Websites that Level Up Your Photography
Websites that Level Up Your Photography
Other than my super informative blogs, there are sites that can definitely level you up. The first website I highly recommend is Creative Live.
Creative Live has hundreds of videos geared towards education in photography, graphic design, business, and so much more. You can either pay per video or pay for a yearly creator pass.
A while back I made multiple videos on TikTok going into specific videos to watch. For example software videos that I recommended were Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro bootcamp videos. Other videos were Posing, Shooting for Brands, and Social Media.
Creative Live
3 Reasons for Not Relying On Photoshop's AI
Adobe took all the data they needed and if you thought Photoshop Beta would last… it won’t. It’s days are coming to an end and they figured out how to monetize their AI. Here are 3 reasons to not rely on Adobe’s AI.
Save a few bucks
Like I just stated, Adobe is monetizing the use of their AI. As of now Adobe wants to charge $4.99 for 100 credits. What will 100 credits gets you, I don’t know. If it is anything like Adobe Stock, it wont be much.
You still need to be connected
AI doesn’t work without an internet connection. If you want to work during a 5 hour flight or have a power outage and a deadline, AI won’t be there to save you.
sometimes you’re just faster and better
AI still isn’t “there” yet. I’ve typed in some simple commands in PS Beta and have gotten back some wild results: a man planking when I typed in sunset, a veiny bug looking object when I typed in remove stray hairs. You know what you want to achieve for your image and sometimes doing it manually is faster.
Now I don’t want you to think I am anti AI. I’m not. AI is very convenient. Just don’t become too dependent on it.
3 Reasons You Should Use a Branding Photographer and/or Graphic Designer
Good branding creates a strong, positive perception of your business. What perception comes to mind when you think of Nike? Now think of Old Navy. What about Gucci? All these companies started somewhere and developed their branding. They designed and redesigned their logo. They had copious amounts of photo shoots to portray the feeling of their brand. A great logo and well lit photography goes a long way. Here are 3 reasons you should hire a professional for your branding needs.
First impressions
The internet is over saturated. Whatever your idea is, it’s probably been done. Do it better! You have 3 seconds to grab a client’s attention. Can your cellphone camera match what is already out there?
knowledge
Photographers and graphic designers know what works. We know what works on screen vs what works in print. We have many vendors at our disposal that can get you what you need for your business whether digital or print. We know if that logo works on a large billboard vs a watermark in the corner of an image on social media.
you get what you pay for
This doesn’t mean I want to charge you an arm and leg for my services. I want to let you know if you have a great product, show it the best way possible. A cellphone image with a messy background and terrible lighting will not grab anyone’s attention. The images below are not my work but they are great examples of the difference between DIY and hiring a pro.
Photos at the Beach
Photos at the Beach
June is the perfect time to plan a photo session on the beach. The crowds haven’t swarmed the beaches yet so we can have the beach all to ourselves. With a beach session you get the usual:
30 min session
5 digitals picked from a gallery of the entire session
If you REALLY want to have fun and go big, we can make it an extended session:
1 hour
12 digitals picked from a gallery of the entire session.
There are also add-ons like canvas prints and albums to make this day one to remember.
To book or ask more questions about a session click the learn more button below.
P.S. This makes a great Father’s Day gift
Photographers, Photoshop, & AI
Photographers, Photoshop, & AI
For those worried about AI taking over their photography jobs please stop worrying. My previous blog explains why we don’t need to worry. In this blog I’ll show you the benefits of using AI to make your editing faster. I did a short review of Adobe Photoshop’s Beta AI and it’s quite impressive.
Should Photographers Worry About AI
Should photographers worry about AI?
From the mind of Gonzalo Rodriguez
Should photographers worry about AI? I, without hesitation, say NO. Photographers can welcome it with open arms and an open mind. AI won’t steal your gigs. AI will help you streamline your editing, blogging, and assist with your marketing.
Until artificial intelligence can program a drone and attach a camera to it, I won’t be scared. AI also would need to program poses to flatter body types and gender. Imagine conversing with a drone trying to make you feel comfortable. AI won’t be able to photograph your wedding or pose your newborn baby.
What artificial intelligence is very helpful with is the behind the scenes business stuff. I’ve seen AI make Photoshop a literal cheat code. Closed eyes can be replaced with opened eyes with a lasso tool and typing a few words. Squarespace added AI to blogs. The 2nd half of this blog was AI generated. It did pretty well.
Should photographers worry about AI?
From the mind of AI
As an experienced writer at GR Design & Photography, I believe that photographers should pay attention to the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the industry.
On one hand, AI offers a wide array of opportunities to photographers. The technology can enhance and improve image quality, streamline editing processes, and even generate creative concepts. However, photographers must consider the potential implications that AI could have on their profession.
One major concern is the possibility of automated cameras and editing software replacing human photographers. As AI advances, it becomes increasingly capable of capturing high-quality images and completing complex editing tasks that were once exclusive to human photographers. This could potentially lead to a decrease in demand for professional photographers.
Furthermore, there is a risk that AI-powered tools and software could diminish the artistry and creativity that are intrinsic to photography. As AI technology becomes more prevalent, there is a risk that it may standardize and mass-produce images, rather than showcasing unique visions and perspectives.
In conclusion, while AI may provide a range of advantages to photographers, they must also be aware of the potential negative consequences that could accompany its rise. It is essential that photographers continue to learn and evolve their craft, embracing and utilizing AI where appropriate, while also finding ways to preserve the uniqueness and creativity that
Graphic Design & Photography
Benefits of a Jack of All Trades Artist.
The quote most of us have heard is, “A Jack of all trades is a master of none.” I am guilty of thinking this was the entire quote just like you probably did. The full quote is, “A Jack of all trades is a master of none, but often times better than a master of one.”
Learning the full quote set me at ease. Society tells you niche down and pick one thing to focus your business on. I graduated college with a major in graphic design and a minor in photography. I felt, deep in my soul, I needed to do both in my business. If you pay attention to what clients want, it is easy to merge graphic design in a photography business.
As a portrait photographer I started integrating graphic design into my photography by designing custom holiday cards for my clients. As I have shifted into branding for businesses, my skill set has shown to be invaluable. Clients are delighted when they realize I am all they need for logo design, menu design, headshots, product photography, and bts photography.
This is the benefit of a jack of all trades artist. Stop letting the masses say an artist cannot be great at multiple things. I understand wanting a niche photographer for a wedding but branding is a much more creative area to work with. It is much more beneficial to work with one person good enough to make your logo, photography your product, and extract the most confident version of you for your business.
FAQ
FAQ
Answer It Before They Ask
Potential clients who don’t know you aren’t just going to book you. The have they’re own sets of needs they are worried about. It is a good idea to have frequently asked questions posted somewhere on your website to ease potential clients’ worries. When you ease a client’s worries, you raise their client experience. The more questions you answer before they contact you, the more of an expert you appear.
Click MY FAQ PAGE to see my examples
Telling a Story with Photography
Photography for most is just taking out a cell phone, capturing a cute image, and leaving it on your phone until you get a new phone and never see that image ever again. I’m guessing you’re clicking on my page because you want something more. I can definitely help you with that.
Lets start with the easiest, most beautiful journey you will ever take, CHILDBIRTH. This is my favorite story to tell. I know how beautiful this story is because the next group of photos are of my family. Freezing these moments and mounting them on a wall will take you back to the way you felt when you were taking that journey. Lets do it the right way.
For my corporate followers, you can tell a story too. Professionalism! It’s a simple story to tell, but it is also a very important one. Headshots are your clients’ first impression of you. Professional, uniform, and charismatic makes for a great first impression.
Whether you would like more information or you are ready to book, click on the button below.
Last Minute Event I Didn't Regret
Last Minute Event I Didn’t Regret
There was a man who went on Facebook looking for a photographer to photograph an event. A friend recommended me and since my friend and this man worked in the same circles and were well acquainted, the man took the recommendation seriously. I get booked. I show up to this last minute gig and immediately love the location, Alto in Montclair, NJ. I always touch base and ask who the VIPs might be so make my clients happy. To my surprise he says, “Make sure you get a bunch of shots of Frankie Fasion and Chad Coleman.”
If you don’t know, they are both from The Wire. Fasion was also the landlord in Coming To America. Chad Coleman played Tyresse in The Walking Dead seasons 3-5. I loved all three so I’ll admit, I was a little star struck when I was on an elevator with both of them.
Use It or Lose It
Mary Kondo but for your business…
Use It or Lose It
USE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA SMARTER
The internet gurus say you need to be everywhere. If you’re anything like me, a father with 3 kids and a full time job; being EVERYWHERE consistently is hard. Facebook, Instagram, TicTok, Twitter, Snapchat, Tumblr, Youtube, Pinterest…. did I list them all?
Can you see my point before I make it? If you have the time and you can post quality posts, more power to you. If you don’t, choose wisely. I know I can consistently post to Tiktok and Instagram which copies my post to Facebook. I pick one day and make my content in bulk and post it during the week. Apps that are under your business name must have business content dealing with your business or what potential clients want to see. Anything else can turn your next potential client away. You’re posting memes and they want a serious headshot to boost their business. They don’t have faith in you. NEXT! I am also guilty of this. My Twitter no longer serves my business soooo… byebye! Here are the receipts.
bye bye twitter
Newborns: Behind the Curtain
For those that are expecting or those thinking about photographing newborns, there is a lot that goes on to get “the shot.” Trust me. I get enough of “those shots” to fill an album. I have to. Its part of my newborn package.
I’ll skip what I bring to my shoots since I covered that already but if you’re new CLICK HERE TO SEE WHAT I BRING
Invest in photoshop
I’ve invested lots of time into mastering Photoshop so what looks like a dangerous actually isn’t. SAFETY FIRST. The amount of time it takes to stitch these images together and the time to pose the baby.
It is inevitable
Babies go where babies want to go. And yes, the diaper was on (not closed but covering). Consider it a right of passage. If you’re a photographer, this is what christens you as a newborn photographer. If you’re a parent, it means your baby approves of me.
Yes thats a bottle opener on my phone. No judging.
Blessings
I have it in my contract that I am allowed to use the images however I want (marketing & posting). Regardless of this, I make sure it’s ok with the parent if I post to social media. There are some weirdos out there. Out in the world, not parents… well sometimes parents.
Get in There
Parents trust me with their newborns so I can trust them with my camera. I know how to get the look I need in the shot so I set everything, tell the parent where to stand, and what button to press. ” Poof” beautiful shot and safe baby.
A great graduation gift.
If you have a question you can ask in the comment section.
My Friend Has a Camera
Please let me save you from yourself!
There have quite a few times through the years that I had to hear those dreaded words no photographer likes to hear, “I have a friend with a camera.” I simultaneously want to laugh and scream. I understand saving a few dollars, I really do. Talk to a photographer. There are some that will work with you.
There are times where people don’t see the value in spending the money and go with the friend with the camera. 9 times out of 10, this is what I end up seeing: Awkward posing, extra chins, bad effects added, red eyes, and all around creepy photos that hurt your business.
Would you trust your 401K or investment portfolio with the people on the left or right (top or bottom if you’re on your phone)? Today’s website experience is over saturated and 1st impressions are everything. The average person doesn’t stay on a website for more than 5 seconds. The photos on your page represent your product or service.
Can you trust something that important to a friend with a camera?
Don’t go with the friend with the camera
They don’t know how to pose, light, or flatter you. Photographers know how to relax you for a genuine smile. We know feminine, masculine, and power poses. Did you know that the way you feel will come through in your photos?
I doubt your friend is proficient in Photoshop. Most photographers know how to edit. The wrinkles, pimples, and stains will be gone from you image.
A photographer is putting their client first. You are paying for great service and amazing images while your friend is doing you a favor. If your friend is doing you a favor, they will get to the pictures when they get to the pictures.
2023 Cherry Blossoms
2023 Cherry Blossoms
Did you know that cherry blossoms are edible or that in Washington DC it’s illegal to break off a blossom? More importantly cherry blossoms have a very short lifespan which is usually 1-2 weeks. MOST importantly cherry blossoms are not only in Japan or DC, there are 2 locations in Northern New Jersey and they photograph beautifully.
More cherry blossom facts: Cherry blossoms are a sign of friendship between Japan and the U.S. The cherry blossom capitol of the world isn’t Japan. It actually is in Georgia. U.S. locations where you can see cherry blossoms include Dallas, Portland, San Francisco, LA, Brooklyn, Washington DC, Philidelphia, Boston, and TWO LOCATIONS IN NORTH JERSEY… and they photograph beautifully.
Verona Park Cherry Blossoms
Branch Brook Park Cherry Blossoms
Are You Social?
Are You Social?
I have a recommendation. Get social. You never know where your next client will be. If your photography or graphic design is on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, Twitter, and LinkedIn you have a better chance of being seen. This might not be news but videos are being prioritized so I would post behind the scenes or a screen recording of how you edit. Talk to your audience about what to expect or why you’re different. Don’t forget to put a hyperlink to a linktree like webpage. Here is an example.
Work with a purpose. The goal of your post is to either book a client or collect an email. Add their info to your CRM and organize it under photographer or client. Save that info for your email so you can target the proper audience. For example if you have a photo session for Easter or fall target that to potential or past clients. If you made a course, target your photographer or graphic design followers.
Having a social media presence is great but it needs to be paired with a call to action on your website which is absolutely necessary. Social media doesn’t always work. There have been days where Instagram has been hacked. This is why it is good to be everywhere. I have business posts on LinkedIn, client posts on Instagram & Facebook, and photographer posts on Tiktok. Do this how ever you want, just make sure you do it.
Comment below if you want more info about targeting for emails.
CRMs and Why You Need One
CRMs and Why You Need One
CRM stands for Client Relation Manager. It is software that helps with day to day business. If you are a photographer then you are going to need a CRM that handles galleries, contracts, album design, and business expenses.
There are many photography based CRMs like Honeybook, 17 Hats, or Tave. I HIGHLY recommend Sprout Studio. While some CRMs has two or three of the business tools I listed, Sprout Studio has all of them. Sprout has easy to use and beautiful galleries, you are able to put as many contracts you need, clients can make corrections to your album design for their liking. You can send email and see if your client saw them or make email campaigns for all your contacts. My favorite feature is the business health feature that shows how much I made and spent on my business. You can add mileage, questionnaires, and all your pricing.
I believe a CRM allows you the freedom and justification to charge more. The client experience mixed with your professionalism will set you apart from other photographers. Try Sprout Studio for free. It is such a great product and they are so confident you will like it that they don’t even ask for a credit card for you to try their free trail.
Watch the video below to quickly see all the tools in sprout.
Valentine's Minis for Singles
Four Must Have Images
If you are single and surfing dating apps for a Valentine, Insider Magazine states these are 4 must have images for your profile.
The classic headshot. This image is from your chest up and you look directly into the camera. Smile and show that confidence. If someone likes what they see then they will swipe through your pictures to the next image which will be…
The full body shot. This is your time to flaunt your favorite parts of your body. Show off those long legs or toned arms. Don’t assume your body type isn’t desired. Show off that confidence.
A lifestyle image. Show off your hobby. What is your favorite thing to do? Books, brunches, or bungee jumping; show it.
Make magic. The article stated that 4 is just the magic number for the amount of images to have so have fun with it. Take another headshot but laughing or another full body in that sexy dress you love.
If you want to make a great first impression on any of those dating apps you are on lets book a session. 14% off for a Valentine’s Day mini (15min) or regular (30min) session.
How to work harder AND smarter
Work Harder & Smarter
I’m all about helping others since there is plenty of room at the top for everyone. I made a course on how to start your photography business and it’s free. A few topics are basics of photography, weddings, websites, and editing tips.
This course is everything you need to turn that hobby into a business. I’ll tell you what equipment, client management system, and photo editing tools you need for a successful business. Once you’re done with the course, let me know what you think about it or if you have additional questions.
I Want to Quit My Job!
Don’t get me wrong, I love teaching but photographing an entire office’s headshots was a dream come true. If I can photograph two businesses a week and one newborn a week, I would be in heaven. If you know a business in need of headshots, please send them my way.
These are just a few of the professionals I had the honor of photographing at Capital One. There are always a few camera shy people who decline having their images shared.
Teaching Moment to Photographer Friends
I like to be efficient. I’m always kind and professional. I give clear directions so there is no need to touch my subject. Most importantly, make them laugh. Lets start with why you should make them laugh. Not everyone is comfortable in front of a lens. I personally HATE it. Making them laugh relaxes them. Pair that with being kind and professional and you’ll leave a great mark. I treat it like an assembly line so the day is organized and everyone in the office has the same type of images. My process was a few variations standing, a few variations sitting on a tall stool, a few sitting in a regular chair, and one creative one. This session was in NYC so buildings in the background was a must. One extra thing I like to do is get everyone’s name in the order I shot them. Renaming your files will make you look amazing because you’re making distribution much easier. This is easy in Lightroom (for example: capital_one_ bob_1).
Click on the gallery below to see the images close up.
Always available
What is Branding?
What is Branding?
Branding is the process of creating a distinct identity for a business in the mind of your target audience and consumers. At the the most basic level, branding is made up of a company's logo, visual design, mission, and tone of voice. The end of the year is a perfect time to rebrand your busniess. Luckly with GR Design & Photography all the things I listed for rebranding can be done with me.
The Madelyn is a restaurant in NYC I worked with. They needed an identity. A logo fit for a high end fusion restaurant. This went on their website, menus, marketing, and vinyl lettering for their glass storefront. Photography for the website was also needed and they appreciated that they were able to get all these services from one vendor. How did I do?
J’adore Fashion is a clothing brand. I was asked to make the logo fun and classy. We used 3 models to photograph their inventory which also was fun and classy. What does this brand, as a whole, say to you?