Remember that time I had a monthly column? That was a fun three months. =\ For the past six, usually around the end of each month, Jensey kindly asks if I think I’ll have a column available for the upcoming 9th. I always assure her I will, absolutely no problem. And then the 8th brings about an awkward silence and perhaps a nervous laugh. And the 9th a subtle, yet knowing chuckle from Jensey. Sadly, the past few weeks have been no different.
I’m sitting here in the Chattanooga Airport (tethered via wifi to my new, super-awesome Nexus S) and wishing I could find my list of “9th with Nathan” topic ideas. I was going to write simple tips about taking better photos, but that post would be pretty lame without examples photos. So that’ll have to wait for another month. I don’t want to be in this same spot two months from now, though, so here I am, begging you all for ideas. I’ve already covered our favorite lenses, how to buy stuff online, and some best practices for managing your data.
What would you guys like to talk about? It can be anything from wedding day workflows to, oh I don’t know, it’s your job now! =P What have you been dying to know from the Roots?
Here’s a question that I wished I asked at dinner. What about prints? Once your image is edited and perfect, to whom do you send it? Snapfish, Costco, etc–are they all created equal? (In which case you can thank me for the very short column you will write in a busy month.) If not, what do we need to know?
Thanks very much.
Great question, Maria! If they were all the same, I think we’d be in trouble as print sellers. =P While you can definitely get good quality out of some of the retail printers that you mentioned, it’s much less of a guarantee to get consistency. If your local shop prides themselves on keeping the printer properly calibrated all the time, then you’re probably set, though!
We send our prints to professional labs catering specifically to professional photographers. Not only do we know they nail the consistency, but we also have a plethora of finishes and backings to choose from. Thanks for writing!!
oh this sounds all too familiar to me… I feel like I am in Jensey’s position. =)
What about some history lessons about yourself Nathan, how did you get into photography, what made you want to do it for a living, your inspirations along the way, those who helped and supported you when you were getting started? Was it smooth sailing or did you hit some rocky roads in the early days…?
Just an Idea =)
Love this idea, Natasha! I’ll definitely add it to my list of topics. Thank you! :)
I’d love to read about how you pick out locations. What makes for a good location? How do you go about finding new spots to shoot at? I’d also like to hear more about when you find a new spot. I know to Nicci and I that seeing you balanced on a tiny little rock in the middle of a stream was just hilarious. I’d love to hear more stories about these new adventures and getting the prefect shot. Last, I’d also like to know more about what do to ad a vacationer. I’m not an artist, but what should I keep in mind when traveling? Like for our honeymoon we’re going to New Zealand, how can I make the pictures we take capture the essence of this once in a lifetime visit (other than inviting you and Jensey too, of course)? Any tips and tricks for vacation photos on a basic digital camera that we can keep in our pocket?
People seem to like to know about business liscences, insurance, if joining photography groups is worth the money, marketing ideas, the best websites to market on, best local marketing ideas, how to gain contracts for schools, sports, etc. How to scout locations and if they need a permit to shoot and how to obtain that. I realize some of these things are different depending on local law. But a general idea or what you guys have been through
I’d love to get some idea about your editing process – your photographs all turn out beautiful!
I’d love to learn more about your wedding day workflow!
I would LOVE to get your opinion on the best, amateur camera to buy. Also, any advice on a good “do it yourself” photoshopping program to buy? I’m REALLY into taking photos on my gorgeous child, but am in need of a great camera.
PS – You and Jensey have turned Eric and I into photo snobs. We’re ruined for life :)
I’d have to agree with Lindsey; I’d love a post about what type of camera to buy for the progressive stage you are at in photography, from basic beginner, intermediate, professional, etc.
I’d love to get some ideas for online galleries. I hate having my pictures in a hard drive, and having super heavy files on my computer is not an option. What’s the best way to store pictures, and what’s the best way to share/browse them? Help!!! :-)
I need someone to write that one for ME, Lu. =P It’s definitely a topic I’d love to spend some time on and think people could really benefit from learning more about it. Thanks for bringing up the idea!
I would love to know about taking pictures in places with poor lighting. I have a flash attachment but it’s bulky and hard to use. Is there anything easy you can tell me to improve the photos so I don’t have to always edit them?Also, are any specific cameras better than others for shooting in the evening if I go to buy something new?
Oh yay! This gets Lydia excited! All of the above suggestions sound awesome! :)
How do you keep each wedding shoot original? To me weddings all start to look the same after a while, but yall’s shots always give each wedding a different personality! How do you do it??!
We work with a wonderful hair and make-up team… The 150+ weddings you’ve seen on our blog have all actually been, in fact, the same couple. ;)
I have no idea how I’d begin a post like this, but I definitely appreciate the idea! It helps having two of us, of course. So much of what we get from the day is what the couple gives to us; not just in how they pose, but the energy they have between each other and their guests. That energy is naturally different between everyone so I imagine that factors into the variety too. Or maybe I’m just trying to find a better answer than, “Having a solid lunch helps!” :)