Still going strong...

I have not updated my photography blog in forever. No need promising I will either -- because I may not. But, it is worth telling you that I am deeper into photography than I was since my teenage years. Currently, I am shooting semi-professionally -- taking select paid assignments, along with a few TF* jobs in my area.

I also joined Thumbtack.com - to help promote the business side of my photography. Check out my Facebook page, and let me know how I can serve your photography needs.
THANKS!
CharlieJ Photography

15 Must Have Photography Accessories (Plus a Few More) Under $25

I just read a nifty little article on my favorite photography-related website, Digital Photography School. The title is "15 Must Have Photography Accessories Under $25". With the exception of the two items I don't already carry in my bag, I agree with all the things listed as "must haves" for any photographer -- amateur or professional. If you're shooting photos outside, you should take the time to collect these items and carry them with you.
I would also add a few more things... which are in my bag: 16) Rubber bands - you can use a rubber band to strap down a flash diffuser, snug your strap to your shoulder or even hang a backdrop (provided its lightweight, of course). 17) Ziplock bags - I always keep a gallon size and a couple quart size ziplocks in my camera bag. They are great for keep things dry and/or sand-free and provide excellent temporary cover if the weather should change, but you need to keep shooting. 18) Batteries - This one has a high DUH factor, but batteries should not be forgotten. I carry at least four AA's and two AAA's with me, at all times. That way, I can always change my flash and trigger/receiver batteries, as needed. Although your camera battery might not fit the "under $25" part of the list, it's a good idea to purchase a second battery for your camera. I keep two batteries and even a 2nd charger handy... to minimize points of failure for any shoot I conduct.

What's are the must have items - under $25 - in your bag?

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"?

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?