Utah Strobist meetup July 2009

Yesterday we had a wonderful Utah Strobist Meetup. We went out to the Great Salt Lake just west of the marina. We started out with pictures under the overpass and then we hiked through the reeds and bugs to actually get to the lake. I will be posting up some pictures when I get home and can link them up.

This is what I dubbed the "Jarvie Jump" It is photographer Scott Jarvie jumping.

Melissa

Last friday I had a shoot with a wonderful model named Melissa. We went out by saltair to a trolley and an old building. Then we decided to go out to the water (it seemed like an hour walk out there) and then went up Big Cottonwood canyon to finish up the shoot. She laid down on the hot sand/salt and didn't even flinch as I took pictures, but I walked on it for about 100 feet and burned my feet. :-( I am honestly impressed. Here are some pictures from the shoot.

Brit K.

Today I went and had a shoot with Brit K. She is a gorgeous model and very easy to work with. She brought her brother and friend Aryan, so I enlisted their services during the shoot for talking, making her laugh, and also for models. :-D I look forward to working with Brit again.

Jamie M.

Today I had a wonderful shoot with Jamie. It was our first shoot together, but it was like we had worked together before. She was on point and very professional the whole time...not to mention her eyes...they just draw you in! Here are a couple of pictures from our shoot. :-D

Yuba

I am a couple of days behind. We went down to Yuba Lake this past weekend and I got some great shots. They will be up soon.

Choosing a photographer

I have compiled a list of things to look for when looking for a photographer:

Although I would prefer that you chose me, I know that some of you will pick another photographer. So for those of you shopping around, I thought I would mention a few tips that might help you in your search for a good photographer.

• Make sure you see a portfolio of some kind from the photographer that your looking at
• Ask the photographer for a copy of the contract (if they have one) so you know what to expect.
• Obviously price is a big concern. Make sure you know exactly what a photographer will charge for what you want. The "You get what you paid for" doesn't exactly work for photography. There are alot of photographers who are updating their portfolios or build/get more business so they are willing/doing the shoots for free or for less money.
• It is always a good idea to do a "Mock" photoshoot or atleast talk with or meet the photographer before the day of the shoot. This is for a few reasons. One of which is to determine if your able to work with the photographer (personality types) also this gives you the chance to discuss what exactly your looking for with the shoot. (I.E. location, Clothing, etc.) This makes the finished product a better product because it is what you want and makes it easier on everyone.
• Also "most expensive equipment" doesn't always mean the best photographer. There are alot of photographers that a $5,000 camera isn't an option to buy.

Jeannine and Jackie

Today I went on a shoot with Jeannine and Jackie. Two gorgeous redheads. We did a shoot in formal/wedding dresses up and down one of the local canyons. I didn't have anyone sit in any ants or ice cold water, but I did have them hiking around in formal dresses. :-D

Photowalk

Yesterday I did a mini-photowalk up to hidden falls up big cottonwood canyon. Here is a picture from that trip

Tips

I will be adding this to my "Tips" section on my home page...but I wanted to put it here first. Here are some "Tips" on what to wear/not wear and what to bring on a photoshoot.

What to wear:

You should always go to a photoshoot with 3-4 changes of cloths. (Unless it is a group/family Portrait). These are general rules and don't apply to all types of shoots (High Fashion/theme).

Women:

• Avoid busy patters - basically anything that draws the attention away from the subject. (Also remember what vertical/horizontal lines do to the subject)
• Bring along any accessories you think might go with it, and the photographer will help you with what looks good and what will look good on print.
• Avoid glossy make-up. Basically anything shinny can have negative affects on the prints.
• With jewelry, simple is better. Again you don't want anything that will draw attention away from the subject.

Gentlemen:

• Same rules apply for the colors and patterns.

Children:

• Smiles sometimes create a "stiff" or unnatural pose. Don't place too much emphasis on the smile before the portraits are taken. Some of the best pictures are what capture the personality of the child and not just a big smile.
• Let the photographer guide the child (unless mom's help is needed)

Groups:

• Colors that compliment each other help towards making a better image. Again, soft colors are preferable.
• If in doubt place everyone's outfit out on the bed and look at them and see if one stands out more than the others.

Glasses:

• Glasses are unique in the fact that they are needed to see. There are a few ways around the dreaded "Glasses Reflection". Either get a pair of "empty" frames from your eye doctor or when it comes time to take the photograph, remove the glasses while they are being taken.

General Rules of Thumb:

• Horizontal lines slenderize, Vertical tends to add weight.
• Dark clothing slenderizes, Light adds weight.
• Bright colors, shinny objects tend to draw focus away from the subject/face.
• Neck Ties should be toned-down with minimal patterns.
• If you lay the outfits down on a bed or something and your eye is drawn to one piece in particular, the same thing will happen in the photograph.
• Light jeans/pants worn below a darker top will draw attention to that part of the body. Try getting the lighter clothing above the waist line and darker below.

Hair Style and Make-up:

• The simpler the better.
• Hair that falls down the side of the face can create dark shadows.
• Bangs that come to low will cover the eyes. The eyes are the most important part of the portrait.
• Eye make-up should be well blended and no sharp/hard contrasting lines.
• Avoid white above or below the eyes.
• A lot of color around the eyes takes away from the eyes and focuses it on the surrounding face.
• Foundation make-up should be blended at the jaw-line so that there isn't any demarcation between the face and neck.

Uploading

I am working on uploading the older paintball pictures that I have taken....boy what a chore. Nearly 5,000 pictures. Check them out they are under the Gallaries and then Paintball.

Weekend Activities

The weekend activites were wonderful! I went out to Miller Motor Sportspark in Tooele, Ut. on friday for the Charity Races, but I got out there after they had already ended for the day, but I stayed and shot some of the bikes running around the track. Then I did go watch fireworks for the 4th. We were right under the fireworks and I am surprized that they didn't make us move, it was such a beautiful and spectacular site that I forgot to take more photos.