kimberly_smith___anchorage

February 11, 2008

Wow, what honest responses! Thank you. I wish was able to get back sooner, but the computer was in the guest room, and we had company for the last week...you know how that goes.

Yes, I am seeking the answers to the questions for myself. It sounds like either my professional aim is not photography, or I'm taking myself too seriously. I am surprised how many admitted that wedding photography is not their passion or goal in life, it's more of an enjoyable outlet of creativity. Which is really what I am beginning to discover in myself. At first I was quite dismayed at that thought, but I can accept it.

After being a housewife and mommy for four years, I am seeking which direction to go. Any work or career past the house is going to take a bit of time, money, and thought away from the family. For me to take that from my family, it would need to be something that would give back more than it took.

Wedding photography is not something I really sought. I was asked. Tak, my aptitude test indicated engineer. For the life of me, I couldn't figure out why I'd be great at driving a train... :-) One of my stupid moments.

For those of you who love wedding photography; How did you know that it is something you love? Why the photography and not the videography, or bridal fashion, or wedding coordination? Was it because you feel that you are best, or could become the best?

Yes, I think humans are interesting creatures, especially at emotional, ceremonial events. Photography is a great way to observe. Great analogy, Marc!

In all, a wedding photography business is very well-rounded. The creativity, the technology and use of equipment, the facts and risks of the business, the interaction with people, and the study of humans and society.

I do not expect anyone to give me the answers. But, through hearing the stories and journeys of others, I hope to gain more insight of why they chose that direction, and why it has made them happy with their choice.

February 7, 2008

Bill,

On your website you stated that you seek to become "one" with the client, and turn their vision into your own. So, in theory, during the year you are seeing photography from the vision of 50 or more other people? How do you do that, and maintain your goal and vision? Do you have a specific goal, or do you just seek to "have fun, give the clients' what they ask for, and make some money"?

What specifically are you trying to learn?

You speak of endless passion. Endless passion comes from within yourself, but what is the passion about? What do "you" recieve from your photography?

February 7, 2008

Is photography your purpose in life?

As a few of my friends and I have been talking about our "definate chief aim"

and our chosen journey in life, I have been researching several photographers.

It seems interesting to me what each one has stated as their mission in life.

Some are extremely definate and not self-serving, and others speak a bunch of

sentimental garbly-goop that means nothing.

As I have been pondering this for myself, I thought to ask others why they

chose photography as their journey in life, or decided to keep it as a hobby

(why did they choose something else for their purpose in life)? Some may

disagree that the work they choose defines their life. But if you spend over

1/3 of your life sleeping and eating, 1/3 of your life working, then the rest

is divided even smaller.

What are your strengths as a photographer and/or business owner? What are your

weaknesses? What are you confident in, and what do hold your breath and

procrastinate about? What are you doing to expand your skills and why do you

seek to expand your skills?

Some of you out there see themselves as "experts", and refuse to learn anything

more. At what point is there nothing new to learn in photography?

I was quite shocked the other day as I was watching a video of a friends

wedding how cynical my thoughts were. Every bride sees her wedding as the only

one on the planet earth. Does the photographer?

Is photography an hourly job, something fun to do in the evenings, or is it

truly a driving passion and living goal in your life? What is it that makes it

that way?

I'm not talking about the "capturing a cherished moment in your life" you-know-

what. I'm talking about what drives you, personally, onward.

I look forward to your replies,

Kimberly

January 1, 2008

Russ, thank you for your opinion regarding the F5 and F6 based on your experience. I also admire you for stating that sometimes the older model is just as good as the newest, fanciest thing.

Z and Anthony you are both right. Both are better in their own way. As with film, my husband loves the look of Tri-x and I prefer the look of T-max. We could get in heated debates (and that can be fun), but I shoot T-max and he shoots Tri-x. Which one is better? Well it depends on the viewer and the shooter. As you both are very definate in your opinion, perhaps you could share with me why you prefer which one in your experience. Ignore all the reviewers and cropping and tests. Could you share your personal experience? High ISO and low light is a difficult thing. Even my eyes go crazy in low light.

Yes Steve, the ability to change ISO quickly with digital is a big plus in my mind.

Jim, thanks for letting me know about the Canon. I wonder why I missed it...

December 31, 2007

Sabastiao Salgado. I haven't seen any of his wedding shots (did he ever shoot weddings?), but his ability to draw the viewer in to emotionally experience the situation is amazing.

December 31, 2007

Anthony, Ouch! But, as they say, the truth hurts.

But yes, I agree the issue is with lighting, or lack of it. In any system, ISO 3200 is not as smooth and grainless (noiseless) as ISO 25 no matter which way you look at it. It sounds like I need to sit down and really figure out on paper what my priorities are, like you suggested, Nadine. There is no such thing as a "perfect" camera system that is best in every situation. For low lighting (and consequently different colors) it seems the best would be digital, especially for color. Which digital system is the best regarding low light, is overly expounded and argued about. For familiarity and simplicity of workflow, film seems to be the best. But Nikon is the only company that I know about that is still making a professional 35mm film body. For mobility and speed, the RZ67 is not in the lead! :-)

In truth, the photographer should not be chosen for the equipment they use, but the personality and results. But the photographer's confidence in the equipment they use results in how they act during a shoot, and competence with the equipment is directly related to the results.

I will post what I decide when I do, if anyone would like me to. But until then, if anyone has any good advice or opinions, please let me know.

December 30, 2007

David, I was referring to taking a trip to a sunny location (ie. southern California) and actually experiencing the brightness we've heard about from other photographers. It's been about 3 to 4 months since we've been in daylight that even comes close to that. And it will be about 5 to 6 months until we experience it again.

As for experiencing digital, I have (Although not Nikon which it appears that you are currently using, Matt). Not only have I owned a few dslr's but have used several Canon Mark2D's with the fancy IS lenses, and such.

Millions of photographers consider a good photograph is one where the person's eyes are open and the entire image in focus. Excellence is not stopping at what the masses consider acceptable.

I do not wish to use flash. Yes, there are times that it is necessary, but will all crutches, if they're too easily accessible, they will always be used. Why think, if I just stick the camera on "P", Auto flash, and auto-focus, and worry a little about composition (which can be changed in Photoshop, along with adding a few more wedding guests if I want)?

The latitude and color rendetion of digital is not up to what I appreciate yet. The client probably doesn't care, I do. If the image doesnt accent fat or wrinkles, or for the other clients, if there is lots of color and gets the customer's attention, then they're happy. Honestly, my biggest problem with digital lies in the post-processing. I'm not an expert in it, and much prefer to drop the film off at my local pro lab where they know what I like and deliver it. Simple.

I just like simple. Maybe I should start using pinhole cameras. :-) (just kidding).

From the responses I'm getting, except for Blake, Dawn, and Nadine (Who basically suggest to use high ISO film), the consensus is to go to digital, and use flash. Learn post-processing to the best that I can (or pay someone else to do it).

December 30, 2007

Aaagghh...digital! :-)

I suppose if digital is the only way to go for low light situations, is there any way to get it to not look like digital? The pixels are square. If I was into cross-stitch, that would be fine.

So, to go digital, I have to create a different workflow and backup system. Then get a new monitor every year, calibrate it every two weeks, worry about memeory card failure, haul around something that beeps and makes the subjects jump, wander around through multiple menus to change anything manually, have wedding guests compare my camera with theirs (unless I paint it pink and put a barbie sticker over the name :-)), and have to explain that just because it is digital, it is not cheap and easy to burn the images on a CD.

I have heard of the possiblity of printing a digital file on transparency then printing it traditionally. Is the quality any better, or is it just something fun to do?

December 30, 2007

In a room that is a bit brighter than most local wedding venues, my hand-held

meter reads 1/4second, f/2.8 at ISO 400. Yes, when we visited southern

California two weeks ago, my husband called me over to look at his light

meter. It recommended 1/1000 at f8!

That leaves me with two options, right? Either I use on camera flash (I

suppose I could hire an assistant to haul around a stobe w/a softbox and

battery pack at my elbow) or use high ISO.

I have a Mamiya RZ67 and think it is the greatest thing ever. But for

weddings? Well, that's completely different. For all the running around

shots, I have used Minolta manual gear.

What caused the entire thought dilemma was last weekend, there was a major

issue with the shutter, (thankfully everything turned out fine) but it made me

realize a few things. When I am the sole photographer resposible for images, I

better be using the best equipment I can possible afford, and more importantly,

it better be a company that is still around for questions, service, and

repairs. That's not to say problems will never arise with the best or most

expensive equipment, but it slightly lessens the chances of it

happening.

So, I have to admit it. I get so inspired by the photographers that use

Leicas. The emotion, the lighting, and the subjects appearing to be so unaware

of the photographer, it speaks to me. (Which may have to do with the lack of a

humongous, long-lensed, flashing, shotgun-sounding thing jumping at them every

2 seconds).

I would prefer to not use flash which, in my opinion, Nikon excels at.

Canon, from my experience excels at high ISO and darkness in digital. Would it

be too much to ask to not go to digital?

Leica, well, I hear a lot of conficting information regarding focusing in low

light.

As for the Mamiya, the 7 may be an option.

Yes, the best idea would be to go to my local camera shop and hold them in my

little hands and maybe rent a few to try out. Unfortunately, where I'm located

there is no "local camera shop" that keeps these cameras in stock. I could

rent them (imagine the cost of overnighting all of those suckers to Alaska). I

could spend the next year or two trying to find photographers in a 100 mile

radius that own the gear. Or, I could put myself at the opinionated mercy of

you folks that have experience with the same situation.

I know of a few professional photographers in my area that still use film with

strobes- for studio work. The remaining majority have gone to Nikon or Canon

digital and use flash extensively. The people change, the composition and

location is different, but for goodness sakes, the lighting is exactly the same.

October 20, 2007

Jane, I think most forgot that you said that your husband is the shooter, and you are the post processor. The better your husband gets, the easier your job will get.

I would say that the web design, photo quality, and prices mesh together. The more experienced your husband gets, the more experienced you will become at what you are doing.

I have found that the photographers that have the amazing photos, have websites that you don't notice...the photos stand out not the design. The photographers that have horrible to acceptable images try to get customers to notice how much they spent on a website by flashing words, bright colors, and all sorts of other gimmicks.

As for the photo to be on the main page, you've started the correct way, get the input from people that haven't looked at the same 10 images constantly for the last three weeks. Get opinions, but more importantly, choose one that portrays what you want to shoot. Don't put an over-saturated photo of a child dancing if you want to do black and white formals...you get the idea. Think of who you want to attract.

October 20, 2007

Thanks for the answers! I usually use a Gary Fong attachment on flash, until it gets to the point of "just get some light on the suject, any light". I wish I was able to use automated modes correctly, so I am usually stuck on M mode.

I've always admired the few individuals that know the correct metering by just looking at the light. I think it just takes practice.

As for seeing light, that is why I always will prefer to use a reflector or an object that will act as one, and only use flash when nothing else is possible. We know that the camera does not see exactly what the eye sees, so why confuse yourself more, with adding artificial light the eye does not see at all? Studio photography is a completely different animal, but most weddings for me have been on location...well, all of them to be exact.

I am still looking for someone to work with that has mastered location lighting.

October 17, 2007

Joe,

Congratulations on admitting to yourself that you do not enjoy weddings. If you're not in the business for the enjoyment of the business side of photography, then you might as well choose what type of photography you want to excel at.

Kim

October 17, 2007

My first wedding was for my brother-in-law. My husband volunteered us to do it, and I was not very happy with that.

The day was bright and sunny without a cloud in the sky. Every bride's dream, but every photographer's nightmare, considering the entire ceremony and reception took place on an open grassy area at noon. We shot the entire thing with all manual Minolta gear and manual flash. I think I counted to five before I hit the shutter so I could calculate the distance, etc.

The pictures turned out amazingly well, but I was exhaused after 12 hours of shooting.

October 17, 2007

What do I want to know about wedding lighting?

I want to know how to get good photos when the craze is weddings lit by tea-lights at night in Alaska in the wintertime. It's romantic for everyone but the photographer!

For those of you who have successfully shot creative and well exposed images under these conditions, I would love some wise input. Bounce flash is out, and high ISO digital is out. At ISO 1600, f2.8, the metering reads 1/8 second. I really want to avoid the direct flash look, but what else is there? The idea of setting up strobes when everyone should be carrying around flashlights, gives me the chills of what could happen.

Please help,

Kimberly

August 5, 2007

I love the spontaniety of the photo.

There is just a few things that bother me. The first is that her posture is extremely unflattering. Her shoulder appears out of socket, and her belly protrudes unnaturally. The other thing that bothers me is I can't quite figure out what she is doing. It looks like she is pretending to drink from an invisible glass.

The colors are great, along with the movement of her hair.

Keep learning, I am. :-)

Kimberly

August 5, 2007

As a real woman, that is slightly overweight and breastfed my daughter, I think I can reply. The American population is too fat. Why promote it as "normal"? Beauty is desired, and that is what sells. If sags and bags and wrinkles would sell the product, that's what advertiser's would use. At this time in our society, that is not what sells.

My husband did some partial nudes of me a few weeks ago, the first of that type of photography for him. It was quite a learning experience for both of us. To "model" for several hours takes quite a bit of stamina and strength. I can see why a well toned body is necessary, and in heels, why less weight is desirable.

Men are the same as women, with regards to age. No, they might not have "stretch marks" from giving birth, but stretch marks have to do with skin and sometimes men get them from working out, gaining weight, etc. just like women. Men gain weight, get saggy and baggy, and get wrinkles too. They just don't strut around in bikini's, and get upset if someone makes a comment about it.

There is no excuse for not looking good, myself included. If a woman, as well as a man, want's an excuse for they way they look, they will find one. If beauty is a priority, it is for models, then the correct amount of time and money is put aside for it.

Like most other mother's, my paycheck is not based on what my body looks like nude. My priority is keeping my home fairly neat, my family clean and fed, and saving for college, etc. I could do that wearing a burlap bag. The woman's body is changed from a beautiful object to something that is a comfort and useful.

Pete, I would suggest hiring a makeup artist, and start where the mother is comfortable. If it involves her hiding behind a blanket, so be it, and create a "mood". Find the most beautiful thing about her and accent it. I would be mindful of imperfections, don't focus on them. Lighting and posing are important, especially if you are looking more for serene and romantic, instead of... BR>

I think mothers would enjoy this type of photography, and I believe their husbands would too. :-) If they are mothers, there is usually a reason for it. And some women even have more than one child!

Please let us know how it works out, and what inspired you for poses and settings.

Good luck,

Kimberly

July 25, 2007

Carolyn,

Maybe try the bride sitting on the groom's lap. Add some wind, a hill, and it looks like they're riding down the hill, laughing.

Just an idea...

June 25, 2007

Well, Saturday was the first time I have offered to take pictures at the

funeral or "celebration of her life" as she put it. I was a bit apprehensive

at first, because I knew her and loved her very much. But it was the most

beautiful and loving service I have been to. I can't count the times people

came up to me and thanked me for taking pictures. I was a bit shocked about

the acceptance of photography at such an event.

A bit about the surroundings. It was held in a windowless school gym (very

dark with flourescent lights), and I was kindly asked to not use flash. I

wasn't planning on using it anyway.

The widower kindly asked if I could get a picture of the closed casket with all

the flowers (we're talking about 40 feet of bleachers covered in floral

arrangements). Fine, except they opened the casket as soon as it was put in

place. I had to use a bit of creativity to get it all without showing her

body. For future use, any suggestions?

Also, for those of you more experienced, how on earth do you get flattering

photos of over 500 people, in less than 2 hours, without being obvious that

you're taking their picture? By the way, it was a reception, so they were all

eating...

I was not asked to do this nearly impossible task, but I always seek to expend

my photography skills.

Thanks for your input,

Kimberly

May 18, 2007

Hi Paul!

If you think being a young photographer is bad, my husband was a doctor at the ripe old age of 22. You know, people just don't like "sonny" to tell them how they need to live their life. :-)

Overall, I think you just might be slightly paranoid. Like others said if you're confident in your work, and how your business is run, and whatever color of skin you have, it will show.

I have never really felt discrimated by anyone. I just have to accept that there are very closed hearted and minded people in this world. If someone says a snide comment or does something that deserves a slap, I think of all the other intelligent, kind, and honerable people I know. But again, I'm caucasian and nearing 30 (shudder).

A few times when I assisted a gentleman about 15 years my senior, the guests at the ceremony assumed I was the "head" photographer and asked how my "assistant" and I started working together. The embarrasing part is that he was right next to me at the time. Thankfully, he has a great sense of humor. We had a good laugh about it later. :-)

Keep up the photography work, I love the fun and movement in your pictures!

Kimberly

May 17, 2007

Oops! Sorry Russ, I know, the website will be changed very soon. I still have a Maxxum 5, 7, and Mamiya RZ67 (all film), but I have found that I use digital most of the time. Perhaps it's because I use slide film instead of negative film...

May 16, 2007

I have a Sony Alpha 100 and use it as my primary camera now. I have used other cameras in the past, but what is important to me is how I use the camera.

As for what equipment you need next, what do you find yourself using the most? At one time I had a $1000 lens that I never used, a wasted investment.

I looked at your website and I liked all of it except your portfolio, there were no pictures. Are you starting out? If so, I would put the money away for awhile until the bumps sort of smooth out, and then use it for a piece of equipment that you will really use. You may branch into portraiture, and a strobe or reflector may be what you need. Or you may want to use it to upgrade to another camera. My advice would be to just use what you have and put some pictures in your website portfolio.

I find it kind of interesting how people set themselves in groups, I'm a "Canon photographer", or a "Nikon photographer", and those of us who use Minolta or Sony say, "I use a camera, that's all that matters"... :-)

Photo.net has a Sony/Minolta forum. My husband is usually on it, as he is the equipment guy. Look it up, there is lots of info on the forum, and mostly everyone is helpful.

Have fun shooting, and good luck with your business,

Kimberly

May 10, 2007

The closest place is to charter a boat or an airplane. Other than that, you will be pretty much stuck to the Sterling Highway. The Seward Highway goes from Anchorage to Seward.

There are several pull-outs on the highway. Feel free to use them.

April 21, 2007

Anthony,

I'm sad to hear that you've lost that passion for photography. To be honest, I have never had it. I started the photography business knowing that it was a business, and not much more. I have other things in life that I have a passion for, house design, bridal design, baking...etc. That stays seperate from my business, I am not resposible for making anyone else happy with the things I love. Perhaps photography was your passion and love and you excelled at it, then made money so the focus was on what others wanted and what sold and not yourself.

Photography is an art, is it not? Why then, do photographers try to take art, and subject it to a 9 to 5 job? Why not just photograph when the inspiration strikes, as most artists do?

Although Andrew suggested a beautiful female model, I would suggest the most beautiful female of all: mother nature.

Don't give it all up Antony, my husband and I have found many hours of inspiration and appreciation for your art and time helping others. Although, I think the red lizard skin on the XD is a bit much.

Kimberly

April 20, 2007

Earl,

I feel for you. Yes, a church is run as a business, but yet it is in many ways sacred. Put it this way, if you "hired" a fellow christian of your church because he needed a job, would you ask for a discount or freebie, or gladly pay him full price?

I would not sell the copyright, just usage fees. If the images are used for editorial purposes, and the "church" is not selling them for a profit, there should be no issue. But if you are selling the copyright to the church, and the church is making a profit off of the prints, then every person in the pictures need to sign a model release, because that would be what they are.

Perhaps it would be easier to provide a CD of images to the church for editorial use only (no profit to them) for newsletters and websites or a book of the year type thing. Then, post all the images online on a password protected site for the members to order images. You set the price for what you feel is reasonable. But remember that what you post for the pricing, other members (potential customers) will have problems if they see you charging 20 cents, then 10 dollars for the same size of image.

April 13, 2007

Ahh...what a dilemma! I think I've heard my share of them the last few years that my husband has joined me in photography. :-)

My first question would be, "what's wrong with your gear?" It seems as though you have plenty of it. Well, I suppose you didn't list any lenses. You might need at least one for your MF.

Seriously, like others said, why would you sell it? More than likely you will sell it, then wish you still had it, then buy another one

because you miss it so much, then it doesn't quite feel like the old one did, then sell it for less, then buy another one, but when you buy another one, after some thought and research, add an additional one to your collection with a lens you've always wanted to try out, then go back to the same dilemma that you started with.

It's much simpler to use the gear that you have. Take the time and money that you'd spend on selling and shipping all of it, and shoot some film.

Just my two cents,

Kimberly

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