Portable Studio?

Nope, just a flash, a soft box and some photoshop :)  I wanted to capture my daffodils but was having a hard time outside with this horrid wind we've been having.  Not complaining as it's basic spring weather, just makes photography tough outside.  So I came inside and used a simple cloth backdrop and my flashes.   The photoshop comes in post production and turns the color information B&W, adds contrast and balances the lights and darks.  I try to only do in photoshop what you would be able to do in the darkroom.  The 1st & 2nd photos are with the 550 EX Speedlight on a Canon 5d Mark II, ISO was 400, F/5.6, and shutter 200. My camera is always set to manual for the most control :). 

I have two Speedlights, both Canon,  a 270 EX and an older 550 EX.  They vary in size from smallest available to biggest, well what was the biggest when I purchased it.  I would invest in the 450 EX (the middle) but am currently tapped out money wise.  The biggest hurdle when starting a business is to be money wise not money stupid.  So that asks the question do I 'need' a 450 EX and the answer is no, I can work with my 2.  I am instead adding to my flash accessory stash.  I will review and post when I receive them.

The 550 Ex was much higher sitting on the camera and gave a much more shadowed effect than I wanted.  To correct this I would need a portable slave (the term used for a flash trigger) mounted on my camera while I posed the Speedlight on a base.  See more portable studio effects :)  What I am loving about these works is that you can get the studio feel even though this was in my kitchen.  I see soft shadows, many tones of both color or grey.  I believe I bounce flashed the 2nd photo.  The 3rd photo was with the 270 EX and has a much more direct lighting effect as the flash is smaller and closer to the lens.  This 3rd photo was taken with a Canon 5D Mark II as well but the 270 EX Speedlight at a ISO of 400, F/5.6, shutter 200.

Flash Photo- thoughts and tips

I find getting a really well lit, not burned out flash photography really tough.  It's super easy to use the built in flashes on most cameras, but you tend to get the 'you used a flash look' and I want something more natural, softer shadows, better highlights, less burn.  I have so much that I toss when I use a flash as it's too harsh.  I am trying to catch my kids indoors and find even then the flash can be too much.  The picture to the left is my daughter, S, just after she lost her first tooth.  Well lit sure, over lit and no natural shadows yes that too.  See the harsh shadow under her chin?  That's not what I want.  A flash is meant to simulate the sun, and when the sun is bright out you get harsh lighting like this but when it's over cast you can get more true color, and a much more flattering light.  So after doing some reading on the net (just like you're doing now) I started to see that straight flash was the issue and that tools were needed.   Tools that photographers use in the studio to diffuse the string strobe lights are also made small for on board flash.  Studio lighting is best as you have more than one light source allowing for compelling shadows and textures but well I can't afford fancy lights right now so I until I can get some used, on board flash is my tool. 

That begs the question what tools and how to use them.  I started out with a small soft box, and man it helps.  A small $10 item (soft box) and some happy results for me.  There is also the availability of a bounce flash, which as you can see below works fabulously- in horizontal.  Unless you happen to have a really cool Speedlight (external flash) that rotates (580 EX Speedlight) but those are expensive and super powerful.  I used a Canon 270 EX Speedlight here.

Look at the wall and the shadow the crucifix casts.  The head on flash is harsh and stark.  Very noticeable so much so the shadow becomes part of the photograph.  Now look at the soft box or the bounce flash, the shadows provide soft texture to the subject without themselves becoming a subject themselves like in the head on flash.

Each flash requires practice to use it properly.  You need to adjust your shutter and F-stop to control the amount of light coming into the camera.  If your flash has ETTL you can also control the amount of power supplied to the flash.  That is trickier for me personally and am currently working on that.  There is always room for improvement and learning in photography.  Those that say there isn't aren't pro's and don't know squat ;-).  So how did the soft box work for people or still life?  Check these out...

  My spouse and the fat cat.  Well lit and soft shadows.  It's the direction I want to head into.  I have much more work to do tho.

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Tips & Tricks

I started a tips section on my website but thought it might be of interest to some of you as well.  So I will be posting them here as well. 

It's not the camera, it's you.

I am dead serious.  A great photographer can use any camera and churn out gorgeous works.  Any camera can give you an amazing picture conversely, any camera can give you an awful picture.  Does a great camera help?  Absolutely, but it isn't the secret to success.  There are tons of 'photographers' out there that use crap cameras and shoot crap work, some even have the same camera I do and they still shoot crap.  Is that a bit harsh maybe, but the truth remains.

The photograph to the left was shot with a 6 megapixel D-SLR.  It is an old D-SLR, in fact it is the predecessor to almost every D-SLR Canon makes today.  I shot exclusively with this antique of the digital era until two months ago.  The photo can not be made any bigger that 8x12 due the size of the brain in the camera, the megapixels.  Wanna know the secret to this shot?  It required the help of another photographer to stimulate the butterfly to open his wings.  Photoshop was used to remove the device that stimulated the butterfly but none was used on the butterfly itself. 

Ok back to the topic at hand.  If you want better pictures, practice.  Simple as that.  It is a skill that is used and requires use to get better.  Use that Rebel or which ever Nikon you have.  Heck- grab that point and shoot and go for it.  I read a blog post at B&H Photo Video about many pro's waiting to buy the Canon 5D Mark II because the Mark III is due out eventually.  They recommended buying the currently available products and shooting and practicing as a newer camera isn't going to promise a better shot, it's just going to promise a bigger file.  The truth with technology today is that sooner rather than later it is becoming out-dated.  Heck the iPad only lasted 1 yr before the newer version out-dated the first one.   When I picked up my camera again for more than my kids snapshots, my work was rusty and I had a rather bad success ratio.  I still have bad days, days where you shoot and get nothing, but I practiced and honed a bit so the day wasn't a loss.  Last week I could have shot with any camera and it wasn't going to work, it was an off day.  I am just happy I wasn't shooting film and would have lost a great deal of money on a bad day.

This leads us to my first bit of advice- go out, practice.  If you get something awesome great, if not you learned more of what doesn't work.

Hello again!

I am not a prolific blogger.  I simply don't have time and well I forget.  I am quite prolific on Facebook MJ Brennan Photo but I go there to connect with friends as well as business.  I however consider the bulk of my fans who respond to me my friends, I cherish each of them as they make my business run.  I cherish those you reading this post.  My business would not exist without you.  I would most likely still be creating art but it would be kept secret or private.  The ability to share the way I see the world with everyone is a truly precious gift.  Thank you for giving it to me.  By reading this blog, checking out my work on facebook or Etsy MJAB on Etsy you allow me that gift.  I get positively giddy when I sell something, I walk on a cloud all day long.  So even though I may not blog prolifically, I do think of you.  If you read this say hi in comments, I like talking to you.  I am trying to build a collective of crafty appreciators.  I love hearing what you think of my new works and think the feedback helps me improve what I shoot and therefore what I offer.  I would LOVE to see what you shoot or create as most people that go to Etsy create as well as appreciate.  Facebook, you never know who you'll meet which can be fun too!  I was hoping to have a cohesive thought running through this post but it seems to just be me rambling on.  I tend to do that too.  Maybe a little focus would be good.  For now ramble back at me, and I will catch you later.

Japanese Disaster Relief

I have been beyond moved with the situation happening in Japan.  Not only were they hit by an earthquake, they got a tsunami, and then a nuclear disaster.  They got the ultimate triple play of demolition.  Thousands are dead.  More are hurt.  And according to this article http://money.cnn.com/2011/03/18/pf/japan_earthquake_aid/ they have received less aid then we did after Katrina.  She was a hurricane a single whammy- not 3.  What is wrong with us?  Why are more people not helping?  $5 here $2 there and it adds up.  I don't have a ton of money, I am a stay at home mom to two kids on a single income.  I have money issues yet I donated.  I want to do more.

So I triple dog dare anyone reading this to help.  How you ask?  Buy a print http://www.facebook.com/album.php?fbid=210545802293332&id=205378592810053&aid=63531 and all, 100% of the profit will go to the Red Cross International Disaster Relief Fund.  I will not be making a single red cent on this purchase.  If you want a print and don't see it in the album message me, I am willing to adjust what I am offering.  I simply want to help.  You get something pretty and help me do good.  You get to help.  Simply leave a comment here or contact me through my facebook page www.facebook.com/mjbrennanphoto

What to do

I am trying to build up my network of people and am at a loss.  I twitter @mjbrennanphoto,  I facebook (www.facebook.com/mjbrennanphoto).  I etsy (mjab) chat.  I am building a website, no it's not up yet as there is way more work to be done.  I blog.  What else is a girl to do?

I want lots of people to interact with me, not just my local friends and colleagues.  I sell beautiful nature photographs.  I got a new camera so I could offer larger sizes hoping to appeal to a greater audience.  So far nothing.  I have wondered if it just my work and I haven't spoken to the right person?  If I am missing subject matter people want to buy?  I am curious what you think, yes you reading this.  Leave a comment, anonymous or not.  What would you like to see me photograph?  I have asked on Facebook and only have 11 followers on twitter but have asked anyway.  I want to successfully build this business, it is more than a hobby for me, I want people to see my work and want it in their lives.  I create because I must, something drives me to create and shoot and make these images.  Yet another part, wants people to like them and by extension, like me.  As you can see I am still a bit self conscious about my work.  So here I sit asking the universe what I can do to improve my sites to attract more people that could potentially buy a piece and send even more people my way.  I am creating not only artwork but a business and I want both to be healthy and beautiful.

So I have planned and dreamed and...

MJ Brennan Fine Art Photography has been 'born'.  I changed my name because I want to be more than flowers and trees.  I have decided to start portraits.  Slowly as I need to learn how again.  It has been forever since college and free studio time to explore portraiture.  So I will be using the great outdoors as my studio and am currently looking for high school seniors in the Columbus OH area who are willing to model for free for me to practice on.  If you know anyone let me know- they get a free 8x10 for the modeling job.  I am doing this mainly as portfolio builders, but if we get a great shot or 10 we can do a reduced deal so I get shots and you get some great prints.  Kinda of a win win if anyone around me reads this and takes me up on the offer.  Contact me through this blog or through my Facebook page- MJ Brennan Fine Art Photo.

Planning a plan

I am entering into the world of a true small business- research and business plans and possible finance options.  I am worried about taking on too much as to not stress myself out and worry about bills and such.  Right now I have almost zero overhead, so I have no pressure to sell huge.  I print what I sell and nothing else.  It costs me some small listing fees but that is within my household budget so again no stress.  This is what has allowed me to do giveaways.  I want more though.  I want my work to sell so I can contribute to my family's budget instead of depleting it. 

However, I have come to realize I might sell more prints if I offered different sizes- especially the larger ones like 16x20's or 20x30's.  Sure right now I can print those but they will look like junk.  Out of focus and pixilated.  Not exactly the quality I want to be known for.  So for now until I can afford the camera that will take big enough files to allow me to blow up that big, I am staying with small 8x10 and 8x12's.  It makes me feel like such an amateur.  I need a new lens as well, but again that isn't in the budget until I start selling more.  This is the fun part- the shopping.  Just not as fun as it could be as it's only window shopping and a lot of drooling..

Another issue- what is going to sell?  How do I find out what people want and will buy?  How much is a fair market price that will entice customers to  buy again and a again?  How do I find the answers to these questions?  I am going to the Small Business Development Center, the Small Business Administration, SCORE, and any other organization that has free counseling and mentoring on starting a new business.  I am not to hot on the idea of taking out a loan for the money I need, as I would have no way to pay it back without putting undo stress on myself.

I am thinking of branching out to senior portraits in a outdoor setting and hope that would build the business end more.  I wouldn't need a studio for outdoor work, as I can't afford a studio space and don't know anyone willing to rent out their spaces.  Once I was bringing in money with seniors I would look into getting a space.  I have had people mention weddings and frankly I do not want that stress.  I did one wedding solo and it was hell.  I worked 14 hours, got paid $250 because the bride and groom stiffed me the amount after I sent the disc.  I would never do this again as this was a favor to a family friend and admittedly I didn't have all the equipment needed and the pictures weren't to my liking.  Poor planning and travel and it was a disaster- so much so I have vowed to never do that again.  I will happily shoot as a 2nd camera at a wedding but not the main one.

I think I may be asking too much, a thriving business with little to no stress.  Hey a girl can dream a little dream, right?

Huge Ice Storm

Means some interesting shooting opportunities.  I went out and bruised my body (my legs are scary) and just explored my yard.  The freezing rain just coated everything so beautifully during the first wave- the second it got too heavy and clumsy looking.  Plus it was too heavy to easily break and walk through and well breaking my body wasn't in my plans for what didn't appeal to my eye. 

I liked and enjoyed finding the delicate ice.  The roads were yucky but it was awesome being stuck home for one day while the weather raged around me.  Hearing the sound the ice made as it cracked was eery but very cool.  A sound you rarely hear.  When you do it usually isn't good but it was still cool.

Why the nonsense?

For my "fans" or "frikes" ever wonder why I talk such nonsense on my page daily?  And not sales &  photography pushing.  Well it's simple- people hate sales pitches.  We do.  So about once a week I will post a business post and leave it but most of the time I am focused on building my relationships with you.  I will post new work which is why people 'liked' the page anyway.  Then I post silly stuff about coffee cravings and anything else silly happening.  It keeps my page visible on feeds and one day that special print is going to pop up and some one buys.  See I am not so brainless :-)  Plus this is a hobby and the silly is a lot more fun the pushing people.

I have my Etsy site up, I run coupon codes (current codes: get5x7 for $10 off and get a 5x7 print or get4x6 for $15 off and get a 4x6 print.), I sell through Facebook, I try to remember Twitter, and I have the blog.

See I snuck in a sales pitch and it was just there no pushing, pushing sucks.  Now off to referee my children, I just saw a large pink bunny fly through the air.

Why Nature?

Why Nature?  Why not people?  Well honestly people can be a pain and it takes a special photographer to capture people properly.  Can I do it?  Sure, but I am rusty as hell and prefer to just see things and snap them.  On my time not someone else's.  If I had a studio set up and a good client base sure I would try it, but that's more equipment than I own and than I can afford right now and again on others time not mine.

I find shooting nature relaxing and exciting at the same time.  I love walking and seeing what I see, how to frame it, how to expose it, flash or no flash?  All while enjoying the outdoors and getting exercise.  Nature is inspiring just by being and most people walk right by or drive by and never get to see what she offers.  I am always looking and man the times I pull off the road to capture things is insane (just like me ;-) ).

 The walking and seeing are relaxing but getting home and seeing what I found is exciting.  I am like a kid at Christmas.  Opening all my 'gifts' and hoping to have got that one special gift, this year for S it was a pink camera, and for me it's a lens I am buying thanks to my frikes!  There is nothing like downloading and seeing what I really got, and then to cull the best of them and then start editing.  The cropping, the lighting, the refining.  Oh so much fun!  Can you tell I am excited about my work, so much so it doesn't feel like work which is AWESOME!!!

The Ambitious Project 2011

Many of my fellow photographer friends are planning an ambitious Project 365, where they will take a new photograph daily and post it.  Too lofty a goal for MJ, seriously today getting dressed is a goal :).  So I decided to do the Unexpected Project 2011, photos not taken with the goal of a sale, but to help keep my creative juices flowing and honing my skills.  That's what photography is if  you ask me, a skill.  You have to have an eye but it is also honed skill- the proper use of light and shadow, the way you set your camera up, and the way you frame the shot.  A lot of photography can be taught but the instinct is equally important.  That gut feeling that says shoot this way not that.  Where to crop and what to crop.

I did something similar when I started I just labeled shots by month this year it will be the whole year in one album, some weeks there will be floods of shots others there will be drought.  That's how my creative juices flow- hot and cold.  Feast or Famine.

I am really excited about my new lens that I am purchasing a Canon Macro 50mm f/2.5 fixed.  Should be super sweet for getting the orchids at Franklin Park Conservatory coming up.  I have used money from gifts and money from sold works to buy this lens and am beyond thrilled by that!   The exhibit opens Jan 15th and I plan on going a lot.