Are you using Model / Property Releases?

Do you use "Model" or "Property" releases? Do you post photos of Friends, Family, Acquaintances, Strangers or persons "Property" on web/media sites?

Easy Release is a Model/Property Release app for iOS, Android & Kindle devices.

Then consider this...

Creating The Perfect Photo Shoot

To create the perfect photo shoot, start by getting acquainted with the client/model prior to the shoot. Invite them to an informal coffee/lunch to take time and get familiar with each other. While you are there, ask and answer any questions pertaining to the model/client and the shoot. This allows you to break the ice, get the clients slant and offer suggestions to accomplish the shoot. To make it more personable, ask what their favorite snacks, drinks (non-alcohol) and other goodies they like and have these items on set prior to the shoot.

YouTube Video courtesy of  Matthew Jordan Smith

You've probably heard the saying "Music soothes the savage beast", well I don't know about the beast, but the use of the correct music can relax the model/client and set the mood for the shoot. e.i. romantic music for dramatic or romantic photos, hip hop for fun and active photos. (Again, ask the client what type of music they prefer?)

Prior to the end of the shoot ask the model/client if there is a certain shot that they have in mind and would like to try before the shoot is done. A lot of times those final trial shots become the winners.

The goal is to make the model/client as comfortable and relaxed with the photographer as possible. The results will show in the final images.

If you have any suggestions on how to better connect with the model/client post a comment in the comment box below.
Keep shooting!!!

Importance of "Catch Lights" and "Highlights"

I see a lot of photos where you can not see the person's eyes in the photo. Not because the eyes are not in the photo, but because there is a lack of a "catch light" in the eyes making them look blank and lifeless. I call this the "Zombie" or "Dead Eye" look. (In the movies when they want to make a person look like the walking dead, the first thing is to darken the eyes). There's a saying that "The eyes are the window to the soul" and when there's no light in the subjects eyes, the subject looses some of the life in the photo.

No Catch Light (dead)

Catch Light in eyes (life)

Why you should have Apple TV

I've been using Apple TV for about a year and I have to say that I consider it to be the best purchase for the price from Apple at $99 ($79 at Fry's Electronics on sale). It allows me to view my photos and videos on my 50" flat screens from my iPad or iPhone.

Photo courtesy of ®Apple Inc.

For the Photographer:
You'll be able to show your clients their photo-shoots or videos immediately on the large screens of your HD TV's using one of the many photo/video apps and mirror mode on the iPhone 4 and iPad 2 or greater.

For Movies or videos:
YouTube and Vimeo videos look great on the big screen. The latest Apple TV has 1080p resolution so I'm able to watch HD movies in True HD. You'll also be able to watch Netflix (Netflix also comes pre-installed on the Apple TV) as well.

For Music:
You can also listen to your music library wirelessly through any connected audio system. Instead of listening to my music through a set of ear buds, I listen to my favorite songs through a professional 700 watt audio system connected to 9 stereo speakers.

For the web:
View websites and watch streaming videos from the web on your TV.

For Podcast:
Imagine being able to watch your favorite podcast such as Kelby Training and being able to see what the instructor is selecting in the drop down menus in "Adobe Photoshop" or "Lightroom" on the big screen instead of squinting on a 4" or 10" screen.

These are a few reasons I can think of to have Apple TV. Leave me a post if you can think of any additional reasons to have an Apple TV.

Posted from my iPad

Drobo Mini

I finaly received the Drobo Mini a few of months ago after pre-ordering it back in April, 2012. It was released six months later after two prior delays in October 2012.

The Drobo Mini has USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt output ports on the rear of the unit. It also has a locking power supply jack in back. This is to prevent accidental power disconnection during data transfer to or from the drives.