john bosley photography

<p>I shoot almost all of my portraits with a 50mm f/1.4 and absolutely love the look I get from it. My typical portrait aperture is f/2.8 for an individual, but I've used anywhere from f/1.4 to f/5.6, depending on the look I'm after.</p>

<p>As mentioned before, make sure you're shooting in a mode where you can control the aperture (aperture-priority or manual), keep your aperture below f/5.6, and keep some distance between your subject and the background. The best things you can do are read, experiment and practice!</p>

<p>Here's one I shot at f/2.8:

Here's one I shot at f/1.4:

<p>What Aimee said...</p>

<p>The model will probably use whatever you give him/her. Only give the model images that you would want someone else to see. You choose which images to present. Make sure it's clear ahead of the shoot.</p>

<p>I always put up an online gallery for proofing and once the model is happy I burn a CD with web-resolution and full-size images. I've heard of some models who want to burn a CD straight from the memory card on-site, but this is something I'd never do for the above mentioned reasons.</p>

<p>A few short suggestions:</p>

<ul>

<li>Definitely chimp, but let the model see the images also. It can help a model a lot if they see what they're doing. I've had quite a few models tell me that they really appreciate seeing the images every so often during the shoot.</li>

<li>Direct at the beginning of the shoot, but be sure to give the model some freedom after you both get loosened up. Who knows what might happen!</li>

<li>Watch for natural gestures that the model makes. They can turn into hero shots!</li>

<li>Tear sheets are good, but know your models limits. Forcing a model into a pose that they can't pull off will just look forced.</li>

<li>If you're running out of ideas, change locations!</li>

<li>When all else fails, get goofy! Silly faces can really loosen things up and get the creative juices flowing. Even if you don't use the photos, you'll still get a laugh out of seeing them after the shoot.</li>

</ul>

<p>If I could add a different perspective to not being taken seriously because of your age/gender/size? Maybe you look approachable and friendly. Maybe the mother was treating you more like a friend of her daughter instead of a Professional Photographer. Maybe that's a good thing.</p>

<p>I always get told I look young for my age. I don't let it get to me. Instead, I use it as leverage if possible. If I can show respect and be professional in the eyes of someone who's older than me, but they still think I'm a "charming young man" (which I am, by the way... ;) ), what's wrong with that? If I can take good photos <em>and </em> they'd feel comfortable inviting me over for Sunday lunch, what's wrong with that? I'd much rather be "that nice young man" than "that little disrespectful jerk" (not referring to the OP, just an example). I'd rather the guests be comfortable in approaching me than intimidated.</p>

<p>On a side note about customer service, I worked for Home Depot for 6 years and their foundation was customer service. There's a popular story about an elderly woman who tried to return 4 car tires to a Home Depot. Home Depot obviously does not sell car tires, but she was a little confused and insisted that she bought the tires at the store. The store manager was finally called up to explain to the lady why she could not return the tires to the store. Instead, he pulled the money out of the cash register, gave it to her and told her to have a nice day. Why? What was more important to a large company... $100 or a good reputation in the community? I see a photo with a guest's camera the same way. What will ultimately hurt your business and your reputation more?</p>

<p>Sorry, in my head it was clear I meant a "rock" concert, but I guess it's not, especially if you shoot other types of concerts. No snarky-ness taken.</p>

<p>Rock concert, small-medium sized local venue (no huge stadiums), rock-lighting, proximity: from touching the stage to, say, 15' away.</p>

 

<p>This question is somewhat hypothetical, but could be practical at some point in time. I've already read Steve Mirarchi's article about concert photography, but I'm curious about what everyone else would do.</p>

<p>Let's assume I have a choice of 3 lenses that I'd consider taking to a concert. They are (all Nikon):</p>

 

<ol>

<li>50mm f/1.4</li>

<li>35mm f/1.8</li>

<li>12-24mm f/4</li>

</ol>

<p>Let's also assume I'll be right up front. Since it's hypothetical, body shouldn't matter, but if you must name a body, let's say a D90. Which lens do I take along if I can only take one? I know ideally I'd "have" a 24-70mm f/2.8, but I don't. :(</p>

<p>Looks like a great camera to introduce people to DSLRs. </p>

<p>As for the size, I recently had my D40 (similar size) around a bunch of kids (6-10 years old). They were all able to use it to make some nice shots (after I put the neck strap around their neck and showed them how to look through the viewfinder). Little cameras can be fun for the whole family!</p>

<p>It's just like a billboard. Maybe you should pay your fan to use it? ;)</p>

<blockquote>

<p>This will be a very contentious comment, but can you push the boat out and get the D300, maybe you'll have a camera body that won't need future upgradings. This still is a state of the art camera body....in my opinion at least.</p>

 

</blockquote>

<p>I know this would be an upgrade that wouldn't cost much more than the D90, but my long-term plan is to get the D90 and wait for an upgrade cycle to pass before going with a "pro" camera like the D300. I figure if I can get 2 years of heavy use out of the D90, it should put my timing just right for Nikon's next model (post D300x/D400) to get the latest and greatest technology for my next upgrade.</p>

<p>When I bought the D40, I wasn't sure which features I'd need or use in a more advanced camera. Now I have a pretty good idea of my needs and the D90 will be a great upgrade for me. Once I've used it for a while, I'm sure I'll have an even better idea of my needs and will be prepared to purchase whatever camera will serve my needs best when it's time to replace/upgrade.</p>

<p>Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. It seems the opinions are split. No wonder I was having such a hard time! I'm going on a road trip this week, so that should give me time to ponder what to do next. Until then, I'm still open to suggestions, so if you believe strongly one way or another, let me know!</p>

<p>The main reason I'm looking at the 18-50 is so I can go wide for a group shot or tighter for a portrait. This will mainly be used at events. The concert use is secondary, but I figure it would still be useful in that situation.</p>

<p>Thanks for the input so far!</p>

 

<p>Hi All -</p>

<p>I'm planning on upgrading my camera in the near future, from a D40 to a D90. This will probably happen in the next 4-6 months. One of the reasons is for better high ISO performance, which should allow me to shoot in darker situations, such as indoor events and concerts, without flash.</p>

<p>Another option that I'm considering and will eventually purchase is a fast zoom, such as a Sigma 18-50mm f2.8. My question is which would you upgrade first if you were in my situation to get good low-light performance? By the way, I've already got the 35mm f1.8, but would like the flexibility of a zoom in this range.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>Here's one more idea that popped into my head right away. Crop a little, but also vignette. This way you don't have to worry about the dark chairs at the top, as they become a part of the effect instead of a problem. The B&W conversion ca be done to taste. This was just a quick one to give an idea of what was in my head.</p>

<p><img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b222/johnboz/00Tutm-153903584-2.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p>You might want to look here: <a href="http://www.useplus.com/index.asp">::PLUS::</a> They have a license generator on the site that you use to generate a custom license for your specific needs.</p>

<p>I'd have to agree with what's been said so far. It's a nice clean site, fast load times, great photos!</p>

<p>I'm also confused by the "snap shot studio". I'm assuming it's a small studio space you set up at events where guests can come and have fun posing for the camera, but it would help if you described it, especially if you're trying to sell that service.</p>

<p>I considered something similar and here's what turned me off:<br>

To sell prints, you'd have to put up an online gallery. Anyone who has your card should be able to find the gallery. This means that anyone who can find your site can buy a photo of anyone who was on the beach. Selling a photo of someone without a signed model release (unless it's to the person in the photo) can get you into trouble. </p>

<p>This is my understanding of selling images of people and model releases. I know it would be a long-shot, but it could happen.</p>

<p>I love the layout of the blog. It's very slick and attractive. Many sites that are on here for critique all look the same, but yours stops the viewer and invites them to look around and explore. The only complaint I have is that it was slow to load for me.</p>

<p>My wife is going to be out of town this Friday and Saturday. I had planned on taking Friday, heading up into the beautiful Rocky Mountains here in Colorado and having an indulgent photo trip without having to worry about what time I get home, plans with my wife, etc... Today I just saw that Chase Jarvis is going to be speaking at the <a href="http://adcd.com">Art Directors Club of Denver</a> . I think it would be great to hear him speak.</p>

<p>Should I work on my photography or listen to what Chase has to say? What would you do?</p>

<p>David - I was the "official" photographer. Unfortunately, I didn't even think about selling prints as an additional source of revenue for the non-profit until after the event (next time I'll be ready). </p>

<p>As for the individual photos, the target audience is the individual participants only. </p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>Hi Everyone -<br>

I recently shot a charity golf tournament and got many good action photos of the players. I would like to partner with the non-profit who hosted the tournament and make prints of the players available for sale with a portion of the profits going to the non-profit. Here is a question that I have:</p>

<p>- No one signed anything, so I don't have any type of model release to sell the photos. Would it be acceptable to have a simple contract that must be signed before a purchase can be made that includes something like, "I verify that I am the individual pictured in the print" (which, if you are selling the photo to that person should not require a model release), or include the previous line as well as a model release?</p>

<p>I don't want to bog down the process with legal verbage and contracts, as the goal is to make money for the non-profit. I'd like this to be a simple process to buy a print, but I also want to protect myself. Any other suggestions would also be welcome.</p>

<p>Thanks for any advice you have to offer.</p>

<p>Boulder will be easy to access. Right now we just got lots of rain, so everything is very green. The Flatirons and Chataqua Park are quite nice.</p>

<p>Rocky Mountain National Park is amazing. If you want to take a day, the drive up and back will only take about an hour each way. You can easily shoot all day there. Be sure to bring some hiking shoes.</p>

<p>Heading up north an hours drive will take you to Fort Collins. It's got Horsetooth Reservoir and the surrounding foothills. Fort Collins' Old Town is also quite picturesque.</p>

<p>Driving west up I-70 will get you deep into the mountains. You'll probably find quite a few waterfalls with all of the snow melt.</p>

<p>I don't know if I'd drive south to Colorado Springs/Pikes Peak. Garden of the Gods is awesome, but I'd rather go to Red Rocks and spend time in the surrounding areas and save the driving time.</p>

<p>Have fun!</p>