"I only need one final image. More is just icing on the cake."

I wish I could take credit for this awesome statement. But I can't. 

Rachel Vos, of Rachel Vos Photography posted it today on her facebook page. 

She is AMAZING and her work is fab!
 I'm inspired to do better every time I see her new work.

Here is her blog as well. 

Now, lets break this down. "I only need one final image. More is just icing on the cake." 

This image was taken with a Large Format camera and 4x5 film. I only had one shot, one piece of film.

As I have stated, when I started shooting I was giving clients about 40+ hand edited images that would take me about 10+ hours to complete. It was insane. But I listened to other people when they said "You MUST give the clients ample images or else they will not want to come to you." That's just not true. I supply an experience. My photo shoots are not just about the images that I create, it is about the time spent bringing out the best in the clients. 

My policy now is VERY different, and I urge all to listen closely. I tell clients when we are going through the raw images "Pick the images that you would put on your wall, and only those images."  Some people are not too keen on this idea at first but quickly realize that it is best. You are not going to display 40 images EVER in your home from the same photo shoot... EVER...   But you will put up five with no problem. On average, I get clients down to between five and 10 images and they normally print about their top seven-ish. 

This comes from the idea that as humans, especially Americans, we get tired of looking at the same stuff. We get sick of our clothing, change our hair and color of our nails. We also get tired of looking at the same art work on our walls. If you get five-ish images from one shoot, then next time you can build onto that wall with another 3 prints. And then mix them up with photos from another room when you have another shoot. If you want 40 images on your wall from the same shoot *shudders* I just don't want to think about that. :)

I apply this to everyday life as well. When I go shopping I only pick what I like best, think about it, and then purchase after I know it is exactly what I want. You've heard the saying "waste not, want not". If we have fewer of something, we will take better care of it and cherish it longer. If you only have one coach purse in your life, and you saved for it for 12 months to get it, you are going to cherish that more than if your husband goes and purchases a new one every month because he can. 

Therefore, if you have fewer images, only the best images, you will cherish them more and think they are more meaningful than if there is a surplus.

During wedding ceremonies, I take very few images. I will never understand taking a million images of two people standing there with no real action happening. The key thing is, making sure you get the moments that matter. (This image was created with a Tilt Shift lens.)

From a Photographer's perspective:

If going into a shoot, the client is on the same page that you only need 10ish images, your life is so much easier and more focused. Anxiety goes down, you know that you can focus on being creative and getting the images that truly matter. You don't want to give people 50 of the same pose or in a similar fashion, but five truly unique images that will warm their hearts.

Push yourself with the rest. If they don't turn out, that's ok. But if they do, there's your "icing on the cake". You will then have the images that the clients expected plus some extra killer shots that you, and they, can be proud of.

Scarlett J

All images are owned by Scarlett Jewel Photography, not to be reproduced EVER without permission.

"Everyone has to start somewhere." Support, Positivity & Negativity.

This blog is not about the images taken. Its about what happens behind the camera, and more importantly when 'we' are away from our cameras. 

Image taken in Detroit with a Tilt Shift lens and a texture over top. 

"Everyone has to start somewhere."

We've all been told this, more than once. But its true! I'm so lucky that when I started I somehow already had an eye that was ready and waiting for the camera. I had a natural ability that I really didn't have to try very hard at. Once I got the manual settings down, I was golden.

Having said the above, this didn't mean that I wasn't told by others that I wasn't any good. Before I realized that I was good, I had a lot of someones say that 'I wasn't worth it'. 'That I shouldn't be charging people money.' And that I should 'put the camera down, because really? You'll never make any REAL money off photography.'

I had potential clients tell me I wasn't worth the money. They didn't know that I was taking people shopping. That I spent HOURS with them before the shoot ever happened. That I spent time finding the locations that we shot at to ensure every shoot was individualized so that my clients would feel special. And that not counting the shoot time, I was spending about 10 hours editing their photos. PLUS (during my time in Hawaii) I was GIVING people High Resolution images on a CD. Can you add up how much that is WORTH? But I realized, this isn't about my work or how much I charge. I could charge $10.00, they would have another excuse as to why I wasn't worth it. Its ok, its not meant to be.

Two weeks before I left Hawaii, there was a photographer that I had been watching. I saw potential in her and I wanted to see how she interacted with the clients. She wasn't charging nearly as much as I was and I really wanted to show her how to jump her work to the next level, business wise and with her photography skills. I had all intentions on handing over my entire roster of clients to her. After quite an altercation, she told me that I was an embarrassment to the craft and that if I was a real photographer, I wouldn't be charging anything. (She was implying that I didn't have the passion that she had, that I was only doing it for the money. Which couldn't be farther from the truth!)
                        I was heart broken. This is someone that I had planned on entrusting my baby to. I was at the top of my game in Hawaii and she told me I was an embarrassment? Here's the thing, everyone has their own demons to battle. The problem wasn't me, it didn't have anything to do with my skill or images. It had to do with her lack of security and confidence in her own being/skills. 

My own mother, she has some mental slips from time to time, stated to me that you should put the camera down, because you'll never make any real money. For one, YES... YES I can make real money from my work. And two, you NEVER tell someone to do something for money, and only money. If you are passionate about something, you should always go for it. I don't care if its beating on barrel drums with wrenches... (Hmmmm Blue Man Group got famous from that idea!) I was going to school for Psychology at the time of her stating this. In Michigan, with a Bachelors in Psychology I was looking at around 12.00/hour at best for a full time job. Her statement was ignorant and again, the statement wasn't for me. She has lived her life working a job that she didn't particularly care for but she did it because she was good at it, because she has done it all her life and probably can't understand doing a career out of passion.

 

Two of my Passions: Detroit and Photography

But just because you do something doesn't mean you're passionate about it. Just because you're passionate about something doesn't mean you're good. You do things and practice because you want to be the best and develop that skill. The people that are around you should always be supportive, and when they aren't you say TaTa! There's the door because I don't need that negativity. 

But there is a difference between negativity and having

constructive criticism of your work.

We're all a little sensitive when we start. We're so excited about our new found joy! How could someone not like it?!

     But when the reality comes down and someone says:

• "You know, the composition could be better if you placed the subject over here, instead of bulls eye-ing it."          OR
• "I really like the way the light is coming in on the subject, but I think you missed the action moment by a split second because the models face looks wonky. Can I see the photos before or after? Maybe there's a better one."           Or maybe even
• "I'm just not really a fan of the overall image. I don't understand what you were trying to do here." And they might stop there or they might say "Can you explain it to me?"

DO NOT get upset! They are trying to help you.

What I'm trying to show you is it happens to the best of us. People get down on us, but its doesn't mean that we should be offended (Trust me, sometimes it does, and then you want to wring some necks!) but often not.

Regardless of that, I always try to be supportive of others. As all other photographers should too. My personal view on the matter is, I am supportive of another photographer/ novice until they are rude, disrespectful or catty. Then I shut down. I don't offer help, my time or energy. You can only give so much of yourself before you have nothing more to give. But always try to be supportive. You never know when the person that you thought 'knew nothing about photography' comes around and knows everything about lighting because they used to work in a theater company. And now YOU need THEIR help. If you were rude to them, they probably won't want to help you. If you were supportive of them, they will be more than willing.

Always help each other up, you never know when you will be the one falling down.

Scarlett J

The images are owned by Scarlett Jewel Photography and are NOT to be used anywhere without the permission of Scarlett Jewel Photography.

How NOT to edit baby photos. And how TO edit them with class.

Disclaimer: I am not making fun of, but educating those that do not know any better.

So I started photography almost 4 years ago (this March). I was 25. I had already received a certificate in Wedding planning as well as planned a few weddings. (Not my own!) I came from a decorating/ vintage/ artsy background by trade. 

I'm trying to say, I had a pretty good idea of what was in good taste and what wasn't as well as where I wanted to go professionally and what I wanted to say with my work. 

At that time "selective color" photographs were big. I think in some areas they still are. As a professional, it is extremely cheesy. If you want to be SEEN as a professional, I would not do them because you're basically screaming to others that you aren't. This is not just my opinion, but the opinion of most photographers I know. 

In other words, if you're looking to hire a photographer, and while flipping through their portfolio you see a selective color edit--- I'd probably RUN.

I refuse to take other photographers work to use as an example for this sort of thing, so I did my best to BADLY edit my own work. (LOL- it was surprisingly hard!)

Lets start with the original:

Because this was shot in RAW, the image is "muddy". It is supposed to be this way. RAW images are used so that the photographer has complete control of what the final image looks like. (JPGS sharpen, saturate and make all the decisions for you. Also, JPGS are smaller files). 

You can see how much red is in his skin. This is pretty common with babies. Almost ALWAYS with newborns it requires a little extra work. 

A GOOD representation of what a color baby photo might look like: Please keep in mind I did not sharpen or smooth the skin at all in these images. 

I did not do my normal skin process on this image because of time, but simply used the "selective color" slider and took all the black out of the skin. This doesn't always work on skin but this time it did. See how there's not only good color in his face, but he 'pops' a little more? I Simply used some contrast and masking.

Also, keep in mind ALWAYS that no matter what printing service you use (for amateurs- I highly suggest mpix.com. Good prices, great products) the images will always need to look a little lighter/ brighter on your computer so that when they print, they will be close to where you actually want the print to be.  I will explain more in another blog if someone is interested.

This is a BAD edit:

This is an example of SELECTIVE COLORING. THIS IS BAD. Like I said before, if you want to be considered a professional, DO NOT do this. Also, see how the image looks "flat" meaning its more of a gray scale image and not a true black and white. This is another beginner mistake. To avoid the image looking 'gray scale' have a true white and true black point, or close to that. 

This is a Good Black and White edit:

In this image, I used ton of layers. I used contrast in the eyes, lips and overall in the image. I added a vignette around the image to bring the focus back into the center. 

Also, you can see the brightest point is on the blanket, which is not ideal. IMO the face should (9 times out of 10) be the brightest point, but this image just wasn't going to work that way. The bright point on the blanket draws your eye in and then your eye circles to the face. Its all about flow. 

You can see the quality difference from image to image and how a little extra time is worth it. 

Just for fun, I edited an old image from years ago that had LOTS of color. YES, I have seen images from 'Photographers' that are this obnoxious. PLEASE do not do this. The image are so much better on their own in color or black and white.  Enjoy!

Hopefully you've learned a little, and maybe even gotten a chuckle. 

Scarlett J

All images are the property of Scarlett Jewel Photography, 

and sole owner is Scarlett Jewel Photography.

"How much do you ACTUALLY edit?"

Recently, I was asked this. My eyes might have gotten a little big. I think a lot of people assume photos just turn out pretty on their own and all the work is done in camera. (I WISH!)

The fact is that I maybe spend 10% of my time behind my camera, 75% spent editing and 15% on pre-production (styling, location scouting etc). Every shoot is different. Sometimes I would guesstimate only 5% shooting and 20% pre-production. Either way, the majority of the time is spent editing. Which is not very fun, at least not for me.

I will say, that the 'average' photographer would probably be happy with a big percentage of my images straight out of camera. I'm not your average photographer. I'm an anal,  perfectionist with a camera. (hee hee- I can admit it!) I know that a lot of my clients pay good money to sit in front of me. I know too that quite often, when they get their pictures taken by me, its the only photos that they will have taken of themselves for the next 6 months to a year, sometimes 5 years. So why not put all of MY energy into making them the very best. That is my mentality; I think about my clients best interest, I don't worry about my time, only having the best final product for the client.

That being said, let me show you some examples of my work:

Below is a prime example of taking an image that could be "perfect" SOOC (straight out of camera). But I knew it needed some buffing. Every layer is something else that I have hand edited on this image. From making sure that the skin looks the right color/ accurate, to having the perfect amount of cool and warm tones to make it feel "homey". The Mom and I love it. And I know that she is ecstatic for the extra care that I take with their photos.

 This image was not as good SOOC. It was daylight lit, but the sunlight was coming through a shade, causing more of a blue/ possibly even green tone on the overall image. I have trained myself (Thank you Gramma, the portrait painter) to have a very sharp eye when it comes to identifying colors, especially correcting color balance.  That was step 1. Step 2 was getting the actual image to the place that I wanted. Smoothing skin, making eyes pop, etc etc. I LOVE the way it turned out. And again, the clients loved it when they saw the original, I can only imagine how surprised and happy they were to see the final after I took my time editing it by hand.

Lastly, is a head shot. I did very little, by comparison,  but it made a world of difference. Warming up the skin tones, cleaning up facial hair and skin and making his eyes pop.

Going the extra mile will always make your clients love your work just that much more. And hopefully create lifelong clients, that trust you to capture all of their memories.

Scarlett J

UPDATE! I should add that on average each image takes between 30 minutes to a hour to edit depending on the intricacy.   If you'd like more information, please contact me!

All images are sole owner of Scarlett Jewel photography.

HAPPY NEW YEARS!!!

Tonight did not go as planned. At all.

I never could have imagined that so many people jam pack into Times Square by 6pm. Why on earth would you want to stand there for 6+ hours waiting for a ball to drop?! We headed down around 8.

My girlfriend that is in town started standing at 42nd and 6th ave at 6pm. She got PUSHED all the way to 45th and 6th. SERIOUSLY!? PUSHED. We got off at 42 and 7th and I only could stand about 10 minutes of people running into me and trying to get closer to Times Square before I said "ENOUGH! I'M DONE!" We couldn't even see the ball from where we were standing. Why bother?!

Luckily phones were still working, even with that many people in one centralized area. (I've been to Tiger's and Yankees games where they don't work...) So we met at Radio city and headed to the East side.

We stopped at a place called Rodeo Bar (as pictured above). IMO, DINO BBQ has better overall food. But Rodeo BBQ has them beat on atmosphere as well as pickle chips. (MMmmmmmmmmmm, Pickle Chips.) It was such a breath of fresh air to step out of Times Square and into a relaxing setting. We ate, we laughed, some of us got drunk. It was amazing.

      
           My girlfriend Lena, that I've been chatting about, we have not seen each other in 10 years. I don't think we've talked in that time or even really facebooked. But it was like we never missed a day. It also helps that she is the FUNNIEST girl I've meet in my life. We both have always clicked with the notion that you never have to act a certain way. Just be yourself and if people don't like you- well, I won't say what we say. :) But she is a doll. I am so happy that we were able to spend time with her, and my hubby was able to get to see a side of me that he doesn't see often, I don't believe. I was also happy to get to know her stud muffin Dave. Can't wait to hear bells ringing on their behalf, someday.
      

Sometime during our 3 hour dinner, Dave showed a vintage photo of 2 people in Times Square kissing at midnight. Which inspired the following. Please keep in mind that these photos were taken with an insane ISO because of the dark bar atmosphere, so the quality is not tip top. :) Enjoy: 

 I am absolutely in love with these two. I love seeing older people being cute.

See a Penny pick it up, all day long you'll have good luck! But what if its on NYE? I'm hoping this is a sign of good things to come!

So its possible we got separated as we were getting on the subway. haha. This is Lena excited to see that we waited for them. Love that girl.

I hope you had an excellent NYE and good luck in the future-

Scarlett J

All photos are property of Scarlett Jewel Photography, and sole owner of the images.

Gourmet Bagel, WHAAAAAA?

Clearly last night we were out very late. And with an awesome twist, I found out that a good friend from High School was coming to the city today, so I was a tad bit excited. I slept a total of 2 hours. T-W-O hours. So as soon as my alarm went off, I headed out the door for my bi-annual Soy Chai Latte. Yes, meaning I only get them about twice a year. I've already been looked at like I had three heads today, for not knowing the fancy sizes, don't you look at me like that too!

After my first couple sips of Chai, I headed out to explore. It was such a cold day today, but so unbelievably gorgeous. Welcome to Columbia's campus when the students are gone on Christmas break. Amazing. Sunday is definitely the day, in general, to explore.

After hitting up a few book stores and lolly gagging here and there, I decided to surprise the hubby with "breakfast in bed". I went to his favorite gourmet bagel shop. Did you just question me saying 'Gourmet?'. New York City people take their bagels SERIOUS.

I'd like to introduce you to 'Absolute Bagels'! On Broadway, right around 108th Street in the Upper West Side. This photo was actually taken as I was leaving. Because that line, was not the same that I stood in. I waited about 10 minutes outside, and 10 minutes inside just to get to the front! But its totally worth it. Such an institution. But beware, if you come to visit its CASH ONLY! (Hubby's was under $5.00) You won't want to miss out.

So this cooler is full of cream cheese. GOURMET Cream Cheese! For example, I got the Hubby Bacon Cheddar Cream Cheese on a Garlic bagel. So many big chunks of bacon and cheddar. Nom Nom.

This is a close up. Those are ALL different kinds of cream cheese!

 They make their own bagels and they are still steaming when sliced open for your toppings. Its so amazingly delish! you must come!

But my FAVORITE part of the day had nothing to do with NYC. It was the little bit of home that my dear old friend so thoughtfully brought me. :*) Rock & Rye Faygo, you just can't beat it.

 Detroit Love. 

Scarlett J

All Photos were taken with an iphone 4.

Getting ready for NYE in Times Square, 5th Ave and seeing Lincoln!

Emerging from the subway into Times Square, you just never know what you will see. Its like Christmas, every time!

 Why is there a band here? WHO KNOWS!

 

Why is there a creepy dude from Predator? WHO KNOWS!

 

Random Chinese people declaring their Democratic party! WHO KNOWS!

Then comes actually looking at the preparations that have started for NYE!! So exciting. First thing I spotted was the addition of speakers, big speakers, EVERYWHERE! 

Above that red rectangle is where the ball will drop in about 25 hours!

You will NEVER see this area empty, except for right now as they are preparing for NYE!

 SNOW! As the rest of the US has been getting nailed with snow, we have gotten nothing but rain. FINALLY we get some decent snow :).

Moving on to 5th Ave/ Rockefeller Plaza:

 Behind all the people, was THE Tree! Supposedly this year it was from Michigan! :) So Proud. 

How BEAUTIFUL is she?! OOOOOh Christmas Treeee, OOOOOH CHRISTMAS TREE!

We wandered around after and came to the Lego shop. Can you believe this display is made completely of Lego's?!

I love all the random Holiday decor around the city.

Finally, the REAL Reason we came to Times Square! My hubby was surprised by the other portion of his Christmas present. Going to see Lincoln! Our theater was on the 3rd floor and the seats were AMAZING. Almost as good as lounging on your own couch at home. I will DEFINITELY be going back. Lincoln was also, BY FAR the best movie I think Spielberg has ever made.  But that's just my humble opinion.

The theater was close to empty! How cool! :) Yay for midnight showing!

Back home we go, but wait! Not without a little NYC entertainment!

What do we see that could possibly be a little out of place.... hmmmm. The guy laying down Zzzzzzzzin' it up? Gosh NYC is amazing :) 

Overall, it was an amazing night! In total, with Dinner at Q'doba and movie tickets we paid $50.00 for tons of fun. Which is a steal for two people in NYC.

Scarlett J

 All photos were taken with an iphone 4, with no editing. Just for fun to document our adventures.