWNLOAD THE MINI ALBUM

Just added a new book to my favorites

"Fundy" — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 21:49:16 +0000

I just added a new book to my favorite business books. It was mentioned in an article in Professional Photographer and it is a great read. Crush It! – read more below.

Got a great idea?

"Fundy" — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:29:25 +0000

Here Seth Godin talks about how to get your great ideas and really make them happen. As photographers we are all entrepreneurs. In this video he talks about how we can ignore the bad ideas and go with the good ideas – all the way to the end.