Real Kids Photography announced today that they are launching a new website and offering a free report via an E-book titled, The 6 Essential Tips Everyone Should Know When Photographing Children. The E-book is written by Real Kids, LLC owner and life-long child photographer, Betty A. Muscott.
"We recognize that many parents are not satisfied with the traditional posed studio portraits," said Ms. Muscott. "Instead, more and more parents want to learn about photographing their own children. With today's digital cameras parents can take hundreds of photos of their children and simply choose to keep and print the ones they want."
The free E-book can be obtained by visiting Real Kids Photography and clicking on the appropriate box.
John White, spokesman for Real Kids Photography, notes that "Within minutes parents will have all the information they need to educate themselves on how to improve their photography skills and get the natural expressions they want for quality photos of their children." Totally free, the only thing necessary to receive the E-book is to complete a simple form and press the "Send it Now!" button. Once the request has been confirmed download of the book is immediately available.
"This free E-book provides valuable lessons learned over the years" said Ms. Muscott, who has been taking children's photographs for many years. The oldest of five children growing up on a dairy farm in Michigan, Ms. Muscott earned money babysitting in order to purchase the first thing she ever really wanted in life - a camera. At that very moment, a young aspiring photographer was born. Ms. Muscott has taken thousands of children's photographs since then and has learned something new with each one. Her free E-book will assist parents in doing the same.
Twenty first century technology and digital photography have given Ms. Muscott new avenues to create, educate and share the art of photographing children. Both the free E-book and child photography blog available on the new website are just a couple of those new avenues. Also available is a bi-weekly email feature that will provide photography tips to help increase parent's ability to make better pictures of their children.
"This free E-book will assist people in making quality photographs of their children now, so they can enjoy them in the future," said Ms. Muscott. "Learning how to photograph children is an excellent way to preserve generations of fond memories and family history, and this makes for a great deal of joy."
The new website offers, in addition to the free E-book, information on ways for parents to share, protect and display photos of their kids. Also included is information about free photo contests, ways to use these precious photographs to create personalized gifts, and tips on finding the right digital camera equipment for parents to use in photographing their children.
Ms. Muscott also recommends an excellent digital photography course which can be previewed with a free demonstration of the digital interactive photography course. Mr. White notes that this new website "is a one-stop shopping venue on how to photograph children."
In business since 2005, Real Kids Photography is located in "The Cozy Forest" at 4234 Driftwood Drive, DeWitt, Michigan. To receive the free E-book and learn more about the services Real Kids Photography offers call toll-free 1-866-440-2461or visit their website at Real Kids Photography.
Website: http://www.realkidsphotography.com/
Monday, June 29, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Freelance Photographer - It's a Career Worth Pursuing by Roelof Kiers
Ever wondered if you've got what it takes to be a freelance photographer?
You've been told your photos are good, even great. You've likely earned some money shooting a handful of assignments, but you're not quite sure if you can make it as a freelance photographer. And you've likely got a lot of questions. Questions like: "where will the assignments come from", "how much should you charge", and "how much equipment do you really need?"
These are just a start. Once you jump in and become a freelance photographer, you quickly understand that there's a big difference between the creative side of the business - taking photos and the business side, where you actually have to go out and find the work.
Two of the biggest factors influencing your future success, will be how well you manage your new business and the skill you apply at marketing yourself.
Because once you decide to become a freelancer, you're in business. It's no longer a hobby. Every decision you make, from the field of photography you pursue, to how you position yourself in the market, to promotion becomes a business decision.
Seeking input from others in the business prior to making those critical decisions is important. You want to really understand what's involved before committing months, years and perhaps even your entire career to the path you choose.
First steps would include finding out what other photographers earn in your preferred niche. Fashion, advertising and corporate photography pay far more than photo journalism, family, stock or wedding photography. Fine art photography is a very tough area in which to make a lucrative living. So choose wisely. Photography stops being fun, when you're starving and the bills keep piling up.
The geographic area you choose to live and work will also influence how much work you are likely to find. As expected, the larger the metropolitan center, the more likely it is you'll attract the clients wanting to hire you.
Some fields of photography require frequent and extensive travel. If that's what you want, you'll want to know what's involved.
You'll also want to find out what clients expect of you as a freelance photographer. Each client will have different expectations and experience in dealing with photographers. This is something you'll learn and gain knowledge in as you pick up more and more assignments. Best to be flexible and be ready to negotiate.
Knowing what to charge for an assignment, preparing quotes, copyright, licensing and usage fees are just a few of the new areas you'll quickly need to become familiar with.
The type of equipment you'll need will depend on the photographic niche you've chosen. Again do the research necessary to make sure you've got at least the basic equipment. You can always rent what you don't have as assignments come in.
A marketing plan and budget is a necessity. Without one, you'll be going off in all directions, chasing prospects and likely spending hard earned money on promotional tactics that often don't work. There are multiple methods you can use to promote yourself, from websites, to directories, postcards, direct mail and personal presentations.
Assuming you're shooting decent quality photos, how well you market and sell yourself will often define your level of success. These are two skills you'll want to master, along with managing the financial side of the business.
Add it all up and the hurdles to earning a lucrative living as a freelance photographer can be formidable. Each can be overcome. But it does take preparation, research, some soul searching and a commitment to succeed.
Like any business, those that work hard, do their homework and are prepared to ask questions and learn from others will quickly move up the ladder of success, while their colleagues who think they can do it all on their own, will often stumble and struggle to survive. There's no sense in "reinventing the wheel", when it comes to becoming a freelance photographer.
Talk to other freelancers and find out what's working and not working for them. Also don't overlook all the other resources you can quickly access to help you not only in making the right decision but also growing your freelance photography business.
Click here to access your free e-Course on building your own profitable freelance photography business -> http://www.photobusinessblueprint.com/
Roelof Kiers has over 25 years of experience as a successful photographer and marketer.
For your FREE exclusive step-by-step blueprint explaining EXACTLY how to succeed as professional photographer - please visit http://www.photobusinessblueprint.com/
You've been told your photos are good, even great. You've likely earned some money shooting a handful of assignments, but you're not quite sure if you can make it as a freelance photographer. And you've likely got a lot of questions. Questions like: "where will the assignments come from", "how much should you charge", and "how much equipment do you really need?"
These are just a start. Once you jump in and become a freelance photographer, you quickly understand that there's a big difference between the creative side of the business - taking photos and the business side, where you actually have to go out and find the work.
Two of the biggest factors influencing your future success, will be how well you manage your new business and the skill you apply at marketing yourself.
Because once you decide to become a freelancer, you're in business. It's no longer a hobby. Every decision you make, from the field of photography you pursue, to how you position yourself in the market, to promotion becomes a business decision.
Seeking input from others in the business prior to making those critical decisions is important. You want to really understand what's involved before committing months, years and perhaps even your entire career to the path you choose.
First steps would include finding out what other photographers earn in your preferred niche. Fashion, advertising and corporate photography pay far more than photo journalism, family, stock or wedding photography. Fine art photography is a very tough area in which to make a lucrative living. So choose wisely. Photography stops being fun, when you're starving and the bills keep piling up.
The geographic area you choose to live and work will also influence how much work you are likely to find. As expected, the larger the metropolitan center, the more likely it is you'll attract the clients wanting to hire you.
Some fields of photography require frequent and extensive travel. If that's what you want, you'll want to know what's involved.
You'll also want to find out what clients expect of you as a freelance photographer. Each client will have different expectations and experience in dealing with photographers. This is something you'll learn and gain knowledge in as you pick up more and more assignments. Best to be flexible and be ready to negotiate.
Knowing what to charge for an assignment, preparing quotes, copyright, licensing and usage fees are just a few of the new areas you'll quickly need to become familiar with.
The type of equipment you'll need will depend on the photographic niche you've chosen. Again do the research necessary to make sure you've got at least the basic equipment. You can always rent what you don't have as assignments come in.
A marketing plan and budget is a necessity. Without one, you'll be going off in all directions, chasing prospects and likely spending hard earned money on promotional tactics that often don't work. There are multiple methods you can use to promote yourself, from websites, to directories, postcards, direct mail and personal presentations.
Assuming you're shooting decent quality photos, how well you market and sell yourself will often define your level of success. These are two skills you'll want to master, along with managing the financial side of the business.
Add it all up and the hurdles to earning a lucrative living as a freelance photographer can be formidable. Each can be overcome. But it does take preparation, research, some soul searching and a commitment to succeed.
Like any business, those that work hard, do their homework and are prepared to ask questions and learn from others will quickly move up the ladder of success, while their colleagues who think they can do it all on their own, will often stumble and struggle to survive. There's no sense in "reinventing the wheel", when it comes to becoming a freelance photographer.
Talk to other freelancers and find out what's working and not working for them. Also don't overlook all the other resources you can quickly access to help you not only in making the right decision but also growing your freelance photography business.
Click here to access your free e-Course on building your own profitable freelance photography business -> http://www.photobusinessblueprint.com/
Roelof Kiers has over 25 years of experience as a successful photographer and marketer.
For your FREE exclusive step-by-step blueprint explaining EXACTLY how to succeed as professional photographer - please visit http://www.photobusinessblueprint.com/
Monday, June 15, 2009
Children’s International Photography Contest Focuses Worldwide Lens On Biodiversity
Youngsters around the world are invited to enter the "See the Bigger Picture" photography contest by submitting images illustrating plants, animals or anything else that captures biodiversity to www.seethebiggerpicture.org. The winner will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to National Geographic headquarters in Washington, D.C., and will meet with renowned photojournalist Joel Sartore, a contest judge. Entries must be received by Sept. 8, 2009.
"See the Bigger Picture" is a joint project of Airbus, National Geographic and the Secretariat of the Convention of Biological Diversity in support of "The Green Wave" — an outreach program that promotes the goals of the United Nations biodiversity treaty and that will contribute to the celebration of the International Year of Biodiversity in 2010. As part of "The Green Wave" project, children and youth in schools worldwide plant a local tree species on May 22 each year, uniting to send a "green wave" across time zones from east to west.
The organizers hope the "See the Bigger Picture" contest will encourage children around the globe to snap and submit a photograph illustrating biodiversity in their community or from their travels and help to create the world's largest biodiversity outreach program.
"I am thrilled that Airbus is getting behind the biodiversity photo contest" said Sartore. "If we stand a chance of preserving the delicate balance of life and protecting the future of the fragile planet I've been photographing for 20 years, big business must be involved. It's great to involve kids, too, and to motivate them to take notice of the environment around them. I hope this will be a fun summer project for them"
Sartore, one of National Geographic's best wildlife photographers, suggests a few photo tips to get the perfect shot.
-Shoot early in the morning or late in the day for the best light. This is also when many kinds of animals are at their most active and interesting.
-Work all the angles; walk around your subject 360 degrees to find the best background, then also go from a bird's eye view (up high) to a worm's eye view (low to the ground) to get photos that are fresh and unexpected.
-Study your subjects, and have patience. While nature can be unpredictable, some animals have routines just like people. Spending a little time observing what your subjects do and when they do it can pay off with much better photos.
-You don't have to travel around the world to view and photograph wildlife. The variety of animals in your own back yard - from insects to birds to amphibians - may surprise you.
"See the Bigger Picture" contest rules can be found on www.seethebiggerpicture.org as well as in the July and August issues of National Geographic magazine and in the June/July and August issues of National Geographic Kids magazine. In the United States the contest is open to kids ages 6-14, and internationally to kids ages 6-16.
"See the Bigger Picture" is a joint project of Airbus, National Geographic and the Secretariat of the Convention of Biological Diversity in support of "The Green Wave" — an outreach program that promotes the goals of the United Nations biodiversity treaty and that will contribute to the celebration of the International Year of Biodiversity in 2010. As part of "The Green Wave" project, children and youth in schools worldwide plant a local tree species on May 22 each year, uniting to send a "green wave" across time zones from east to west.
The organizers hope the "See the Bigger Picture" contest will encourage children around the globe to snap and submit a photograph illustrating biodiversity in their community or from their travels and help to create the world's largest biodiversity outreach program.
"I am thrilled that Airbus is getting behind the biodiversity photo contest" said Sartore. "If we stand a chance of preserving the delicate balance of life and protecting the future of the fragile planet I've been photographing for 20 years, big business must be involved. It's great to involve kids, too, and to motivate them to take notice of the environment around them. I hope this will be a fun summer project for them"
Sartore, one of National Geographic's best wildlife photographers, suggests a few photo tips to get the perfect shot.
-Shoot early in the morning or late in the day for the best light. This is also when many kinds of animals are at their most active and interesting.
-Work all the angles; walk around your subject 360 degrees to find the best background, then also go from a bird's eye view (up high) to a worm's eye view (low to the ground) to get photos that are fresh and unexpected.
-Study your subjects, and have patience. While nature can be unpredictable, some animals have routines just like people. Spending a little time observing what your subjects do and when they do it can pay off with much better photos.
-You don't have to travel around the world to view and photograph wildlife. The variety of animals in your own back yard - from insects to birds to amphibians - may surprise you.
"See the Bigger Picture" contest rules can be found on www.seethebiggerpicture.org as well as in the July and August issues of National Geographic magazine and in the June/July and August issues of National Geographic Kids magazine. In the United States the contest is open to kids ages 6-14, and internationally to kids ages 6-16.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Wildlife Conservation Society Photographer To Share Photo Tips And Experiences In Free Bogen Imaging
Bogen Imaging, a leading distributor of top quality photographic support products and accessories in North America, announces a free webinar titled "A Budget Safari - Wildlife Photography at Your Local Zoo: Roundtable with Julie Larsen Maher." Part of the company's Bogen Café series of free instructional webinars, the seminar will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. EDT, on Friday, June 19th. Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Staff Photographer Julie Larsen Maher, and David Fisher, Bogen Imaging's Gitzo, Metz, Gossen and Litepanels Product Manager, will discuss the best practices, gear, and times to visit when shooting wildlife at a local zoo.
Maher was named Staff Photographer for the WCS in 2005 and has since traveled the world, using digital photography to capture the beauty and diversity of the animal residents and their caregivers at WCS wildlife parks. She works with leading scientists and animal experts to create breathtaking photographs that reveal the wonder and importance of wildlife conservation. During this Bogen Café webinar, Maher will share experiences from her recent trip to South America and will report on the ongoing conservation photography efforts of the WCS.
Topics for Discussion Include:
-- The best practices for shooting through fences, wires, and glass
partitions
-- Selecting the best gear for a day trip
-- The best times to visit when shooting at a local zoo
-- How to develop a unique perspective when capturing wildlife
Webinar participants will have access to a number of exclusive benefits, including one-on-one interaction with the guest speaker, and will be automatically entered in a chance to win one of three National Geographic Walkabout Medium Satchels, each valued at $195. Winners will be announced at the end of the webinar, so participants must attend the event in its entirety to be eligible to win. A free recorded version of the webinar will also be available to registered participants within 24 hours of the event. Winners must be US residents.
To register for the free Bogen Café webinar and for additional information, please visit http://www.bogenimaging.us/webinar/
Additional information about the Bogen Café as well upcoming webinars can be found at www.bogencafe.us.
Maher was named Staff Photographer for the WCS in 2005 and has since traveled the world, using digital photography to capture the beauty and diversity of the animal residents and their caregivers at WCS wildlife parks. She works with leading scientists and animal experts to create breathtaking photographs that reveal the wonder and importance of wildlife conservation. During this Bogen Café webinar, Maher will share experiences from her recent trip to South America and will report on the ongoing conservation photography efforts of the WCS.
Topics for Discussion Include:
-- The best practices for shooting through fences, wires, and glass
partitions
-- Selecting the best gear for a day trip
-- The best times to visit when shooting at a local zoo
-- How to develop a unique perspective when capturing wildlife
Webinar participants will have access to a number of exclusive benefits, including one-on-one interaction with the guest speaker, and will be automatically entered in a chance to win one of three National Geographic Walkabout Medium Satchels, each valued at $195. Winners will be announced at the end of the webinar, so participants must attend the event in its entirety to be eligible to win. A free recorded version of the webinar will also be available to registered participants within 24 hours of the event. Winners must be US residents.
To register for the free Bogen Café webinar and for additional information, please visit http://www.bogenimaging.us/webinar/
Additional information about the Bogen Café as well upcoming webinars can be found at www.bogencafe.us.
Friday, June 5, 2009
A New Photography Social Network Grows Both Domestically and Internationally
The photography network (www.picturesocial.com) is buzzing with activity from over 10,000 members adding photos, videos, blog posts, discussions and more every day. The site is now attracting over 100,000 visitors every month and has grown in membership by over 15% for the last two months.
PictureSocial is dedicated to creating a friendly gathering place for photographers of any experience level. It offers many more features than other photo sharing sites including profiles that are fully customizable, slideshows that can be embedded on other sites, video functionality, blogging platforms with tools, email, special interest groups, and more.
The amount of photos now uploaded to the site is staggering - more than a quarter of a million. The network now contains more than 2000 discussions, 1,000 blog posts, and 200 special interest groups.
"The feedback we have been receiving is very exciting," says Richard Schneider, a Community Administrator for the photography network. "Members have been thrilled to find such a vast engaging site where all the features are free of charge."
The membership pool is extremely diverse with photographers joining from around the globe. The range of talented members on the site provides a valuable resource to photographers at any experience level. Some members are just starting out with their new digital cameras while others are highly recognized professionals in various areas of photography.
The future looks bright for this rapidly expanding photography resource. To join and setup a personalized profile to showcase your work, visit www.picturesocial.com.
PictureSocial is dedicated to creating a friendly gathering place for photographers of any experience level. It offers many more features than other photo sharing sites including profiles that are fully customizable, slideshows that can be embedded on other sites, video functionality, blogging platforms with tools, email, special interest groups, and more.
The amount of photos now uploaded to the site is staggering - more than a quarter of a million. The network now contains more than 2000 discussions, 1,000 blog posts, and 200 special interest groups.
"The feedback we have been receiving is very exciting," says Richard Schneider, a Community Administrator for the photography network. "Members have been thrilled to find such a vast engaging site where all the features are free of charge."
The membership pool is extremely diverse with photographers joining from around the globe. The range of talented members on the site provides a valuable resource to photographers at any experience level. Some members are just starting out with their new digital cameras while others are highly recognized professionals in various areas of photography.
The future looks bright for this rapidly expanding photography resource. To join and setup a personalized profile to showcase your work, visit www.picturesocial.com.
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