Don't Miss This FREE 3-Day Online Photography Summit!

Are you a photographer that is just getting started in the wedding photography business? Maybe you are a professional and have been photographing weddings for years but are always looking for ways to continue to grow your skills and learn new tricks and techniques. Wherever you may be in your photography career, this live 3-day online wedding photography summit will have something for you. And the best part is.... it is totally FREE! This is surely an event you do not want to miss out on! 

During this three-day event on April 19-21, you will learn from wedding professionals like Susan Stripling, Cliff Mautner, Scott Robert Lim and many others as they teach a classes about your business, perfecting your craft, and your purpose.

The summit will include 6 classes per day (for 18 awesome classes total!) that you can tune in to throughout those 3 days. You will learn great business tips on ways to streamline your business, create contracts and how to use SEO to help market your business as well as posing techniques, how to work with light, and so much more! You will even get advice on how to stay inspired in such a busy and competitive market. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS FREE 3-DAY EVENT!

Below is the exact schedule shown in Eastern Standard Time. Visit here to check it out in other time zones.  

 

Please keep in mind that although this will be a totally free event, registration is required to be able to view these classes. Don't scramble on the 19th - register today.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS FREE 3-DAY EVENT!

Our friends over at SnapKnot are proud to sponsor this event along with several other leaders in the photography industry including Animoto, 17hats, Fundy Designer and Good Gallery.

 

Photo Of The Week

This week's photo of the week is called 'Road To Nowhere' that was taken by British photographer Paul Carver. 

Here is a little of what Carver said about his photo: 

"This black and white shot was taken of the railway leading up to Birkenau concentration camp in Poland. I visited Auschwitz recently and the experience will stay with me for a life time. One thing that I value in photography is real life raw photos; photos that capture the good and bad side of humanity."

This infamous railway leading to the gatehouse of the Birkenau concentration camp is one of the most famous railway lines for the wrong reason. For over a million people this was their last destination; a place of no hope. I have chosen this image because it has a story and comes with emotion. The image itself has had little editing - only the clarity and contrast has been altered to give the desired look."

Carver likes for all of his photos to tell a story and engage the viewer in some way. He has a passion for black and white photography and believe these two tones are perfect for creating a dramatic photo. To see more of Paul Carver's work, visit his website at www.pcarverphotography.com. You can also follow him on Facebook and Instagram. 

We Want To Feature Your Work! 

Do you have some really amazing photos you have taken recently or some of your past work that you simply love? We want to see! Each Tuesday, we will be featuring a "photo of the week" right here on the Camera Giveaways blog. We are looking for anything from amazing landscape photos, a gorgeous wedding or engagement shot, sports or animal photography, an awesome fashion photo...whatever you want to share, we would love to see!

Email your photos to kari@snapknot.com with the subject "CG Blog Photo Submission" for consideration. In your email be sure to include a description of your photo, your name and company name as well as website and social media links. Please... no watermarks! If this information is not included, your photo will not be included.

Paris History Brought To Life In These Photos By Julien Knez

Photographer Julien Knez was contacted last year, by the editors of Parigramme to work on a special project - to photograph a series that makes readers remember just how much history is stored in the streets of Paris.

After seeing his photographs of Paris' liberation after World War II with what war sites looked like in the present, they commissioned him to do a series on Parisian history, from 1871 to the famous student protests of May 1968.

Here are some photographs from Knez's book, "Paris: Fenêtres sur l'Histoire" that we found on Mashable and had to share with you today! Enjoy!

Eiffel Tower, 1900

Eiffel Tower, 1900

Jardin du Luxembourg, 1895

Jardin du Luxembourg, 1895

Quai de Conti, 1900

Quai de Conti, 1900

First, Knez was given access to the Parigramme photo archives. He then selected photographs that he wanted to use for the project and then scouted the exact locations in Paris where they were originally taken.

Knez said to Mashable for the original article, "When historical photographs are inserted into contemporary settings, we open astonishing windows to the past."

Boulevard de Clichy, 1900

Boulevard de Clichy, 1900

Place de l’Opéra, 1900

Place de l’Opéra, 1900

Avenue de Friedland, 1909

Avenue de Friedland, 1909

Métro Odéon, 1910

Métro Odéon, 1910

Boulevard Saint-Denis, 1910

Boulevard Saint-Denis, 1910

Quai Saint-Michel, 1914

Quai Saint-Michel, 1914

Place de l’Opéra, 1940

Place de l’Opéra, 1940

Hotel-de-Ville, 1944

Hotel-de-Ville, 1944

Avenue Mozart, 1944

Avenue Mozart, 1944

Notre Dame, 1944

Notre Dame, 1944

We hope you enjoy these amazing photos that show such history and beauty of Paris. If you loved these, be sure to check out some other great photos including: 

Do you want to add some blur to the background of your photos or perhaps you want to create depth? These Creative Blur Overlays are for you! This product provides 60 overlays will allow you to add various colors and shapes of blurring to your photos for only $124.99. The creative possibilities are endless! 

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE CREATIVE BLUR OVERLAYS NOW!

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8 Tips To Take Awesome Indoor Sports Photography

Are you a sports photographer that shoots many indoor games such as basketball, hockey or volleyball? Many indoor sports are very fast paced and you are typically working with the funky lighting that comes with playing in an arena or gymnasium. Today, we want to share with you a few things to consider if you are an indoor sports photographer. 

1. Make Sure You Have The Right Equipment

When it comes to which camera is best, it really depends on the photographer. As long as you are shooting with a reliable DSLR but you want to make sure you have good lenses. More importantly, you want to have a lens with a long zoom with a large aperture. 

And just like any other type of photography, you want to make sure you have all the necessities including extra batteries, a backup memory card just in case, and you may even want to have a back up camera body if that is something you have. It is also important to have a handy gear bag that is easy to carry. 

2. Arrive Early And Scope Out The Scene

There are many good reasons to get to the game early. First, you want to have time to scope out the venue, especially if you have never shot there before. It is good to help you understand where the best places to stand would be and who knows, you may even find a unique angle that you never had before. 

Arriving early before game time could also beneficial because you can get some great pre-game photos of each team warming up together, having pre-game meetings or rituals. These types of photos are what help tell the entire story of the game from start to finish and it is a great time to capture photos of individual players. 

Photo credit: USA Today

Photo credit: USA Today

3. Understand The Sport

You must know the game you are photographing. If you are shooting a basketball game, knowing when they are playing a zone defense or man-to-man is helpful so you know what you should be looking for. If you are familiar with the players it will be helpful to better realize when they are getting ready to pass to their top dunker. Is it better to stand on the home side or the visitor side. Remember that you are there to photograph the big picture - you are there to tell the story of the game from start to finish. 

4. Be Aware And Cautious

It is always dangerous to be standing on the sidelines of a very fast-paced sporting event. Players run, jump and fall out of bounds all throughout the game and if you are not aware or your attention is elsewhere, you could get injured. Stay focused on the game and what is going on around you at all times. 

5. Focus On Specifics

Many sports are action sports and you want to capture as many of those action shots as you can but some of the best sports photos are ones that focus on the little details. The sparkle in the players' eyes when he or she scores, or the numbers on the jersey of the player who finally got his chance in the game. Maybe you could even focus a shot on the ball or puck or the intense face that the coach has as he is in a huddle with his players. 

Another great thing to remember is that a sporting event is not all about the game. You also want to capture the excitement of the fans, the mom and dad that are embracing when their son or daughter scored the winning shot or even the mascot as they excite the crowd. 

6. Use Your DSLR Back Button Focus Feature

Most DSLRs have an option that allows you to assign auto focus functions to a button that is located on the back of the camera. When a player passes between you and the player you have been trying to focus on, typically your focus will be shifted to the new player in the frame. With back-button focus, all you have to do is remove your finger from the button when another player enters the frame. Pressing the back button again when the distracting player leaves the frame resumes your original focus quickly and easily.

Photo credit: Toronto Sun

Photo credit: Toronto Sun

7. Shutter Speed

It is best to start with a shutter speed of 1/500 and then adjust your settings accordingly until you get the look you want in your photos. Once you get it where you want, it will most likely be pretty consistent over the course of the entire game, since the lighting typically stays the same - unless the venue has windows that can bring in natural sunlight. 

If you are using flash, determine the maximum shutter speed your flash will allow which is typically 1/250 (but be sure that you check your manual for "flash sync speed" just to be sure). Start with that and then adjust your aperture and ISO accordingly.  

8. Try Out Different Angles

Be sure you get photos from different angles if you are able to. Try capturing some shots of players from down lower and also move higher to get ariel shots if you can. If you know the game, you will know when it is best to be where. Different angles will make for some great and unique shots... it is always best when you are able to mix it up at bit. 

Do you need a great t-shirt to wear while you are out shooting during a sporting event? Photographer Candy offers so many great options just like this "Photography is Life" t-shirt. There are various colors and sizes available. Get yours today for only $24.00 and if you order soon you get free shipping (U.S. only)! 

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY IS LIFE T-SHIRT NOW!

 

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3 Tips To Pricing Your Wedding Photography Packages To Sell

Are you a wedding photographer that is trying hard to compete with the hundreds of photographers that are located in the same city as you? In today's world, where it is very easy to purchase a camera and begin a photography business, you want to make sure you stand out from the crowd.

Pricing your wedding photography packages is one of the most important things for your business because it is how you make your money but it also is one of the toughest things to set up. In the awesome BP4U Guide titled "The Business of Wedding Photography," photographer Brooke Bustillos discusses how to best price your photography packages and market them properly to engaged couples. The guide is so comprehensive; she also talks about and provides awesome tips on how she has created a successful business where she has photographed over 76 weddings in a year! 

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE "THE BUSINESS OF WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY" NOW!

SAVE $100 NOW WITH CODE WEDBIZ100

Today, we want to share with you 3 tips that Brooke has included in this guide to help you price your wedding photography packages to sell. Enjoy!

Photo credit: Brooke Bustillos

Photo credit: Brooke Bustillos

1. Get A Feel For What Other Photographers Charge In Your Area

The average client will spend roughly $2,000 for their wedding photography in Indianapolis but if you are in Chicago, the average client will spend about $3,000. This shows that it totally depends on what market you are located in for the price you should charge. You have to get a good feel for what people will pay in your area because you do not want to price yourself too low or too high. 

2. Learn To Say No

Think about this: you are meeting with a client which you have already booked to discuss the specifics of their engagement photos. While with them, they say to you, "One of your competitors is willing to throw in an extra album for the same price as your first package." You must realize now that this client is most likely going to be a problem. You may not have thought so when you first booked them, but because they are STILL discussing the pricing after they have already agreed and booked with you, they will be the ones that will nit-pick everything during the wedding and even after the images have been delivered. Just tell them NO. Give them your prices and be done with it. Just remember, that is the price you have decided will help you to make the money you need to run your business successfully. 

Keep in mind that there may be times when you will want to work around a client and their budget. If someone comes to you right off the bat and tells you exactly what their maximum budget is and that they have no room to extend it, and you feel like these people will be a great client, go for it. They have been upfront from the get-go, have not decided to book yet because they want to see if you would even agree to work with their budget. They understand and those are the clients you want. This is your business and you want to use your judgement for these types of price changes.  

Photo credit: Brooke Bustillos

Photo credit: Brooke Bustillos

3. Keep Your Packages Short and Sweet

Try not to have too many different packages. Brooke says in this guide that she tries to have no more than 3 at a time because more than that tends to confuse people. When you have your packages listed out, be short and sweet and tell them exactly what they will get for the price of that specific package. Your goal is to get them to go for the middle package. Do not include everything in the first package and make your most expensive package include everything you offer. That way, your client will want to go for the middle package that you have priced perfectly that will most benefit you and your business as well as your clients. 

Pricing is very important to your business, but you also need to consider how you market to your prospects and actually book the client. You also need to think about how you market yourself online. What does your web presence look like and do you make yourself likable? Are you on social media and do you have a quality website that shows off your work but also gives a prospect the information they are looking for when doing their research? You should also list your business on other websites, such as SnapKnot, to make sure you are reaching as many potential customers as you possibly can. 

 

If you liked these 3 tips, there are SO MANY more offered in this 76-page guide, "The Business of Wedding Photography." If you purchase now, you can get it for only $49.99 (normally $149.99)!! What a great value for such valuable business tips. 

 

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE "THE BUSINESS OF WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY" NOW!

SAVE $100 NOW WITH CODE WEDBIZ100

 

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Photo Of The Week

This week's photo of the week is a gorgeous shot of Fort Williams right on the Atlantic Ocean in Portland, Maine that was taken by David Allan. 

To see more photos of David, visit him on Facebook. 

We Want To Feature Your Work! 

Do you have some really amazing photos you have taken recently or some of your past work that you simply love? We want to see! Each Tuesday, we will be featuring a "photo of the week" right here on the Camera Giveaways blog. We are looking for anything from amazing landscape photos, a gorgeous wedding or engagement shot, sports or animal photography, an awesome fashion photo...whatever you want to share, we would love to see!

Email your photos to kari@snapknot.com with the subject "CG Blog Photo Submission" for consideration. In your email be sure to include a description of your photo, your name and company name as well as website and social media links. Please... no watermarks! If this information is not included, your photo will not be included.

Google's Nik Collection Of Photo Editing Software is Now Free

Google just announced that they are making their Nik Collection of desktop photo editing software, that used to sell for $150, totally free! That's right... this software is now 100% free!

The Nik Collection has 7 desktop plug-ins that provide a wide range of features including mimicking the look of old cameras and films, retouching and correcting photos, darkroom retouching, adjusting color and tonality, HDR, image sharpening and noise reduction. The collection is for both Windows and Mac.

Back in September 2012 was when Google first acquired Nik Software and its Snapseed photo editing app. Then, in March 2013, after they killed off Snapseed for Desktop, they began selling the entire Nik suite for $150 - which was originally valued around $500. It is pretty awesome that you can now get a program that was once valued at $500 for FREE! 

GET THE NIK COLLECTION HERE FOR FREE! 

Here is a quick video introduction to the Nik Complete Collection of software. Hear about the software features include noise reduction, optimizing color and contrast, stylizing images as well as sharpening an image for output. Check it out today to see if this free program is something that you would be interested in using or trying out. 

According to this article on PetaPixel, the entire collection was free to download on March 24, 2016 and if you spent money buying the collection before that date anytime this year, you will get a full refund of your purchase price which will be automatically issued very soon. 

 

 

We just love this "Photography is Life" coffee mug from Photographer Candy! If you are a photographer, or you know someone who is, this would be the perfect gift! Get yours today for only $19! 

 

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2 Basic Tips For Studio Photography

Are you a new photographer and wondering if you want to have your own studio? Perhaps you have been a photographer for years but have never expanded to a studio and finally are ready to do that. Having a studio is a great place to help you stay organized with your business and it is great to use for portrait sessions that want to be indoors as well as to use as a backup space if the weather is not working out for an outdoor session. 

"Learning the Basics of Studio Photography" is an excellent guide that covers everything you need to know about having a studio from how to take the best photographs indoors, studio flash lighting, posing instructions and so much more! With tips from Keyla Jones of Grace Michael Photography, this guide is a great tool with tons of awesome tips and advice. 

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE
LEARNING THE BASICS OF STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY NOW!

SAVE $100 NOW WITH CODE 100BASICS 

Today, we wanted to share with you 2 of those basic tips that come directly out of this guide that will help you with your studio photography. We hope you enjoy. 

1. Find A Space That Makes You Feel Comfortable

When it comes to finding a studio, you need to find one that makes you feel comfortable and gives you the space you need. Think about having a place that has enough room to take photos, but you also should have space for a desk and some chairs where you can bring in clients and discuss their needs with them. A location that your client can fix their hair and makeup with a nice full-length mirror is also a great extra to have. 

You should also think about the type of natural light the studio brings in. If you are a natural light shooter, that extra light can be a huge plus. It is also a great idea to decorate the studio with your personality as well as your work samples so clients can see what it is you do.

Photo credit: Grace Michael Photography

Photo credit: Grace Michael Photography

2. What Backdrop Should You Use In A Studio?

Keyla with Grace Michael Photography prefers to use white walls over white backdrops because she gets better shadows on the walls. She will rarely shoot on a black backdrop but when she does, she tries to angle the subject so there is some dimension to the image. And when a photo is shot on a black background correctly, it can turn out stunning, especially when natural light is used. 

Photo credit: Grace Michael Photography

Photo credit: Grace Michael Photography

 

There are SO many more awesome tips that this guide will help you out with if you are a beginner photographer or looking to invest in your own studio. If you are interested in reading more of, "Learning The Basics Of Studio Photography," you can purchase this guide today for only $49.99!

PURCHASE LEARNING THE BASICS OF STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY NOW!

 

 

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE
LEARNING THE BASICS OF STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY NOW!

SAVE $100 NOW WITH CODE 100BASICS 

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10 Gorgeous Portraits By Irina Dzhul

Kiev-based photographer Irina Dzhul takes portraits that are pretty much perfect. They’re beautifully composed and range in subject from the surreal and Photoshopped to the standard outdoor headshot. More importantly, each tells a story, which is so amazing and makes each photo that much more intriguing to look at.

We wanted to share a few of her photos with you today because her photography truly will speak for itself. To see more of her work we’ve shown you below, be sure to follow Irina on 500px and Facebook page. 

We originally found these photos on 500px ISO. Be sure to also check out these 8 inspiring landscape photos and this fine animal portraiture by Tim Flach. 

Do you shoot portrait photography or other photos outdoors and sometimes find yourself shooting on an overcast day? Pretty Sky Overlays can help! With 110 overlays that help you fix a blown out sky or edit in a specific mood, it will be perfect for you! For $124.99, these overlays are a great item to have! 

PURCHASE PRETTY SKY OVERLAYS NOW! 

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Photo Of The Week

Today we want to showcase this amazing landscape photo by Justin with Justin Katz Photography of Mount Lassen, CA.  

Justin Katz is an award-winning professional photographer living in San Francisco. His collection of fine-art landscape photography focuses on only the most astonishing and breathtaking scenes that he has been fortunate enough to experience. 

To see more from Justin Katz Photography visit him at www.jkatzphoto.com. You can also follow him on Facebook and on Instagram. 
 

We Want To Feature Your Work! 

Do you have some really amazing photos you have taken recently or some of your past work that you simply love? We want to see! Each Tuesday, we will be featuring a "photo of the week" right here on the Camera Giveaways blog. We are looking for anything from amazing landscape photos, a gorgeous wedding or engagement shot, sports or animal photography, an awesome fashion photo...whatever you want to share, we would love to see!

Email your photos to kari@snapknot.com with the subject "CG Blog Photo Submission" for consideration. In your email be sure to include a description of your photo, your name and company name as well as website and social media links. Please... no watermarks! If this information is not included, your photo will not be included.