There’s a great inspirational booklet called “Bits and Pieces” which issues a short magazine every month, giving you little nuggets of wisdom from past and present notables, stories and parables to inspire, and everything in between. On reading one of my recent issues, I came across a great quote from Howard Thurman, a Clergyman of the 1900’s. His quote: Continue reading “The Grain in Your Own Wood”
Podcast Shorts added to the feed
As we start drawing into the fall, time becomes an increasingly precious commodity, I am hoping to sustain the full length feature podcasts, but in case timing doesn’t permit that, some podcast shorts will become available. These will be short audio commentaries on a number of topics, all seeking to encourage debate and discussion. Sometimes they will touch on volatile topics, other times, not as volatile, but hopefully equally interesting. Today, the first of likely many audio shorts expands on the lighting post from last week.
The Clock is Ticking…
We all have lists of things we want to do in any given calendar year, and without meaning to be the bearer of bad news, the clock is ticking on 2010! So, if you’ve got that one shoot, project, or other goal still dangling out there, just waiting to be completed – time’s a-wasting! Continue reading “The Clock is Ticking…”
Natural, Available, or Ambient?
We are probably all familiar enough with the idea that photography is about capturing light as it paints our subjects in various colors, tones, and hues, but recently I am discovering that many are starting to refer to their photographic pursuits in very lofty terms, those being natural light, available light, and ambient light. I can understand the desire to distinguish ones craft, because it is often difficult to “stand out” in a crowd. Continue reading “Natural, Available, or Ambient?”
The Vetting Process
It seems that the more I shoot in various capacities, the fewer shots I take in any given scenario, primarily because I am thinking “yeah, the light’s not right”, or “I don’t have the right lens”, or some other obstacle is preventing me from getting the shot I really want. Whether it’s me being more selective in the shots I take, or something else, is entirely open…case in point, at a recent sports event, I captured less than 500 photos. Of those 500, only 24 got pulled for client delivery, and of those 24, I was really only particularly happy with 2-3 of those shots. Is that being too picky?
So, (and I know this will be specific to the type of photography), the question comes to mind for me: What is a good pull rate? Should I be keeping half my shots? 25%? 10? What percentage should I be pulling from a shoot to deliver to a client?
Clearly, many of the images are thrown in the digital dumpster, but I am wondering whether I should be keeping more for delivery, or for “recovery” at a later date when software improves even further? Is it even worth keeping those? What are the odds I’ll come back in five years saying “If only I had a shot of a hockey player in a white-and-blue jersey center-framed against a white and yellow wall”? My guess is slim to none, so why bother keeping those shots?
Hence the question – what is the average pull rate for photography work? Only client pulls? Client pulls + 10%? +25%? Would really be interested in hearing what others deem to be “acceptable” pull percentages, so please – sound off in the comments and let me know your thoughts…
In the meantime, keep on shooting, and we’ll see you back here again tomorrow!
Blood, Sweat, and Tears
Over the weekend a lot has been going on here…and rather than regale you with the “honey do” list (like toting rocks around the yard), I’ll get to the more fun stuff that is likely more interesting (and also more photography related)… Continue reading “Blood, Sweat, and Tears”
September Winner – October Begins
Another month of fantastic entries in the monthly contest series has ended and as always, the quality of entries just keeps getting better and better. When I saw the folder of images to review and judge, I think Tracy actually heard me utter “How am I supposed to pick a winner from these?” So, after much deliberation (I even enlisted the help of some photographer-friends to help me narrow it down), the winner has been decided. I am pleased to announce that Cameron Gardner is the September winner! Continue reading “September Winner – October Begins”
Broken Dreams (or Themes)
It’s come to my attention that the site has been experiencing some severe delays in load times. I am looking into the problem and will correct things shortly – in the meantime, please excuse the dust as I clean things up a little…and enjoy the simplified layout for a while!
Five Key Elements of Tripod Leg Purchasing
It doesn’t matter whether you are a seasoned veteran or new to the field, the purchase of a tripod is something that we all consider and eventually make the plunge with in the field of photography. Let’s face it, we get sharper shots, are forced to plan composition more carefully, and in general, a tripod will improve your photography ten-fold over not using one. Having said that, there are degrees of effectiveness in a tripod, and as in most things – you typically get what you pay for. Continue reading “Five Key Elements of Tripod Leg Purchasing”
Practice What You Preach
It’s one thing to come out every day with good solid advice for how to do anything, whether it’s manage your finances, run a business, or (as is the case here), how to take better pictures. It’s another thing entirely to follow ones’ own advice. There are countless instructors out there that offer great learning resources, and have an online presence that illustrates how to do things correctly, yet many would have to fall back on the axiom of “Do as I do, not as I say.” We’re all guilty of this occasionally, but I try to stay more to the side of practicing what I preach. Continue reading “Practice What You Preach”