I had the best time with a new camera. Yes! I’m writing prematurely because I only used it a few times….The GOPRO. What a fun camera/Video.  This is for all of you adventure seeking people on skis and surf boards.

Just for the record this past week I went with a Judge and her staff to march in a parade.  The Judge was campaiging for a higher office.  I offered my services for free, and simply asked that that they acknowlege me in the credits.  That is free advertizing and again [...]]]>

How To Get More Publicity

Just for the record this past week I went with a Judge and her staff to march in a parade.  The Judge was campaiging for a higher office.  I offered my services for free, and simply asked that that they acknowlege me in the credits.  That is free advertizing and again I had a blast, as well as front row seating! (sort of speaking I was in the parade).  It may sound corney, but I was able to get alot of publicity and my name out there.  What I recieved for free would have cost me $400. in advertizing.

I had made myself well aquainted with all of the local country clubs and compiled leather albums of weddings and family portraits that I had taken on their property.

Great Family Photos

How do you get the portraits when you are first starting out?  Well, how about offering a country club free family portrait sittings for Mother’s Day.  Free sittings, get their names and addresses etc, and charge them for the second print and thereafter. Give them one free print.   Yes some people will take the photo and run…but they will remember you…and what will they remember?    You were helpful, kind, fun, made them laugh, dressed nice, and you are sophicated. Noone wants an intruder,  so be careful not to “TAKE OVER THE PARTY”  You have limits as to “how much you should actually be involved”.  When you have full control is when you actually are taking the shots..after that you should hang low..untill the next shot.

 Take Great Photos!  

I know I must shoot around the families’ schedule, I let them pick the time.

 I prepare them that I start on time. 

1. I arrive 10 minutes early. If you arrive [...]]]>

 

Learn Photography

Learn How To Set Up For Great Portraits

Background is Just As Important As the Foreground

Shooting family Portraits  

Photography Tips For Taking Great Photos

 Take Great Photos!  

I know I must shoot around the families’ schedule, I let them pick the time.

 I prepare them that I start on time. 

1. I arrive 10 minutes early. If you arrive before then you are just a nusicence. 

If you are late you have set a bad image for the family and may never recover.

2.  Set up equipment.

Most public parks, musumes, galleries, libraries, etc., will allow you to bring famlies on their property. 

 I always ask first.  If you don’t ask for permission and they ask you to leave, then you have to search, with the family driving behind you, trying to jump into a new location. You may not be able to do this as areas are already occupied by picnics, and gatherings of any sort.

I ask the couples if they have a family homestead to use.  If they do and you are planning to use their location, remember that the time will take longer now. Since they are on fimilar ground it is harder to round them up!

You begain to set up your location, moving the pool potted plants to frame the portrait.  Your starting with your tripod, camera body at 1/125, with 80-150mm lens F2.3 or F3.5, set at f8 for depth of filed.  Attached Cannon Speedlite 580EXII flash/or set to the left on a seperate tripod as fill-in. 

If you are shooting inside it is better to add a flash on an independent stand (remotely) to the left.  Plus your  flash attached to camera for face fill.

If you have a large extended group you will need a seperate 28-35 wide angle lens, mostly inside.

Again, You have the pleasure, ease of viewing the finished shot and either reshooting or adjusting later.  If you have the chance reshoot on the spot.  You have less adjustments later that can be soooo time consuming. 

 I prefer to have a perfect shot in the camera.

Note: my backdrops taking shape!

Rainy afternoons look beautiful outdoors but you need to shoot on 1/4 second……………….so You   should use a   tripod.

If you want ENOUGH light in a room, you need the flashes to the right. They [...]]]>    

Backdrop

Low Light outside and Dim room light can be solved easily.

Note: my backdrops taking shape!

My Backdrop Taking Shape

Rainy afternoons look beautiful outdoors but you need to shoot on 1/4 second……………….so You   should use a   tripod.

If you want ENOUGH light in a room, you need the flashes to the right. They are powerful enough to light up a room to get the perfect shot…and not to be too intrusive when you shoot.

These instruments are not made for the point and shoot.  They are precision instruments for taking great photographs! Yes! This does cost more but in the end you will be proud when your equipment is working, well when you really only have split seconds.

You can compare prices, and figure how you want to piece your equipment together, but look to the right side bar and see that I have put together camera pieces that I think are a good fit.  This equipment has been proven to take sell-able professional photographs.  Changing out to whatever you think would be more workable for you is ok too.  Everything is “Trial and Error”. I hope to make direction not dictation.

If you are contemplating purchasing equipment off my site,  I want you to know that you are not paying more, at all, and you may be given offers that no one else is receiving. There will be free shipping offers and some coupons or discounts.  I do not get paid operating this site so If you appreciate receving the information please purchase from clicking on the photos on the right and throwing me a small commission.  Keeps me running! Thank you. 

I grouped friends around, shot them, and grabbed their e-mails within 15 seconds.

I found that by getting  e-mails quickly, I was able to [...]]]>

What a great opportunity I had during the 2012 St Patrick’s Day parade. I made $1,000. in a short 2 hours.  The colorful costumes worn made picture taking easy.

I grouped friends around, shot them, and grabbed their e-mails within 15 seconds.

Tips for Taking Great Photos

I found that by getting  e-mails quickly, I was able to sell 72 people a photo..(some bought more than one).  I could have sold more customers, but I got tired of working and joined the fun!

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Learn how to Make Money with your Camera!

Send an E-mail to prospective client with a watermarked proof (use Adobe photo shop) , large enough to entice them to buy a print. Make an offer.  If you purchase five 5×7′s You will stop by at their next event for one hour of free photo shooting.

All Photos and text are @ Copyrighted PamelaRobertsPhotography 2012. All rights reserved, no Printing or copying rights, unless through Pamela Roberts Photography.

Winner! 24:17

Mr. Wonderful!

Photo Taking Tips

The way I started.. like I mentioned in an earlier post, shooting the neighbor’s son with his dog and several other area families. But, when I [...]]]> Now seriously..I highly recommend that you charge for your services, but if you have not developed a serious customer list, than this is one way to start.

The way I started.. like I mentioned in an earlier post, shooting the neighbor’s son with his dog and several other area families. But, when I gained some confidence for shooting events, I asked a professional for help, and I asked if I could “tag along”.

 Well, it was one of the best times of my life (still is).  Yes, I have to work a lot of weekends, but what are you doing on a Saturday night?

I  attend $100,000.00 ( yes, $20,000.oo too) weddings at the best country clubs in town, dining with wonderful guests, eating fantastic meals. READ MY LIPS CAREFULLY….

I NEVER ONCE HAVE A DRINK.    I have hundreds of potential new customers watching my every move. There is no room for error, never.

Day one Jerry let me take his “axe”( as the camera set up was called), and I did all the shooting. He peridoially checked my settings, to make sure that I was getting it right. He handled the people and the timing.  He didn’t care how much money he sold the package for, with his style he knew he would make money later.  Remember every single person, couple, family was potental income, don’t be afraid to “interupt, pose,  and shoot”.

One of the biggest problems photographers make is trying to be “ARTISTIC”. You have NO time to be artistic…you will develope a beautiful style but….you must!

But quickly,” interupt, pose, and  shoot”.  All under 10 seconds. Bang your done…money!

Go on to the next subject.

Just get the people shots for heavens sake…and get them sold.

Yes, you must have a vision..overlook the subjects ( I know that sounds hard and so not what you want to hear, i’ll explain that later) and look at the four corners of the finished print in your mind.

We moved fast and furious. Three weddings a day, between the two of us.  He had a low starting price and we pumped them out like we were mass producing something great.

(It was a great learning experience).

And we were, we were capturing memories like no other.  Believe me Jerry had the tech talent, and eventually I had the posing talent, together we were mass producing memories, on print. Everyone in town wanted us. Eventually, everyone wanted me.

Honestly, my Brides and Grooms felt like famous movie stars, I made them feel special without smoothering them. We all had so much fun.

There are plenty of families that would like a break in the price or maybe a free service.

   [...]]]>

Learn How to Take better Photos

Since Spring has began I bet those of you with experience have shot a wedding or two, and thinking about how to get more.

There are plenty of families that would like a break in the price or maybe a free service.

   At this free of charge event, you can shoot  ”all couples” Kids, Grandparents and the list goes on and on. You will be selling prints of people that have nothing to do with the Family that hired you.

It is an endless opportunity at your finger tips.  Families are already dressed up as guests, and they do not have to pay for a sitting and change everyone’s schedule.

You must dig deep and use all of your self control, and leadership qualities.  You will hear a lot of “photography stuff”..good and bad. This is not the setting to defend yourself or the wonder of electronics. You are there to look for income, so every person should be on your file at least once or twice.  If you are the shy type, and find it hard to arrange and move people you will waste time and profits. If a man won’t move to the left a bit… I seriously make him do it. How?

My famous quote:

 ”THIS IS FOR THE FAMILY, THEY REQUESTED THIS” !! “Now move to the left quickly and lets get to the party fast. Another words they are going to do what I ask and quickly.

      I’m the only one at that event, that knows what they will want later.

    Most people will give you a dirty look and try to out “wit” you, but they can do whatever they want…I still need to get what I need.  Humans all look the same, but if your human and wearing a well designed outfit..I’ll get you in a photo or two …no matter what!

      My most favorite outdoor backdrop is a certain stone, maple trees, customer’s homes, and wooded areas with sunlight streaming through the background.

Most times, once I start shooting…I can’t stop…I become addict to finding artistic shots.  My subjects tell me “Pam… you have said “one more” about 15 times ago! 

I’m greatful to those of you that are e-mailing me. Thank you for being patience.  Some construction is still being completed and I do not mean building construction I mean Tech Construction!

I’m stressing to you to have a significant amount of business cards.  You should be passing them out to [...]]]> Welcome,       Let’s get clients!

I’m greatful to those of you that are e-mailing me. Thank you for being patience.  Some construction is still being completed and I do not mean building construction I mean Tech Construction!

Tips For Taking Great Photographs

I’m stressing to you to have a significant amount of business cards.  You should be passing them out to EVERYONE!  Not just regular cards. Photo.. full frame cards, with die-cut(rounded edges) edges…yes “wallets” die-cut! Full frame photo with white or black printing. Stragic placing of the letters regarding the photo design.

Yes!! They are more expensive but worth it. linen finish..great photo, rounded egdes….When a prespective client sees your card on the table they will pick it up, look at the photo again, and keep it. So pick a good one!  Let’s get clients

My portfolio will be visible soon..if you have not already seen it you will soon be able to see that my photos are the type that clients buy..not to artistic they want to see the real human in the photo.

If you are making an Amazon purchase you can from any past post from this blog. That purchase helps me contintue to write these posts and give me a small payment. The great news for you is you are still getting the best prices. REMEMBER …..free shipping sometimes means “Lets get rid of it fast”  New more improved tech is always around the corner.  Keep Passing your cards out…keep shooting…

St. Patrick's Day Race 2012

Publisher has postcards, doublesided, for the cost a postcard stamp you can insert photos and send in snail mailing.  Let’s say a friend sounded like he and his girlfriend were planing to get engaged, you could offer a free sitting no obligation in honor of their celebration.

Carefully you set up a time, and you offer a place like a park or museum. See how many of those you can set up. keep in mind you don’t offer anything else. Don’t start making deals here…you will get the sitting, you can give them one free 5×7 and then present a price list showing them fair and modest prices.  Over the years these people will come to trust you, they will be regulars, they will recieve fair prices and you will have a continious client for years ahead.

You will become an expert in “realizing” what the client likes..(remember it’s not what you like). Then you will be able to determine “what you could do” that will be better then… what they think they need.  You will become artful when you make the four corners of the picture a delightful scene for the client. Their house in the background, their spouse, their children, the maple tree and the dog all in the photo.  Depending on what the families or “Persons”style is is how you can design the scene. They are skiers, they are boaters, they climb mountains, they garden, etc.

If you can’t wait and you some money for advertizing buy $85. dollar 1/8 of a page in your local papers..like a post  or village paper.

Theyn you must have a web/blog site.  Make many friends locally and send(watermarked) photos.  I’m sure you must be capable of getting  two or three clients to meet you for a sitting.  Remember to be very safe whenever you are meeting clients…Lets make this a WARNING:  Things are changing with people so you must be careful of who your meeting and where your going.

Never go inside if you feel uncomfortable, are the only other person,

and you wonder why this person really wants a photograph.

Be smart.  I have been quick to leave on several occassions in my career.

Just a reminder that my site will be published, but still in  construction .

Thanks to all of you that have commented and waited. I am most appreciative. There is A Lot More To See!  keep Reading!  You will be on your own and making a good living, and you won’t be sitting [...]]]>

Making Money With A Camera

Just a reminder that my site will be published, but still in  construction .

Thanks to all of you that have commented and waited. I am most appreciative. There is A Lot More To See!  keep Reading!  You will be on your own and making a good living, and you won’t be sitting at a desk bored out of your mind!

        I have taken all the photos you’ll see on these blog pages. I shot arial, and underground tunnels.  There is a huge amount of money in these fields.  So you don’t have to stick with just weddings to become profitable.  I took almost every chance when it came to starting a business in photography.  I was scared to death when I was hanging out of a helicopter but I made sure my safety was priority and that all was legal and ligament.

Not only will you find exclusive deals, you can also find the most up-to-date news stories on topics that we’re confident you will find interesting and useful. I update my website daily/weekly with stories and current info from the most popular photo sources available.

    Tomorrow my links will be added for specials regarding purchasing new equipment.  I would like to guide you directly to the equipment that will help you produce excellent photographs that sell and make an income for you immediately.

 You can chose your own equipment but you may eventually have to purchase over again if you don’t follow the advice. I want you to spend the least amount of money for purchasing equipment for the future success of you making money with photography.

So stay tuned and you will see my links to purchasing equipment and a lot of “Anything and Everything” you may need for taking great photos available asap.

Start planning now:

1) Take pictures at a ski resort, photograph people skiing down the slops directly in front of you.  Take family group photos near the end of the day by the colorful ski racks (backgrounds are just as important as the subject), and early in the day when you see them together, couples and individuals too.

Take their e-mail addresses put a “water mark” on the photography or “PROOF” sign over the proof/photo (photoshop) and e-mail the proofs.

2) contact them sell the photo for $20. ea.

3) Don’t limit to the slops, go to the outside dining area and shoot people at the tables having fun, groups of teams and guy friends.

Politely approach, ask, arrange and shoot. Stop only when they ask you to stop. Always take 4 or 5 shots. With the thousands of weddings I have shot I know that people in public areas have limited rights to say “No”. I stop out of politness. But I ask/arrange quickly, and shoot. By the time they say no I’m done!  They are looking at me because I’m “entertaining them” so I act quickly always talking and joyfully snaping quickly. Next table.

It is OK for you to view my portolifo section to see and use my arrangments.

Winter Ideas for Taking Photos

4) Take couples and individuals

5) Go when families are sledding

Fast sales in these family areas

Notice in this winter shot I have the subjects deep in snow…only for a few minutes…and I warned them first! Also, notice their home is in the background.

Next book family sittings for spring

No charge for sittings/shooting until you have more experience. But do charge for prints.

I’ll be advising to which lab to use.

Contact me for more questions

Remember you must go to your local county clerks office and set up a name under $50. My archived blogs review how to start a business in photography.