Executive Board Chairman Bruce Williamson brucewilliamson49@gmail.com President Ellis Williamson Ewilliamson17@nc.rr.com
President-Elect Rose Mary Cheek rosemarycheek@charter.net Vice President Ned Winn studiomail@nc.rr.com
Treasurer Adrian Henson adrian@adrianhenson.com
CAROLINA PHOTOGRAPHER MAGAZINE is a monthly online publication of the Professional Photographers of North Carolina, Inc. Editor Rose Mary Cheek rosemarycheek@charter.net 828-322-2862 Sales & Business Manager Georgina Quinn 252-321-1111 Articles & Sales Submissions First of the Month Publication 15th of the Month
Secretary Tim Hester tim@timhesterphotography.com Executive Director Loretta Byrd Loretta@ppofnc.com
PPNC 427 Greenleaf Road Angier, NC 27501 919-796-4747 www.ppofnc.com
Acceptance of advertising does not carry with it endorsement by the publisher. Opinions expressed by Carolina Photographer or any of its authors does not necessarily reflect the positions of the Professional Photographers of North Carolina, Inc. Association financial information available upon request.
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Contents From the Editor Page 4 From the President Page 5 7 Questions to Ask Before You Start a Business Page 6 How to Hold a “Pet Portrait Fund Raising Event” with your local Humane Society Page 8 Photography on the Radio? Why Not?! Page 8 Connecting Passion with Creativity. Page 10 Photographer Highlight - Jim Woltjen Page 12 Upcoming Winter Seminar Chris Carner & Cathy Anderson Page 18 Lisa Carter Page 22 Hands on instruction begins at Bella Collina Man Page 24 PPNC Winter Seminar Schedule Page 26 The Perfect Portable Studio Page 28 Lens Defined by Al Audleman Page 33 Shoot Social Page 37
On our Cover
Jim Woltjen has operated Distinctive Photo Images in New Bern since November 2005. He joined PPNC at the Convention in March 2006. Jim says “I
owe everything I know to PPNC and the members who have helped me along the way.” 3
From the Editor Fall is in the air, and the beautiful color that has graced our hillsides and mountains has been magnificent this year. This season also reminds us that this is our busiest time of the year. As we get ready for appointments, sales presentations, retouching (oh those late night retouching orders) and packaging, let it remind us that Thanksgiving is right around the corner. A time of giving thank, a time of remembering and reflection. The blessings of being a business owner, having control of our lives, and being ever changing, and growing with our talents. Our Shoot Social events have been progressing. On tap in January, Misty Felde has been working dillegently on a top notch line up for the Winter Seminar, be sure to look at the seminar article in the magazine. Rose Mary Cheek
PPA National Councilmen and Directors
PPNC Directors
Angela Blankenship blankenshipa@embarqmail.com Willis Brown wbrown11@nc.rr.com Misty Felde imagesbymistyfelde@yahoo.com Deborah Hendrix porbydeb@gmail.com George Joel, III george@gpjoell3photography.com Michael Talylor michael@williamsonsphoto.com Bill Goode bill@billgoode.com
Bill Goode Cassie Stone Janet Boschker Joy Batchelor-King Adrian Henson
SEPPA Rep.
Seminar Chair & Directors
Rose Mary Cheek Bob Henderson bhphoto47@earthlink.net Tim Hester tim@TimHesterPhotography.com Debbie Johnson dlynnportraits@gmail.com
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From the President
Recently, I had the opportunity to be a part of one
of our local shoot socials. What a grand ole time we all had. Models were striking playful poses and photographers had cameras in hand while learning new techniques of lighting and posing. This was a great peer to peer learning opportunity for newbies and seasoned pros as well. So much new excitement in our industry! With so much going on, can you believe that Thanksgiving is right around the corner? I would like to be the first to say Happy Thanksgiving to all of my photographic family. I know that many of you are in full swing for one of our busiest seasons of the year with lots of families preparing for holiday family portraits and Christmas cards. As the end of the year approaches, there is a lot for us to be thankful for. Many of us have seen our businesses restored and blossom after two years of economic downturn. Some of us have embraced new business partnerships and all of us welcomed the opportunity to grow and share our love for the art of photography a little bit more. All in all, it has been a good year with more to give thanks about than to complain. I am certainly thankful to have my PPNC family and encourage you to stay in touch with each other even during the holiday season using Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or what ever social media you might choose.
I believe that it is
the relationships and friendships that we have with each other that keeps us strong as an association. Thankfully, Ellis, President 2014-2015 5
7 Questions to Ask Before You Start a Business By Professional Photographers of America (PPA) Bridget Jackson
Most people think that the barrier to en-
client, but you also need to reach them through
tering the photography business is low. All you
different marketing mediums. Your integrat-
need is to buy a camera, create a Facebook
ed marketing strategy should include a blend
page, and start taking pictures. But consider
of marketing mediums such as print, digital
the odds: 25 percent of new business start-ups
and interactive and social media. The results of
close in the first year, and another 25 percent
these efforts should determine if you have an
fail in the next four years. How do you beat
adequate population of potential customers to
the odds? You have to set your business up to
reach your sales goals.
succeed by asking and answering the following
3). How does your business stand out?
critical questions:
1). What products and services will you pro-
It's who you are that makes all the difference.
vide?
It's the reason that the one product or service
Your one unique selling proposition is YOU.
Your business plan should clearly define
you provide is different from and better than
what you are offering in terms of products and
that of the competition. This is where you need
services and how that compares to competitors
to shine through your art, product offerings and
in your market. It is important for you to carve out a piece of the market to make a profitable and sustainable business. 2). Who is your target client and how will you reach them?
In other words, it's not only
important to identify your target 6
customer service. You must be distinguishably different from your competition. 4). Where will business be conducted, and how many employees will you need to provide the level of customer service your ideal client will expect?
It's important for your physical presence,
the way you present yourself, where you conduct business and how you conduct business to be an extension of your brand and should resonate with your ideal client. Initially, the number of employees you need to deliver the level of customer service you want to project might not be ideal, but don't compromise. Find ways to outsource workflow in seasonal times so customer service isn't neglected. 5). How much start-up money will it take to open the doors and keep them open until you turn a profit?
I mentioned the barrier to a photography
business is relatively low; however, after answering the first four questions, I'm confident you have realized that the barrier is misleading. It requires an investment of money and time to set up a photography business to achieve profitability. Prepare a conservative five-year projection of income and ex-
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penses, and re-evaluate yearly to confirm you are on track as most businesses are to show a profit in the in the first year of business. 6). What will be the source of the funds needed for start-up and sustainability?
Consider how much you are willing to in-
vest and potentially lose, how much is needed from outside sources and how much you can generate in profits to reinvest in the business. Clearly identify these sources and include in your five-year projection a plan to pay back yourself and anyone else. 7). What type of business structure will you choose?
What forms do you need to file, and which
licenses do you need to obtain to assure compliance? The type of business structure you have will depend on two factors: liability and taxation. PPA recommends when you are just starting out and you have substantial personal assets to be a LLC.
Your business can also benefit from busi-
ness advisors and mentors. You should develop Continued on Page 31
How to Hold a “Pet Portrait Fund Raising Event” with your local Humane Society It is a Win ...Win situation The Humane Society can make $1,000. Your studio charges a $35.00 session fee. This is a donation to the group. Deborah Hendrix You are doing the session for free. Plan to photograph 30 sessions in three days. You can sell $10-$12,000. You make your • When is the newsletter mailed out? money on the sales. Monthly/Quarterly/Bimonthly You must place a story and phoStep one. You must plan this at least tograph in their newsletter prior to the three months in adevent. I suggest 3-4 vance with the group weeks in advance. you plan to work with. Can they supply you with the Vet HospiHere is your check tals, Grooming Salist: lons, Pet Stores, • Name and address etc. that they have of the organization a good working relayou are working tionship with, so that with. you can mail a cover • Name of the Direcletter and flyer adtor of Fund Raising. vertising the event. • How many employees? Does the organization have a media list? • President’s Name and Phone number. Volunteer Coordinator’s name and It is your responsibility to mail a phone number. PSA (Public Service Announcement} or • Does the group have a newsletter? Press Release to the media. (using the Make sure you get a copy of one. organizations letterhead and envelopes) 8
You cannot depend on volunteers to do this for you. One week prior to the shoot, call the Pet Organization and get the volunteer list. The volunteers must sign people in and give the preview appointment, and collect the session fee. Ask the organization if they would like to have a display set up with brochures, T-Shirts, etc. Are there any dog food companies participating? If so, get Contact name and phone number. run in the newsletter, and the postcard They can give out free samples. information. Step two: Set your dates, weekends are best. Friday, (all day) Saturday, (all day), and Sunday after one o’clock. Make your appointments thirty minutes apart. Photograph people and pets together, and pets alone. Remember, people spend more money when family members are in the portrait. Step Three: Appointments are set by you, or an employee at your studio. Mail out conformation postcards with the date, and time several days in advance. You can order these through Marathon Press. If you are interested in doing this, please email me, and I will send you a copy of my story to 9
Deborah J.Hendrix Portraits by Deborah: www.portraitsbydeborah.com: email: porbydeb@gmail.com
SAMPLE POST CARD
Photography on the Radio? Why Not?! BY LOUISE SAINT ROMAIN
It all started with a BNI meeting. I am a member of one of the Asheville area BNI groups. One of the other members had just gotten a new client; an AM radio station that was just starting out. Because of that, they were offering monthly advertising rates that were stupid low, as in the amount that was typically spent on a couple of meals at a decent restaurant. So I decided, “What the heck?” and signed up. I was also pretty new to the area and needed inexpensive ways of getting my name and studio name out there. My hope was that the radio ad would be different enough to get attention. About a year later, I was evaluating advertising and had almost decided to not renew the radio ad. It had done what I had expected, which was not much, but it did help with my name recognition. I received a call from Leslie G, one of the producers, who offered a barter; take the on air personalities’ photos for the station website and get the ad and my logo with a link back to my website on the station site in exchange. I was cool with that; I even got one of the on air people as a regular client. This barter deal happened right before WZGM made one of the biggest deals in the station’s short lifetime. The deal was that they managed to grab the rights for broadcasting all NASCAR events in western NC right from
under a very large competitor’s nose. This increased the number of listeners big time and boosted the value of my little barter as well. My little deal also made it so that I was better known to the station producer and owner. So much for the back story… Towards the end of August 2014, the station moved from downtown Asheville’s parking adventure to a business park in west Asheville. This made for an easier time parking, especially if I was riding my motorcycle. I would periodically go into the station to re-record my 30 second ad. When I went there in August, it was right after I had gotten a message from a marketing person (and friend) that I had been working with on a large account. This was to have been product and facility images for a company that was getting ready to launch a completely revamped marketing program. I had scheduled the session for the client; my marketing friend had arranged the other necessities. We were ready to go in two days, when the client called the marketing person; he decided to go with a photographer that he had met at an expo who said she could do all his photography for less than a quarter of what I had quoted the job. Sigh … so it was with this bit on my mind, I went in to record my ad. When people have known you for a while, they can generally
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French Broad Imaging and teaches classes there and at one of the local colleges. I mentioned that, and said let me float the idea by him.
figure out when something is not quite right. Sometimes they will ask if everything is all right. This is what happened that day. Leslie listened and mentioned that I needed to figure out the best way to educate a greater number of potential clients about what was entailed in quality photography. She may have mentioned something about radio, after all that is the business she’s in. After a little bit, I got my ad recorded, and we talked some more. Leslie floated the possibility of doing a radio show; however since I had never done anything like that, she strongly recommended having a co-host; did I know of anyone? Actually I did, my friend Tony Hood, co-owns a place called
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Tony liked the idea. He liked it so much that he wanted to get reach Leslie right away to tell her how much he liked the idea. That didn’t happen, but that gave us time to get the show concept down before we had our meeting. The first segment consisted of where we would answer a question or two presented on the Facebook page and the second segment would offer the opportunity for a local photographer to come on the air to talk about what makes them different from others. We managed to sell the concept to the station and recorded the pilot for the show at the end of October. As of this writing, the show has yet to broadcast; however based on the feedback we are already getting off of the Facebook page, we are going to have a pretty active listening audience. For those who are not in 1350am’s Western NC listening area, there is the station website and podcasts (http://1350wzgm.wordpress.com/ ). Give us a listen, and then let us know what you would like to learn about!
Photographer Highlight Jim Woltjen
After graduating from Rochester Institute of Technology, he worked at the University of Illinois and then East Carolina University as a staff photographer. Some days involved photography through a research microscope, and others he would be hanging out in a small plane with a loose seat and a bad seat belt capturing aerial images of an expanding East Carolina campus. And the next day would be an assignment photographing etched logo glassware for an alumni catalog.
and former classmate RIT graduate Carroll Punte of Kodak asked at the time: “What! Are you nuts?” He joined PPNC a few months later at the convention in 2006, and he hasn’t missed a convention since.
the says. There Then after startare too many to ing a family, list, but he credits Woltjen decidMike Bayley with ed to leave emteaching him how ployment with to make people the state and look good. And get a degree in he credits Ellen business. After Leroy for showenduring muling how to take a tiple ownership good composition changes in the and make it even business world, he was ready to finally work for himself better. Whether in a PPNC class, sitting and opened business in 2005. His friend at the bar with other members, or keep-
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ing up with colleagues on social media, there is no better learning method according to him. Ask a question on the PPNC Facebook page, and you will get great answers, inspiration, and solutions to any problem.
petition, but has received at least one merit every year after that. And he has received 1st Place in the Candid Wedding Category for the last 3 years. Thanks to the advice of Mona, all four of his entries in the 2014 IPC merited.
He also thanks Adrian Henson and Mona Sadler for getting him into print competition, and mentoring along the way. “There is nothing that will improve your photography like print competition and the free mentoring sessions that PPNC provides.� He only scored a 78 on his first try at the PPNC Annual Print Com-
Everyone is probably scared of entering the first time, but Jim advises anyone to find a mentor. A simple post on the PPNC Facebook page will get you a mentor. That mentor can guide you thru print competition. And sitting through print judging is a great way to learn as well. And to the younger members, a 13
great quote that he loves came from the famous cellist Pablo Casal, who was asked at age 93 why he continued to practice 3 hours a day. He replied, “I’m beginning to notice some improvement.”
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WINTER SEMINAR -
Haw River State Park January 24-26, 2015
Chris Garner and Cathy Anderson form the artistic team at TPS Photography. Their studio is located in Morganton, NC at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and is the only studio in western North Carolina which offers two Certified Professional Photographers under one roof.
solid, client-driven studio focused on customer service. With over 14 years of experience, his business expertise and desire to craft timeless heirlooms create a winning solution for a thriving portrait studio. Cathy started out as a photographer in Mount Holly, NC. Her father, Randy Price, also owned a studio for a short period of time and taught her about the art of creating portraits. Cathy briefly opened a studio in Newton, NC, choosing
"Photography runs in our blood" Chris said. He learned everything he knows about printing and portraiture from his dad, and is actually a thirdgeneration photographer. His grandfather, Ben Williams, and his father, Gary Garner, founded Garner-Williams Studio, formerly in downtown Morganton and our current studio’s predecessor. From his early days in a print lab to the classically modern portrait studio of today, Chris has built a rock-
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into the wild world of high school volume photography, and they haven’t looked back since. They have found that school photography is actually one of their best conduits for gathering custom senior portrait business. They have dropped all of their “rep” programs and rely on our volume sales and the custom sessions that come from their volume work for their senior photography income. Their individual skill
to merge her business with Chris’ in early 2012. Her modern and edgy style creates a new phase and look for the studio, offering clients a completely different option.
Since its opening in 2000, TPS Photography has been photographing preschools and other small volume jobs. However, with a random phone call in February 2011, they were flung head-first
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sets, combined with lots of delegation and outsourcing, have allowed us to run a very successful volume and custom portrait business. As a result, TPS Photography has recently seen its largest profits since its inception. They want to share this knowledge with others who may find themselves struggling to gather ample senior
portrait business due to our country’s current economic and social conditions. Chris and Cathy have spoken on this and other topics at many Professional Photographers of North Carolina seminars, and would like to expand their program to other organizations and PPA affiliates.
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Lisa Carter
Lisa Carter, Cr. Photog, CPP Photography by Lisa, Inc. Lisa Carter has been photographing for over 25 years, starting her photography career as a part time photographer while working a full time job in textiles and raising her two children. Her business grew through word of mouth referrals and she made her move to FULL TIME in
She has
2002. Her business has remained
a
Prints
residential
studio to this day.
2007,
tion.
PPNC since 2002, and
You will not only
want to hear about
VPPA since 2006. Car-
Lisa's marketing,
ter earned her CRAFTS-
etc, but be sure to
MAN DEGREE in 2011, is Certified
the
2012 and 2014 collec-
She
is a member of PPA and
a
in
PPA Loan
be there for her Allure
Professional
hands on session on
Photographer and will be
Sunday.
awarded her Masters Degree in Nashville at IUSA
You can visit her site at
2015. 22
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Hands on instruction begins at Bella Collina Man sprawling Tuscan style venue surrounded by wat Adrian Henson
Senior Photography
Adrian Henson owns and
Mechanical Drafting and
operates Adrian Henson
Design and first used
Photography in New Bern,
those skills as a project
North Carolina with his
manager for the first 8
Their stu-
years of his professional
dio specializes in High-
life. In 2001, after many
school Seniors, Commer-
years of not having any
wife Heather.
and
creative outlet, Adrian
Dance School Photogra-
discovered his love for
phy. When not producing
photography. While the
great photographs, he en-
change from project man-
joys traveling and sharing
ager to photographer was
his knowledge of image
huge, the skills and tal-
cial
Photography,
making.
ents learned in his design
Adrian has a degree in 24
Jim Woltjen did not know what he wanted to be when he grew up. And, he still doesn’t. While many photographers tend to specialize in subject matter or lighting styles, Woltjen likes to do just about any kind of photography. He especially loves the excitement of planning and spontaneity, and being inthe-moment while being able to capture a wedding day is always thrilling. “I owe everything I know to PPNC and the members who have helped me along the way.” he
n sion in Stokesdale. Bella Collina is a gorgeous ter on Belews Lake that truly is breathtaking. Scott Huffman
Jim Woltjen Wedding Photography
says. There are too many to list, but he credits Mike Bayley with teaching him how to make people look good. And he credits Ellen Leroy for showing how to take a good composition and make it even better. Whether in a PPNC class, sitting at the bar with other members, or keeping up with colleagues on social media, there is no better learning method according to him. Ask a question on the PPNC Facebook page, and you will get great answers, inspiration, and solutions to any problem.
Boudoir Photography
Scott and Dodie Huff-
their best by using posing
man have spent the last
and lighting techniques
10 years growing their
that flatter each unique
photography business in
body type.
the small town of Gasto-
specialties are weddings,
nia, NC. They have just
bridal, boudoir and beauty
expanded and opened a
photography.
new boutique style gallery and studio in Belmont, NC. They are passionate about creating images that make each client look
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A few of their
PPNC Winter Seminar Haw River State Park January 24-26. 2015
SATURDAY
1:00 Board training
3:00-5:00 Shootout
SUNDAY
7:00-8:30 Breakfast
9:00-11:30 Chris Garner and Cathy Yount - "Volume to Custom School Portraits" Volume school portraits from getting your foot in the door, setup, ordering and sales to marketing and how to use volume as marketing for custom school portraits.
11:30-12:00 Devotional with Ellis Williamson
12:00-1:30 Lunch
1:30-3:00 Lisa Carter the "Allure of the Session" Lisa takes us from start to finish in marketing, booking, working with hair and makeup artists and shooting her signature "Allure" session. [3:30 Ellis Williamson "The Basics of Photography" (flow into the panel talk) 4:00-5:00] Ellis Williamson, Chuck Hill, Bill Goode, Karen GoForth (Karen is Pending) "FAQ Session with the Pros" This will be started with the best advice from the 4 pros on the panel. What works, what they have found that doesn't; things they have struggled with; ways to keep moving forward etc. This is the time to have any questions, photography concerns, things you've always wanted to know talked about openly in a relaxed group. This is a very interactive give and take approach with all members involved. If members are too shy to talk openly, feel free to write down questions for the panel to address aloud. 4:00-5:00 (Mentors have not yet committed. I have emailed Rose Mary Cheek, Fuller Royal and Brian Allen) Print competition one on one with mentors. This is by pre-registration only and space will be limited. Interested members will sign up for ten to fifteen minute time slots with a mentor and will need to have an ipad or laptop with multiple images they are considering for competition. What better way to learn about competition than to listen to some of our very own experienced mentors?
5:30 Supper
8:00 Campfire, s'mores and hot chocolate mingle
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MONDAY
7:00-8:15 Breakfast at Haw River
9:00-12 Hands on instruction begins at Bella Collina Mansion in Stokesdale. Bella Collina is a gorgeous sprawling Tuscan style venue surrounded by water on Belews Lake that truly is breathtaking. The areas to photograph in the mansion are beautiful! Instructors will demonstrate their equipment of choice, posing, lighting technique and answer questions. Instructors: Adrian Henson- Senior/model Scott Huffman- Boudoir Jim Woltjen- Wedding couples 12:00-1:00 Box lunch as Bella Collina 1:00-3:00 Instructors available for help with members photographing the models with the techniques taught in the first half of the day. This will be a chance for everyone to try out the skills they have learned. 1:30-3:00 Lisa Carter- Allure Session - Actual Hands On Session The Bella Collina Mansion 9900 Mt. Carmel Rd, Stokesdale NC Directions from Haw River State Park: 1. Start out going east on Conference Center Dr toward Spearman Rd. 0.4 mi 2. Turn right onto Spearman Rd. 1.4 mi 3. Turn slight right onto NC Highway 150 E/NC-150.NC Highway 150 E is 0.2 miles past Kelly Oak Dr 8.4 mi 4. Turn right onto US Highway 220 N/US-220 N/NC-150. Continue to follow US Highway 220 N/US-220 N.US Highway 220 N is 0.1 miles past Martin Lake Rd 5. Merge onto US Highway 158/US-158 W via the ramp on the left. 4.4 mi 6. Stay straight to go onto Belews Creek Rd/NC-65. 1.9 mi 7. Turn right onto Mount Carmel Rd (Portions unpaved) Once you reach the unpaved portion, the driveway to Bella Collina is the first to the left.
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by Charles Ames, CPP
B
rick and mortar overhead for a studio facility is becoming more and more of a financial challenge for owners and a prohibition for newcomers to the industry. So, the question often becomes: How to produce a saleable, quality product and compete with everyone else that is trying to do the same thing? Solution: Be really different and attention grabbing with a product that your competitors don’t have! Whether you are a newcomer, freelancer working from home, or a seasoned studio owner, looking for something new to add to the facility or seeking to downsize, there is an ideal solution… the Perfect Portable Studio. What makes the studio perfect and portable is the elimination of the multitude of canvas and paper backgrounds. These endearments are replaced with just one portable projection screen and limitless projected digital backgrounds from the photographer’s iPhone, laptop, DSLR, scanner, screen capture, iStockPhoto library… constrained only by your imagination! Hollywood has used film/slide projected backgrounds for years and we have used the strobe system in our studio as well. But the new constant light High Definition Digital Background Projectors were first shown this year at ImagingUSA. Understanding the original film slide system, we saw the unlimited possibilities of High Definition digital projection, for still and video. To be ahead of the competition, we upgraded our film slide system with the new technology a few months ago. The digital background projected portable studio is ideal for on-location events or a residential based studio. The jpeg background library and image management from a laptop is “a piece of cake.” The portable background screen is a 5’x7’ (or larger) roll-up that takes about five minutes to set up. The camera and projector stand is a fold-up three point roller stand with camera mount and laptop table. Our two main/fill light sources now are different than the lights that we used for the film slide projector system. Because of the constant light of the projector (no more strobe), we have converted to source subject constant light LEDs to do both still and video. If video is not your next upgrade, then existing strobes still work great. For cameras, we used our existing DSLRs that capture both still and video. For software, we use Photoshop CS6, particularly for editing video clips. The whole package is simple, easy to set up, packable, movable and storable. The Transition - We upgraded our strobe/slide system to a new technology three chip digital projector in about 15 minutes. The transition involved swapping out the strobe box with the projector. From there, it was basically “plug and play.” The background jpeg or tiff image can come from an iPhone, laptop or any image device that has either an HDMI or VGA output. The projector we selected even has a WiFi input. The camera exposure settings for the constant light, digitally projected backgrounds are somewhat different than our previously used strobe The Windows slideshow slide exposure settings. This is where a light meter is an software can be used to absolute necessity. Based upon your own studio lighting automate swapping of setup and color temperature, you will probably need to backgrounds. make adjustments to fit your style. Neutral density and
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Oct/Nov 2014
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color filters on the projector help with background light adjustments and special effects. Results Count - The use of a laptop PC to select the desired background makes image management simple. No special software is needed… just use Windows Photo Viewer or the Mac option. At a business trade show, we set the background images up in an automated slide show and captured poses with the changing backgrounds. The images were great and the attendees loved the results and, no one saw us swapping backgrounds… magic! Location and Setup Variables - In making the transition to digitally projected backgrounds, the variables that the photographer introduces include ambient room or location light, source and position of the subject lights, and camera settings. All of these need to be managed to achieve a harmonious exposure and color temperature balance between the subject and the projected background. The starting place is with the projector instruction manual as a “standard” for settings. Using these “standards,” everything else becomes an adjustable variable depending on location setup, lighting and camera settings. When selecting a digital projector, the most important consideration is selecting one with the new three-chip technology. Older technology projectors tend to have sync issues that cause horizontal lines to appear across the background screen, like in the days of early television. This is particularly important if you plan to use moving video projected backgrounds. Going Live - There are probably three key factors to consider… source lighting on the subject, spill from the source lighting onto the background screen and the brightness of the projected background. The first two factors deal with management of the studio lighting source. This is controlled by source light output, and position and distance of the source related to the subject. The last factor concerns management of the brightness of the projector. Projector brightness is controlled by menu settings in the projector and the use of neutral density filters that come with the system.
The client’s advertising material may be used to create the projected background for promotional pieces and video infomercials. The combination of source light brightness and projector brightness should result in a harmonious ratio between the subject and the background. The color temperature of the studio lights and the projector menu setting should be approximately the same. In our studio and for portable location events, we have switched from strobe to daylight LED’s. This permits us to capture still images using a projected still jpeg, or video images with either a still or video background. Yes, video capture of a talking, moving subject with a moving background… that is the next horizon.
REPRINTED FROM TEXAS PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER October/November 2014
Still… Motion… Sound… The projected background system, without the clutter of cloth and paper backgrounds, offers the perfect solution for portrait, family, sports and business still images that are unique to the client. With the new DSLRs, motion can easily be captured using a still projected background. But, imagine the impact of adding a moving background with sound to a DSLR video clip. There lies significant emotion and impact. One of the new tools now available to savvy photographers is the Electronic Business Card called an ECard. Dare to be Different - We have all seen the television bank ad that asks the question… What’s in your wallet? Well, the High Definition Digital Projected Background System gives photographers a tool to be different for their clients and put money in their wallet.
Charles Ames is a Certified Professional Photographer with over 50 years of commercial photography experience. His video production experience dates back to 1990. He and his partner, Kathy, own the Carrollton based studio, aPerfectFOTO. For more information, contact Charles@ aPerfectFOTO.com
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Texas Professional Photographer
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Continued from page 7
relationships with a banker, an accountant and an attorney before you start. Additionally, as a PPA member, you can get malpractice insurance, up to $15,000 of free equipment insurance, free education, connections to industry mentors, certification and other vital resources to help you run a profitable business. The Benchmark Survey and its principles are also helpful when setting up prices and measuring your business' growth. There are no assurances that a business will succeed, let alone be profitable, but setting yourself up for success through planning certainly can help. It's a shameless plug, but after all, we're here to help: Join instructor Jen Basford, Cr.Photog., November 15-16 in Atlanta for PPA's Business Basics Workshop. You'll learn strong business principles that will help you create a solid foundation for your business. The class will give you the information and confidence you need as you plan for a profitable and sustainable business.
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a Become
Certi�cation Preparation Class Planning to take the CPP exam? This 3-day class will get you more technical knowledge of photography, meaning a more peaceful sleep before your exam!
Topics include: • The inverse square law, filter factors, bellows factor • Lenses and filters • Color theory and H&D curves • Lighting ratios, corrective lighting and posing, depth of field, angle of view • The Zone System (and how it helps you understand the digital histogram) • Difference between a bit, a byte and bit depth • And much more
Learn more or reg ister today !
You can even choose to take the CPP exam directly after the prep class while the information is fresh in your mind! Work hard, study hard, and walk away a more marketable, knowledgeable and confident professional.
Certi�cation Image Submission Preparation Class Nervous about submitting images? Well, there’s an optional day of CPP prep class dedicated to the image submission. You’ll review the certi�cation criteria, view sample images and get tips on how to build your image submission portfolio. CPP Prep Class at Imaging USA January 29 - 31, 2015 Nashville, TN
In Demand
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PPA.com/CPP-Prep
Lenses defined ... ©Al Audleman M.Photog.Cr., CPP, API, FDPE, FDAE, FSA, FED, GFD
Lenses are divided into four basic catego-
the film plane. Lenses used on today’s cameras,
ries: Normal, Wide-Angle, Telephoto and Zoom.
through the manipulation of the various glass piec-
Macro and Specialty lenses are another group that
es (lenses) within the housing, will give you the
are part of the four basic categories.
various focal lengths based on the distance of the
rear “nodal” point to the film/sensor plane when
A normal lens is the basis of defining all oth-
er lenses. Anything that provides a wider field of
focused at infinity. This nodal point is an internal
view than the normal lens is defined as a wide-an-
point that can be technically defined but it is not
gle lens. A lens capturing less of the scene using
necessary. Trust me on this one!
a narrower field of view is defined as a telephoto.
Working Lenses:
A zoom lens can be in the all-wide-angle range,
all-telephoto range or encompass all three focal
camera is defined as a lens that will give you the
lengths from wide angle through normal into the
same basic “perspective” as your own eyes, mean-
telephone range. Macro lenses are used for closeup
ing something that appears generally natural to
photography. Specialty lenses include such optics
the viewer (about 53º on the diagonal). The focal
as fisheyes, tilt-shift lenses used for architectural
length in millimeters is roughly the same as the
work, medical lenses, etc. We are most concerned
diagonal measurement of the image captured at
with the first four types.
the “film” plane. I say roughly because it is not al-
ways exact. The normal lens on a full-frame 35mm
Focal length is simply defined by the “dis-
Normal Lens: A “normal” lens on any
tance from the lens to the sensor plane when the
camera is considered to be 50mm but technically it
lens is focused at infinity” but technically it is the
is 43.25mm. That’s close enough. If the sensor is
distance from the rear nodal point to the sensor.
smaller, like the Nikon D7000’s 23.6mm x 15.6mm
This was more obvious when using a view camera
sensor, the “normal” lens would be roughly 28mm
where the lens was significantly farther away from
but still giving you the same “captured image” pro-
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vided by the 43mm lens on a full-frame camera.
Wide-Angle Lens: A wide-angle lens is also
vantage of providing much more flexibility and speed in handling but the trade off is sharpness
called a short-focal-length lens, meaning the focal
in most cases. The other trade off is maximum
length is shorter than the normal lens. Again, this
available aperture. Most zoom lenses will be listed
is based on the size of the sensor. For example,
as f/4~5.6 or something similar, because as the
a 28mm lens on a full-frame camera is a wide-an-
focal length increases, the effective aperture de-
gle lens, but as we discussed above, it is not a
creases. We will cover this in more detail in the
wide-angle lens on a camera with a smaller chip.
section on Exposure. Is there a solution to this
The field of view of a 28mm lens on the full-frame
problem? Certainly! Money ... that can buy you a
camera would be roughly 75º on the diagonal but
lens where this does not occur through some opti-
that is based on measurement using a full-frame
cal chicanery. They are a great advantage but they
sensor. Wide-angle lenses will exaggerate the
obviously cost more.
visual distances between subjects and create a dis-
tortion not normal to the eye.
cal-length lenses because they can vary their focal
Telephoto Lenses: A telephoto lens, also
Zoom lenses are also called variable-fo-
lengths. The minimum/maximum focal lengths
called a long-focal-length lens, is defined as a lens
(zoom range) can all be in the wide-angle range, a
with a focal length longer than normal. It will have
16~35mm lens on a full-frame camera, for exam-
an angle of view less than 53º on any camera. A
ple. They can also encompass all the focal length
200mm lens on a full-frame camera has a viewing
definitions. A 24~70mm on a full-frame camera
angle of just over 10º. Again, the size of the sen-
goes from wide-angle through normal to a telepho-
sor will determine the final angle of view. Telepho-
to. Or they can be all in the telephoto range like
to lenses create a “compressed” perspective in the
the 70~200mm lenses.
image making things appear closer than they really
Specialty Lenses:
are to each other.
Prime Lenses: All of the above lenses are
Fisheye Lenses: The widest of the wide-an-
gle lenses was the Nikon 5.6mm fisheye, giving a
referred to as “prime” lenses -- lenses with a single
220º field of view in a circular image. (Yes, it ac-
focal length.
tually captured objects behind the camera. Yes,
Zoom Lenses: Zoom lenses have the ad-
you had to stand back or get in the photo.) The
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original true fisheye lens, 8mm focal length, gives
shaped bokeh (the aesthetic quality of the blur
a very distorted 180º view in all directions, also in
from light spots outside the depth of field).
a circular image. Other wide-angle lenses that are
also called fisheyes, like the Nikon 16mm, give a
for closeup photography and usually can reproduce
distorted sense of perspective with a high degree
1:1 magnification (lifesize) without the need for
of barrel distortion, meaning the vertical and hor-
additional equipment such as bellows, extension
izontal lines are “bulging” outwards, like a barrel.
tubes or diopter correction closeup filters.
Macro Lenses: These lenses are designed
This is not a great thing but can be used to one’s advantage. FYI, there are very wide lenses that do
Sharpness:
not distort like the fisheye. Rectilinear lenses keep
the vertical lines vertical and the horizontal lines
two primary and independent conditions. First is
horizontal.
the quality of the glass in the lens. This is easy to
Catadioptric Lenses: Also called “mirror”
The sharpness of any lens is dependent on
control. You simply spend more money and you
lenses, they use a small convex mirror on the front
get better glass. The second condition is the ap-
element and a larger convex mirror at the rear to
erture setting. As a rule of thumb, most lenses
reflect the image back and forth to create a long
are the sharpest two to three stops less than the
focal length in a short lens body. The most no-
widest aperture. This statement is in conflict with
ticeable characteristic of a mirror lens is a donut
the primary accepted source for the CPP exam,
Al Audleman is past president of the FPP and has earned the credential of Master Photographer, Photographic Craftsman, Certified Professional Photographer, Approved Photographic Instructor, Florida Degree of Photographic Excellence, Florida Degree of Artistic Excellence, Florida Service Award, Florida Education Degree, Georgia Fellowship Degree. He has been teaching at PPA affiliated schools since 1996. He is past chairman of the PPA Certification group and involved in the development of CPP exams since 2000. This article is an exert of his comprehensive CPP Study Guide titled “The Road to Certification for the Professional Photographer” available by emailing him at al@asaphoto.com.
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London, Stone & Upton’s book Photography which
and 8, or 2.4. Divide that by 2 and you get 1.2.
states that the sharpest aperture setting is one to
Add 1.2 to 5.6 and you get 6.8. So f/7.1 is a bit
two stops less than the maximum aperture. That
closer to f/8 than f/5.6.
means an f/2.8 lens is sharpest between f/4 and f/5.6. However, most sources will define the sharpest aperture to be between two and three stops less than the maximum aperture. On an f/2.8 lens, that would be between f5.6 and f/8.
The real truth … Research and testing actually show that there is one specific aperture that gives the sharpest possible image and that is f/7.1. Just where IS f/7.1? If your meter reads f5.6½ (f/5.6.5), technically that is f/6.8. The “math” here is the difference between 5.6
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Shoot Social Ned Winn Local photographers from PPNC, PST, and Wake Tech came together to make our shoot social “Hats” a fun time of fellowship and sharing at Winn Portrait Studio. Many thanks go to our models, Anna Lee, Valerie and Brody. We started at 3pm which gave us a couple hours of daylight play with before Dominos showed up with refreshments. I even had a chance to catch our PPNC president on the premises! -Ned Winn, Cr. Photog., CPP,F-PH 919-562-4471 Winn Portrait Studio 919-556-8673 Persuasions Photography
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Why Should You Join the Professional Photographers of North Carolina?
1. Free registration to Carolina Photo Expo and, depending on your category of membership, seminar registration is included for the year. 2. Receive our digital magazine 12 times a year with articles, diagrams, and tips on how to improve your photography. 3. Listing on our website to help you grow your business or sell your photo art. 4. Access to the back issues of our magazine, almost a “college degree� in photo education. 5. Network with technical experts and fellow photographers at events. 6. Shoot Social Networking (actual hands-on-photography events) 7. Enter our digital photo contests held at selected seminars. 8. Enter our premier Photo Salon competition at the Carolina Photo Expo to receive recognition and awards. Also, winning awards help grow your standing experience with friends, family and customers; even getting your images published in our Carolina Photographer magazine. 9. Camaraderie with like-minded photographers to help you embrace and grow your creative talents. 10. Become inspired! Nothing helps you take your photography to the next level than to see great photography, learn the techniques and push yourself to create your next masterpiece. 11. Opportunity to volunteer at events and make life-long friends 12. Opportunity to apply for a scholarship to attend the week-long East Coast School.
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