Original Content? But Mom, I Keep Finding Other Stuff!

Truthfully, I'm not writing as much original content as I had hoped. Part of that is my fault. Part of it is not wanting to reinvent the wheel. Basically, I read a lot of articles, blogs and other random musings on photography daily. Instead of writing new content, I end up finding excellent articles that I feel must be featured here for my readers. Like this one...

Seven Bad Habits of Digital Photographers comes from Epicedits.com. It hits the proverbial nail on the head when it comes to some of the bad habits digital photographers fall into. Sure, it's from 2007... but it's still good information for both amateur and pro photogs alike.

My personal fave... and the one I am most often guilty of, is a variation of #2 - Not Double Checking ISO Settings. Actually, with me it's not only ISO (once in awhile), but more often not checking white balance settings. See the photo, above left. Ugh! Yeah, when I shoot RAW, white balance is easily corrected. But, look at #4. Told ya so! It's better to get it right when you click the shutter - and not in post processing.

What is YOUR worst habit and what are you doing to "fix it"?

Winter Photography Tips

Since it's winter time and the South has experienced a rather large amount of snow, at least for us Southerners, I thought I'd write some tips for shooting in the white stuff. Alas, someone else has already done just that. Mr. Ray Davis, over at photodoto.com, gives us five tips for shooting better snow pics. If your snow photos are dark (like the example on the right), blue or gray, you should definitely review these tips. ENJOY... and as one of the commenters said, don't forget a moisture cover for your camera (even a gallon size ziplock type bag will work).

AWESOME! - My First Studio Photo Shoot

This past Saturday, I was blessed to do my first ever studio photo shoot with a model. I've done a few photo shoots with models previous to this, but never in a studio with lighting, etc. My photographer/mentor friend, Robert, allowed me access to his studio and even setup the lights for us to shoot. Here are two examples, randomly chosen, for your (hopeful) enjoyment.

BTW, this was also the model's first studio shoot. She has "modeled" for her mom and members of the local photography club before, but never in a more formal setting. I think Cheyenne did a great job.

Strobist info:
AB1600 in 3'x4' softbox, camera left @ 45 degree angle
AB1600 in octagonal softbox - main light
AB1600 in 1'x4' grid lightbox, camera right, behind the model (to light background)
Camera: Canon 60D, ISO 200, 1/125 sec, f/11

Photo Advice: Use a Tripod

I do a lot of reading on the subject of photography. Over the course of the new year, I hope to share some of the best articles, tips & tricks with you. The ezine article, For Fabulous Camera Results, Use a Tripod, offers a very basic tip that is often forgotten.

If you are shooting in a situation with low light, drag out the tripod and set it up. All things considered, your images will be sharper; and brighter looking.

While I did tweak the contrast and saturation in the photo to the right, it would not have been possible just holding the camera. I used a tripod to steady the camera, along with a remote shutter release, to capture this image. Power lines a quarter mile down the road can be seen easily. In a low light situation, that can of sharpness pretty much requires a tripod.

Do you have questions on what to look for in a tripod, leave a comment and I'll do my best to assist.

Happy New Year!

Well, it's officially MMXI... and this is my first post of the year. In the past few days, I have seriously questioned the idea to go pro or remain a hobbyist photographer. Rather than offer a long, drawn out explanation, allow me to summarize my reasoning. On the NO Side are the thoughts of deadlines, my health issues becoming an obstacle and the possibility of not being able to keep up.

On the YES Side are the thoughts of how much I love photography, my desire to please & serve others and frankly, the fact that I would like to make a little extra money. Truthfully, as long as my photography business doesn't become a money hole, I don't really care if I make a profit.

So, what's the final decision? I'm moving forward. Along with registering my domain name, and getting the business license, I'll post my progress here. More importantly, CharlieJ's Blog/o/Foto will provide you, the reader, with informative links, observations and some of my best photography as we journey through this year.

I'm ready to begin the journey... Are you?

WOW, it's really been awhile?!?

First, an apology -- I'm sorry to say that I have let my photoblog go so long without an update. But, it's high time I started updating this blog regularly. As of tomorrow, I am officially turning professional in the field of photography. And no self-respecting pro shutterbug would dare to not have a blog.

To that end, I'm ahead of the game. This blog has been around (in one form or another) for almost six years now. I'm behind the game in that I have not kept it fresh and lively. That all changes with the start of the new year!

Now, my promise -- I hereby promise to update CharlieJ's Blog/o/Foto regularly, including links to interesting articles (like this one), photos I've taken... and maybe even guest spots with other photogs. What do ya say? Wanna join me on this adventure? Come on... let's start 2011 together!

Photo: Aaron Shust Band @ YouthFest 2010

Tobie Reprised

Several months ago, I posted a portrait of NJ, my son, and our tiny little pup, Tobie. We decided to reprise the portrait again earlier today. Going from memory, we tried to recreate the same pose. Keep in mind, if you look at the original, that Tobie is a dog -- and doesn't always cooperate like NJ does. LOL!
Actually, both are well-behaved and so much fun to be around.