photography q&a

Adam once told me his art professor said, “the first artist to 1500 paintings wins.” It took me a long time to accept that. In my mind I thought so much of it had to do with God given talent, which in reality was very frustrating to me because what I loved I wasn’t naturally good at. Once I embraced the notion that you can create even if you’re not creative it changed everything for me. I wish I knew what the equivalent of 1500 paintings would be in photographs, but I guess that doesn’t really matter so much. I believe it’s through our experience that we learn and grow and the more we do the better we become whether or not we are gifted in that area.

Q: Heather asked, did you have any schooling to learn photography? If not, how did you learn?
A: I had no schooling. Everything I know about photography I taught myself from the internet, reading, and looking at other photographers.
Q: How long did it take to reach the level you are at? October 2005 was when I bought my first SLR digital camera and got serious about learning photography, so I guess 2 years.
Q: Where do you go for creative inspiration?
A: I find inspiration everywhere. Magazines like blueprint or dwell, billboards, people watching, interesting light, in the wee hours of the night things come to me, flickr, other photographers, songs, words, blogs, interior design, shapes, fashion.
Q: What books would you recommend for learning photography? (The creative and technical side)
A: For photoshop any of Scott Kelby's books. For basic photography Understand Exposure by Bryan Peterson. As far as creative books go I don't know of any photography related ones, but I love Living out Loud by Keri Smith and books of that nature that get me thinking creatively about life. Another good one The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron.
Q: What is your favorite lens?
A: Tough question...I would have to say the one I use the most 24-70mm 2.8L lens. It use to be a toss up between my 50mm 1.8 and 100 mm 2.8.
Q: What camera do you use?
A: I use the canon 30D. I use to dream of the 5D, but I am quite happy with the 30D. They have, however, upgraded the camera and you can now buy the 40D.
Q: How do you deal with indoor photography? Do you use a flash?
A: I never use a flash unless I absolutely have to. My reasoning, because I love natural light and honestly I don't know flash photography. It's something that I want to learn, but right now my flash photos just look plan flashy (can I get away with saying that?). There is a skill to it and I don't have it.
Q:How's that for a few?
A: I am happy to help heather. They were great question and hopefully they will help others in the future as well.

Q: Alyson asked, In the past you have talked about going to weekend conferences/classes for photography. I was wondering where you did that or how I could get information on those classes? Do you teach any classes or do any trainings?
A: Earlier in the year I went to a workshop put on by one of my favorite photographers, Cheryl Jacobs. I went to learn about my style, how I see the world in relation to the photos I take. I felt great about my technical skills, but wanted to take the creative process one step further. I took the workshop because I loved Cheryl's philosophy. If you are serious about a workshop you need to shop around for the one that will work best for you. Learn about the photographer. Are they teaching the things you want to learn about? Once your out and shooting you begin to understand what you don't know and what you specifically need help with. I don't teach any classes, this is as far as I've come to teaching, but I think I would enjoy that very much if the opportunity arises in the future. There are a lot of good classes online at betterphoto.com. I've never taken any, but I know people who have and rave about them. They aren't cheap, but it's a good way to focus on one subject like lighting or metering or photoshop.

Q: Alexandra asked, Lately my photos don't seem bright enough or crisp enough to me AND I can't find the manual to my Rebel - that makes it difficult!! I'm using the Canon EF 50mm 1:1.8 lens - thought this was a good low-light option. Don't know what I'm doing wrong or do I just need to tackle photoshop to get that fabulous vibrant look.
A: The 50mm lens was my favorite lens for a very long time. Canon makes a few versions of the 50mm which range from $90, $350, $1200. Quite a bit of difference, but the nicer the lens the sharper, better quality your image will be. You may want to take it in to where you bought it to have it checked out if you think it’s really bad. (It’s hard for me to know since I haven’t seen any pictures you’ve taken with it). My guess would be that the lens is probably fine. Assuming the photo is exposed correctly, you may just need to lighten it up a bit (which would brighten the photo) with curves in photoshop. Be careful with sharpening though, I think it can be overdone very easily and make the photo look really processed.

Q: Holly asked, My photography question for you is, do you have a favorite lens? One that you would recommend everyone NEEDS? I love the photos with the kind of blurry backgrounds, and I know that has to do with aperture, but does lens make a difference?
A: The lens you use makes all the difference in the world. In fact I would much rather spend my money on a great lens than I would a camera. Now that doesn't mean the camera isn't important, but the lens makes a huge difference to the quality of the photos you take. It's hard to choose a favorite lens because each one I use I use for a specific reason, but if I had to pick I would choose the one I use the most right now my 24-70 2.8L lens. I would recommend this lens if your serious and you want to spend the money, but I think a good modest all around lens is the canon 28-135mm 3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens. It was my first purchase and served me well. The 50mm 1.8 or 1.4 is great for low light and will give you that blurry bg your looking for. I know a lot of people who love the 85mm 1.8, but personally I never use it. You can also get that blurry bg from a telephoto lens. If your shooting your subject at 200mm you're going to get a blurry bg even at a smaller aperture.

A word about lenses and pricing. A larger aperture (small number, large opening) is going to make the lens more expensive. IS stands for image stabilization and will also make the price go up.

Q: Dani asked, If I want a nice digital camera, that will give me quality pics of my kids, snap photos rapidly, and a good zoom, what should I get? Is it better to buy a separate lens for better zoom? I guess I would want to know what's the best bang for my buck, and what's one that's worth shelling out the cash for?
A: Dani my question for you is how interested are you in photography? If you just want a good camera that will take good fast photos I would go with the Canon Rebel xti. It's a good camera, can most likely be found for a great deal, and will do everything that you need, but if you're serious I would spend the money on a nicer camera. As far as the lenses go, again how serious are you? If you want a nicer lens I would get the 28-135mm or another zoom lens that's comparable. Honestly, I would suggest going to pictureline playing with what they've got. You can even rent lenses or a camera too see what you think and make you're own comparisons.

Q: Laurie asked, Here’s my question for you: do you hire out your photography services? I love your style.
A: Thanks Laurie. I have been hired several times, but I'm not currently officially in business. It was my plan a year ago, but after much soul searching I realized it wasn't the direction I wanted to go in. Photography is my art, not a money maker for me right now. Perhaps in the future I will venture that way, but for now I'm happy taking pictures for me. Of course that doesn't mean that I won't, if your interested let me know and we can make work something out.

Q: natasha asked, do you use Photoshop? What do you recommend as far as software - I don't even know where to begin!
A: Yes, I use photoshop (PS) and highly recommend it. I know it has the reputation of being a beast, and it is, but I don’t think it has to be incredibly hard to learn. It’s one of those programs you just have to jump into and experiment with, read, see what others do, and just fiddle. This is how I learned PS, in fact it's how I learn most things like html, just going for it. Honestly though, I’ve been at it for 2 years now and I’m still learning, so remember learning any program is going to take time. The second point I want to make about PS is it really is necessary. I don't know one professional photography that shoots digitally that doesn't proof their photos. Digital makes your images look flat. You will never get the same tones you get with film on a digital photo, that's why, just like processing film, you need to process your digital photos. So my advice if you're going out and getting a digital camera would be to buy a photo editing program at the same time and learn it. It's an extra step, but will greatly effect your images. Again, check out Scott Kelby PS books. He has one for multiple versions of PS and PS elements. He gives a step by step guide to almost anything you can think to do with a photo in PS. Highly recommended.

here is an example of the difference a photo editing program can make. Click to enlarge

Q: Altagirl asked, I have a question on finding the right levels for b & w photos, it seems that I either wash out the skin or it is too dark. I love the photos that you have black and white and I was wondering if you have just saved it as an action or if you eyeball it?
A: You can convert to bw many different ways, but the one I use the most is lab conversion or channel mixer and usually adjust levels or curves to get richer tones depending on my desired effect. To use channel mixer go to layers window, click add new adjustment layer, click on channel mixer, click on the monochrome box, and then adjust each color to get desired effect. Even though I've created a simple action to take me through the steps my adjustments are always different. One tip that will help is to make sure your exposure is correct before converting.

the difference between converting bw and just converting to grayscale

Q: Betsy asked, My question is do you use a reflector, and what method do you use to get your exposure just right? Do you use a hand held meter, or what? I am looking forward to your q and a post =0).
A: Betsy I don't use a reflector. In some instances I know it would help, but I find that most times just grabbing my camera is almost not quick enough to capture the shot before my child has moved. Also I feel like it's just one more thing to worry about. I have considered buying one, but just haven't. Getting my exposure just right has been trial and error for me. It took time to get to know my camera's metering and how to compensate under certain lighting conditions. Digital is a perfect way to learn exposure because you can see your mistakes right away and correct them. I have used a hand held meter before, but prefer my in camera meter (one less step). Make sure though if your shooting digital and using a hand held meter to meter the highlights, which is opposite when shooting film (meter shadows). I almost always have my metering set at center-weighted unless i have a tricky lighting situation like a backlit subject, than I will switch to spot.

Q: Adria asked, what are the most versatile, best lenses to get?! I have a nikon D80 and I have two lenses: 18-55mm and a 55-200mm. Also, best books to read to learn what I'm doing!
A: I don't have Nikon and don't know the equivalent of their lenses to canon, but both of the ones you have look very versatile to me. You have a range of 18mm- 200mm that's great. You're other question can be found under heather's questions up at the top.


Hopefully I answered your questions and that it makes sense (I wrote the majority of the answers at 2am so please excuse typos). I'm sorry if I missed anyone, not intentional, let me know and I will add your question. If this sparked any new ones I'd be happy to answer those as well.

one last thought
Anything your learning, particularly, i have found, anything creative you try, it's very easy to get frustrated and give up. I can't tell you how many times I thought, "What am I doing this for? I don't have an eye for photography. I can't do this." When in fact I was putting way to much pressure on myself trying to keep up with everyone else. Once I let go of that notion, decided I take pictures because I love it, and shot with my heart instead of my head, I began to see real growth. When I feel expectations arise I put the camera down, ask myself why I'm taking pictures, and give myself time, whatever time I need to let go and remember I do it for me. Ultimately your doing it for you, for you family, for the generations to come to see the beautiful work you've created. Who cares if it's not going to be published or hung in a gallery someday. Ask yourself, Do I love it? If yes, than that's all that matters because if you love it you'll do it and if you do it you'll have no choice, but to get better and better.