Without fall, every fall, my refrigerator magnets are on wallet overload.   School photographs are usually taken in the first few weeks of the school year.  Also, summer beach sessions, portrait sessions from warm summer days and in general, new baby photographs adorn the top portion of my fridge along with the new Eagles schedule. They remained there until spring when they were then put into albums.

There was a time that one could barely see the white behind the pictures.  Now, it seems rather empty.  The Phillies schedule sits there waiting to meet the can as well as many un-used magnets.  So, what happened?  Frankly, I believe cell phones happened. I don’t think that this is entirely the reason, but for the most part, I think it attributes to the demise of the wallet photograph.  People don’t hand them out anymore.  Even in my studio when clients order photograph, I always ask if they forgot to order wallet photographs.  The answer is mostly “no” now. 

So, why do I believe cell phones have had an impact on ordering wallets?  Let’s face it, many of us take photos with our phones.  We show friends and family pictures more now than ever before.  When cell phones did not have cameras, wallet sales were up.  People are not taking more photographs than ever.  Printing them and giving them out is another story.  I personally think that people would rather show a photograph on their cell phone than to open their wallet and show a hard copy.

I could be wrong, but this is my opinion.  Could this also be the demise of regular photographs as well?  When was the last time you had a photograph printed?  Not from a professional photographer, but just a regular snap shot.  Say for example the photographs you hopefully took on your child’s first day of school.  Have they been printed yet or are they still on your camera phone?

The evolution of the printed photograph is changing rapidly.  It is sad to see a portion of it break off.  Wallets for my studio were not a huge sale item, but they were almost always added on to family photographs orders.  Now, what used to be an “after thought” is no longer a thought at all.

Although the pizza menu has filled up some of the fridge spots where wallets once adorned, I still miss seeing the year to year transition in photographs of loved ones.  Unfortunately, I don’t think it will return to where it was ten years ago.  I guess it’s time for me to adapt and maybe even take them off the price list.  Sad… for everyone.

If you have any questions or comments, always feel free to send the studio an email at lerephoto@gmail.com.  Or, follow the studio on Facebook at Donna Lere Photographer.  Instant gratification on Twitter @donnalerephoto

 

 

 

 

This past weekend I headed up to the middle of Pennsylvania where my husband and I have a very small hunting cabin. (When I say “we”, I really mean “him”. ) Now that my kids are grown, the family vacations now include the newer family members such as a spouse, a girlfriend, and a grandbaby. Don’t forget two hunting dogs and two Chihuahuas. Yes, I did say a total of 4 dogs and 7 people in a 24 x 24 cabin. Such closeness can be good if the weather is good. If it rains and we are all stuck in the cabin, there could possibly be a meltdown on my part after 4 wet dogs try sleeping on me.

So, we decided to put on a small addition. Basically so the dogs could spread out. After 48 hours of hammering, sawing, yelling, and cooking, I had to reclaim some inner peace. I brought with me one small point and shoot camera to document the addition. In the mountains of Pa, the weather is far different than here in Bucks County. The mornings are quiet with no sounds whatsoever except birds tweeting. Most mornings start with a wee bit of fog. The temp is always very cool at daybreak.

Early morning shoots are something that I am used to now in my business. I always try to photograph portrait sessions in early morning or around sunset. When I take a vacation day, the last thing on my mind is being out the door at sunrise. In this case however, it was a matter of salvation. Some people meditate. Taking photographs is my meditation.

The area where our cabin is located in Pennsylvania, was once a very booming farm and logging area back around the 1930’s. There are also many coal mines which added to the growth of the community. Then, of course, one by one, businesses started to close, coal mines shut down, lumbering stopped and eventually, most of the farmers pulled out. It’s like one day they just walked away leaving farm equipment in the field as a reminder of someone’s failed dream. Farmers are one of the hardest workers in America. It’s obvious they don’t do it for the money because the immense amount of hours worked for the little pay the get.

Finishing my coffee, I grabbed my wee little point and shoot and headed for a very small cemetery about ½ mile away. The dogs were none too happy that they weren’t invited. I had been to this cemetery many times before because the graves in it reflect the farmers in the immediate area dating back to about 1830. The gravesites are still visible with not just born and death dates, but the exact age… i.e. 4 years, 3 months, 2 days. Many of the graves are filled with children. Life was hard on the farm and back then the list of illnesses that could take a child were numerous compared to today.

Never having been to this location at sunrise, I was quite surprised to see the morning fog sitting on the edge of the cemetery next to a farmer’s field. The cemetery itself adjoins a very large farmer’s field of one of the very well known farmer’s in the area. When he passed several years ago, his family buried him in this cemetery facing his field. They also put a bench next to his grave for anyone visiting. The morning light was getting stronger and I knew at any minute, the fog would lift. Next to his grave sat a piece of old farm equipment on the other side of the fence on “his” property. I took two photographs with my wee camera on “auto”. I sat on the bench and watched the fog lift a few minutes later to see acres and acres of farm land now overgrown. This farmer’s great great grandfather had a vision.

This picture is certainly not anything special. Just a photograph of a field with a piece of equipment left behind years past. But for me, it has a story. Every photograph that you take should certainly have a “story”. That’s what makes it special. As I sat there, I saw what past generations saw every morning as they started their work day. Their struggle to dream the American dream, work hard and own a piece of America.

The finished image on the bottom is what I imagined this family saw everyday. I added a little warming filter along with some contrast. The row of trees in the background are barely visible but look much better with some contrast.

My journey back to the “under construction cabin” was filled with amazing thoughts of what life was like on that farm back in the 1800’s. If not for this photograph, I would never have been taken away on a separate vacation within a vacation.

First approach, I could see amazing light in the distance.   This image straight out of point and shoot camera.

 

Moving closer, I took another shot…. This one also straight out of camera.

This is how I saw it in my mind.  Cropped and a warming filter applied.

 

 

 

 

 

What’s in my bag?

 

I often get asked those interested in photography, “What’s in my bag?”  Basically, what kind of equipment do I use and the type of lenses I carry.  When I began my career, I too was extremely interested in what other photographers were using in terms of camera bodies,lenses, flashes, etc.  Of course,thinking that getting a better camera would make me a better photographer was my mentality in the very beginning! Later on, I found out the real truth. It’s knowledge and more knowledge!

 

Anyhow, this past weekend I had to pack my bag for a wedding.  After getting the necessary items out of my camera safe (yes, they are in a safe), I took a cell phone photo for this column.  This photo depicts about 80% of my equipment that is brought with me on an event job.  I’ll discuss the things not shown later in this blog post.  The equipment that you see here is used only when I do event photography and not studio photography.

 

Lets start!  First, I am a Canon gal.  I used to be a Nikon person when I worked at the newspaper many moons ago.  When I left the paper, I thought that the Canon lenses were better, so I made the investment and switched.  Now, Canon and Nikon are equally as good and both produce amazing equipment.

  

Camera bodies:

Canon 5d

Canon 5d Mark II

Canon 5d Mark III

I use the Mark III mostly. The Mark II is used about 40% of the time and the regular older 5d is hardly ever used.  It is kept as a backup.

 

Lenses:

Canon 16-35 mm Wide 2.8

Canon 50 mm 1.2L

Canon 85 mm 1.2L

Canon 24-70 mm 2.8L

Canon 70-200L IS 2.8

 

Flash

Canon 580ex Speedlight (2)

Canon 580 ex II Speedlight

Canon 600 ex-rt Speedlight

 

 

Battery Pack

Quantum  Turbo AC (2)

(Powers flashes on light stands)

 

Compact Flash Cards

Sandisk 8gb Extreme (12)

Sandisk 4 gb Extreme (10)

 

Compact Flash Card Carrier

Thinktank Pocket Rocket (2)

Hard case generic carries 4 cards (1)

 

Light Meter

Minolta

 

Not shown:  In another bag, Radio Slaves to trigger off flashes, two light stands, one reflector, tons of cords for flashes and slaves,flashlight, aspirin, gaffer tape, 4 sets of rechargeable batteries, 2 sets of9V batteries, business cards, lipstick, Pepto Bismal, mints, travel sewing kit,camera manual (in case something weird happens to camera and I can’t figure it out!)  No tripod is packed. 

 

As you can see, it is quite an enormous amount of equipment.  I don’t use all of it at every event job, but it’s there if I need it.  I have an assistant with me to help usually at all times. 

 

Everything packed in this event bag is there for a specific reason.  It is rare that I go to an event and leave any of this behind.  With each job, the bag is packed pretty much the same way.

 

I would be glad to answer any questions regarding why I carry this or that!  Just drop me an email to the studio at lerephoto@gmail.com.

 

Please realize that it’s not the camera that makes a great picture.  Don’t feel the need to purchase the latest and greatest because you feel the camera will give you better photos.  Invest in education.    A car given to a person who does not know how to drive is useless!

It seems like there isn’t a time I don’t like looking at photos taken on the beach. Personally, I love everything about the beach. Years ago, I was a sun worshipper and spent very long days basting and turning under the Jersey rays. That was until the big sun cancer scare. Now, I am pretty much limited to cooking my skin to a few short days. I do, however, do many beach sessions on the beach of families and children.

As a professional photographer, my greatest fear is damage done to the camera by sand. As careful as I can possibly be, I photograph families without ever letting my camera touch the ground or come in contact with towels, client’s purses or any thing that can attract those miniscule pieces of danger. I wear my camera around my neck rather than use a tripod. I never, ever, change lenses on the beach. I don’t bring a camera bag on the beach. I put on my lens of choice at home, a fill flash and an 8 or 16 gb card. Making sure I have fresh batteries, I venture out to make awesome photos about an hour before sunset.

Upon completion of the session, the camera does not get cleaned off until I get home. Opening the trunk and exposing the inside of the camera to any possible sand blowing is a huge no-no in my book.

So, what if you would love to take vacation photos on the beach? Here are my recommendations. First, put your camera in something clean other than a camera bag. I always suggest bringing a small plastic soft cooler. The kind that you might take your lunch in. It must have a zipper.
Take the camera out to take some photos with clean dry hands and immediately zip the cooler back up. Have fun taking close ups and cool angles. Watch for sun glare. If you have to move to one side to have your subject stop squinting, I would do so. Watch for people in the background.
Try if you can to not use the zoom feature if you don’t have to. Sand is everywhere and if any gets in the motorized area of your camera, your trip just got very expensive. The price to fix the camera may be close to getting a new one!
After taking photos, immediately put the camera back in the soft sided cooler. Place cooler out of the sun. Batteries melt. It is best not to put your camera in with the towels because someone always needs a towel!

Years ago, it was very common to take photographs on the beach. I have photographs of my grandfather wearing one of those one piece men’s suits! Of course I wasn’t born then, but it is definitely cool to see style trends of that era. Then for a very long time, no one brought their cameras to the beach. Thankfully, the fear has died down a bit and I am seeing more and more fun pictures of beach vacations.

Remember to treat your camera carefully with the right common sense. You will be rewarded with great memories for yourself and treasures to pass on for years.

Questions? Email me at my studio… Lerephoto@gmail.com . Follow the studio craziness on Facebook @ Donna Lere Photographer or for even more madness, follow my ramblings on Twitter @donnalerephoto.

When it comes to professional headshots, I think some people would rather try on bathing suits in front of their spouse. What they feel is a painful ordeal can actually be a positive experience. Trust me on this one! With the burst of social media, the demand for quality headshots has increased ten fold. Between Facebook, Linkedin, websites, business cards, brochures, the professional headshot is an item that almost every needs. Your appearance on the web is crucial in the business world.
With this blog post, I hope to give you some pointers that aid you in your decision to get a professional headshot done and what to look for. I’ve been doing “professional” headshots for many years and to say it bluntly, this isn’t my first rodeo. I have also seen people who want a “professional” headshot and look for the cheapest photographer out there resulting in an inexperienced photographer who knows nothing about headshots.
There are two types of “headshots”. The first is the “business” type of headshot. This photo is to be used in all your marketing pieces and social media. The second is an “actor/commercial” headshot. This photo is to be used if you are trying to land commercials or acting gigs. For now, I will blog about the first one…. “business” headshots.
Lets start at the beginning and break this down:
1. Lighting….. It’s all about good light.
Since there are no two people alike, then no two people should have the same lighting. A person with a longer face should be light different with a person with a rounder face. Those with a few extra pounds will appreciate the fact that certain light makes them look a wee bit thinner. Just by knowing where to place the lights, the photographer can make certain body parts a little more flattering. Only photographers who have taken the time to study how the light falls on the face can essentially make the best image.
2. Clothing choices…. What you think looks good versus what really looks good.
At my studio, all of my clients bring several changes. Most folks have never had a professional portrait taken. Therefore, they are clueless as to what they think will photograph well. Guys are told to bring three jackets, ties and shirts. Ladies are asked to bring several change outs. (I’ve had folks bring pretty much their whole closet!) You should change your outfits several times. You will be surprised when you see the images just how different a color change can be.
3. Re-touching…. Is it included?
At my studio, re-touching is included. You may want to check that out before hiring anyone. Absolutely everyone needs some re-touching. The extent of your retouching is based solely on the condition of your skin. We go in and reduce lines, whiten teeth about 25%, soften skin, remove fly away hair and if need be, remove lint from clothing.
4. Copyright…. what is it?
A professional photographer owns every image they shoot. Just like an artist, he/she would not just give away their completed canvas. So therefore, you want to personally “own” your image. This way, you can use it any way you please. Otherwise, you would have to go back to the photographer and ask permission to re-use the image. A professional photographer will relinquish the rights to your headshot so that you can freely use it on various things.
5. Posing…. feeling uncomfortable is natural.
Your body language says it all. Your photographer should assist you in finding a sweet spot on a posing chair that you feel good. There is a major difference with posing a man and a woman. Your should take direction from the photographer but eventually end up in a position that is flattering and yet still says business. Also, your headshot does not have to be taken inside with a background. If you are the artsy type, perhaps you would like some less formal and outside! As long as the light is good, there is no problem with changing the norm of a business headshot.
6. Choosing your image….. Who’s opinion do you get?
Usually, after your portrait session with the photographer, they will post the images online. Sure, you will show these images to family members, spouses, and friends. Each having their own opinion, you end up lost in space for the final decision. Need not worry. As a professional photographer, I will suggest images that I think you look your best. Other photographers should do the same. The decision is ultimately yours though.
7. Color correction….. A huge issue
Your final image is re-touched and color corrected. What that means is that the image that you get should be close if not spot on to your actual skin color. I have seen so many headshots on web sites that the folks hair looks purple, the face is way to red or in general, way too pale. Now remember that if you are looking at your image on your 3 year old computer monitor, it may not look right. My studio completely color corrects your image as per our lab specifications. My computer monitors are color corrected by color correction devices designed for monitors.
8. Final image presentation…. Different sizes for different uses.
Your image should come in various sizes. Most folks don’t know how to downsize an image for web use or Facebook use. Final images are broken down into various sizes to help you out. For example…. Web use, print use and uncropped in the event if you want something slight bigger than head and shoulders and also big enough to use on a billboard!
9 Price…. The real truth.
What you are paying for is the following:
A professional photographer to analyze your body type and photograph you based on precision lighting.
Several outfit changes.
Professional re-touching
Online viewing
Your image broken down into several formats for you to use.
Full copyright usage
Clearly a few hours of work.

Tips that say this photographer may not be spot on:
Using on-camera flash for inside photographs. That is, using a flash on the camera. Not professional lights.
Not assisting the subject in posing to find the sweet spot that the client feels good.
Doing the absolute reverse and fine tuning the pose so much you feel like a robot.
The studio lights are attached to the ceiling and the photographer can’t move them (sometimes found in box stores or malls)
No re-touching done.
Client gets ALL the images. Sounds good, but they are not re-touched and why would you want images of yourself not re-touched?
Headshot parties. Sore subject among photographers. Okay if you are doing this to put your photo out there in a non-business format…. i.e. dating or just a non-business Facebook. However, how can you expect to look professional when other ladies are standing there critiquing your pose? Not to mention the possibility of the addition of wine.

As you can see, I take headshot photography pretty seriously. Because I believe it shouldn’t be treated like a party, your image out there for all to see should be the best representation of you with good light, good clothing choices and professional retouching. Why wouldn’t you want an image of you representing you on social media that looks amazing?

I honestly can’t remember the last time I saw someone taking a photograph with a real camera. I have to admit that I too use my camera phone for fun pictures. Please don’t write me and tell me you have a “real” camera. I know they are out there somewhere. But where?

My mom is 81. She recently got a smart phone under much protest. Yesterday, she whips her phone out and starts to take pictures of my granddaughter (her great granddaughter). “This one’s going on Facebook!”, she says. It took about 3 months and she is now on Facebook, texting, sending voice texts, taking phone pictures and surfing the web!
About 20 years ago, I started collecting old cameras. I am not much of a flea market person. But, every once in a great while, I will venture out and re-acquaint myself with the finer styles of vintage wares. I see lots of cameras thrown in piles, sitting on tables and in general, looking sad. It’s a shame that we couldn’t find a way to determine how many pictures took in the past. How many holiday parties, first birthdays, vacations and in general… just life. Now, sitting lonely on a flea market table, a camera sits with various other items that are no longer needed. Most likely, it is a little beat up from re-appearing at the same flea market week after week. No one even stops and looks at it. It just watches other people go by talking on their cell phones. Sad…… Why? Because an era of saving for a camera is over. The importance of recording an event, printing it out so that decades later, a faded yellow print sits in an album under the sofa.

I kinda feel sad for some of these cameras. Collecting them has been a small passion of mine for some time. Only the ones that are older and in good shape. I am attaching one I found about 5 years ago. Seeing it still had the flash “bulb”, I grabbed it up immediately. “Ten Bucks!”, the man who looked like a sea captain said. I didn’t argue.

This particular camera is a Brownie Reflex 20. It used roll film and was introduced in April 1959. The picture size was a square 2 ¼ x 2 ¼ . The shutter speed was 1/40th second! Brand new, the camera retailed for $17. In 1959, the hourly minimum wage was $1.00. A gallon of gas was .25 cents. A postage stamp was .04 cents.

The earliest I can recall as a little girl was a camera like this one that required round flash bulbs. I can’t remember the brand, but I do remember my parents complaining about the flash bulbs. Then we moved on to the Kodak Instamatic camera (born 50 years ago!). The film was a cartridge and the flash was now a cube. There were four flashes to a cube. My parents were finally in heaven. However, rumor had it that if one of the flashes didn’t flash, you could pull it off the camera, lick (yes lick) the bottom of the flash with your tongue to moisten the connection and try once more. I have fond memories of my mother screaming at my father to “try licking the flash cube will ya” to get it to work! (There was never any hard evidence that this worked… only rumor.)

Shortly there after they were hooked on the latest and greatest pictures… The Polaroid! Instant photo gratification took my parents to a new level of “Get together with your brother..NOW!”

So, to see my mom whip out her cell phone, I thought a few words about vintage cameras was appropriate this week. I remember the past so vividly regarding various camera types. I studied the great photography masters in college that most newbee photographers never heard of.
It is nice to see the strides we have made in camera developments. But it is especially nice to know where we have been. Now, get your brother and get over here for a photo…. NOW!
Donna

Questions? Send me an email @ lerephoto@gmail.com, or follow the madness on Twitter @donnalerephoto. Lastly, find more information on my studio web page @ www.lerephoto.com. 457 Woodbourne Road, Langhorne, PA 19047

It wasn’t long ago that I covered this sort of subject. Still, I frequently get asked many questions regarding how to hire a professional photographer for a possible event or a family photograph. So, here are some tips to get you through. I may be too honest for you, but honestly is what gives you the best answer.

Lets say for example that you are planning a small event that you would like to have photography coverage. Be it an anniversary party, birthday party or a small scale milestone. The whole extended family will be there and you feel it would be a good idea to get some nice photographs.
Usually, someone in your circle of friends has used someone to record an event. So, that would be your first phone call. Here is what you should be prepared to answer.
1. How many people will be there?
2. How long do you need coverage for?
3. How many groupings are expected to be photographed?
4. Will there be someone to gather up the groupings?
5. Do you want to purchase the copyright free cd with all the images or would you prefer to purchase prints.?

If you have no clue who to call, you need to do some homework. Obviously, hit the computer with a few searches and expect to make a few phone calls.
The conversation should go like this: “Hi, my name is John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt and I am planning an anniversary party for my parents 50th’. It will be held at XYZ on September 25th. I am looking for someone to come and take photographs of my parents and extended family. I am interested in ordering some portraits for keepsake. OR I am interested in obtaining all the photographs that you shoot and the copyright so that I can make my own photographs.”
Ask the photographer if they have insurance (which in my opinion separates the men from the boys here.) Will the photographer be using “on camera” flash or be bringing in a lighting set up with umbrellas and studio lights? Will the final prints that you order be retouched? Will they be cropped? What is the turn around from the time of the party to the time that you can see the images online? Discuss pricing of portraits. Lets face it friends, if you are hiring a “professional” photographer, he/she cannot possibly charge you $4.00 for an 5 x 7 when it is their business. The photographer has to pull the image, retouch it, crop it down and send it to a real lab. The photographer has other expenses that are also built in. For example, a can of oil for your car is only $4.00, but an oil change is $35. Those guys have overhead as well and labor. Any photographer that charges next to nothing might very well be worth next to nothing. This is not a time to look for the cheapest photographer. I’m not kidding. You do get what you pay for. If you are looking for a deal and go with your co-workers son who loves to take photographs, you may end up sadly disappointed.
Your search for a photographer should be started as early as possible. 60 days out or more. After discussion with the photographer, he or she should spell everything out in an email or letter. Personally, I send the client through email everything that was discussed, exactly what they are getting and start and end times. Also, don’t be surprised if the photographer states that no one else is allowed to take photographs during the allotted “portrait” time. Why? First, because it is my business and I know how to light and pose people. If it takes me ten minutes to set up 45 people so it looks amazing, and 20 people are behind me taking photographs with their phones, obviously, my sales of that image are diminished greatly.

Be expected to give a credit card number to the photographer and pay a retainer to hold their services for the evening. If you cancel their services, be prepared to lose that retainer. Why? If the photographer derives 100% of their income from photography and you have booked as weekend date, chances are that the photographer has turned down other people because you secured his/her services. Now, two weeks out (just guessing), you decide to go with your co-workers son and save money. This photographer is out of what could be his monthly rent!

And lastly, as sad as it sounds, I do indeed charge sales tax for my work. Why? Again, because Uncle Sam says I have to. It is a taxable service. So, if your photographer does not charge you sales tax, you may want to re-think the whole “professional” category.
Questions? Email the studio at lerephoto@gmail.com OR send me a shout out on the studio’s Facebook page @ Donna Lere Photographer. And lastly, you can follow the madness on Twitter @donnalerephoto.
Make it a great day! Donna Lere www.lerephoto.com 215.968.5220 457 Woodbourne Road, Langhorne, PA 19047

.
“Wow, I’d love to do what you do!”

“You have the perfect job!”

“I’d give anything to do what you do.”

“How simple is your job?”

These are typical statements that fly by me on a pretty regular basis. It seems like everyone wants to be or knows someone who is an aspiring photographer. When you are in the “business” of photography, “burn out” comes often. Not only do I have to deal with the business end of photography, but always have to think of new ways to create. What makes any artist great is that their work is constantly changing. Always exciting. That excitement that you see in any kind of artist has a long history of crash and burns. It’s just natural that when you do this 24/7, you tend to hit a pot hole in the road.

I recently met up with one of the students who took my photography class a few years ago. When I asked her about her progress regarding her desire to photograph the world, she put her head down. She explained that she just didn’t “feel” it anymore. Granted, I understand that she may have lost her mojo about taking photographs. But in reality, she just lost her inspiration.

Keeping the inspiration alive requires being fed. Kinda like a diet, if you start eating crappy food you will gain wait. If you want to stay motivated, you have to do things that will put you on the right road.

If you love photography, you have to make time for it. You just can’t carry around your camera and hope that see a good shot. The best photographs I ever made in my life were on purpose. I planned time, I sent up the shot by going at the right daylight hour and I worked all the angles to get the best light. For me, burnout is not from photography, it is from the “business” of photography. You would be amazed at the amount of hours that I put in to my business. Even though I have studio hours, long after most folks are watching American Idol, I am still editing. People have it in their minds that you should answer the phone at 9:15 at night or work on Thanksgiving because they are having a family gathering.

A few years ago I went down to Philadelphia to the Art Museum. Having photographed there many times, I was only inside once during a school trip with my daughter. There was a photography exhibit that I wanted to see and accomplished that within a half hour. I spent the rest of the afternoon wandering around from room to room. Taking art history in college, I knew a little about High Renaissance period of painters like Michelangelo (1475-1564) and Leonardi Da Vinci (1452-1519) and many more. There were benches in the middle of the room and folks were just sitting there staring at famous art works worth millions. They just weren’t resting their feet, they were sitting there for quite some time. You could hear a pin drop in that room. I sat down and cast my eyes on an image made during that period. I remember my art history teacher talking about the use of color and light that these artists took particular attention to. I felt that even those these paintings were centuries old, it seemed fresh. Despite their daily hardships of life in general, these artists captured faces, bodies, landscapes using oils that more than likely used their entire income. They posed their subjects in light that was becoming to their body shape.

I left the museum that day with a sense of peace. Kinda weird I know. But when I returned to my studio the following week, I felt refreshed and ready to move forward with greater images.

In closing, finding inspiration is different for everyone. Just because you love photography doesn’t mean you need to shoot every day. You can draw inspiration from different things. The important thing is that you have to feed it. A plant with no water will die.

Questions? Feel free to email me at lerephoto@gmail.com. Or, follow the madness on my studio Facebook page at Donna Lere Photographer. If want instant gratification, you can follow me on TWITTER @donnalerephoto

www.lerephoto.com

Art is never finished, only abandoned.
Leonardo da Vinci

A fairly new organization called Professional Women’s Business Network ( http://ht.ly/hnQ8d )  just put out their very first national newsletter.  I was excited to see that my tips on getting a good headshot were included! 
I am so amazed each and every day how the power of social media gets stronger and stronger.  One’s presence on the web should be foremost for anyone in business.  With that said, the importance of a great photograph that represents you should be put in the forefront. 

Here is the link if you want to read:  ht.ly/hl3YC

There are plenty of good tips about what to look for when you decide to improve your online appearance with a professional headshot.  There are also plenty of “photographers” out there willing to take your money.  What should you look for?  Those tips are in this link as well. 
Questions?  Email the studio at Lerephoto@gmail.com OR follow more madness on Twitter @donnalerephoto

Stay positive!

 

Once in a while, an aspiring photographer will ask for my opinion regarding whether or not to open up a studio location.  I can only give you my opinion on this since there are really no hard facts that I know of.  It’s been close to three decades now that I have been in the “business” of photography.  I have been on both sides of the studio coin.  Having a studio in my home and also renting a studio location for which I am about to give you the pros and cons.

Many new photographers feel that they need a studio to be inthe business of photography.  Don’t be confused with studio versus office.  An office is where you do your work and meet clients.  A studio is where you do photography.  Let me explain my journey a bit and you will understand why some things are more important than others.  There are so many factors to consider taking your business of photography to the next step. Before we begin, you need to justify why you would need space to photograph.  Are you a wedding photographer that works outside the house or a portrait photographer that needs space to put up studio equipment?

When I began my business, I was doing a fair amount of portraits as well as weddings for both myself and other studios who needed help.  Working from my home seemed the logical thing to do since I had an extra room that I could photograph and meet clients.  Overhead was low because I was working from home. Funds needed to build my business were easier to attain since my overhead was just a phone, a website and marketing.  Other obvious “pros” were that I was home when my kids needed me.  I could juggle my schedule around their needs.  The cons were more than I had imagined.  I was amazed at clients attitudes feeling that because you worked out of your home,you were available 24/7.  Clients were late picking up orders because they assumed you were there anyway. Unannounced clients were a regular.  The straw that broke it for me was when I was spreading cow manure in my gardens and a client peaked over my fence…. “I was just in the area and was wondering if my proofs were ready for pick up?” she said.   Time to look for a space!  Here is my journey. 

Having been in a commercial space for close to twenty years now, I have learned many things regarding renting space.   And, yes, I have made mistakes, but with each one, I have made better decisions that advanced my business.  My first studio location had no business visibility. It was located in a converted church which contained other offices. But the upside was that the grounds  outside were amazing for photographs. The pros were that I could leave the business and have my personal life back.   Remember, it’s not what you make,it’s what you keep.  Cons were huge.  Overhead was the biggest expense, followed by commercial insurance, cable, electric, office expenses, security, internet,furniture and décor.  The price to be in a location to do photography is outrageous. Unexpected expenses are a given. I had the business, so even though I had the money, it seemed that at every turn there was another expense.

I moved to my second commercial studio after my amazing location along the Delaware River had three “one hundred” year floods in five years.  I had to evacuate three times.  No, my studio did not flood, butthe fear of it was enough to end a twelve year run there.

So, where do I go?  Naturally,having a studio with more visibility comes at a high price.  Not a problem since business was good.  Pros: In town and accessible for my clients. Cons:  Smaller studio.  The production area where we actually do computer work and where my assistant worked was contained in one large room. Overall,I had about ¾ less space as my first location.  Expense were about 35% more because I was in what was considered a storefront.  So,here I am with less space, more visibility and way more rent. At this time, I started to track where my business was coming from.  Was it because I was in this high visibility spot?  Surprisingly it was not!  In the four years that I was there, only about 2% of my business came from walk ins. Hmmm….. time to think about reevaluating this expensive space.  Not only because of the price, but honestly,I was really cramped there.  My assistant worked in the same large room as I was photographing in.  I had all my production in the same area as my meeting area (production=computers, file cabinets, files, orders, packaging,etc.)  Since my kids were out of the house, and in desperate need of more space, I moved my production back into my house much to the delight of my editing person whom we shared tight quarters.

If such a small percentage of my business were walk ins, why did I need a space with high rent because of high visibility?  Tracking exactly where my leads were coming from, I realized that it was mainly referrals, networking and years of good marketing decisions.

Remember I said earlier that it’s not what you make, it’s what you keep?  Since it didn’t matter whether or not I had a storefront or not, it was clear to make another decision about renting a highly visible space.  I gave notice and moved the studio/office to yet another location on WoodbourneRoad in Langhorne.  The current space hasless visibility, amazing window light, high ceilings.  Pros: Almost ¾ less expenses every month!!!! Larger space!  Right across from the Oxford Valley Mall. Cons:  None so far!

This blog may or may not give you some guidance in your decision to take your business to a commercial space. But as you can see by my many years in business that I have tried both a home studio, a studio with no visibility and lots of space, a studio with high visibility and back again to incorporating parts of my home in my business and renting a commercial spot with great light but less visibility.  It all boils down to this:  Your clients and your work.   If your clients admire you, they will follow you anywhere.  They will refer you.  If you market and network, it will eventually pay off.  I equate it to priming a old time water pump.  It may takes a hundred cranks on the pump before a drop of water comes.  But when it starts to come out, it comes out in buckets. 

Getting to where I am now took years and years of hard work in all aspects.  To have a business location knowing that my clients would follow me is a combination of loyalty, work and marketing.  Think for yourself how many photography studios other than box store photography locations can you think of right now?  Almost all have closed.  Overhead will kill you.  Make your decision to move carefully. Evaluate why you need space.  Do you have a few grand each month to invest in renting a space? There is nothing wrong with working from home if you are vigilant on working hours.  It is far less expensive and more cost effective if you can swing it. Hope this info helps!

Questions?  Send me anemail at lerephoto@gmail.com.  Follow the studio madness on Facebook at DONNA LERE PHOTOGRAPHER, or Twitter @donnalerephoto