Top Ten Great Links For Photographers

1. Photocritic: This site by Haje, is one of the most informative sites for photographers on the Net. I have purposefully linked to an article about contrast. Contrast to me is one of the most important elements in presenting a photograph. Here Haje tells you how to adjust the contrast to really give your photo some bang. I would not stop here with reading. He covers a variety of photographic subjects and I am an avid reader.

2. Srobist: There is one over riding rule about photograph and it is all about light. I try to work with the light around me from the sun, ambient light and finding the best perspective found in natural light. The strobist takes you into the world of strobe lighting. With many how to's and examples of results all photographers can learn from the Strobist's fine tutorials.

3. Photopreneur: This all around site tackles many quandaries for photographers. Most of the articles are about monetizing your photographs. I always appreciate the advice I find on this excellent site. The helpful hints I find here are priceless.

4. Digital Shot: This blog has a variety of contributors that offer all kinds of information on photography and processing. You will find lots of information about free photo editing programs for those who constantly try to reach the creative edge.

5. fotohacker: A variety of photographic advice and yes hacks. Learn what others do to help make the picture taking easier, more professional and creative. Good read for camera geeks.

6. Photoshop User TV: I like this video presentation, because it gives you time to absorb the content on some very excellent tutorials. This show does have a lot of promotional content that mostly I am not interested in, but the tutorials are top of the line.

7. Make TV: Now, most of this site is just a distraction, but interesting so. It is like visiting the 12 dimension of all things visual. If you want to know the cutting edge, walk on this thin line of perception of things to come. Or are they really here? Am I behind the curve? In the mists of all this are some ideas you can really use.

8. Earth Bound Light: I picked earth bound light for its tips of the week. Be sure to hit the previous buttons so you can find the content that interests you. I like this because I am sometimes more illiterate about camera technical knowledge than I should be. Here are easy to read articles that will help you understand some of the technical aspects of the camera, lens and filters that you use.

9. TZPlanet: This eZine has interesting content. It is more of a variety magazine and offers some relaxing reads and links to beautiful pictures by excellent photographers.

10. Beyond the Obvious: Paul presents his thoughts on life and photography. What I like about this blog is he brings home the idea of being personable about his photography. I really like his stories behind the photograph that gives insight to the viewer about the shot. A lesson can be learned for all of us photographers. It is important to connect not only visually but with words.

Ten Top Cures For Photo Block

If you are not out photographing you are not refining your craft. I am amazed at the many used DSLRs out there with a very small number of shutter clicks. In a day I usually do more shots than some people put on their camera in two years. So if you are one of those who has a camera gathering dust, here are some suggestions.

1. Always take your camera with you. Having your camera handy will make you more apt to use it. And, you just might run across that 100,000 dollar shot.

2. Look at the clouds. In photography the sky is not the limit. When you find those beautiful cloudscapes look for a place to take a picture.

3. Go to Parks, Zoos, Events. I am always finding new places to shoot, and returning to places I have shot before. Not only will you have an enjoyable trip you may get some of those awe inspiring pictures.

4. Listen to the Birds. Now, this might seem crazy, but when I hear those birds sing I just have to get out with my camera and spot birds and take pictures.

5. Post a picture a day. No matter what photo sharing network you belong to make it a habit to post a picture every day. For every photo I post I take a hundred. I can take a hundred pictures in less than hour. If I am at an event it is not unusual for me to take 500 pictures in an hour. One of those is likely to inspire me to process the photo. Have a shutter and click it.

6. Take your camera to work. I know some may not be allowed to take pictures at work. But if you can do. And, on the way to from work and at lunch you might find some exciting photo opportunities.

7. Compose pictures in your head. No matter where you are or what you are doing think about how you would compose a shot. If you do not have a camera with you, compose away. And, remember always to have your camera with you.

8. Pick a theme for the day. I am a photo opportunist and shoot whatever I find. Sometimes however I go out in the day and think lets do some macros, or river shots. I use these as guides but this does not limit the subject matter that I might find interesting.

9. Take a ride out in the country. There is nothing like exploring new places. Take that road that you have never been down before. Do some serious exploring, and if you can get lost. I personally find new and interesting sights while lost.

10. Go out on bad weather days. Snow, rain, fog, all make great photo shots. Don't be a sunny day shooter. All days are prime days to take photos.

Top Ten Camera Every Day Tricks

Sometimes, we just think about photographing with a camera as a tool for nature,landscapes, family portraits and professional work. I thought I would share some other ways I use my camera to help myself out in life.

1. Car repairs: Or for that matter anything you take apart and put back together. I use the camera to pictures every step of the way when I take things apart. When you reassemble you have a guide and don't have to worry about which screw went where. I also use the camera to take to auto part dealers to show them the part I need especially if I do not know the name.

2. Reading the fine print: If you are getting old like me some of that small print is just hard to see. Take a picture of it and blow it up. I can't tell you how many microwave dinner directions I have read doing this when I have misplaced my glasses.

3. Finding that small object: Have you ever dropped a small screw and find it as difficult to find as a needle in a haystack? Use your camera to take pictures of the area that the item was lost sit down and blow up your photos searching is much easier this way.

4. Giving someone directions to your house: Send them an email with picture landmarks they can follow. This makes life easier for everyone.

5. Finding things in dark places: Use your camera as a third eye and utilize the flash. Under couches, and in hard places to look. It is much easier to use your camera than crouching down for a look see.

6. Telling someone how to fix the computer: You are at home talking to your friend, and they just can't get what you are trying to tell them what to do. Take a series of pictures and email them how.

7. Borrowing something from someone: Have you ever returned something and someone said it was damaged. Take some pictures of the item before you borrow or rent it, being able to show what condition the item was when you borrowed it can be your best defense.

8. Car accidents: If you unfortunately have a car accident. Be sure to take pictures. Not only might this prove your innocence it may also show that you did not do damage that could have happened later.

9. Your wallet: Take pictures of all the documents you keep in your wallet. If you ever lose your wallet you will know everything that you lost. And it could help you in canceling credit cards and replacing valuable information.

10. Documenting injuries: Sometimes bad things happen to good people. It can be important to document injuries that happened in accidents or other situations. Since injuries heal, it is good to have a photographic record.

Top Ten Twitter Diversion

I couldn't help myself and thought I would share this, even though off the subject of Photography. It takes the whole top ten in one shot.

Top Ten Dangers in Photography

Getting that shot can be more dangerous than you think.


1. Photographers are risk takers there is no doubt about it. Somethings if we were saner we would think is the shot really worth it. Below is a a short slide show showing one of the dangers I have faced in getting that shot. A ton and half of car was spinning out of control toward me. The car ended up five feet from the unprotected spot were unperturbed I continued shooting.

Its not really bravery perhaps more like stupidity. And, I will be there through out the season getting more shots like these.










2. I did not take this photo and the larger version can be found here. Wonder what was on the photographer's mind when he was snapping this raging bull.



3. Here is an account of a photographer breaking his leg doing a landscape shot. It reminds me of the time I took this shot and landed flat in the creek, miles from any road or even a trail. It could have been months before anyone would have found me, as it was I did limp the five miles back successfully.




4. In May I will be leaving to go on a photo shoot in the Midwest, including Yellowstone and other national Parks. I hope to get some nice shots of grisly bears. It is my intention to do this as safely as possible, but... I am always looking for that spectacular shot. Here is an account about photographers who met their untimely fate photographing bears. I will try to keep that in mind, but I do have a tendency to get a little too close to wildlife.


















5. Combat Photography was and does remain one of the most dangerous occupations. This picture is from an army obstacle course used for training in WWI. The article (a history of combat photography) that accompanies the original photo can be found here.


6. And another video to remind me to be careful when taking those racing shots.


7. If you did choose to be a Paparazzi photographer the rewards might be high, but so might the dangers.

8. You should also play it smart and know your rights as a photographer when facing those legal and illegal challenges when you shoot.

9. And even if you know your rights as a photographer don't think it protects you against someone who just does not want their photograph taken.

10. Finally the biggest risk we all face as photographers is a hard drive failure. Make sure you have back ups of all your work. The risk you take out in the field getting that shot may be lost forever.

Top Ten Things to Monetize your Photos

1. Remember the idea emotion not emulsion. “Kodak sells film, but they don't advertise film. They advertise memories.” This thought from Theodore Parker is a good reminder of how you should approach photo sales. The more a photograph means to someone the more it is likely to sell. People connect sentiment with photos and this should not be lost to the photographer. A personal approach with all of your clients should be one of your highest priorities. Wedding and event photographers have captured this idea intently.

2. Do what ever it takes to make sure your site is personable and friendly. Some gallery sites I have seen show the pictures, but do they show your character. Let people develop a sense of you by being as sincere and honest as you can.

3. Use Twitter. If you do not have a Twitter account you should have one. Networking with potential customers can add a positive impact on your sales. Follow me if you like. Besides photographers, I try to network with possible clients and users of photography.

4. Make people aware of your reputation. This can be accomplished with an about page. It is your resume be honest and do tell them about your accomplishments. Attribution is an important factor in making sales.

5. Once you have a client continue to follow up with them. You should not do this to the point of being obnoxious but to a degree to show them you care. Sometimes I will send them a gift out of the blue, just to let them know I am still thinking about them.

6. Make cards and postcards. I find these are big sellers when you exhibit your work. It can make the difference between a flop and a success. You can capitalize on the impulse buyer who may not want to spend on a signed limited edition print. I make mine at Zazzle were sales from online offset my costs for what I offer at exhibits.


7. Folding cards and stamps. These could be particularly useful for Wedding photographers. You can make customized Wedding invitations with stamps at Zazzle.

8. Make calendars. I make calendars for both promotion and for sales. I like QOOP for their nice large linen calendars, and Zazzle for the smaller calendars I offer.

9. Tell people about the promotions that your third party sellers are offering. For the next two days Zazzle will be offering a half off promotion on posters, if you enter this coupon on check out ZAZZLEPOSTER. Zazzle offers frequent coupons that can really cut your costs. And, they are also great for your customers.

10. Enter contests. When you win contests it reflects positively on your ability as a photographer. If you do not win, look at the winners what did differently. Not only does this improve your photography it helps you to be known in wider circles.

Top Ten Dumb Photography Questions.

I really enjoyed an article on Wild Shots, and it inspired me to write this.
Really, I am much politer than this when I answer questions. But sometimes I have considered answering like this.

1. Did you use Photoshop? No, that is the raw image out of the camera.

2. Your camera takes great photos what kind of camera do you use? If I put the camera on the ground what kind of pictures would it take.

3. Did you take that picture? No, I copyright everyone’s pictures. Actually, KoKo the monkey took this one.

4. I would like to sell your picture as wall paper can you send me a high resolution image? Sure, as soon as I take some pictures of flying pigs.

5. What camera settings are using? I don’t know I just twist the dials.

6. What is the best picture you have ever taken? The next one.

7. Will you teach me how to use the camera, I have an hour next week? Sure, I can condense everything I learned in 40 years in an one hour lesson.

8. Where do you take such spectacular pictures? Could you move over a second you just blotted out my picture with your face.

9. What type of film do you use? Well, this camera is digital, so I buy it from Polaroid.

10. Do you mind If I borrow your camera, I am going to my school reunion party? Sure, but I require a rental fee of 10,000 dollars.