Few things are more crucial to a photography business than the website, as it is the place where most potential clients will go to see your work, to decide if you are the right fit for their wants and needs, and to initiate contact with you. As such, your website deserves careful attention. This excellent video tutorial features an experienced commercial photographer sharing some common website mistakes and how to fix them. 

Coming to you from Scott Choucino of Tin House Studio, this great video tutorial will show you some common mistakes photographers make with their websites and how to fix them. By far, the most common mistake I see photographers make is simply putting form over function with their websites by making them overly complex to navigate or slow to load in an attempt to make things look fancy. People tend to have very short attention spans on the internet, and if they do not find your site intuitive and easy to work with, they will probably simply move on to the next option. Generally, it is better to stick with more straightforward designs and let your photos speak for themselves. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Choucino. 

Wine bottles can be a real challenge to light and photograph, particularly with their curves and reflective glass. Nonetheless, you can learn quite a lot from the process. If you would like a fun weekend project, check out this great video tutorial that will show you everything you need to know to create a professional wine bottle product image. 

Coming to you from Daniel Norton Photographer, this excellent video tutorial will show you how to light and photograph a wine bottle. Even if you are not a product photographer, this is a tremendously valuable exercise that will likely benefit you in whatever genre you do shoot. Product photography takes a lot of precise lighting skills and a good dose of problem-solving for just about every shot, making it a great way to quickly and effectively hone your skills, plus you can do it easily from the comfort of your home with things you have around the house. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Norton, and give it a try this weekend! 

If you would like to continue to learn about product photography, check out “The Hero Shot: How To Light And Composite Product Photography With Brian Rodgers Jr.!”

It was approaching Christmas last year and Australian photographer Glenn Homann was exploring Brisbane’s heritage-rich satellite city of Ipswich with his iPhone. “I tend to go out looking for locations and objects to shoot. But occasionally, for whatever reason, a person appears on the scene,” says Homann, who lives about a half-hour’s drive away in the suburb of Inala. “I passed this green house with skimpily dressed mannequins propped up outside – an unusual take on Christmas decorations. I knocked on the door to find out more. Ron answered.”

The pair chatted and developed an easy rapport, and an unlikely friendship was born. A few weeks later Homann returned, hoping to shoot inside Ron’s shed. “He has two old motorbikes, a go-kart, model airplanes, more mannequins and these crazy paintings he’s created up on the walls. We stepped into his kitchen and he mentioned something about having a couple of kilts in his cupboard. He had grandparents from Scotland and Ireland, and is very proud of his heritage, so he pulled out his Irish one. I had intended to find some moodier lighting out in the shed, but it was such a hot day, the air-conditioning unit was right there, and this picture happened, with his dog, Teddy Bear, at his feet.”

The men have stayed in touch: Homann has photographed Ron’s paintings for him, so he’ll have copies, and has helped him work on the go-kart.

“He’s such a lovely guy,” Homann says. “He just drips Aussie charm.”

Instagramming photographer captures otherworldly mountain landscapes that will blow your mind

By Ailbhe Macmahon For Mailonline

Updated: 04:36 EDT, 17 June 2023

This talented photographer captures mountainscapes so otherworldly that it’s hard to believe they exist on planet Earth.

As a matter of fact, professional photographer Aytek Cetin says that some people question whether the landscapes he’s captured are real, as they look so unearthly.

The 41-year-old Turkish photographer, who also tutors fellow photographers in private photography tours and online classes, tells MailOnline Travel: ‘Sometimes we can be prejudiced about geography that we have not seen before. For example, for a photograph I took in Cappadocia [a region in Turkey], someone claimed that it was not a real place… I explained to this person that it was a real place and that I took others to this place to take pictures.’

Detailing why he’s drawn to epic mountain scenes, Cetin says: ‘What impresses me the most about mountains is that they are the most powerful beings of nature. They have been there in all their glory for millions of years and will continue to be.’ 

The photographer, who is drumming up a sizeable Instagram following – 87,000 followers and counting – explains that he sets out to ‘draw’ viewers into a mountain scene and ‘make them feel [like] they are there’ with his photography. He notes: ‘To do this, I try to use different perspectives than the scenes other people are accustomed to seeing.’

Capturing these remote landscapes is not without its challenges. As there’s often no transportation to off-grid peaks, Cetin regularly has to walk long distances carrying his camping gear and his camera equipment, which can weigh more than 70lb (31 kilos). The hard work is worth it, however, for the magical photographs he can capture. Scroll down to see evidence of a photographer at the peak of his powers…

• To see more photography from Aytek Cetin, visit his Instagram profile and his website.  

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Dozens of brides want to warn others about a wedding photographer based in Robertson County. Several people have claimed they spent months planning a wedding.

Then leading up to the big day, Madelynn Helm, the photographer they hired said she was not going to make it.

“It just felt, at that moment, like everything was crashing… Like what else is going to go wrong,” Caryn Crawford Brazier said as she described the frenzy, she experienced on her wedding day when the photographer who showed up was not the photographer she hired. “I was instantly shocked and kind of astounded like, what’s going on here and then she told me that Madelynn double booked herself which really floored me.”

The bride said she did not see this coming, especially when the contract she signed included a ‘failure to perform clause’.

The ‘failure to perform clause’ stated: “If the photographer cannot perform the services outlined in the contract due to illness or any other cause beyond the control of the photographer, the photographer will refund all monies paid, including retainer, and have no further liability with respect to this contract.”

Several other brides from a private Facebook group called, “Wedding Everything Middle TN” said wedding photographer Madelynn Helm canceled days before their big day. Then Helm scrambled to find someone to fill in for her. Many of those brides were left hoping a photographer would show up and create the pictures they had envisioned.

“The photography was something I was really really intent on getting right and now here we are,” said Kassandra Davers Wence.

Wence said Helm made the nearly four hour drive from Robertson County, Tennessee, to Sullivan, Indiana, for her wedding in October.

“I guess a red flag was that she seemed to be too good to be true in the beginning… Too good of a deal. Too good of a discount. Very very minimal travel fee,” Wence said she paid helm for a full day of photography, but was only sent photos from the ceremony.

She wants to get the rest of her pictures back or be compensated for those lost memories.

“I want the photos of me and my family and me and my extended family because I can’t just do that again. There will never be pictures of me, my mom, and my dad and my husband on my wedding day. If the pictures are gone, then they are gone,” Wence explained.

Helm told WSMV4 she sent that bride all the photos worth editing.

“I never included eyes closed/ blurry/ things that you wouldn’t want anyways,” Helm said.

Helm did admit, she owes people money after overbooking and setting her prices low.

“I’m working on paying them back because I work minimum wage outside of this. I am working on paying them back,” Helm said.

She has taken down her photography website and is not booking weddings at this time.

“I messed up. I know I messed up, but I am human and I am fixing it,” Helm said.

The Tennessee Professional Photographers Association sent this advice for those looking to hire a photographer:

• Always ask about a business license and liability insurance. All legitimate professionals will have both.
  
• Do not hire based solely on photographs seen on social media sites. A Facebook page with a few photos is not the mark of a professional.
  
• If the work seems inconsistent from wedding to wedding, use a reverse image search on Google to see if the posted photos are from another photographer. Scammers often steal photos from other photographers and post them as their own.
  
• Google Reviews! Always check reviews to learn what others have experienced.
  
• Most pro photographers will schedule an in-person or online consultation prior to booking to ensure that they are a good fit for your special day. If you are being asked for a deposit before the meeting, it’s a good indication they are only looking for your money.
  
• Check with your venue to see if they have worked with the photographer or if they have any recommendations. Other wedding vendors are also great resources such as florists, musicians, and caterers.
  
• The Professional Photographers of America offers multiple accreditations, look for a Certified Professional Photographer or a Master of Wedding Photography for someone who has proven skill and serious dedication to the art and craft of photography. PPA hosts https://www.findaphotographer.com/ for a list of professionals in your area listed by specialty.
  
• Ask for references and to see work from recent bookings. They should be able to show printed work or have a website with a portfolio to view.
  
• Never place a deposit without a written contract.
  
• Ask a local photographer that does not specialize in weddings for a recommendation. Many photographers belong to networks and associations and are happy to refer you to another professional that is a specialist.
  
• A professional will offer multiple options for your finished work including a variety of albums, prints, & wall art and some may offer finished files for social media.
  
• Ask for referrals from friends, family, and coworkers who have previously hired a photographer they loved.
  
• A great wedding photographer is someone you will have a rapport with and will inspire confidence. If you don’t feel comfortable with someone, trust your instincts and walk away.
  
• Always remember that hiring a photographer for your wedding is an investment in something that happens once in a lifetime. Someone who is experienced in wedding photography knows the amount of work involved and will charge accordingly. The extra money spent will save heartache later.
  

Copyright 2023 WSMV. All rights reserved.

PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) – The Sports Bra in Northeast Portland will showcase an exhibit in recognition of Juneteenth.

It’s a photography collection to help elevate women in the sports industry, featuring sports images from black women photographers.

“It is always important to advocate for black women photographers especially for sports photographers because there’s not a lot of us,” Curator Amanda Cain explained.

Amanda is the NHL’s first black female photographer and says the exhibition is a celebration of black women photographers. With over 250 photos submitted, she narrowed it down to 25 pieces done by 15 artists.

“It was mostly based off of feel. It was like yes, I want to show showcase women’s hockey, because that is a thing that needs to be advocated more of,” Cain said.

One of the artists displayed, Dominique Whittaker, a photographer for the Portland Timbers and Thorns for two seasons.

“I shoot a lot of matches where I’m the only woman or only black woman. And to know that this space and Amanda has put together, this group has been… It’s just heartwarming,” Whittaker said.

Whittaker is showcasing a photo of Thorns Forward, Sophia Smith in a match against the Houston Dash.

“I love a good pun, so it’s called So-phisticated,” says Whittaker. “I show her and all of her strength and brilliance. In that moment, you can see is the focus and the determination and how she approached situation, and you can feel joy.”

Whittaker says she takes dozenS of shots in a match, but when you know, you know.

“There’s a perfect storm. I would say a perfect storm. I would say I’ve just you being in the spot on the side as a photographer and you see the action coming and kind of know what’s going to transpire in front of you and it’s just making sure you’ve got all your settings and you’re just going feel when I am taking photos where I just capture what is the women’s pass to kind of come back and you’re like I got it.” says Whittaker.

The photos are for sale and prices start at $150, just contact The Sports Bra.

Copyright 2023 KPTV-KPDX. All rights reserved.

This livestreamed special event which sees Paul McCartney discuss his photography and memories of a unique time in history is one not to be missed, and you can watch online globally.

As part of its First Look Festival, Paul McCartney will be joined by Academy Award winning actor, Stanley Tucci, at his headlining in-conversation event. Together, the pair will discuss McCartney’s upcoming exhibition, staged to mark the reopening of the National Portrait Gallery this summer, as well as his new book, 1964: Eyes of the Storm, the art of photography and his experience of “Beatlemania.”

This unprecedented display that will share, for the first time, an extraordinary archive of rediscovered and never- before-seen photographs taken by Paul McCartney. Supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, this exhibition will focus on the portraits captured by McCartney using his own camera between December 1963 and February 1964, the period in which John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr were propelled from being the most popular band in Britain to an international cultural phenomenon. Drawn from McCartney’s own archive, this exhibition provides a uniquely personal and never-before-seen perspective on what it was like to be a Beatle at the start of “Beatlemania” – from gigs in Liverpool and London to performing on The Ed Sullivan Show in New York to an unparalleled television audience of 73 million people. At a time when so many camera lenses were on the band, these photographs will share fresh insight into their experiences, their fans, and the early 1960s, all through the eyes of Paul McCartney.

As part of the in-conversation, McCartney and Tucci will explore their shared interest in the creative arts and photography, drawing on experiences behind and in front of the camera.  McCartney’s photographs from the 1963-64 period will form the focus of the discussion, as the pair share stories and select their favorites from the 250 photographs exhibited as part of the exhibition.  Drawing on reflections made from the accompanying book of photographs, 1964: Eyes of the Storm, McCartney will also discuss his photographic influences.

Of the exhibition and in-conversation event, McCartney remarked”

Looking at these photos now, decades after they were taken, I find there’s a sort of innocence about them.  Everything was new to us at this point. But I like to think I wouldn’t take them any differently today. They now bring back so many stories, a flood of special memories, which is one of the many reasons I love them all, and know that they will always fire my imagination.  The fact that these photographs have been taken by the National Portrait Gallery for their reopening after a lengthy renovation is humbling yet also astonishing – I’m looking forward to seeing them on the walls, 60 years on, and reminiscing about those times with the wonderful Stanley Tucci.

Stanley Tucci also commented: “I am honored and thrilled to interview Paul McCartney about these photos and that time in his extraordinary life, A life that has changed all of ours for the better.

This online event will be streamed live from the new National Portrait Gallery on Thursday, June 29th, at 14:00 BST.  Tickets for the livestream are £10. Concessionary rate tickets are available, including a new discounted £5 ticket for people aged 30 and under.  All ticket holders will have access to a recording of the conversation for a limited time after the live event.

The second major photography exhibition to run after the reopening of the National Portrait Gallery, Paul McCartney Photographs 1963-64: Eyes of the Storm runs from June 28 until October 1, 2023.

Lead Images left to right: Paul McCartney ©Mary McCartney; Stanley Tucci © Gerhard Jassner

All images in the article supplied with permission ©Paul McCartney

The Camera Group, an activity group within the Gold Country Welcome Club, took a creative leap recently by presenting its first photography show. Five photographers from the Camera Group submitted some of their best works, and eighteen photographs were chosen to be displayed in the upstairs foyer at the Eric Rood Administration Center.

Nevada County employee Carla Boone, who helped coordinate the exhibit, said: “It is wonderful to have such beautiful images in the middle of our busy work environment. I can rest my eyes and mind on a picture and be transported there.”

The free exhibit will be on view for the public during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm through June 30th.

The Camera Group of the Gold County Welcome Club is one of several activity groups within the Club. Established in 1989 as a non-profit, the Welcome Club is open to all adults. Its mission is to enable everyone in Nevada County to meet, make friends, and engage in common interests through activity groups.

The Camera Group was established several years ago to enable photographers to meet, share, and discuss photography. Currently, the group meets once a month over Zoom, usually on the third Tuesday at 2:30 pm.  Attendees not only present their work, but can use photo processing tools to adjust and enhance their images during the meeting. 

Learn more about the Gold Country Welcome Club and the Camera Group online at www.gcwelcome.com or contact Jim Bair by email or by phone at 510-910-2300.

Details

What: Spring into Art: Camera Group Photography Show by Branstrom, Finney, Goodman, Ososki, and Bair
When: June 1st through 30th, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.  
Where: Eric Rood Administrative Center, 950 Maidu Avenue, Nevada City, CA 95959, 2nd Floor Foyer
Who: Gold Country Welcome Club Camera Group
Admission: Free