Bludomain Templates

I'm busy working on getting my new website ready! I purchased a template through Bludomain.com that is normally $800 but, they're running a sale right now and it's only $400! I was so excited because I love good deals. I know a have a few photographers that read the blog looking for tips cause they're starting out and I wanted to make sure you knew about this deal. I asked around and a sale on templates usually means they're coming out with a whole new line of templates soon. So, if you're wanting the latest and greatest, you might want to wait until the new year!

I was a little nervous about doing the site all by myself but, it's really easy! I'm so impressed. The only bummer is I've heard some negative things about their customer service...I'm hoping bludomain can prove that wrong. Cause I'm going to need their help!

www.noemiphotography.com

December photo contest!

Since the first Photo Contest was such a success...I'm doing it again! Put on your thinking caps! Take the next couple of weeks to think up your perfect picture!!! This is a beautiful time of the year and I can't wait to see what you submit! We're going to shake it up and do things a little different. Here's my plan...

1. Theme: "What brings a smile to your face in the winter?"

2. Each person must chose one photo to submit.

3. The Contest submission will be accepted from December 1-15th. Then, I'll release the images and we'll do the same form of tallying as before. Only this time the 5 highest will win...that is win a spot in the semi-finals. Everyone can vote the 16th and 17th...I love that part!

4. After the semi-finalists have been chosen, I will work on their pictures. (cropping, enhancing color, changing to black & white etc.) I will then re-release the images and we'll chose our winner! That means you (and all your friends) get to vote twice!

5. Prize: $20 Itunes gift card. WHY? It's easy and something everyone can enjoy!

Interested in playing? Start shooting and send me your best!

www.noemiphotography.com

And the Winner is!!!!!

I'm proud to present the first winner of the Photo Contest by NoemiPhotography... "Photo L" the little girl pondering the season! - sent by Chandra Viq

Thank you to everyone who entered the contest! Stay posted for the interesting twist in the winter season...I can't wait!

www.noemiphotography.com

The Photo Contest is offically closed!

We're calculating the votes and will announce the winner shortly! www.noemiphotography.com

Photo Contest - Voting time limit and PRIZE!

I realized this morning that I need a cut off for the voting. HAVE I LEARNED NOTHING FROM AMERICAN IDOL? Anyways, you need to get all votes in by Friday night. I'll tally the votes and because there are people entering from different countries I'm going to go with a $20 Itune gift card! I would love this prize so it's what I'm going to give to the winner!

I hope you're having voting...keep 'em coming!

www.noemiphotography.com

Photo contest pictures...drum roll please...

Okay, so a couple of weeks ago I said I'd be having a little photo contest and it got to be a lot bigger then I thought... NOW it's up to you!

1. Look at all the entries.

2. Pick your favorite and leave a comment/compliment about that photo. (Make sure you say "Photo A or Photo B" in your comment)

I'll give everyone a week to get the votes in and then I'll announce the winner and more importantly...the prize! Make your vote count.

Here's the photos:

Photo A - sent by April L. Sauers in Cold Spring, MN

Photo B - sent by Becky Pellham in Billings, MO

Photo C - sent by Julie Day in Indiana

Photo D -sent by Jessie

Photo E - sent by Rebekah in Bloomington, MN

Photo F - sent by Jen Murray

Photo G - sent by Ann Bryant

Photo H - sent by Katie Jackson

Photo I - sent by Judie Lewis

Photo J - sent by Nancy Kelley

Photo K - sent by Melissa in WI just over the St. Croix River.

Photo L - sent by Chandra Viq

Photo M - sent by Karen Boekee and I live in Aylmer ON.

Photo N - sent by Cheri Patton

Photo O -Sent by Kathleen in Hawaii (fall looks different there :) )

Photo P - Sent by

Photo Q - Sent by Dena Koehn

Photo R - Sent by Cheri Hanson

Photo S - Sent by Gail in Fallston, Maryland

Photo S - sent by Sue Mestery

Photo T - Sent by Shari Schwarz

Photo U - Sent by Tina in New Hampshire (vacation shot)

Photo V -Sent by Anne M. Thelen

Photo W -Sent by Catherine Prestwich

Aren't these pictures great! I'm so happy that everyone got into the photo contest...I was pleasantly surprised at the entries. OKAY...pick your favourite AND it supposed to answer the question/theme of "What fall means to you!" Let the games begin!

www.noemiphotography.com

AUGHH...too many entries for the contest!

I had no idea how many of you would enter into my contest. I'm really happy but the blog is going to be huge! I'm running out of letters in the alphabet!!! CRA-ZY! I didn't think through the time it would take me to catalog everything...I really hope I get everything right (please forgive me if I get your name or town wrong!) I'm really excited to see who wins! MAKE SURE YOU VOTE!

www.noemiphotography.com

Fall Photo Contest!

I checked my Inbox today and I counted 12 entries for the fall photo contest! They all look great! I wanted to give you one more reminder to send your picture/jpeg in to me at info@noemiphotography.com before October 31st. I'll be blogging the photos on November 1st and the one that gets the most positive comments will get a prize...still undecided as to what that prize will be! If you've been meaning to send in your photo and forgot, don't worry just send it in soon!

Remember the theme is "What fall means to you!"

www.noemiphotography.com

Photography Question - Making a Contract!

Here's the latest question... Hi, one more quick question for you. :) I was wondering if you had a lawyer write up your contracts that you have clients sign. I developed my contract by reading every photography contract I could find on the internet and I pieced together my own. Then, I had my brother-in-law (who's a lawyer) look it over to make sure I wasn't missing something incredibly important. After I completed it, I kept changing/updating the contract because new things come up and I'm learning as I go.

I thought of another one...do you have a contract for people to sign asking permission to put there photo's on your website..like a model release contract? For 2007 I explained in the consultation that I reserved the right to use any image, at any time, for any purpose but, for 2008 I'll have all clients sign a model release so that I can put images on istock.com and other websites. I'm planning on expanding this year by making images to available to companies/graphic artists and the rules are pretty strict.

I don't know if you'd be interested in doing the same but, here are the guidelines:

Model Release:

1. All photographs where an identifiable human face is present require a model release. There are no exceptions.
2. If the photograph is of a minor (a child under the age of 18), a model release must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.
3. If the photo is of the photographer (a self portrait), a model release is still required.
4. A model release should be uploaded with each file. If you're uploading successive shots of the same model, the model release should be uploaded with each shot.
5. A valid witness signature must appear on the model release. It must be someone other than the photographer.

Note: iStock does not accept digitally created or digitally signed model releases (this includes using script fonts as signatures, e-signatures and scanning signatures and then pasting into the model release).

I hope this is helpful...keep those questions coming.

www.noemiphotography.com

Questions about Pictage.com

Here's an email I received from one of my readers. I'm going to answer her questions on the blog to help other photographers who are wondering the same things.As always, my responses will be in bold. I checked out Pictage.com since you had mentioned it in your blogs and had such positive things to say about it - I just wanted to know your personal opinions on that site, versus others.

I've been using Nations Photo Lab for producing my prints, and found them by accident. I haven't been able to get any referrals to any particular printer by a professional photographer so I was wondering if you used Pictage or where you have your prints done? I print all my professional prints through Pictage.com and the quality is amazing. Have you heard about Nations? I think so, but I don't know a lot about the company or their reputation.

Is Pictage a good choice for a beginning photographer to be a member of? Pictage.com has a monthly fee ($100) so if you're not charging enough for your portraits sessions...it won't be worth you having it as a service. Having said that, I love having Pictage as my partner! I don't have to handle and orders and I know my clients are getting great quality. Plus, I know my images are being represented well. AND, on top of all that, my clients get to show everyone their pictures for free!

I have had some bad experiences with photography message sites, and would really like to find one that has helpful, patient people to ask questions so I'm not peppering you with e-mails every other day! It would be nice to find a site that has the opportunity for a beginning to find mentors or resources to learn. And doubly nice to have the same place be a high quality printer I can use. I was unable to find any print pricing so I didn't know if they were competitively priced or not. I didn't set up to become a photographer-mentor but, that's what happened as a result of the blog and I'm happy to help. Also, I've committed to blog every day and I have to have topics! I'll keep blogging clients and what's going on in my life but having questions is good!

Any help on more information about Pictage? I am first interested in knowing whether I should switch from my current photo printer and second whether to join the community, being a novice and not really a "professional" as they advertise. Any thoughts would be helpful! Thanks! One last word on Pictage...I go to the Pictage (PUG) group every month and I learn from the other photographers all the time! Not only that, where else can you go and talk photography with people who are equally passionate! It's so amazing!

THANKS TO Jenny for writing!

www.noemiphotography.com

Blog readers/Photographers

I got this very sweet email and I checked out the link and it's very cool! I had never heard of this website...have you? I too am huge fan of your blog, found you way back at the beginning of the Morrison's story, and still read!  I'm not a professional photographer, but love to take pics of my kiddos, and research anything on photography...its a new found hobby!  I LOVE that you are willing to share so much insight on your business :) I recently came across a website called Pink Ink Studios, another fave of mine!  Not sure if you already know about it, but I instantly thought of you!  This week is wedding week, so they are interviewing all sorts of awesome photographers like you, it's so interesting to read, plus they have FREE giveaways! Check it out if you haven't already!  www.pinkinkstudios.com

I must say I love your blog, and enjoy viewing your work! I haven't even met you and just know what a sweet kind person you are ;) Oh and your daughter...how cute is she?!!!! I TOTALLY AGREE!

www.noemiphotography.com

I want to do a little contest...

I've had tons of beginning photographers ask questions and I've answered them (to the best of my ability) on my blog! Now, I'd like to showcase your work and have a little contest! It's a gorgeous season...fall leaves, warm colors, mittens, rosy cheeks...I'd love for you to shoot images that capture what fall means to you and email it to me. I'll post all the images I get on November 1, 2007 and we'll let the daily blog readers decide who should win. I have thought of a prize yet but, I'll come up with something fun! Anyone can enter...you don't have to be a photographer but if you are a photographer send me your website info and I'll post it with your pic...free advertisement never hurt anyone!

This is going to be so much fun :)

Ok. So send in your images (info@noemiphotography.com)...I'll collect them for the month and then the contest will begin! I can't wait to see your work!!!!

www.noemiphotography.com

Photography Questions...

Here's some more questions from a budding photographer... I'm one of your dedicated blog readers and admirer of your photography work.  I too am an aspiring photographer and very close to fully launching my business however, I'm still trying to work out some of the technical issues such as web hosting of photos.  If you have a moment, would you mind sharing with me the process you use after taking photos, hosting them on a website, having clients view them and then determining what photos you give them on a cd?  After taking photos I import RAW files to Abode Lightroom, rate and edit photos, export to JPG file on my desktop, and resize to a small size (400x600) if I use them on the web.  All my clients see my fav's on the blog about a week after the shoot, then I upload (weddings 300-400, portraits 100-150) edited images to Pictage.com, then I give a DVD of files including the Blog, Pictage, and others.

Do you give your clients a cd of all of the photos you take including the good, bad and the ugly or just those they choose, that are photoshopped or enhanced?  No, I don't. No one wants to see the ugly photos...not even me. Although I do get a good laugh out of peoples expressions. So, I give photos I have retouched only.

Your wedding package states roughly 700 photos or so but I was wondering how many of those you actually enhance?  For my 2008 packages, all of the photos will be retouched in some way. I didn't used to do this because I thought more was always better. BUT, then I started thinking about how my favorites may not be the clients favorites and what if they decide to blow up an image that untouched...that's not what I want to represent my art. So, I'll fulfill the contracts for this year and then change it next year.

If you do all of them, how much time are you spending editing each wedding?  Wow, this is a tough one. I'd say it depends on how many images I take. It can range from 1500-2000 and that's a big difference! But it takes an hour or more to upload, 5-6 hours to go through rate photos (3 for Pictage, 2 for DVD, and 1 to be deleted), 2-3 hours picking/editing/uploading the blog pictures, 15-18 hours to edit/upload pictures for Pictage, 2-3 hours to retouch the DVD images, and then how ever long it takes to burn the DVD and send it.  All in all it usually takes about 30 hours...even if it doesn't add up. It always takes longer then you think. Computers are so helpful but not perfect. 

I know you're busy but if you could help me understand this piece of the puzzle, it would help me tremendously as it is something I'm really struggling with right now. I hope this helps!

www.noemiphotography.com

Digital Photography comes with perks!

I received another email with questions so here goes...I'll write my comments in bold! I, just like Elaine Federico, found about you from the Morrisons\' web page (I pray that all is well with them). I am also I new photographer. I just down loaded photoshop CS3 for trial. Thanks so much for your advice. I was wondering how you did the pictures 6 & 7 of Tawny and Clayton to have the color and Sepia in the same picture. In most cases when you see a picture that is mostly black and white or sepia I'm decreasing the saturation of all the color and increasing one color!

Also how do you subdue the colors as in picture #21 of the same wedding. I've developed presets in the develop category of Adobe Lightroom by playing with the program, finding I an effect I like and saving it as a preset for later. I usually pick the preset that compliments the picture the best. In Lightroom you don't have to click to see the image change, you can see just by scrolling over the presets. Plus, you can make as many copies as you want without changing the size of the image!

By the way your daughter is gorgeous! Thank you! I think so too! My children are on my web site kammelphoto.com Check out her site...It's always great to see someone elses work! They are the three in the christmas picture. I was afraid at first to do weddings but now I love it. It really feels good as you edit the pictures and see the progress. Thanks for all the help that you have given us developing photographers. Your work is wonderful. I do wish that I could make my web site better (like online viewing of proofs and disabling the right click so people can\'t copy the pictures) Thanks! Lisa Kammel

No Problem...I love getting help from other photographers so why not give it too!

www.noemiphotography.com

Blogging continues...

I have posted 147 blogs in the last 6 months or so! It's crazy! And I've had almost 300 comments! That's even crazier! It's an incredible technical culture we live in. Through Google Analytics, I can see that I have viewers from all over the country...it actually breaks down how many are logging on and from what state. It's a free service and incredibly helpful. If you're setting up or already have a website, you should check it out!

AND the best part is I still enjoy it! Whether typing out updates on the Morrisons, developing photography gifting, displaying pictures from the latest shoot or just talking...it's really fun! I know I've inspired some friends to start and they love it to.

There are many times I sit down and I don't know what to say (which if you know me, is kinda unusual) but, I find a soon as I start typing something comes! There is small part of all of us that likes to be heard...and another part of us that believes our experiences (good or bad) can help someone else. I've written about everything yet, I have so much more to share!

This has been one of the craziest seasons of my life! I have 6 more weddings this year and they are all in the next 5 weeks! WOW! My last is on October 13th and you better believe we'll be celebrating that weekend...just in time to start scheduling fall/Christmas family shoots!  I know I'm not alone in being busy. Let's choose to take some time every day to slow down, be thankful, and love the people around us!

www.noemiphotography.com

Answering more photography questions!

Here's an email I received this week...thought I'd answer it for everyone who's amateur turning pro photographer! My comments will be in bold!

Hi Noemi!

I'm another one of your devoted blog fans and found you (at first) by reading about the Morrisons. But, I fell in love with your images and as an amateur photographer myself (who has also shot 3 or 4 weddings of friends and "friends of friends"), I wanted to know if you could help me with a couple of things.

First of all, thank you for being so open on your web site about your "tricks of the trade." I also do wedding coordination here in Central Florida as part of the Wonderful Weddings team, (www.wonderfulweddingsorlando.com) and I have the opportunity to talk with our resident pro photographers all the time. Most of them are using the Canon 5D and I did consider that for a purchase. However, after seeing that you are shooting with the 30D and getting such fabulous results (and also after comparing it on dpreview.com and seeing that it will take my existing Canon Digital Rebel EF-S lens) I went and bought my own. I LOVE it!!! I shot a wedding in Atlanta last month for my nephew and I was really pleased with the results.

Always buy the best! Especially if you're entertaining the idea of growing a business. I do use 2 Canon 30D's but, I'm buying a Canon 5D early next year. The difference is substantial. But, having said that, the 30D is a great "in-between" camera. Canon is an amazing name and their lenses are the best! If your finances are tight I'd spend the money on the Canon 30D and buy a upgraded lens and flash. Really nice lenses are just as important as great cameras. SIDE NOTE: The Canon 5D doesn't have a pop up flash and should be used when you're ready to shoot on the manual settings.

My main question is, which version of Adobe Photoshop are you using? I downloaded a free trial of CS3 but I can't find any fellow photographers around here using it. Most of them are still using CS2. I am debating whether or not to spend the money when my 30-day trial runs out. I love the program so far, but I wanted to get your thoughts.

I use Adobe Photoshop but will be upgrading to CS3 soon. Again, always buy the latest version...there always good reasons for why the company spent the time and money to came out with a new version! They improved the old program. Honestly, the only reason why I don't have it yet is cause I've been so busy shooting and editing. I didn't want to have to learn the new program too!

Also, can you tell me about Lightroom? I can't say enough good things about Adobe Lightroom. If you're not currenting using a program that let's you manipulate pictures...get it! It works with MAC's and PC's but I've also heard the program Aperture is great for MAC's too!

Thank you SO much,

Elaine Federico

P.S. I have a little website........ www.elainefedericophotography.com

If you're interested in photography and want to get better spend time every week looking at pictures and talk through what you love and what you don't like...it really helps when you're on the spot and needing to get a good picture fast!

www.noemiphotography.com

Want to be an even better photographer?

1. I've had lots of people thanking me for writing and giving pointers over the last couple of weeks...thank you and your welcome! I thought of something else that has really added to who I am as a photographer. Since I've told you tons of my secrets already I figure, "Why hold back?" I've learn so much about angles, lighting, ideas for layering photos from watching the extras of movies with the director and cinematographer commenting all the way through. These are professionals and so, why not learn from them. So much translates into photography! Try it! 2. Another person asked about how to start a website and as I far as I'm concerned you have three choices:

• Design it yourself!

Pros - It's FREE!, it's original, it's personal! Cons - There is a limit to your time and knowledge, there's lots of ways it can go wrong.

• Hire someone else to design it for you! It's probably going to run you $1000+ but, at least you can rest assured that no one else will have your exact site! The site I have right now I had designed and I love it but sometimes I wish I could make changes quickly and update new pictures more often!

Pros - It's original, you are involved in the process and design, it's built around your needs.

Cons - It's time consuming, hard to know what you need and communicate it well, get expire quickly.

• Use a template! There are big websites that have marketed specifically to Photographers. The two main ones I know...Big Folio and BluDomain! They both great and I've looked into using them...but I can't think about that until I'm out of my 2007 wedding season.

Pros - It's simple, offers Flash and HTML in the same site, make changes any time you want, you can change templates easily and usually at a reduced rate!

Cons - Everyone has the similar sites!

Also...I've been asked, "What do you use to edit?" I'm really simple. I use Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom and some actions I purchased online!

Again, I hope this helps!

www.noemiphotography.com

WEBNAR with the Knot.com

I've been advertising with theKnot.com for almost a year and it's been great! This week they did a webnar (website/seminar)  about improving your business and I thought you might benefit from the notes. I'm big about continuing my education in photography, business, website, marketing etc! All of these are apart of being a photographer in today's culture! Five ways to improve your website by Alan Berg from theKnot.com:

1. If your website looks like you made it yourself...change it! Don't put anything on your site you don't like on other sites!

2. Put your name and phone number on every page...on the top! Make it easy for the client to find you.

3. Websites are self-directed experiences - giving them better choices. Think of the buttons on your website as questions answered. Make sure the button answers their questions are doesn't confuse them.

4. Just enough text to whet their appetite. Remember, too much or too little text and use a font that's easy to read. Only enough to get her to call! Use"You" and "Your" instead of "I" and "we" to say who you are and what you can do for your client! Use your service and your name in the text so that searches will find you! Also, spell out your city, state, exactly what you do...it better for search engines.

5. What's your unique proposition? What makes you different from all the rest?

For those who are interested, I also advertise with Pictage.com, theweddingchannel.com, business cards and through my own website! Even with all that, the most powerful form of advertising in wedding photography is still referrals (past clients and other photographers.)

Feel free to pass this on but, make sure you give credit to Alan Berg!

www.noemiphotography.com

More Questions About Photography...

I received this email after I posted some personal pointers on photography and instead of answering just the person who asked them I thought I'd post them for everyone to benefit! BUT, before I start, I want everyone to know I am not professing to be an expert on any of these subject. I learn new things all the time and change my mind about things often! So, I promise to answer honestly...just take what I say as suggestions not absolutes, kay?

Here's her email (I'll write my answer in bold):

Hi Noemi!  Thanks for the blog - I am definitely going to check some of those out when I hit the bookstore next.

An equipment question or two?  Or three or four?  If you wouldn't mind?

What type of lens are you most using for portrait photos & weddings?  I use all canon equipment and my favorite lenses for weddings are the 50mm (1.2) and the 17-50mm (2.8). By using these two I get everything from wide angle to detail just by switching back and forth between two cameras! Anyone who has done a wedding knows there is no time to switch lens. You just have to be ready!

I have been researching but am still not sure which one would be best to start with.  The Nikkor 28-70 mm f/2.8 is first on the list so far but is also a little" at $1500+!  So I want to make sure I get the best I can to at least get a start. Everyone who shoots will have a different opinion on lens! It's like asking a person what their favorite color is...there's no right or wrong answer when you're buying quality.  I think your choice is a great start! Getting a second camera with a fixed lens would probably be a good next step!

When doing weddings, are you attaching any kind of portable flash with you? I try to use natural light all the time but, I have a Canon 580 EX for low light, ceremonies and receptions...only when absolutely necessary. My advice is to practice without a flash free hand or on a tripod until you've got it down and then use the flash as a last resort.

Are you using a flash bracket or anything additional to add light indoors? Nope. It's too much to try and move equipment and get the lighting perfect! I use what's available and have fun doing it!

My indoors photos for weddings are rough because the light is always different and the group shots are usually so big it doesn't pay to bring in my lights - they don't provide enough coverage so I guess I'd have to invest in a really huge softbox if I wanted to do that. Yes, you could totally go that route but, I didn't! I don't really like studio/perfect lighting. I like things to look real and capture the moment as it happens so, I shoot everything I can outside or with natural light through windows or doors!

I'm just not sure about what equipment is going to be the best to start!  I have a couple big weddings coming up and could stand to invest in a few pieces that would help make my photos better. Any advice?  Thanks in advance! It's hard to answer this cause I don't know what equipment you have already. But, here's what I think you should have (minimum) if you're shooting alone:

• 2 DSLR Cameras
• 2-3 lenses ranging from 17 (wide-angle) to 200 or higher.
• Portable flash
• Lots of cards (10G or more if you're shooting in RAW)
• Very sturdy tripod (for balcony or close-up shots)
• Backpack/Bag to fit it all safely
• Of course...there's a ton more you could have and might us but, those are the essentials.

You have to add a ton more equipment when you add an additional shooter. I hope this helps! If you have more questions...JUST ASK! www.noemiphotography.com

Photography Magazines and more!

I'm really touched by the emails I received from nervous beginners looking for tips from me! I'm so excited for what your futures hold! For the "ameteur-moving-towards-professional" photographers looking for good magazines...here's my fav's: Practical Photography - from England...it's soooo good! (Look for the weird long magazine) I love that I can read it and not be overwhelmed by technical language! Definitely my first choice. It's available through Barnes and Noble and other bookstores. It's actually cheaper to buy it monthly instead of getting a subscription.

Popular Photography - from USA...It was a gift from a family member and I read it every month and learn new things all the time!

I get Rangefinder too...it's good for me cause it's a little more artsy and challenging!

Best advice I can give you? Find out if there's a photographers network in your area that you can join! Because I joined Pictage.com, I go to the monthly meeting and learn a ton from photographers who are totally different from me and/or who have been in the business for longer. They are super encouraging! I love our group!

I've grown a ton over the last few years and I plan to keep growing! I didn't learn all that know from school but, I could do it all over again...I would take tons more courses in every aspect of business and photography! Why not?

The business is thriving but I love learning and can always do better!

ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? Ask 'em and I'll do answer!

www.noemiphotography.com