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 Rose Mary Cheek 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.
2
On our Cover
Contents From the Editor From the President Outside The Box by John Chandler Member Spotlight On Paulina Gwaltney Blurred Lines: Mixing Business with Friendship Real Estate Photography by Ray Mata 15 Sure Fire Ways to Impress Others Raising the Bar of Your Photography by Al Auldeman
Be sure to check out our Member Spotlight this month featuring Paulina Gwaltney, a
Page 4 Page 5
Page 6 Page 8 Page 18 Page 22 Page 25 Page 28
young woman from Warsaw, Poland, whos dreams of a
Who Are We?
career in photography were finally realized when she
The Professional Photographers of North Carolina (PPNC) is NC’s largest association for professional photographers. We are an affiliate of the Professional Photographers of America. Led by an elected Board of working professional photographers, we are a non-profit, member owned association.
came to America.
We are a community in tune with each other’s challenges. Together, we help each other succeed. From bimonthly newsletters with numerous tips and techniques, to one of the state’s largest photoAn affiliate of
3
From the Editor Happy New Year!!! We at PPNC wish that 2015 will be a year of good health, prosperity, and happiness for you. Be sure you've signed up for the Winter Seminar being held on January 24 - 26 at Haw River. I know many of you are going to PPA's Imaging in Nashville, TN. If you are receiving an award or a degree please let us know so we can properly acknowledge your accomplishments. Remember, this is your magazine and we would like your input on the content and types of items you would like presented. I'd like to thank those who have jumped in to contribute articles: Louise St Romain, David Goldman, John Chandler, George Joel, III, Deborah Hendrix, Ray Mata, and others. Your efforts are truly appreciated and I hope will inspire others to follow suit. A magazine of this caliber takes lots of work and we need to thank Fuller Royal for all the years he published our 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
4
From the President At the beginning of a new year, we all make resolutions and set new goals to achieve. This year, I would like to encourage you to only make one: be true to yourself. It is time to dig out your old notes and bits of inspiration that led you to start a business in the first place. Instead of doing things as you’ve always done them, pull out all the stops and explore what you’ve always wanted to do as a photographer. Allow 2015 to open up a world of new possibilities. As change (even small ones) can be painful, start small. Shoot in locations that are new for you. It will keep you on your toes and your craft fresh in your mind. Determine to incorporate one new idea that you’ve learned over the past year at one of our educational meetings. Being true to yourself means that you are not afraid to take small risks. Allow room in your thinking for new technology and creativity to come together (think print competition). And finally, start 2015 off with a new attitude. If your plate is too full, get a bigger plate! It will allow you to move some stuff around and make room for what’s really important. Happy New You.
Get inspired! Now is the time.
Photographically yours, Ellis
5
Outside the Box By John Chandler
did not hit the delete button. In fact,
I
hit the link to this new light modifier
Lights and lighting diffusers come
in almost as many sizes and styles as
called the “Outside the Box” or the OTB
do cameras and lenses. Both are vi-
Universal Softbox. Then I purchased it.
tal to ensuring we capture a moment
The OTB Universal Softbox is man-
in time exactly the
ufactured by Westcott.
way we had intend-
I like that because I like
ed. My wife thinks I
the durability of their
own every light mod-
products. This was a
ifier known to man
real selling point in ex-
(or woman).
plaining to my wife why
So
when I received an
I had just purchased
email from North
yet another softbox.
Carolina’s own Ed
My reply, “But honey,
Pierce extolling the
this is made by West-
virtues of the “new-
cott!” seemed to carry
est” light modifier I
enough weight to keep
almost hit the delete
me off the burner for a
button to move on.
moment. I purchased
But something, maybe Ed’s reputation
my OTB via B&H for only $199.00 which
as a “tell it like it is” guy, or the de-
is $100.00 less than the MSRP but we
cades of super helpful videos he has
all know that game. However, I did like
produced for his Photovision DVDs,
the introductory price. So it appeared
stopped me.
this OTB was about the scratch an itch I
No matter the reason, I 6
have been having with outdoor fill light
The OTB is built around an expandable
for some time.
umbrella design that Westcott pio-
As usual, that nice man in the
neered with their Rapid Box. Imagine
brown truck showed up about four days
a 40”x60” Rapid Box that breaks down
later with my newest softbox. I quietly
simply (as does the smaller Rapid Box)
accepted it and headed straight to the
and does not weigh more than four
studio to give my new “toy” a shake
pounds.
down before Teresa even knew it had
arrived. After all, I needed some prep
being controlled in TTL (don’t ask how
time to ensure I had this thing dialed
because that is another article next
in before I bragged to her what a great
month).
deal I had been given by Ed’s email.
see the modifier in action in my studio.
Into the studio I went.
What I like about this is that even with
2 speedlights inside and with an exter-
Like many of us, I have been work-
So inside the OTB are two SB800s
In the image above you can
ing with multiple speedlights outdoors.
nal battery it is still hitting the scales at
I put together a nice 2 and 4 light set
less than eight pounds in overall weight.
up so I could determine how the OTB
Think wedding, seniors, family on the
would diffuse their light.
beach, family at the river, etc.
What you
will see in here is light from 2 speed-
lights controlled by TTL in the OTB and
ly solid and the softbox provides a nice
1 speedlight used as a accent/hair light
lightweight diffuser for speedlights and
that is also TTL controlled.
studio lights as well. I placed a Photo-
genic 1250 inside and it worked as well
I went with two speedlights on a
The construction of the OTB is real-
vertical or ‘”over/under” setup. I chose
as the speedlights. But since the 1250
this because the OTB is a 40”x60” soft-
is so much heavier than the two speed-
box with a convex single sheet diffuser.
lights it is not going to be my primary continued on page 27
7
Member Spotlight On . . .Paulina Gwaltney By Catherine Kouri
Our member
As she grew older, Paulina became fas-
spotlight this
cinated with the shiny Russian camera
month shines
hidden away in her parents’ closet. Her
on a young
dad had purchased the camera for work
photographer
related travels and his daughter was
who was born
not allowed to play with it or even touch
and raised in
it. Predictably, the little girl became
Warsaw, Po-
obsessed with the shiny forbidden cam-
land. Paulina
era. Film and developing costs were
Gwaltney describes growing up with ar-
relatively
tistic aspirations in a communist country
inexpen-
as an “adventure”. As a small child, she
sive but
was not yet focused on any one partic-
in Pauli-
ular medium to express her creativity.
na’s com-
Drawing paper was not available so Pau-
munist
lina drew on walls, butcher paper, and
homeland
cardboard inserts from sock packag-
they were
ing. Family and friends found it easy to
not read-
buy her Christmas or birthday gifts. A
ily
block of paper and colored pencils would
accessi-
guarantee endless hours of entertain-
ble. Yet
ment for the young girl.
despite 8
the lack of film and her father’s stern
By creating images of the world around
prohibition, the young girl honed her
her, she re-kindled the joy of the little
artist’s eye by peering through the
girl who had sneaked into her parents’
viewfinder of the empty camera and
closet to play with the empty camera.
snapping away. Catching sun flares in
The possibility of creating wall art began
her compositions was a magical experi-
to become real.
ence for the aspiring pho-
But this jour-
tographer.
ney into photography was
Later, Pauli-
not complete-
na attended
ly smooth
the Warsaw
or without
Agriculture
detours for
University and
Paulina. She
graduated
encountered
with a non art
moves due to
related de-
her husband’s
gree in ani-
military ca-
mal sciences. However, after moving to
reer, unfulfilling jobs, and even earned
the United States to marry her fiancé
another seemingly unrelated college de-
she slowly began her journey towards
gree. It was only after moving to North
the photography which had so captured
Carolina and becoming involved in a
her imagination as a child. As a way of
photography club that Paulina began to
staying in touch with family and friends
realize that at 33 years old she was in
in Poland, Paulina began to photograph
the wrong career and needed to make
her new country and her daily activities.
a drastic change in order to be happy. 9
After months of
and a 24-70 mm
inner questioning and
lens.
plagued by doubts
“I felt overwhelming
about her age and the
joy photographing
value of an artistic
and creating images
career as compared
which expressed who
to a more practi-
people were and not
cal one in science
what they were.� said
or even firefight-
Paulina.
ing, something life
Helping her friends
changing happened.
overcome their own
Paulina watched a
insecurities about real
Creative Life work-
and imagined physi-
shop with Sue Bryce
cal imperfections was
which motivated her
also eye opening to
to overcome her fears
the aspiring photographic artist.
and self doubt and take the first steps towards achieving her dream.
In 2014, PauFor the next 18
lina decided
months, Paulina
to move into
worked out of her
a studio space
kitchen photo-
to facilitate
graphing friends
her growth as
in front of a styro-
a professional
foam background
photographer
with a Rebel XTi
and a busi10
ness owner. Facing the numerous challenges of managing the studio space as well as competing in a digital “shoot and burn” world where skilled professional photography is often under valued can be daunting. However, after attending her first PPNC workshops and seminars Paulina realized that she is not alone on her journey. Finding so many talented and experienced artists in the association who face the same challenges to excellence that she does has been most encouraging. Along the way to pursuing her dream of a career in photography, Paulina has also shed her doubts about the value of
tion for photography as art lies in
photographic portrait art in our dispos-
education. The photographer must
able and selfie obsessed world. Beyond
educate clients about the lasting value
recording events in peoples’ lives, the
of professional photography as well as
former little Polish girl aspires to the
continuing his or her own never ending
level of professional photography which
education in the art as well as the
captures the “inside” of a person as well
business of photography.
as the “outside” and serves as a legacy
Find Paulina at: Web Site: www.paulinagwaltney.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/iPaulina Instagram: http://instagram.com/paulinagwaltney Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/o/+PaulinaGwaltney/posts 500px: https://500px.com.PaulinaGwaltney
for future generations. Finally, Paulina Gwaltney has learned that the key to creating and encouraging an apprecia-
11
12
13
Blurred Lines: Mixing Business with Friendship By Mariah Ashley You know your job is fun when your clients provide you with a golf cart for tooling around and snapping their destination wedding. Anytime there is a golf cart involved, work is a good time, right? The only problem that could arise in this scenario is if there are two Snap Girls and only one golf cart. Oooh, instant conflict! What to do? Who will hold the keys to the chariot? Do we flip a coin? Draw straws? Joust? No we do not. Trish drives. It does not need to be discussed. Easy as that? Easy as that. That's how it's been since we joined our businesses 10 years ago. Other photographers often ask, "How do you do it? How do you find the perfect business partner? It would be so nice to break the isolated existence of the companionless photographer but how do you integrate someone else into your existing business?" I have some unconventional advice on the subject. These are my five tried and true rules for choosing a business partner. 1). Hit the Bumps in the Road When Trish drives she only has one speed, and that's full speed. She had the pedal to the metal in that little golf cart. She's never happier than when she's behind the wheel, wind in her hair and a wild look in her eye, and in this case, with one flip-flopped foot up on the dash.
For four days we drove the same loop inside the resort, back and forth between the events of the weekend with an occasional stop at the beach. For four days we came upon the same speed bumps and for four days we went over them at top speed, bottoming out with a spine crunching crack on the other side. Every single time Trish seemed genuinely surprised that the speed bump was there. She'd slow down briefly with an, "Oomph," and a, "Sorry!" Then she'd speed off again like a rally driver. There is a rule in business we've all heard. "Never mix business with friendship." This does seem like sound advice. However, for Trish and me, there is no business without our friendship. We are not running a big corporation. It's just the two of us, day after day in a 400-square-foot space. How could you possibly stand to spend that much time with someone you don't care about? In a small business like ours, it has not been possible to keep our personal lives and our business lives separate, there have been too many bumps in the road; adoption, marriage, divorce, teenagers, aging parents. Most days the morning starts with a therapy session instead of a business meeting. Is this the best way to do business? Experts would
18
probably say no but I think that the time that we have invested in our friendship has only served to strengthen our business, though not my spinal column. Do you care deeply about the welfare and the life of the person you are considering taking on as a business partner? Are you prepared to take on the other people in their lives too, i.e. a spouse, their kids? In the intimate setting of a small business it's kind of a package deal. Choose a friend. 2). Get Stuck in the Sand with a Stick in the Mud Trish was not satisfied with merely ruining the suspension in the golf cart. When the opportunity arose she veered left and went off-road, across a field, trail of dust billowing behind her to get a closer look at some potential photo locations. The field turned into a sand pit and I turned into a buzz kill, insisting she take us back to the pavement because she was going to get us stuck. "So? What if we do get stuck?" she asked. "They'll just send someone to pull us out." "True, but then I will be late and embarrassed, let's keep it on four wheels okay Mario?" I insisted. Trish was probably disgusted with me at the time and I don't blame her. I never pass up an opportunity to ruin a good time. I'm a punctual, rule following, perfectionist. Sound like a recipe for fun? It's not. Trish is a spontaneous, slightly reckless, throw caution to the wind kind of girl. Sound like a recipe for function? Not always, but together we manage to have fun and show up on time. We take the creative off-road path and have a few laughs, but we've left early to allow for misadventure. Choose someone who has different strengths so you can achieve balance.
3). If Your Tire Has Popped, Just Drive On The Rim Once while driving to a wedding, Trish hit the curb. Well, actually she's done that lots of times, but this time in particular she popped her tire. Well, actually she kind of shredded her tire. It was instantly flat. We were following the bridal party and had about a mile to go before we reached the venue. Trish just kept right on driving keeping pace with the trolley. "That sounds bad, I can hear metal," I said, cringing. "We have a schedule to keep," answered Trish. "I see sparks." Trish just shrugged her shoulders. "We have to get to the wedding. As long as we get there I don't care." We did get there. Trish parked her limp car in the lot and called AAA during dinner to come and fix the tire. Sometimes things have to be sacrificed for the good of the company, in this case, Trish's rims. A lot of other things have been sacrificed along the way in our 10 years: ego, personal time, creative license. At the forefront of our minds is always the question: Is this what is best for the company? If the answer is yes, then we always choose our business over our feelings. Choose someone who is selfless. 4). When You're In a Skid Head for the Cliff Don't you just love a winter wedding? They're so cozy and intimate. Plus there's the added bonus of flu season and blizzards. Last winter we were lucky enough to get both in one day! It's true that the winter wedding we were photographing was festive, but that was hard to
19
notice considering my low grade fever and profuse sweating. Luckily, there was a snow storm so each time I had to go outside and drive to the next location I could stick my head in a snow drift to relieve the fever. The snow was piling up at an alarming rate and Trish and I had to navigate our way across the city three times for photos, ceremony and reception. Cars were buried in the snow, motorists were stuck at the bottom of slippery hills and everyone was skidding and sliding around the narrow streets. Was Trish nervous? Nope. This is where she shines. When the going gets tough, she literally gets going. She drove her little Ford Fusion like it was a snow plow. Or a freight train. I sat with my eyes closed, because when they weren't closed I was gasping and whimpering and clutching the sides of the car. Not helpful. I suppose that's why Trish ordered me to close them. "Don't worry about it," said Trish. "We'll get there together or not at all." Our business has been in what could be considered a slow skid headed for a brick wall on more than one occasion; the outlook bleak, the results disastrous. Neither one of us has hit the brakes or bailed out of the car. Instead we hit the gas and Thelma and Louise'd it right toward the cliff and found our car had wings. Choose someone who doesn't quit. 5). Take the Highway to the Panic Zone I swear I'm not a weenie, though I wouldn't blame you if that's the opinion you have been forming. I'm afraid this next driving allegory is not going to help to dispute your incorrect assumption. Over the past few years I've developed unfortunate anxiety around driving in the city, in particular New York. I used to be able to do it,
but now each time I go my freak-out level gets a little higher. This summer we had to make a trip to NYC for an engagement session. I already knew I wouldn't be able to drive so I did my part and drove halfway through Connecticut and then handed over the keys as soon as we hit the New York line. Trish of course loves driving in the city. She drives like a seasoned cabbie, blowing her horn and zooming around obstacles. I've also never seen anyone who could parallel park like Trish. She could fit a Hummer in a space barely big enough for a Smart Car. Of course the Smart Car might end up underneath her Hummer, but that's neither here nor there. The unfortunate thing that I discovered on this trip was that my anxiety did not decrease when I became the passenger. It only ramped up. I felt crushed by the city around me and found it quite hard to breathe. I'm all for stepping outside one's comfort zone and tackling challenging situations but in this case I was crippled by my irrational fear. I was in the panic zone. Trish talked me off the ledge and of course delivered me safely to an overpriced parking garage. As soon as I got out of the car I was fine and the shoot was a success. I don't know what had come over me, but in those moments I was completely useless to Trish as a partner and travel companion. We've both had moments like that in our 10 years together; induced by difficult clients, stressful travel situations, or illness. If one of us is down, the other always steps up to the plate and takes care of business. Running a business is not for the faint of heart. It's scary when you are cruising along at 5000 feet on auto pilot and suddenly you see the captain is slumped over on the controls. Choose someone who is brave.
20
Do you have a friend who is strong in ways that you are not? Selfless? Brave? Someone who is tenacious? They might make a great business partner. Just remember, before you start your engines and head out on your road trip you have precious cargo--each other. Ironically, I'm teaching my sixteen-year-old son to drive. His instincts are to make dramatic movements, make turns too tightly and hit the brakes like he's stomping out a fire. Driving isn't like that though, is it?
Driving is keeping your eyes fixed ahead and constantly making tiny little adjustments to make the ride as comfortable as possible. Running a business is like that and so is maintaining a friendship. If you pay attention and make small adjustments as issues arise it should be smooth sailing for you and your co-pilot. Good luck!
Welcome - New Members Alice Collins, Debra Curley, Blaire Deaver, Mary Felts, Christy Lewis Angela Moxley, Thurman Pinnix, Jr., Linda Ritlinger, Lorenzo Smith Howard Sykes, and Randy Tatum-Mintz
Memorial
21
Real Estate Photography By Ray Mata
decade or so, I used to sell new high
Hey there, PPNC friends. Ray
here, new member and enjoying get-
end homes for custom builders. I sold
ting to know everyone. One of the
homes out of a model. One company I
main areas of photography in my busi-
worked for actually sent me to a school
ness is real estate photography. There
for a month to learn how to present a
are many takes on this subject such
home to a client, the aspects a client is
as: How do I break into this field? How
focusing on at different points in time
do you shoot a home or commercial
and finding buying triggers for the cli-
property? How much do you charge?
ents that I was presenting to.
And the list goes on. I am going to
take this opportunity to discuss what
graphing houses which are just sitting
real estate photography is.
there, can’t be posed and are full of
high contrast scenarios with direct sun
Running the clock back a
22
So how does that apply to photo-
on one side and full shade on the oth-
viewer, anything that produces show-
er? As the photographer, your job is to
ings faster and offers sooner, will re-
present a product to a person on the
duce the sales cycle time. To be blunt,
internet and convert them to a person
how fast do you want a commission
walking in the front door. That’s it –
check?
finito! So not only do you need to know
The Buyers’ Psyche
what a viewer is thinking but how to
present the home or building to catch
they look for a home? First off, they
the viewer’s attention.
specify the numbers such as zip code,
What many real estate agents and
So what are buyers thinking when
price parameter, bedrooms, and a pool,
real estate photographers overlook is
etc. And out pops a massive unman-
that buying a home is a personal and
ageable list of homes. No more num-
emotional decision. Many think it’s a
bers now, the buyer’s mind switches to
financial decision but it’s not. At this
emotional connections. They want to
time, over 85% of home buyers view
imagine themselves living in the home
and select the home they eventually
and your job is to help them do that. If
buy over the internet. Whether it be an
you have ever looked for a home, you
MLS listing, Realtor.com or any other,
know what I am describing here. It’s
the internet is where it all starts now.
overwhelming.
When I am presenting my work to
And now your first critical influenc-
a prospective realtor, I tell them that
er starts to work.
every home has a certain number of
showings required before an offer is
Image. This is the part where you help
received. The question is, how long do
guide them through the mind numbing
you have to wait until you have reached
barrage of homes on the list. The buyer
that magic number of showings to get
doesn’t look at the words at this point
an offer? Because good professional
only the thumbnail picture. Your mag-
photographs enhance the home to the
ic starts here. Creating the thumbnail
The Big Secret: The Thumbnail
23
is all about color because at this point
itive market is to get as much time as
the only differentiating element among
possible to present your product to the
all those homes is color; only color can
potential buyers so that they have less
catch the buyer’s eye. What I do is su-
time to view the competition’s products.
per saturate the scene, make it bright-
The reality is that a buyer doesn’t have
er, reduce the shadows and highlights,
enough time to view all 100 or more
plus up the white clip and reduce the
homes that will come up on the list. The
luminance of the blue sky. By doing
more time they spend looking at your
these things, you create a thumbnail
listing, the greater the probability that
image that pops with color and the buy-
they will go to see the home you pho-
er will naturally respond to it and click
tographed. This will make your Realtor
it. If you did your job correctly, he will
happy and thus ensure more work for
then move on to the photos and tour.
you in the future.
The Not So Big Secret: Get on the
Job successfully accomplished.
Short List by timing the viewer out.
Look for a more detailed upcoming arti-
cle about how to achieve home enhanc-
What is the short list? The list they
have selected to go out and see in per-
ing magic for realtors and their clients.
son. Realtors call it a showing. How do you get on it? Having great photographs that compel the buyer to look at all of them, once or twice, then to click on the tour. Then email the tour to other family members for support. What does this accomplish? A key sales tactic in a compet24
15 Surefire Ways to Impress Others b y JOSHUA
BECKER
The hard truth is we often look to impress others in all the wrong places.
“The need to impress others causes half the world’s woes.” —Vernon Howard More often than we would care to admit, the desire to impress others motivates our lives. This desire to impress others impacts the cars we drive, the clothes we wear, the technology we embrace, and the careers we choose.
Take a moment and identify the people in your life that truly impress you. What is it about their life that inspires you? Make a list. Very rarely (if ever) is it the car that they drive or the size of their home. Most often, the people that truly inspire us possess the invisible, intangible qualities that we all desire.
Unfortunately, it is often elusive. Cars rust. Fashion changes. Technology advances. And the purchases that impressed your neighbor yesterday make no impression today. As a result, we live our lives with out-of-style clothes, jobs that we hate, skyrocketing personal debt, and jealousy towards our neighbor who seems to have it all… until that unquenchable desire to impress begs us to begin the cycle again.
Consider this list of 15 Intangible, Surefire Ways to Impress Others: 1. Be Generous. Regularly give your time, energy, and money to others without expecting anything in return. The giving of your life to another is one of the most impressive things you can ever do. CONTINUES ON PAGE 34
25
26
light source with the OTB.
of its box, setting it up with your light-
So how soft
is the light you might ask?
ing equipment and giving it a go.
This image was captured in my
I like it! It is an affordable tool
studio using the OTB with two speed-
and one that I have been looking for.
lights positioned vertically in the soft-
As a comparison, a 26” Rapid Box by
box. My camera
Westcott is $159.00
was set to f.8
and the 40”x60”
at 250/sec. You
OTB by Westcott is
can see that the
$199.00. Both have
speedlights re-
different purposes but
cycled quickly
the OTB is reasonably
enough and the
priced and delivers
diffuser did its job
that same Westcott
softening the light
value and quality.
without robbing me of any needed
The link to Ed Pierce’s
light. Some mod-
OTB site can be found
ifiers can “rob” up
at: http://www.photo-
to two f.stops and I
visionvideo.com/think-
worried about that.
outside-the-box/ . He
The OTB did not.
has a really nice video
that will explain and demonstrate much
What I really like about the OTB
is you can rotate from a portrait to
better than my explanation. Give it a
a landscape perspective quite easily.
look.
There is a 30 inch zipper on each side
that makes sliding the OTB over your
"toy" because then she won’t have to
lighting equipment fast and easy. In
carry those expensive and heavy Photo-
minutes you will be taking the OTB out
genics to the beach! Winning!!!! 27
Teresa says I can keep my new
Raising the Bar of your Photography Using Light Modifiers to Control the Quality of Light
Quality is not quite so easy. We determine “quality” by a couple different parameters.
© 2013 Al Audleman M.Photog.Cr., CPP, API, FDPE, FDAE, FSA, FED, GFD
Color is one way to determine quality. What color is the light, based on our knowledge of the Kelvin scale of color temperatures? Is it what we call “warm” or “cool?” All this is based on the “color temperature” of the light affecting what we see and how it visually affects the true color and the mood of the image.
Light modifiers are what separates the pro-tographer from the faux-tographer. Understanding lighting and how to control it is critical to good-quality photography. Lighting is broken down into two categories for our purposes: Quantity and Quality. Quantity is easy. How much light do we have and how do we control it? We can determine the amount by using our meters, all of which is relative to the selected ISO rating. We control how much light reaches the sensor to give us the correct exposure by changing the output power on the strobes in the studio or selecting the proper shutter speed and aperture in other situations.
Another factor in determining quality is hardness and softness. Simply put, a “hard” light from a very small light source creates distinctive, or harsh, shadows. Soft lighting is more diffused and softens the shadows, spreading them over more area. An important point to understand is that the “size” of the light determines how hard or soft it is, but more importantly, it is the “relative” size that is the final determination.
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.
28
For example, the sun is the largest light source we deal with but it is also the farthest away so it is relatively small, meaning it is a hard light. The shadows created by the sun are sharp, with fairly hard edges. It’s like an image that is focused correctly. The “Shadow Edge Transition” is what defines harsh shadows. That means the distance it takes to go from full shadow to full sun is very short, making the shadows appear sharp.
On the other hand, the softest light source we deal with is an overcast sky and depending on the density of the cloud cover and we can go from light, soft shadows to no shadow at all.
umbrellas used to keep the rain off. Options are white translucent material, white with black cover (some removable), silver with black cover, etc. They also come in a basic shape and in a parabolic version. Just for fun here, let’s define “parabolic” in terms of umbrellas and reflectors. The basic definition is that light is transmitted from a parabolic reflector is “collimated” ... meaning it comes out in a “beam” parallel to the axis.
Parabolic reflectors create a “column” of light rather than spreading it out of a much larger area. This gives you more control of a light in any given situation in that it controls the “scatter,” keeping the light in a tighter pattern. You see a lot of parabolic reflectors that work the opposite way a reflector on your studio light works. They are the satellite dishes that reflect all incoming radio waves to a central point (nodal point) to be captured and interpreted by your receiver.
In the examples above, the relative size of the light source determines the harshness (or sharpness) of the shadow The most common light modifiers are those items that change the size and shape of the light. The most common of these are the umbrella reflectors and soft boxes. Umbrellas are just that, collapsible units shaped like
29
Both metal and umbrella parabolic reflectors work similarly. Non-parabolic reflectors including umbrellas tend to scatter the light. Umbrellas: Umbrellas are often the choice of location photographers primarily because they are compact when folded, easy to set up and can be flexible in how they are used. The portraits, they provide a very flattering light emulating window light. Looking inside, you will normally find a highly reflective surface, like a foil liner, designed to reflect the most light. “reflective� surface of an umbrella is normally white or silver, emitting a neutral-colored light. White umbrellas give a soft light while silver umbrellas give a more specular light. White umbrellas can be reversed so rather than reflecting the light, light passes through it’s translucent fabric acting more like a soft box. Additionally, umbrellas can be covered with a black fabric to eliminate the light that passes through the fabric and is reflected off various other surfaces in the surrounding area which could create problematic reflections in the image. Soft box: Another major light modifier is the soft box. Soft boxes are designed to light a large front panel of translucent material. It is that large, flat panel that is the actual light source, not the light inside. Soft boxes are designed to provide large, soft sources of light with very little scatter. When used for lighting
Most soft boxes must be assembled prior to each use if you transport them on location. While a bit time-consuming, they are very effective light modifiers and the most controllable modifiers for large, soft sources. Some specialized umbrellas can also act as soft boxes when they are covered on the back with a black fabric and on the front with similar translucent material. In all cases, the larger the soft box, the softer the light. But you must remember that even large lights sources can
30
become a harder source if they are not placed close to the subject. The farther you move the light source from the subject, the harder it becomes. If you need a very soft light, you must either keep the soft box close to the subject or use a larger soft box. Using a smaller soft box very close to the subject will give you a flattering, soft light but it can also be intimidating to the subject, having the light source very close to their face.
parabolic reflectors are at least 18” across rather than the very small, standard reflectors. Some are highly polished and give a more specular light. Others have a more matte surface and produce a softer, more even light. Reflectors: While all of the above items are “reflectors of light,” other things are also used that do not require lights as part of their makeup. For the most part, these are flat “sheets” that are placed correctly to reflect light back on the subject. They are available in white (for a softer, neutral light), gold (for a warmer-colored light), silver (for a more specular light and more return) and black. The black is not really used to reflect light but rather to block it from hitting the subject or part of the subject to help control lighting ratios. They can also appropriately be called “scrims.”
Soft Boxes and umbrellas, when used properly close to the subject, produce a flattering soft light and help minimize textures. Soft Boxes, with the large, flat surfaces also can be used to reflect light off a very shiny surface like stainless steel, brass or even leather so that you can see detail in the surface and the reflection is not distracting like a very small, specular highlight from a small light source would be. Parabolic Reflector: Another modifier that has returned in popularity in recent years is the parabolic reflector. This has also been called a “beauty dish” and was very popular in the 1930’s and 1940’s. It was used to create glamorous photographs of people. The most effective
Scrims can also be translucent “flats” that can be lit from behind to effectively become large light sources.
31
large ones require you to be a magician and very talented to fold them back up sometimes. :)
The reflectors shown above previous page are designed for use in or out of the camera room. They “fold” into a small package and are easy to transport and set up on location. They come in sizes as small as about a foot in diameter to very large, in the 7’-8’ range. The
You can easily make your own reflectors for use in your camera room by using a piece of white Fomecore. If you want it silver, then cover it with aluminum foil. And remember there are two sides to aluminum foil. The very shiny side will give you a very specular light. The other side is not as shiny and will create a little bit softer return light. And you can also “crumple” it a bit and create an even softer reflected light. If you want the gold or black surface, you can purchase a gold lame’ or black fabric to cover the surface. I have even used what we called a “space blanket” that was made out of mylar and worked as a great gold reflector. **********
32
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
PPA.com/CPP-Prep 33
CONTINUES FROM PAGE27
2. Laugh Often. Be that person that routinely laughs at other’s jokes and stories. It concretely communicates that you enjoy life and their company. They’ll be impressed and you’ll be a more joyful person. 3. Be Optimistic. Always, always, always focus on the good aspects of people and situations. Sometimes you have to look harder than others, but you’ll always be glad you did. 4. Love Your Kids. And by love your kids, I mean genuinely like them too. Enjoy being with them, spending time with them, and investing in their lives. This love towards children will be evident in your life even when they aren’t around. 5. Be Faithful to Your Spouse. Marital fidelity is going out of style too quickly these days. Stay faithful to the one you chose. Trust me, your friends and colleagues will be impressed… not to mention your partner. 6. Develop Your Strengths. I am impressed by good singers, authors, writers, architects, speakers, CEO’s, computer programmers, mothers, and athletes (just to name a few). There is only one thing they all have in common: They discovered their strengths and developed them with great discipline. Do the
same with your unique giftedness and temperament. And regardless of the profession you choose, you will impress. 7. Travel. See the world. You will change and be better because of it. 8. Appreciate Different Opinions. While there is nothing wrong with being dogmatic in your beliefs, a healthy appreciation of how others came to theirs is definitely an impressive quality. 9. Love Your Life. Don’t fall into the trap of living life like everyone else. Avoid television and consumerism. Embrace your passions and find enjoyment in your life. The people around you will be impressed… and jealous. 10. Encourage More. Living your life in competition with those around you will never impress. After all, everyone else is already doing that. Change the world by being different. Seek to encourage and lift up others. And the person who benefits the most just may be you. 11. Love Nature. People who exhibit care for the physical world around us exhibit care for all humanity. 12. Listen Intently. Eyes focused. Ears tuned. Cell phone off. In a world that can’t move fast
34
enough, someone who can find time to listen is as rare as a precious jewel… and far more valuable. 13. Be Modest. You are special, unique, and gifted. And the less you make an effort to tell everyone that, the more they will notice. 14. Be Content. A contented life is enjoyable, desirable, and admirable. Those who don’t have it, desire it. And are impressed with those who have. 15. Don’t Live to Impress. Live to Inspire. Give up your desire to impress everyone you meet. But never give up your desire to inspire everyone you meet. Of course, the greatest thing about this list is that you already possess everything you need to inspire others. So why not get started?
PPNC Spring Seminar Dates- Saturday, March 7-9 LocationSaturday, March 7 "Shoot Out" will be Cape Lookout or historic Beaufort. Times and more information will be announced in a couple of weeks. NOTE! Carolyn Temple is willing to provide several of her images of the areas that she photographs and is taking the lead on the Saturday "shoot out". Since there will be two locations, she will need some assistance. Sunday and Monday, Bryant Building, Carteret Community College 3505 Arendell Street
Stop trying to impress others with the things that you own and begin inspiring them by the way you live your life.
Morehead City, NC Hotel Information- Quality Inn Hotel, 1300 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC 28557, Phone number 252-247-3434, The PPNC room rate is $63.99 per night plus tax. Must call and reserve by February 21. We have 20 rooms set aside for the listed price. Talent/speakers- Forthcoming
35
The Value of Membership • Annual Carolina Photo Expo with Nationally Known Speakers Sharing the Current Trends in Photography with one of the largest State Trade Shows in the Southeast. (PPNC members attend for free) • Three seminars per year packed with education • East Coast School Photographic Workshops is a week-long event held each year with classes taught by top instructors from around the country, with classes from beginner to advanced. • Scholarships to East Coast School • Photographic print competitions – an excellent way to gain invaluable knowledge • On Line Membership Directory that is accessible to thousands of potential clients • A digital monthly magazine packed with ideas from posing and lighting to business and marketing • Private Print Critiques – Advice from a Master Photographer on how to improve your photographic images • Quarterly Shoot Socials – Networking and learning with other PPNC members in your trade area • Referrals – PPNC makes many referrals over the year. Once you become a PPNC member, our staff can refer your studio to potential clients. • Degree Program – The steps it takes to earn the PPNC Associate Fellowship and Fellowship degrees are symbols of quality and will strengthen your skills. Earning a PPNC degree is a way of telling potential clients to call you and not a competitor. • Networking – PPNC members develop friendships and relationships that last a lifetime. A fellow PPNC member is always available to help in times of crisis. • As a member of PPNC, you automatically become a member of the regional Southeast Professional Photographers Association, providing you with even more access to information and technology.SEPPA produces a monthly magazine full of information plus a biennial convention and trade show free to all PPNC members. • Insurance - Insurance for home based and store front studios (errors and omission and property)
36
Humor Corner
Ready to Pay it Forward? The popular Super 1 Day workshops return
learning event happen! It's a great networking
in May and PPA needs volunteers to teach
opportunity, not to mention you'll earn merits
the classes. You guys make this peer-to-peer
toward that degree you've been wanting.
Click through for more info.
37