Is that a picture of your mother? No. I don’t know who it is, but doesn’t she look nice?

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER VS. STOCK IMAGES

Imagine this… 

You buy a nice picture frame to use for a family portrait.  The frame is sold with a nice photo of a family already in it.  For convenience sake, you proudly display this generic photo in a prominent place in your home.  After all, you still haven’t taken the family portrait,  it’s going to take time to coordinate everyone’s schedule, and it’s going to cost more than the photo in the frame. Why not just use this one?! 

Someone comes to visit and remarks, “What a neat portrait of your family!”  You reply, “Well …  that’s not really my family.”

The photo in the frame - though nice - doesn’t reflect you!  If doesn’t show the uniqueness of your family.  It doesn’t reveal anything about you.  In fact, it tells a story that isn’t really true.  Sure, it shows generic “people”, but someone wanting to know more about you and your family, would gain none of that from that stock image.  In fact, they may actually start to wonder a little bit about you and what you might be hiding.  

© Image by Dana Attebery Photography

When marketing your company, stock images … though they are nice and cost effective … they are generic.  Others use the same ones.  They don’t show “your” uniqueness.  Viewers can often tell they are not the real deal.  

There is something powerful when a client comes in and recognizes a person they saw in your marketing brochure.  It’s a bit like getting to see someone famous.  Or, when an employee gets to be highlighted with their photo in the annual report sent to donors, it can build their sense of pride and buy-in to the company.  Or when customers get to see ahead of time what your location “really” looks like from the website, and aren’t disappointed and wondering “What happened?!” when they see it in person.  

© Image by Dana Attebery Photography

I can appreciate that hiring a professional photographer brings up issues such as time pressures, budgets, scheduling, and who to photograph. And truth is, there may be times when using a premade stock image needs to be your solution, at least temporarily.  

However, there is something to be said about applying and displaying the personal touch of your organization that can only be done by working with a professional photographer.  Yes, it takes some time and planning, but the benefits of using an image that truly reflects who you are can speak volumes in visual capital to your audience. 

© Image by Dana Attebery Photography

When you hire Dana Attebery Photography, you will gain fresh, high quality, interesting photos that will:

• Genuinely represent your brand 

• Be specific and unique to your environment

• Highlight the REAL people that work and care for your clientele

• Give your clients an advance taste of the ambiance and feel they will gain by coming to you

• Reflect what you and your company do with excellence.  

• And … as you grow your facilities, services, and products, you can continually reflect your competence with up-to-date photos taken periodically by a photographer who understands your brand.

© Image by Dana Attebery Photography

Want to attract new clients and show off your organization in a bold new way?  Call or email me to set up a meeting to talk over the possibilities.   I can come to your location to save you (and your staff) time …  

Dana Attebery Photography - serving you through portraits, headshots, product photography, commercial and editorial photography, 360-virtual tours, fine art images, and 1-on-1 lessons.

info@danaphotography.com     626-374-3638         danaphotography.com

I’M SORRY, BUT WHAT DOES WATER HAVE TO DO WITH MY PORTRAIT?

In planning for a portrait, I have had clients ask me how best to prepare.  One of the first things I tell them is to drink water.  There are other preparations I share with them like clothing, hair, etc., but simply drinking a good amount of water the day before the photoshoot will help hydrate your skin and bring health to your face.  

Alcohol and caffeine (coffee, sodas) will dehydrate and can cause a prune-like look to your skin.  Not good when you want to put your ‘best face forward.’  

So, just for a few days, stop the alcohol and coffee and just drink water in preparation for your portrait.  You will see a difference!

Would you like an updated headshot or family/office portrait you feel good about?  Call or email me to set up a portrait session!   I can come to your location to save you (and your staff) time …  

Dana Attebery Photography - serving you through portraits, headshots, product photography, commercial and editorial photography, 360-virtual tours, fine art images, and 1-on-1 lessons.

info@danaphotography.com 626-374-3638 danaphotography.com

Ugh! I don’t like getting my portrait taken!

It’s something I hear quite often when I start a headshot photo session: “I never take a good portrait” or “I don’t like the way I look in pictures.” 

I get it.  I, too, start to nitpick how I look in a photo. But as someone close shared with me, we tend to be more critical of ourselves, and others are likely not going to even notice that which we are fretting over. 

From my experience, I’ve noticed that the attitude you come into the photo shoot session with can impact the final photo.  I’ve seen people come in - of all shapes and sizes - who are excited, ready to dive in, and have fun in the process.  I’ve also had people come in who are nervous, don’t want to be there, and are dreading the photography experience.  

#1)  From my experience, if you are joyful, relaxed, comfortable with yourself … it shows up positively on film.

#2)  But … what do you do if you aren’t so happy to be having your photo taken, or you wonder how to stand or what to do with your hands (put them in your pocket, behind you, in front of you???), or you feel awkward and uncomfortable … and you are sure the photo will not turn out well!  Now what?!

If you are scenario #1, keep enjoying the process and keep bringing your enthusiasm, confidence, and positivity to your photo shoots.

If you are scenario #2, let me share some hope and insight that I use when I take photos.  First of all, thanks for showing up for the picture!  Second, please know that part of my job is to help you be able to relax and feel more comfortable with the process.  So, feel free to come as you are (nervous, not wanting to be there), and let’s take it from there.  We’ll chat a bit and talk over some ideas.  I’ll provide some coaching to help you know how to stand or sit or what to do with those arms/hands/head.  And you know what?  We don’t have to get it right on the first shot.  That’s the beauty of digital photography. No harm in giving something a try … no harm in taking extra photos.  

True Story:  I’ll never forget a headshot photo session I was doing for a company.  One of their staff expressed how they didn’t like any of the photos taken of themselves in the past.  My goal was to make sure this person enjoyed the process and to provide different portrait options. Well, the photo shoot came and went and I turned over the photos to the company for their internal distribution.  I wondered about this particular staff person and a while later asked the company about how that person had felt about the result of their photo shoot.  Come to find out … this person LOVED their photos so much that they ended asking the company representative to have more images from the portrait!

How about you?  Would you like an updated headshot or family/office portrait you feel good about?  Call or email me to set up a portrait session!   I can come to your location to save you (and your staff) time … and gently coach you into your next great headshot or portrait.

Dana Attebery Photography - serving you through portraits, headshots, product photography, commercial and editorial photography, 360-virtual tours, fine art images, and 1-on-1 lessons.

info@danaphotography.com     626-374-3638         danaphotography.com

Tea in the Sahara … What story do you think is behind this image?

Curious? Read below to find out.

Image © Dana Attebery

Have you ever wondered what the story is behind a song, a painting, or a photograph?  When it comes to photography, an image always tells a story.  Some of those stories are deeper than others, but all images have a story to tell.

The image above is of my mother whom I recently photographed in the Arizona desert near where she lives.  The photo is based on the song that Sting wrote and performed with his band, The Police, called, “Tea in the Sahara.”  The song is about three sisters who wait for a prince to join them for tea in the Sahara desert.  However ... the prince never arrives. 

This song has resonated with me as I have observed my mother since the passing of her husband over 25 years ago.  I’ve been wanting to do this image for many years to reflect my mother’s continuing desire to be reunited with her ‘prince’ (hence, the empty chair).  

After sharing my idea with her about 10 years ago, she promptly said ‘NO.’  Just recently, though, I asked again and was pleasantly surprised when she said, “Yes, and what do you want me to wear?”   

Sometimes the stories we see in images are not always cheerful and uplifting.  Some tell a story of loss and hope.  But they all tell a story of some kind or another.

There will be times when a simple headshot or portrait is what you want.  But when you want to tell a deeper story ... before you ever pick up your camera ... it will serve you well to patiently observe, listen and get to know more about the person you want to photograph.  Photography is, after all, more than just pressing a button.  

Would you like a portrait that tells your story … or is there someone whose story you’d like to capture?  I’m available to photograph or teach YOU how to photograph.  Email or call me today for a portrait session or a specialized teaching session. 

Dana Attebery Photography - serving you through portraits, 1-on-1 lessons, headshots, product photography, commercial and editorial photography, 360-virtual tours, and fine art images.

info@danaphotography.com    626-374-3638    www.danaphotography.com

Umm … excuse me… there’s a pole coming out of your head!

 Sunlight or Shade (Part 3): You’re taking an outdoor portrait and you found the best shade (see last week’s article). But … whoa! … what’s going on in your background?

Not the best location for your subject!

I didn’t know humans had antlers.  Taking a portrait outdoors is more than just about the person you are photographing.  It is also about the environment they are in.  Having a background that is distracting (light pole sticking out of their head, or a tree branch looking like an antler) will take the viewer’s eye away from your subject and onto the background.  You don’t want that!  The background behind your subject should bring focus to your subject, not take it away.

Your background is just as important as your subject, and should bring the focus in on your subject. - Image © Dana Attebery

Check the background.  So, once you have found the right shade for your portrait by using the palm of your hand (see my previous blog post “Portrait Lighting - Part 2), look past your palm to see what the background is like.  Remember, your background should bring emphasis to your subject.  This can be done either by:

a) using the background as a frame to draw the viewer’s eye inward toward the person or 

b) ensuring the background is not distracting, such as what happens when you intentionally make the background go out of focus. 

Move just a little bit.  If you find good shaded light by using your palm and see that the background is distracting, simply move your subject to the right or left within that shaded area, or do a very slight turn to the left or right to get a different, but less distracting background.  

In this image I moved the subject to the left to prevent the tree in the background from coming out of her head. By doing that, I was able to use the two trees to frame my subject and bring the focus and attention in on her. - Image © Dana Attebery

I’m taking questions for future blog content.  Email your questions about your camera or how to take better photos to  info@danaphotography.com.  I look forward to answering some viewer questions in upcoming blogs.  

Want to know more now and take better pictures this summer?  I provide 1-hour, customized 1-on-1 or small group training sessions.  I will customize the training to your photo and camera questions and help you become more creative and confident in taking your own pictures!  Invest in an hour… and enjoy the ongoing results!  Call or email for details and pricing.  

Dana Attebery Photography - serving you through portraits, headshots, product photography, commercial and editorial photography, 360-virtual tours, fine art images, and 1-on-1 lessons.

info@danaphotography.com     626-374-3638         danaphotography.com

Isn’t Shade … Shade? Find Out What The Hand Says!

Sunlight or Shade - Part 2  –  You’re taking an outdoor portrait and want your subject in the shade.  But how do you find the best shade? 

Rotating in the same spot in a shaded area shows that not all shade is the same! Which one do you think has the best lighting?

I shared in my previous post (Sunlight or Shade - What do YOU think? Part 1) that shade creates an even, soft light source with minimal shadows.  So, should you just find any shady spot and stick your subject there?  

Mmmm … no.  

Truth is, not all shade is the same!

·  Shade is created when some form of shelter (tree or building) blocks direct sunlight.

·  Shaded areas are not absent of light.  They are absent of direct sunlight.

·  Shade is lit by sunlight that bounces off other surfaces (walls, sidewalk, sky) resulting in a softer form of light.

·  Some parts of the shade may get more bounced light than others, creating different qualities of light … some which will enhance your photo more than others.

So then, how do you find good shade for portraits?  Glad you asked!

Simply … look at your hand.  (Say what?!)

Here’s what to do:

Step 1:  Find the shady area where you want to photograph your subject -- under a tree, in an archway, in the shade of a building.  (For the most consistency in your image, find a location where your subject can be fully shaded with no sunlight directly hitting them.)

Step 2:  When in the shade, extend your arm straight out in front of you and turn the palm of your hand so it is facing you. 

Step 3:  Observe the light on your palm.

Step 4:  Remaining on the same spot (while still looking at your palm), slowly rotate and notice how the intensity of light changes on your palm.  You will see your palm get brighter and less shadowy in some directions and darker and more shadowy in others. It may be subtle, but you will notice a difference. (Observing how the light looks on your palm is a great way to gauge how the light will look on someone’s face.)

Step 5:  Stop when you notice your palm is the brightest.  Place your subject in that exact location.  

Step 6:  Have your subject face the same direction your palm (not the back of your hand) was facing.  So, if your palm was facing north when you noticed that it was the brightest, have your subject face north.)

Step 7:  Congratulations!  You’ve found good shade for your portrait!

Step 8:  If you move to another part of the shady area or another location ... rinse and repeat.

Now … just because you found good shade doesn’t mean you have found the best place to take the portrait.  As the commercials of old would say, “But wait, there’s more!”

Stay tuned.  More on this subject coming up.   

Want to learn more about how to take great photos?  I offer individual and group lessons.  Call or email me today. 

Dana Attebery Photography – Serving you through teaching, portraits, headshots, product photography, commercial and editorial photography, 360-virtual tours, and fine art images.

info@danaphotography.com 626-374-3638 danaphotography.com

How important is an image for your business?

I just read an article from MDG Advertising today about how important a quality image is to your business, article, blog, social media, and more. They said, “People are wired to value images.” Here are a few more stats they found:

• Adding a picture can improve recall to 65%

• 2/3 of people say they’re visual learners

• 68% of marketers say they plan to use images more in the future

• 67% of consumers say that the quality of a product image is “very important” in selecting and purchasing the product

These are just a few stats that show how using a “quality” image to represent your product or services can increase your visibility in the market place.

My goal as a professional photographer is to create images that attracts new clients to you. Quality is an investment that does pay dividends.

https://www.mdgadvertising.com/marketing-insights/infographics/its-all-about-the-images-infographic/

#visual #visualmarketing #images #quality #qualityimages #marketing

Celebrate!

Azusa Pacific University sends off their grads in great style.  Time to celebrate!  I captured this image for APU's marketing by timing it just right for the explosion of streamers and fireworks.  

Candle Light

Azusa Pacific University does a great job celebrating graduation by gathering them the night before graduation to remind them to be a light to the world.  I captured this for APU's marketing with only the candle light as my light source.

Graduation!

Had a wonderful time with Maroun this month photographing his senior portrait.  I like that he was game to step out of the box and go after a 'high-style' for his portrait.  Oh, and a great shout out to his sister, Mary, for wanting to be my assistant for his shoot.  Mary, you did great!  Congratulations, Maroun!  

Drummer boy

Just recently, I had the pleasure of photographing Luke for his senior portrait.  After the formal portraits, we went to another location to capture him and his drum kit.  It's been wonderful seeing Luke grow up and seeing his drum skills progress to great heights. 

Alora's Day

I had the pleasure this past week to photograph Alora for her senior portrait.  I must say she had fun at the variety of locations we shot at.

A New Addition

Had the pleasure to photograph a new addition for the City of Glendora.  The Avalon Glendora from Avalon Communities constructed new, upscale housing in Glendora.  

So, What Kind of Camera Should I Get?

Well, that depends on a few factors.  What do you want to photograph, how much photo gear do you want to carry around, what size and weight do you want it to be, what skill level are you with cameras, and most importantly, how much do you want to spend?  I know many people like using their smartphones to take pictures, but the digital age has opened more people up to the idea of getting a better camera that can do more things.  

So, let's look at each factor:

1) What do you want to photograph?  Some people want to photograph landscapes, sports, people, macro of flowers, or just everything.  Each of those areas require something different in order to obtain the image you are looking for.  For landscapes, you will need a camera with a good wide angle lens to capture a wide vista.  For sports, you will need a camera with a large enough zoom lens to reach across the field to capture your child on the soccer field.  And, don't forget that it will need image stabilization on the lens (you will thank me latter for that).  For photographing flowers and small objects, you will need a camera with a very good macro lens to get in really tight and sharp (and don't forget a tripod).  For people, a moderate zoom lens, or 50mm lens is what is needed to bring about great portraits.  But, if you like to do all the above, then you will need to get a camera that has the same attributes noted above.  Some cameras can do that.  DSLR's are great because you can change the lenses for whatever you need to do.  But know that you will be buying a variety of lenses, and carry around all those lenses with you.  There point and shoot cameras that can do a lot of things, but not usually at the quality that a DSLR can.  In between the those two segments are "bridge" cameras that fill the space between DSLR's and point and shoots.  The nice thing about those bridge cameras is that the lenses are incorporated into the camera.  So, you can have a wide and zoom all in one while providing good image quality and little to carry around.

2) How much gear do you want to carry around?  This was kind of answered above, but if you are adventurous and want to obtain that perfect image quality, then you may want to carry all the lenses you want.  But if not, and you want to enjoy your vacation, get a camera that is an all-in-one like a point and shoot or a bridge camera.

3) What size and weight to you want it to be?  Cameras come in all shapes and sizes.  Make sure you hold the camera of your choosing in your hand to get a feel of it and to see if you can operate it without shaking.  Also, think about how portable do you want it to be.

4) What skill level are you with cameras?  How much do you know about photography?  Before spending a lot of money a DSLR, you may want to start with a camera that's not too intricate.  The goal is to enjoy photography, not to get frustrated with all the buttons and wonder how to get this thing to do what I want it do.  Start low and build up.  If you want to take the step up to a DSLR, think about renting the camera first to see if you even like it.  Samy's Camera has rental departments with top of the line DSLR's to rent.  That's a great way to see if you really want to make that big jump up.

5) How much do you want to spend?  This factor can range from a few hundred to a couple of thousands…and more!  Think about what you want to do and what level you are as a photographer and set a budget from there.  Remember, that if you get a DSLR, you will need to factor in the cost of the lenses as well as the camera body. 

For a great camera review site, check out CNET.com to review cameras of all types.  Another great site for really in-depth reviews is DPReview.com.  

For great prices on cameras, check out Samys.com (click on their Weekly Ad at the top of their website), BHPhotoVideo.com, and Adorama.com.  Sam's Club has a variety of cameras for sale, and they also have a great return policy if you don't like it.

One last thing, when buying a camera, always look into getting the best type of lens.  Some point and shoots, bridge, and DSLR's come with basic lenses.  But some come with better optics to create really clear and sharp images.  It may cost more, but the results are astounding!

Food for Thought

Research shows that:

90% of information transmitted to the brain is visual, and visuals are processed 60,000X faster in the brain than text. (Sources: 3M Corp. & Zabisco)

60% of consumers are more likely to consider or contact a business when an image is involved

67% of consumers say the quality of a product image is “very important” in selecting and purchasing a product.

The importance of images in marketing cannot be overlooked. Whenever you pick up a magazine, it’s the images that make you want to read the story or learn more about the product.

Now, it’s not just any image that will do., it’s the “Quality of the Image” that gets noticed in a positive manner.

Have a great week!

Dana Attebery Photography

The Value of Light - Part 1

How do you see the light?  For those who can, it's more than just opening your eyes.  But, as a photographer, or someone learning photography, how do you see the value of light?  A lot of times clients will ask me when the best time to photograph outdoors using the sunlight.  The common response is in the early morning and late afternoon.  And the worst time is known to be between the hours of 10am and 2pm, due to the sun being right overhead and at it's brightest.  But is it?

I remember a TV meteorologist commenting to the anchor that weather is neither good nor bad, it's just weather.  It has different qualities, but we put values on it in terms of how it meets our needs at a given moment.  As with sunlight, it has different qualities as well from brightness and intensity, angle, color temperature, and so forth.  Each part of the day offers something different.

I remember one of my first photography classes started with the assignment of photographing a location at just before sunrise, then multiple times throughout the day, and then finishing just after sunset.  The project was meant to train one's eyes to see how light can transform a location's look.  The color of the sunlight will range from cold to warm, it's intensity can grow harsh and then soft, and the shadows it produces can be short and curt, to long and dramatic.  

( I took the photo above of my wife's sunglasses on the counter at In-N-Out while we were waiting for our order.  I just love how the light was streaming in at that time of day.  It was also coming through a screen that softened the light just a bit.  Soon, I will be taking about how to shape light.  Stay tuned!)

So, why do I say all this?  Well, light is at the core of why photography exist.  And light has a variety of values that one must train their eyes in order to properly see.  Always be observant to how light is interacting with everything around you.  How is it shaping the way you see people, places and things?  How is it affecting your emotions?  Take the time to look around and see how the sun's light can transform your environment throughout the day.

Claire's Moment

Just this week I had the honor to photograph Claire for her senior portrait.  The stormy skies presented a different lighting opportunity that provided subtle tones for a great look.

Family Portrait - The Ties That Bind

I had such a great time photography this family.  At the last minute, the sun broke through the overcast sky and we quickly moved to capture the setting sun for a warm backlight.  

Senior Portrait Special - It's not too late!

Call now to set an appointment.

What you can do with an iPhone

Not to long ago I was traveling through Maine's coastline and came across this beautiful lighthouse.  Not having my camera with me, I shot it with my iPhone.  I had someone like it so much that they wanted a print of it.  After enlarging the image on it's own, the quality wasn't that great.  But with a little Photoshop texture magic you can transform it into a usable image.  Ask me how!