I recently received a couple emails with some questions about photography and I thought I would take some time and answer them publicly. I know when I was just starting out I had a TON of questions and searched and searched for answers. I still do so much research and am always learning. I really appreciate it when photographers take time to share their secrets and since none of the information are really secrets…I thought I would share too! (All these questions are from one lovely soul. I admired her willingness to ask, and so I thought I would try to be as detailed as possible!)

Yes and Yes! (and thank you for the compliments!) I process (or edit is another word for it) all the photos that you see of my kids. If I do post any SOOC (straight out of the camera) then I try to always note it with the photograph. I can say I probably brighten eyes about 80% of the time. Light of course is the most important part of taking a photo. Most of the close up photos shown on my blog last month (during my 28 day project) were taken right up against bright windows.

I do have photoshop, and I used CS2 for a couple years before recently upgrading to CS4. Let me tell you…Photoshop is a very large and detailed program. Google is your friend! I am still learning photoshop, but I think it took me a good couple months to really understand the jist of it. When you figure out how to do something, keep a pad of paper next to you so you can write it down, or bookmark all the sites that you have found your most helpful tutorials. You can google “Photoshop Tutorials” Or “how to (fill in the blank) in Photoshop”. Believe me, if you have the question, someone else had it too and there is an answer out there.

As far as actions, (see here for definition of actions) I don’t use them a lot, although I own a TON. When I first discovered them I invested a couple hundred dollars on some huge packs (creator to remain nameless!) and except for 2 short actions (read it…TWO) the whole thing has been useless. BUT, I am very glad I bought them, it opened my eyes to what I can do on my own, and what I needed help with. I’m not saying I never use them, 99.9% of my b&w’s are done with an action and I just discovered The Pioneer Woman shares some of her (free!) actions that include some great vintage.

I print at a professional photography lab for all my client’s photographs. There are so many labs to choose from. It has taken me awhile to find the perfect one for my needs. (That info though I need to keep off my public blog.)

I can though, recommend Mpix.com. They are a great lab with awesome prices and great quality. They are the lab that I recommend to my clients when they receive their digital files from me. I would rather they print at Mpix.com than with anyone else.

As far as my personal photos, except for enlargements, I puffy *heart* Sam’s Club (it is like Costco.) I have even gotten down my editing of Sam’s Club photos so that they come out looking exactly like my monitor when I print them (since Sam’s is not a professional grade lab, it ta. I take a lot of personal photos and I would go broke printing them at my professional lab, so Sam’s Club is perfect for me! I have also printed at Snapfish.com and Artscow.com

Calibration! It is pretty much the most important thing you will do when you start to print photos for clients. I calibrated my pc monitor with a Spyder2express calibration system. I just upgraded to a Macbook Pro and I’m waiting on my test prints from three different labs to see how I shouldcalibrate.

Jpeg and I am self taught. Although I did take a natural light workshop given by Detra & Deb about 4 years ago. Remember what I said about Google?? Google is a great teacher :) Also I have the privilege to have a very good friend who taught me the wonderful basics of using my camera. She was my cheat sheet :) If someone could have someone like her…they would be set!

My husband, no. He is a great support and I don’t take photos of him that often for him to get annoyed! I’ve never seen him get annoyed at me having the camera out. He’s always willing to help me get the shot or prolong the “spontaneous moment” while I get my camera so that I don’t miss it! My time on the computer…yes. But when he is annoyed, I usually am as well and try to get my work done asap.

My kids, yes. They get annoyed. I can tell though if it is real frustration, or just wanting to be snarky to mommy who loves to take photos. They have all gone through their phases though, Abby is finally getting the hang of eye contact, Zach is starting to ask for photos. My best advice, find your child’s favorite thing…and bribe. Seriously. This is not an obedience issue here until they get older. My 6 year old does not get bribed very much because she is a wonderful model (but I do reward her when we are done! Always!) My two year old though…A LOT of bribing happens. She is not capable of sitting down and looking at the camera without an M&M in my hand :) I was given this advice early in my photography career…even the big shots do it. No one is above a little bribing!!

Also, think about how to get your child to love photography as much as you do! Teach them about it, show them their beautifully edited photos when you are done. Let them pick out their favorite, print it out and hang it in their room or on the fridge. This is your passion, make it theirs as well. And if it just isn’t working, let it go, take them off the hook. The last thing you want is for your child to hate the camera. You may go through a span of a couple months of just photos of his/her brother…one day the lone kid will ask for a picture…and you will be ready!