Pic of the Day

Halloween Photo Contest

2011-10-11T10:01:00.000-07:00

The Holidays are the best time to put your photography skills to the test. Our next photo contest will be divided in to two categories: Part 1 is all about the decorations: We would like to see you use light to create a photograph that makes the spirit of Halloween come to life. It could be natural light, multiple flashes, creative studio lighting, or event the absence of light for a spooky moment. Part 2 of course is all about the costumes and the fun involved with Halloween. Start submit your images now, we will start showcasing them one Picture-a-Day. Voting will be open to the public 10/20 for Part 1 and 10/27 for Part 2.

Please submit your favorite Halloween images. E-mail your hi-rez file to fortworthcamera@gmail.com the winner will get a $25 gift certificate. Please submit by above deadlines. And keep in mind basic photography composition basics will be taken in to account. Good Luck.

P.S. We really just want to see how crazy you can get about Halloween!

Thinking Outside the (Doug) Box:

2011-07-06T11:18:00.000-07:00

The Professional Photographer Who Mentors Beginning Shooters

by Laura Oles

When it comes to being a working professional photographer, Doug Box has experience to spare. In addition to shooting countless weddings and portraits, he has taught photography in forty-eight states, in eight counties and on five cruise ships. Needless to say, Doug Box is busy. And he tells us that he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Each week is different for me,” Doug says. “I spent all last week teaching, but I still need to keep up with clients and return calls when I’m on the road. Now I’m back and getting ready to shoot a wedding. I like the variety. I like that I’m in a position to do a number of things.”

And according to Doug, being a professional photographer today—and being one that can make a living at it--requires the ability to handle a number of different tasks and projects. “Being a niche photographer is far more difficult today than it was twenty years ago. People’s expectations have changed and what they want has changed also.”

One of the things that Doug has embraced is being a teacher and mentor to new photographers who want to learn and become better behind the camera. “Today’s technology has made some things easier and other things more difficult. Learning things such as how to properly expose an image digitally is a skill that has mystified many people. My goal is go take the mystery out of it.” In fact, Doug is so passionate about teaching newbies that he recently purchased an online forum called Prophotogs.com. There are currently 700-800 photographers online searching for help and guidance. “One of the things I do is post quick video critiques to give people concrete feedback on the images they submit for review. Just telling someone that the image looks good isn’t helpful. They need specific direction on what works, what doesn’t, and why.”

Doug feels a real connection with beginning photographers because “all the pros were once beginners.” When asked what are the most important things beginning photographers need to know, Doug provided a few recommendations sure to take starting shooters to the next level:

Learn How ISO, F/Stop and Shutter Speed Work Together: These items are the three pillars of proper exposure. “This can be one of the most confusing things for beginners to learn but it is critical to have this foundation before tackling other subjects. The rest of your skill set is built upon this base.” Doug says that he and good friend (and fellow pro photographer) Randy Kerr realized that it was much easier for them to learn these basics when they were shooting film. “When we were getting started, all of these settings were shown on our camera lens and we could visually see the relationship between them because we looked at it every day. With digital, you just see the settings on the back of the LCD screen. You don’t see how one change affects the other settings. That’s part of what makes it more confusing today.”

It was this realization that led he and Randy to create the Exposure Calculator (which can be found at www.dougbox.com/shop/) This specialized card has dials that allow you to adjust one aspect of your image (F/stop, shutter speed or ISO) and see how this change affects the other settings. “I’ve seen the light go on with so many people after using this tool for a little bit. It jus helps them understand the relationship.”

Learn How to Set a Custom White Balance: Along with proper exposure, Doug feels this is important because it affects a fair percentage of total photographs taken. “Learning how to set a custom white balance for your photographs and learning how to use the presets on your camera will make a substantial impact on the quality of your photographs,” Doug offers. “Take a look at what light is on your subject. You need to be able to make adjustments.”

Learn about Metering: “So many people use their in camera metering and I think they really need to learn how to use an handheld meter. When a camera sees white, it’s trying to calibrate to grey, and when this happens, your images can end up underexposed and it can make the snow appear grey. Likewise, when your camera sees black, it thinks the color is grey and tries to correct it, which means your images can become overexposed. Learning how to spot meter and evaluative meter can help you overcome your camera’s assumptions. You have to be smarter than your camera.”

Inside the Life of a Working Photographer: Kirk Tuck Shares His Story

2011-06-02T10:20:00.000-07:00

by Laura Oles

Don’t tell Kirk Tuck that it’s a bad time to be a professional photographer. Yes, the recession is impacting all of us, and yes, making a living in the craft you love isn’t easy, but Kirk says that’s nothing new. He contends that being a professional photographer--and excelling in that role--has never been simple. This Austin-based advertising and commercial photographer has a packed schedule and doesn’t plan on slowing down anytime soon.

So, what’s his secret?

“People often have romantic notions of what it means to be a professional photographer,” says Kirk. “You have to be willing to do a number of different things to make a living in this business. “

In fact, Kirk doesn’t label himself a professional photographer. “I’m a creative content provider,” he says, his eyes smiling at the distinction. “I only spend about twenty percent of my time taking photographs.” Kirk says that his work today largely resembles his previous career when he was a creative director for an agency. “My clients need me to fill a number of roles. I write ad copy for client print projects, I create promotion videos for corporations, and I handle a number of other marketing-related tasks.” He delivers the difficult truth with the trademark Kirk Tuck smile. “If you only want to take pictures and do nothing else, you won’t make it in this business. “

Kirk concedes that the changes in the industry have caused disruption and made this profession more challenging in certain respects. “The market has definitely flattened. There aren’t many high-end shooting jobs anymore, but that doesn’t mean there still aren’t great opportunities for work. They’re out there.” And here Kirk makes an important point. “People don’t want the same things from photographers that they wanted twenty years ago. It’s your job to figure out how to deliver what they want NOW.”

For those who dream of taking a passion for photography and turning it into a career, here are a few tips from a man who has made photography his business for over two decades:

Get Over the Technology: Kirk’s contention is that many people--mostly men--spend too much time focusing on the technology they use for shooting. “I make a point to show my students that most of them probably have better equipment than I do. I want them to understand that it’s ME creating these images, not the latest flavor of digital camera. “ He holds up the 2004 model Canon EOS-1 he carried into our interview. “This camera does everything I need it to do.” Kirk calls the need to carry the latest gear the “talisman of power,” as if more expensive equipment automatically leads to superior products. He quips, “People don’t pay for the equipment. Seriously, how many clients ask you about your camera?”

Kirk goes a step further and states that technology is the easy part. “You can learn everything you need you to know with your camera’s owner’s manual and a handful of books. You can get the equivalent of a two-year BA degree in about three weeks of reading and then going out and experimenting with what you’ve learned. “

Many people worry that they have to have mastery knowledge of every aspect of photography, and Kirk says this isn’t true. “Some of the most talented photographers I know have a degree in something else and taught themselves photography. If you want to be a photographer, the best way to learn is by shooting.”

Dress the Part: Kirk has a bone to pick with freelance photographers who feel their role means they’ve earned the right to show up sporting concert T-shirts and flip-flops. “If you want quality clients, you have to dress as a peer. You want them to respect you and what you have to offer, and unfortunately, dressing like an aging college student is going to cost you jobs.” Kirk takes this particular topic seriously. “Potential clients are looking for people with a similar social milieu. They want you to mirror their social cues, and this includes dressing in a similar fashion.” This leads us to the next point…

Speak and Write Well: Photographers often spend so much time and energy perfecting and tweaking techniques that they lose sight of the fact that other skill sets are necessary for success in this business. Being well spoken, well read and possessing the ability to write well are all critical cornerstones of running a successful photography business. All of these skills are necessary to project the image of a qualified professional, one that can command a substantial fee because the work--all aspects of it--will be top tier.

Don’t be Too Sentimental: Kirk’s popular blog, The Visual Science Lab (http://visualsciencelab.blogspot.com/) is highly regarded, thoughtfully written and covers a variety of topics. Many assume that the blog is simply a natural extension of his love of the craft and his desire to teach. While that plays a role, he’s quite pragmatic about its purpose. “I write the blog to sell books, pure and simple.” He understands that the blog is an important marketing vehicle and one that can be effectively leveraged to help his business.

What’s Your Story? It is when we touch on this topic that Kirk becomes more animated and his eyes shine with enthusiasm. “It’s the quality of your story that matters, not the quality of your ink, pen and camera. You have to be able to share your unique viewpoint and also be able to tell your client’s story.” Storytelling is a skill that must be honed and improved through contemplation and practice.

“The industry feels a little like the Wild West today,” Kirk says, and many would agree. For those who want to do what they’ve always done, the well-paying jobs may be hard to come by. But for those who understand the rules of today’s playing field, which includes continuing to hone numerous skills outside of straight shooting, there may be plenty of work to go around.

To learn more about Kirk Tuck, his work, books and philosophy, visit www.kirktuck.com

Chowing down on my pentas

2010-03-04T00:02:00.000-08:00

Think "Green"

2010-03-01T13:41:00.000-08:00

In lieu of St. Patrick's Day, we will like to see you think green. Submit your favorite "Green" Images.

How to submit.

Reaching

2010-01-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

Park City Morning

2010-01-17T00:00:00.000-08:00

Last Dollar Road, Colorado

2010-01-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

"Oh, Christmas Tree"

2010-01-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

"Coming Down"

2010-01-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

"It Is Great to Come Home"

2010-01-04T14:55:00.000-08:00

"Real Fun In the Snow"

2010-01-03T14:50:00.000-08:00

"Warm Wishes"

2010-01-02T14:48:00.000-08:00

"Merry White Christmas"

2010-01-01T14:45:00.000-08:00

How to Submit Images

2010-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hi Guys,

Thank you for all your support. Fort Worth Camera is inviting you, our customers, to help us improve our website, our blog, and our showroom, by displaying fresh and creative new images in our brand new store. We are encouraging you to submit images that are creative and best represent your talent.

This month we invite you to think "Green", images may be on any category, including: Landscape, Macro and Close-up, Stills, Sports, Travel, Pets and People-- lots of people! People categories will include, but not limited to, Kids, Babies, Senior shots, Graduation, at play, at parties, at the lake, at the park, B-day fun and, remember, many happy people. We would also like images that highlight the core rules of photography, for example, rule of thirds, framing your subject, shutter speed and aperture priority, panning, shallow and great depth of field.

All images are subject to prior approval by Fort Worth Camera (FWC) staff before images may be used. By submitting images you agree to allow FWC to use any or all images submitted in anyway needed, e.i. on our website, in-store artwork, and new product samples. Please be advised, you as a photographer, will be the copyright owner of the images, and you are only agreeing that the image(s) be used by FWC.

Images should be submitted to:

fortworthcamera@gmail.com

In your E-mail please state the following:

Title of your Image

Photographers full name

In your own words, please state that you are releasing copyrights to allow FWC to use all images for website, in-store use, product samples, classes and seminar material, printed ad's and uses as needed.

" Jayden"

2009-09-08T00:49:00.000-07:00

"Playing In the Leaves"

2009-09-07T00:46:00.000-07:00

"Rainier Park"

2009-09-06T00:39:00.000-07:00

"An Itch to Scratch"

2009-09-05T00:14:00.000-07:00

"Raindrop on Table"

2009-09-04T00:47:00.000-07:00

"Waterfall"

2009-09-03T00:44:00.000-07:00

"Concealed"

2009-09-02T00:40:00.000-07:00

"Cousins"

2009-09-01T00:28:00.000-07:00

Pic of the Day August 20th, 2009

2009-08-20T00:04:00.000-07:00

No better way yo celebrate a birthday, than with birth itself!

Pic of the Day August 19th, 2009

2009-08-19T09:06:00.000-07:00

Ezra's 1st Birthday

Pic of the Day August 13th, 2009

2009-08-13T00:23:00.000-07:00

Pic of the Day August 12th, 2009

2009-08-12T08:05:00.000-07:00

Bradley's B-Day

Pic of the Day August 5th, 2009

2009-08-05T00:28:00.000-07:00

August 2009, We are Celebrating our 7th Anniversary.

"Pic of the Day" is dedicating this month's selections to sharing you Birthday memories.

Please submit your images to: fortworthcamera@gmail.com

Pic of the Day August 4th, 2009

2009-08-04T08:43:00.001-07:00

Micah's 7th Birthday Party!! At the pool!

Pic of the Day August 3rd, 2009

2009-08-03T09:23:00.001-07:00

Pic of the Day August 2nd, 2009

2009-08-02T09:18:00.000-07:00

Pic of the Day August 1st, 2009

2009-08-01T00:05:00.000-07:00

Pic of the Day July 31st, 2009

2009-07-31T00:03:00.000-07:00

"Grand Canyon"

Pic of the Day July 30th, 2009

2009-07-30T09:01:00.000-07:00

"Church of the Holy Sepulcher"

Pic of the Day July 29th, 2009

2009-07-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

"Bel Venezia"

Pic of the Day July 28th, 2009

2009-07-28T08:54:00.000-07:00

"Phelps Lake Mirror"

Pic of the Day July 25th, 2009

2009-07-27T13:38:00.000-07:00

"All Aboard"

Pic of the Day July 27th, 2009

2009-07-27T08:52:00.000-07:00

"Half Moon Bridge"

Pic of the Day July 26th, 2009

2009-07-26T08:50:00.000-07:00

Publish Post

"Holy Night"

Pic of the Day July 24th, 2009

2009-07-24T10:25:00.000-07:00

Pic of the Day July 23rd, 2009

2009-07-23T07:01:00.001-07:00

"Vitus Mustanggensis"

Pic of the Day July 22nd, 2009

2009-07-22T07:33:00.000-07:00

"Sea of Cortez"

pic of the Day July 21st, 2009

2009-07-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

"Pure Satisfaction"

pic of the Day July 20th, 2009

2009-07-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

"I'll take the high road"

pic of the Day July 19th, 2009

2009-07-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

"Gracie Girl"

pic of the Day July 18th, 2009

2009-07-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

"New Mexico Road"

pic of the Day July 17th, 2009

2009-07-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

"A Hard Day's Work"

pic of the Day July 16th, 2009

2009-07-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

"An Evening in the Alps"

pic of the Day July 15th, 2009

2009-07-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

Penguin Heaven

pic of the Day July 14th, 2009

2009-07-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

"Lobsterbouy"

Pic of the Day July 13th, 2009

2009-07-13T07:59:00.000-07:00

"Hollyhock"

Pic of the Day July 12th, 2009

2009-07-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

Pic of the Day July 11th, 2009

2009-07-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

"Swing"

Pic of the Day July 10th, 2009

2009-07-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

"Sea Turtle"

Pic of the Day July 9th, 2009

2009-07-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

"Elves Chasm"

Pic of the Day July 8th, 2009

2009-07-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

Cowboy's Most Important Tool