Life with E ~ Insanely Useful Photography Tips

I have been wanting to write this post for years. Not until seeing the photo above and being a witness (film coming soon) to nine women going through the Elizabeth Craig Intimates experience did the words come to me. I am writing this for the up-and-coming photographer to help them be the greatest (& happiest) photographer that they can be.

Elizabeth is by far my favorite photographer in the world. Ok, I am her husband and deeply in love with her, but read on to discover why for yourself, and how you can apply her approach to becoming a better photographer yourself (or whatever artistic endeavor you want).

I feel like I’m E’s olympic coach; for years I would help guide her on her creative path of discovery.

She has heard me say “photograph the light first and the subject second” countless, endless times. We have critiqued, ripped apart, and been overjoyed when reviewing her work after a shoot (only the family-friendly photos ladies…I’m not privy to the “husband/fiance/boyfriend/significant other” photos. No worries there). We do this after every single session. She imports the pics, then we have a conversation and a discussion on what she has created that day.

Tip #1. Get critiqued often. 
Tip # 2 Have lots of conversations.

Like most coaches, I look at her as far surpassing anything that I ever taught her. When I watch her work I feel like the student. Don’t get me wrong, someday when she is awarded “greatest photog" in the world, I will accept a big shot out, but at the same time nobody will be cheering louder than me.

She is a constant creator, collaborator and at times a pusher (she wants what she wants). When a camera is in her hands she has a glow and an energy; she is happy, very happy.

Tip #3 Do the work that makes you happy. 
Tip #4 Do not take a job because of the money, you will fail.

One of her strengths is that she knows that no photograph can be reproduced twice in camera. Every single press of the shutter is an opportunity to create anew. She is a student of her craft. She studies others, but at the same time she has a complete understanding that you can never copy another photographer’s style. You can be influenced, motivated, jealous and inspired by other photographers, but you can never be them. You must make your own music, create your own work. If you try to clone another’s work you will always fall short in achieving the most important thing in photography….which is seeing what is in front of you.

Tip #5 See what’s in front of you (light then subject).
Tip #6 Vision takes practice; put the time in.

Her greatest talent by far is the wounded healer that she carries inside of her. Today when she photographs a woman, what she is doing in essences is handing back to those women her own beauty within. Yes, the photos she creates are beautiful, glamorous and carry a dream like quality. When Elizabeth connects with a woman (see photo above) she herself is looking forward to looking back on a moment.

A moment when that woman felt strong, beautiful and intimate. A moment when that woman can say to herself that she got it right in her life: flaws, scars and all the wobbly bits are just as important as the curves, lines and the fire and passion in her eyes.

As the group photo session went on that day, Elizabeth would take each woman and do an individual session with her. I filmed this entire process and I noticed there was one constant thing that every woman would say when Elizabeth would show them their photo on the back of her camera: “That’s me?? I am amazed!” Elizabeth’s response was “Yes. That’s you” with a smile on her face.

Tip “Lucky #7: Transformative power of seeing the beauty within.

This is the my favorite photo of E, never has truer pic of her been taken. I am the lucky baster who gets to see her beauty within, daily.

Why Say Digital Photography?

The phrase digital photography must die.

Digital is how you save something not how you do something.

You do not type on a keyboard and say that you are writing digitally.

You do not play music on a keyboard and say that I am playing digital music.

When talking on the phone you do not say that I am having a digital conversation.

You purposefully create a photograph and then the photograph is saved in a digital file.

Digital does not create.

You create...

Beginner's DSLR Photography 101 Workshop & 16 Insanely Useful Photography Tips

The date will be February 9, 2014. It will run from 10am till 2pm. Cost is $150 and includes a light lunch.

Registration here: https://www.eventbrite.com/event/9045528419

Here are 16 Insanely Useful Photography Tips (blog post)that I have written over the years to give you some guidance on creating photographs. 

Get Critique ~Insanely Useful Photography Tips

I am always at the beginning no matter how far down the path I go.  20 years of being a working photographer and this is what I have learn. I need to be critiqued to get better!

Being critiqued is a lost art that desperately needs to be brought back into photography.

Growth only happens when you feed the creative-soul. In a social media world of “thumbs-up” and “likes” being the benchmark of how we judge our work...we are all starving.

In my conversation/critique sessions with Vincent Pugliese he has taught me the “why” of what I do.  The why of how I wish to create, capture and compose a photograph.

Most successful photographers have mastered the “what” and “how” of our profession but unlocking the “why” is seldom thought about.

VP brings this to the forefront of his photographic approach to critiquing a photograph.

Getting to the “why” is not easy.

The “what” and “how”...that we know.

What: we take photos because we love it, it is our passion, it is a source of income.
How: technical knowledge of gear, light and 10,000 hours behind the camera.

This is where most photographers stop growing and ultimately it leads to their failure.

Why: it’s not because we love it (love, passion, money is all part of “what”).  “Why” is deeper. “Why” goes into every click of the shutter, every frame we snap. “Why” is discovering the inspiration, the experience, the belief...it’s the reason we do what we do.  “Why” motivates us to stay with the mysteries and to aspire, to transform, to create something new.

Through conversation/critiquing sessions with VP you will discover the deeper meaning of the “why” within your work.

Understanding of the “why” will unveil strengths (& weaknesses) that you have. Trust me, Vin will not hold back on your weaknesses; his “bootcamp approach” is not for the thumbs-up crowd.  It is for those of us willing to do the work and move into a higher tier of photographic excellence.

This is a personal journey for the photographer; there is no one way to create an exposure and there is no one way to be a photographer. VP will critique you on becoming the best working-professional-photographer that you can be. Notice that I have hyphenated the last words together in the previous sentence because that is the trinity that he will guide you towards.

After my time with VP, I find myself taking lots more photos, shooting more efficiently, shooting more relaxed, enjoying the process more than ever before (trust me I thought I was happy with my previous work).

As for me my “why” is: to create purposeful photographs that document the legacy of the subject, to bring providence to the viewers and to strip away the non-essential elements that do not add to the story within the frame.

What is your why?

Create, Connect & Grow,
John Craig

Are You A Pro

What is your starting place?

Today there is no barrier to achieve going pro. Honestly, there are no pros but we are all pros each in our way.

I believe that there are four types of photographers who call themselves a pro:

1. You buy a DSLR camera, turn it on Auto and lie to everyone that you are a pro.

2. You buy a DSLR camera, turn it on Auto and your Facebook friends tell you that you are good at taking pictures.  (Pictures, not photos...big difference) Hence, you think that you are a pro.

3. You buy a DSLR and take a couple of classes and workshops.  You learn how to shoot in Manual and then open a website and tell everyone that you are a pro. (just because you can shoot in Manual does not make you a pro; it only means that you know how to use a tool, a.k.a. the camera.  I know how to use a hammer and a saw...that does not make me a carpenter).

4. You buy a DSLR, maybe you study it in college, or take a workshop, or intern with a working professional. You spend a lifetime pursuing the craft, never once getting to the skill level that you think you should be at.  You work, you study, you practice, you shoot, you shoot, you shoot, you love it. You appreciate compliments but never feel that you deserve them.  You spend an entire life at a beginner's mindset never losing that feeling of being a passionate hobbyist. This is what a working photographer is.  When ego and insecurity are at battle with each other at all times, but your passion for the craft never dies.

What type of pro are you?

Insanely Useful Photography Tip

There are many things that we already know in photography but somehow we struggle to remember…..

In Zen philosophy we use the term “Beginner’s Mind” as a reminder to create possibilities from whatever may arise.  To slow down and see exactly what is in front of us.

In my conversation with young and upcoming photographers the same question is alway asked of me….How do I (insert question here).  The answer I give is always the same: base all your decisions on the light.

Too often photographers get caught up in trying to replicate someone else’s photos...this can not be done. Ever. Why? The light is never the same twice.

Great photographers create images from a beginner’s mind point of view.  Photograph what arises in the light that you are in.

I will be teaching this and much more in my 2013 winter workshops….

Be Great!

Insanely Useful Photography Tip

I had a conversation with an up-and-coming local photographer a few days ago.

She was telling me about how much she enjoys shooting with film and the that the quality of her work is better with film as opposed to shooting with a digital camera.

This is not a film vs. digital argument; they are both great formats.

Digital gives us the opportunity to be sloppy, to shoot extremely fast and to pick the best of the best when editing. Film does not give us that benefit; you need to shoot slow and with intent. 

Creating a photo is creating a photo. The camera or technology (or lack of ) is of no importance. Film or digital is how you choose to save your work. It should not influence how you create a photo. 

Remember this!!
Film is good.
Digital is good.
Choosing to shoot slow and purposeful is great!

Be great!

 I will be teaching this and more in my workshops….

30 Seconds to Findability

(This article was written for the member's of Encores.  I wanted to share it with you)  
Thirty seconds is it… 30 seconds to a new client or 30 seconds to a failed business venture. 

Thirty seconds is how much time and effort somebody will put in when trying to find your business online. Thirty seconds of browsing time on Google...that is it.  If you are skilled enough to have your biz come up on page one of Google then the next 30 seconds are even more crucial…that is how long a person will scan your site making a judgement if they want to stay or click away.

Thirty seconds to findability and how a photograph could save your business.

How a photo can grow your biz.

Did you know that you can embed information about your business into a photo that only Google can read? Title, keywords, tags and descriptions are not only for text; you can use that same information embedded into the meta data of a photo.  What this means for you is that now your website findability has just doubled, allowing the Google Bots to read twice the amount of information...in-turn your search engine ranking has just improved.  Pretty cool, huh? And to’s a simple solution to improving your SEO (a.k.a. Findability).

How a photo can save your biz.

Who actually reads a website? We scan, we glance, we give it the quick once-over.  What we do not do is spend time drudging through text trying to discover if this is a place I want to be. What does your Google analytics tell you? I bet your bounce rate for first time visitors is 30 seconds or less.

If your message is not communicated in the the first 30 seconds then we click away leaving a lost client diving back into the Googleverse.

Thirty seconds: live or die. First impression is all you get; make it simple, impactful, and most off all be sure it communicates your purpose.  A photo can tell a story of a 1,000 words. Remember a 1,000 words of written text is the kiss of death for a biz site.

Conclusion 

Good photos for small businesses are almost non-existent. Let me show you how a simple, clean and purposeful photo with three bullet points of text can communicate the “What/How/Why” of your business and all in 30 seconds.

Insanely usefully business tips….
* Double your meta data, double your findability
* A good photo will: define what you do, define what you do not do and most importantly it will communicate what you want to do for your new client.

How to Avoid Social Media Homework

Tips on how-to-avoid social media as homework…

One of the things I am finding interesting lately is how professional photographers view social media in terms of marketing, community building and growing their businesses.

It seems that the old-time, established photographers (35 yrs and older…sorry to whoever I just offended...deepest apologies) look at social media as another thing added to the ever-expanding To-Do-list. While the younger generation (Gen-Y) looks at social media as the only thing to do.

Digital-life-business-culture is here, support it, do not avoid it. (But there is no need to be overwhelmed by it either.)

Part 1: Social media is not something added to your workload…it's a tool to cut your workload in half.

This is why social medial is a tool & not homework. It is one of the few (if not only) business tools that allows to you accomplish many things with one action (a.k.a. timesaver)

I have yet to meet one photographer who misses the brick and mortar studio. The overhead itself has created many studios to fail. With the brick and mortar studio gone so is the traditional marketing and advertising that used to work.

Majority of photographers do not want to market or advertise; they want to create great photographs

Then do that, let photography be your marketing and advertising.

In the brick and mortar studio days we had storefront sidewalks. Nobody understood the value of those sidewalks until they went away.

What did the sidewalk provide that is lost in today’s digital-storefront?

Walk-by traffic
Drive-by traffic
Community
Storefront windows
Neighboring businesses
Conversation

Reasons why to think of social media as a tool

Findability
Shows that you are authentic
Conversation starter

The #1 reason is…Social media, if used correctly, will cut through the clutter of adverting and marketing that you don’t want to do anyway.

Part 2 - How-to-tips on social media as a tool

Create, Connect & Grow - Do one thing with multiple outcomes.

Create something new, and share it – This is the formula to success: “create & share”. Those who work constantly work, well...constantly. And those who do not constantly work go out of business, forever.

Deliver it, ship it, constantly – Show up for work, daily. There is no longer a brick and mortar store or a sidewalk to let people know that you showed up today. Social media gives you the opportunity to unlock your store, turn on the lights and flip over the Open for Business sign on your door front.

Decommoditize – you’re the only thing that cannot be copied. People buy from people they know. Let them know about YOU!

Learn to love “Feeds” “RSS” & “Ping.fm” (be sure to click on the hyper links if these words mean nothing to you)

Set the rules you want – You now have the tools to build whatever future you want, enjoy.

Build your portfolio and grow your business with the same actions…and its FREE.

I'd like to hear from you. So what do you think?

Insanely Useful Photo-Biz Tips

Ok, This post should be titled:

“Insanely Useful Human Centered Photography Business Tips”...
but that is just way too long to be a working title. The following list of tips has nothing to do with picking up your camera or turning on your computer.

- Fail often to succeed sooner

- “Acts of discovery consists not in finding new land, but in seeing with new eyes.” ~ Proust

- Create new experiences, not objects

- Write down your insights, be a dedicated notetaker.

- Seek out diverse side projects

- The karma of giving is powerful; what can you give away?

- Do more with less; what monthly services do you pay for that you barley use? Scrap it, or them.

- Do not be afraid to slow down.

- “Those who learned to collaborate have prevailed”. ~ Darwin

- Your business is constantly telling a story, do you know what your story is?

As always, I’d love to hear what you think...add to the list.

Insanely Useful Photography Tips

~ Equipment is a crutch; composition cannot be bought.

~ Discovering your voice as a photographer is a path, not a destination.

~ Don’t photograph to impress their brains, photograph to touch their heart.

~ Simple beats complex every time.

~ Imperfections are real, art has flaws…

~ Inspiration is scarce, remove all distractions when shooting.

~ Respect mistakes – do not hide or cover them up. This is where you grow and are shaped as an artist.

~ Sleep

Insanely Useful Photography Tips

Question - what's the best way to create a quick buzz in your city about your photography biz??

Answer - Volunteer to photograph charity events ~ and it’s a good way to improve you skills

WORKSHOP NOW: BOOKING

After completing the research for the “HOW TO EVERYTHING: PHOTO 101” workshop I had the epiphany that understanding your camera is confusing. This is why:

Anything small is large, and anything large is small
Everything has two names, which mean the same thing
Everything has a dual purpose
Photograph the light first, subject second

What the...Photography jargon is confusing, repetitious and mostly not needed. I have no idea why the photography language has evolved into what it is.

Beyond the confusion lies simplicity ~ this is what you will learn in the workshop.

Using your camera in manual mode is easy, creative, fun and will open a new view of how you see the world.

What you will learn:-Understanding exposure-How to use your camera in manual mode-How to take a photo “correctly” in camera-Natural light techniques-Understanding your lens

Location: Historic North Side of Pittsburgh at Annie O’Neill Studios
Date: September 17, 2009Address: 502 W. North Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212Time: 6pm – 9pmCost: $55.00

Contact Elizabeth Craig at 724.355.9079 or by email at craigphotography@mac.com for more information and to register.

How to be the Greatest 2nd Shooter….Ever

~ 7 Insanely Useful Photography Tips & 5 What to Expect Tips~

You want to be a great photographer…yes.

First you need to be a great second shooter. Why start at number 2 when you want to be number one?

Steve Williams is Tiger Woods’ caddy; I’m guessing he does not suck at golf.

Simple answer: you need to be on the field. No matter how many classes you take or books you read the game is played on the field. Experience and fast reactions mixed with the ability to think on your feet are mandatory.

1. Shoot 50/50 – 50% of your shoots should be in the style of classic, traditional photography. Capture all the key moments of the day. Remember to shoot safe and smart. Pick a safe ISO and F/stop to get that shot. You are not going for art here, you are going for documentation of the day. The photos you take may never see the light of day but they have to be there in case of an emergency. If the main photographer happens to lose images due to a failed card, theft or computer problems, your shots are now playing 1st swing.

2. Shoot the other 50% in the mode that you’re going to compose the best F’ing, photographs ever. Go for the shots, be creative, change yourself, push the limits of your abilities. Create photographs that will get you remembered.

3. Do you homework. Know the equipment that you will be working with that day. Understand the camera, lens, lighting, flashes, reflector, computersand software that you will be working. Be remarkable with your knowledge of gear. You want to be able to counsel the main photographer on exposure and equipment as needed.

4. Be proactive: the 2nd shooter’s job is to know the outline of the day and to be prepared for every situation. Set up lights, have lenses and flashes ready to go when needed. Ask the main photographer where s/he is at on card count. Have back-up batteries ready to go at the asking.

5. Yes you carry the equipment. You open the doors. You get the drinks. You pack the car. You do what is asked, with a smile.

6. Second shooting is a business relationship at work. Show up on time. Be consistent in your work. Advise on the subtleties of the day.

7. Ultimately the main photographer makes all the final decisions and they get all the reward (& risk) for the outcome of the day. Your part is to enhance and aid the experience for both the photographer and the subject.

What the second shooter gets!

1. Gives you the opportunity to shoot in a live fast-paced environment. Remember that is the one thing books and classes cannot teach you.

2. Behind the scenes look at your future.

3. Realization of your confidence and talent to go it alone as a professional or to hit the books some more.

4. Ask up front about image rights and be respectful of whatever (if anything) is offered to you.

5. Competitiveness; do not even go there. You were just given the greatest photo opportunity you could ever ask for. Be respectful.


If you like this article please be sure to pass it on…friend me on Facebook, connect with me on Twitter and info on private consultations can be found here on Photographer's Corner.

My Top 10 Mistakes ~ Insanely Useful Photography Tips,

Confessions from a professional photographer ~ things that have taken me entirely too long to learn

1. How to sync multiple cameras so at the point of download all images are in sequential order.

2. Project manager application in my darkroom software.

3. To start thinking like a digital photographer instead of film-based photographer.

4. I love the 18-70mm lens, but prime lenses are better.

5. A whales tail is better left on a whale and not on my camera

6. Not to trust Google Maps or GPS

7. Pack food and drink on days of long shoot

8. Hand-held light meters are still important in a digital world.

9. NEVER delete in camera…never, do that…never.

10. Being part of a photo-community is better than being alone.

Natural Depth of Field

The phrase “natural depth of field” has been stuck in my mind lately. Primarily it’s a term that is used by photographers to define what’s in or out of focus. I feel it fits in well when applied to music, writing and painting. (I will write more about that later) Understanding “natural depth of field” is rooting yourself in a classical approach to your work. It is placing a perceptive of focus, motion, stillness and life into your work. It’s the fundamentals.

After Googling the term “natural depth of field”, what I found was a disappointing state of current fine art. Merely tips for Photoshop, Paint Shop, computer plug-ins and filters that were on the first page of Google. There was nothing in Google about in-camera work, light, selective focus, composition or the relationship to the rule of thirds. No matter what is done after-capture it is not “natural depth of field”. Reproduced, re-worked or re-created is not natural and it is not a fine art skill.

I am all for keeping one foot rooted in the classical approach and one foot rooted in the future. Teaching this approach to “natural depth of field” would be akin to teaching spell checker before learning how to spell.

Insanely Useful Photography Tips

Photography is not technique
Photography is not ego
Photography is not software
Photography is not a profession
Photography is not art
Photography is not expensive
Photography is not pretentious


Photography is:
Painting with light,
Photography happens before capture,
A service to others,
A skill,
A craft,
A gift

Recent Popular Posts:
Insanely Useful Photography Tips
~ See my tips here
~ See Chase Jarvis tips here

Compact flash cards and disaster prevention

About every six months I have a memory card problem with my camera. I have never lost a photo (yet) with the help of recovery software. The mystery for me is why does it happen in the first place? Below I listed the safety steps I take to help preserve the images (in camera). If you have any other helpful suggestions please let me know. I will re-publish this post accordingly.

1. Do not fill up your compact flash card; leave about 20% of empty space
2. Do not place CF card by magnets or your cell phone, this could erase your card.
3. Wait for your camera and flash to recycle before taking next shot
4. Do not delete images in camera (file systems can become corrupt - especially since deleting an image doesn't really remove the data. It just changes the name of the file to one that indicates the image or file has been deleted and the space assigned to it can be reused. Formatting twice assures that the possibility of corruption will be minimal. )
5. Do not let your batteries run low in your camera or flash, this will place strain on your card.
6. Buy recovery software for each brand of CF card you own. Each brand has their own photo recovery software.


Recent Popular Posts:
Insanely Useful Photography Tips
~ See my tips here
~ See Chase Jarvis tips here

Insanely Useful Photography Tips

- Use a tri-pod, I can not stress this enough.
- Practices the art of seeing
- Do not think about cropping think about composing
- Photograph the light first and the subject second
- When photographing close-ups frame your subject first and then take two steps closer to the subject: then take that picture.
- Negative space and positive space are your friends
- Color saturation, think about it.
- Kill the phrase "I'll fix it in Photoshop" its poor compositional skills.
- Style happens, don’t think about it