My Work Versus 'Their' Work.

 DISCLAIMER:  I say these things to start an open dialog, not to point fingers or look down on others.

I love the look at the other photographers' styles that are big right now. You know what I'm talking about-- the creamy skin tones, the vintage colors and settings, some even have textures.

But I just can't do it. As much as I've tried, I can't get my work to look like theirs.

Primarily because I refuse to purchase the actions & presets they use.

You can't purchase talent. You shouldn't be able to mass recreate someone else's work with your own photos. That's a cop out in my opinion.

We all judge our work compared to 'theirs'. I know we're not supposed to, and those that are probably happiest and most content don't but realistically we do. And its hard to get past that point but I think I am personally on the cusp of coming into my own and not worrying about what everyone else is doing. 

I'm ok with my images not looking the same as everyone else.

Being original is what I've come to pride myself on.

Its how I keep pushing myself to move forward and I don't get bored with my work.

There are times when I come across one of those photographers with perfect creamy skin tones and vintage edits and just melt a little, wishing my images could look like theirs.

But then I think-- Remember Glamor Shots? Remember how AWESOME they were in the '90s and everyone tried to recreate that?! Ya... How do those look right now? Pretty silly eh?

I, personally, want to be timeless not dated.

 Ann Arbor, MI circa spring of 2010 (Canon's Tilt Shift Lens)

And to have my own style by being original.

What do you want?

Scarlett J

"What can you do for me...?"

If after getting to know someone for a week or so, sometimes not even THAT long, you get the vibe that they are one of those people that is constantly thinking "What can you do for me, to make me bigger and better"... RUN. 

This is not someone that will build you up, or even help you in your photography career or throughout life in general. They will only drain you, and distract your focus.

Over the past few years, and espeically in NYC, I've learned to differentiate between a few different kinds of people.

• Type 1: Passionate, giving, loyal people
• Ex: People that give without expectations.
• Type 2: Selfish 'ME, ME, ME' people. 
• Ex: Teach me this, help me that, do do do for meeeeeee!
• Type 3: People that 'play nice' but are only really doing it because they want something from you. 
• Ex: I'll rub your back, but I'm going to expect a lot in return.

Type 1: I fall into the first type. And the people I bust my tail for do as well. 

Meet my photo Homies:

Left to right; Kam, April, Kyle.

Kam shot my wedding after the photographer was a no show. April shot our engagement photos and bridal portraits just so we'd have them. Kyle, well... I'm not sure how to explain Kyle but he is always around to help when he ANSWERS HIS PHONE! And can help.
I love them all and we all help each other out as much as we possibly can. Pulling strings for the others, giving ideas, props, clothing, models etc. THESE types of friendships are what makes photography enjoyable. 

Type 2: While offering guidance in Hawaii, I was met with a completely different type of person. One that was so selfish, it was incomprehensible. I would get calls/ texts at all hours of the night and on top of that this person stabbed me in the back. I lost all respect and loyalty for this person and had to rethink my friendships with all because it became VERY obvious it was never about a friendship, only 'me, me, me'. We all have to learn these hard lessons, this is when I learned mine. 

Type 3: *Big breath in.* This type of person could be one that plays the political game. They help just enough by name dropping or getting you into a location or event that they believe you owe them in a very large way. Like your entire career depended on that one shoot... (highly doubtful).  Stand your ground. Give credit where credit is due with this type, but never get in over your head when its obvious you need to get out because this 'type' will never be satisfied. Play your cards, but hold your temper. 'Save face' but quietly disappear.

Back to Type 1: I have two favorite "regular" (non photo) boys that need to be acknowledged. 

 

This is Justin. He turned into my main assistant for my "Memories of Detroit" project and I seriously can not imagine doing it without him. (He doubled as my body guard (haha, you see how skinny he is, right?)) In all seriousness, I could not have done it without him. I always need someone to go with me in Detroit. Either to navigate, take pictures while I'm driving to remind me of locations or to just be pretty and hold the reflector for me. :P Justin was my man! Only a phone call away, and pretty cheap rates! (Hot Taco for lunch and he was a happy boy!) Thank you so much Justin for being my bestie assistant ever!

 

(large format camera/ 4x5 film)

And here we have a shot of my Husband and I! (That's Kyle again holding the light! I told ya that boy is always around!) Somehow, my Hubby gets drug into my crazy schemes of randomness but seems to like it? lol. I'm very thankful that he goes with the flow and is the opposite of me (in that sense). He too does his own kind of photography that some day I will share (I don't think the world is ready just yet) lol. He's the reason I didn't back out of purchasing my first camera and is my other behind the scenes helper. 

For those of you that are loyal, true friends- thank you. 

As for the 'other types'... I hope I have more true friends in my life than your kind. 

Scarlett J. 

All rights reserved on Images- to Scarlett Jewel Photography.

When did your work improve the most?

I've had 3 distinct times that I remember getting that light bulb hovering over my head and saying "Oh! I get it now! WOW! This really makes all the difference!"

(This is after getting the manual settings on my camera).

[Check out my last blog if you're looking to purchase a camera.]

#1. When I figured out how to adjust focal points within the camera. 

          

 Before, I'd get pictures like this: 

See where the focus is actually on the grass, and not on the "little monkey"?

 After, I'd get pictures like this:        

The focus is exactly where I want it, on the mannequin.

It was a huge boost in confidence and feeling proud of my work. 

#2.  When I moved from my Canon Rebel XT, to my 7D. 

                 I had worked so hard with my rebel to learn everything that I possibly could. I took that thing everywhere and beat the crap out of it. Because of this, when I purchased the 7D, I was like a whole new photographer. I knew what to do, I was confident.

 Here's the last session photographed with my Rebel: 

 And here's a pic taken at my very first shoot that I ever did with my 7D: 

You can see where I still had a LONG road ahead of me but the separation of the background and sharpness in this images is a million times better than the XT. (BTW- I was an idiot. I think I pretty much came straight from the store to this shoot. I do not suggest this at all, under any circumstances! Practice first!) November of 2009

#3. When I started shooting with film, and a Large Format Camera. 

                  Somehow, I think I was always meant for this way of shooting. I am a nut for the pre production aspect of photography. I love how you MUST slow everything down. If there's only a few pieces of film, you only have a few shots to get it right. And yes, I have destroyed a couple of major shoots with getting everything wrong, but live and learn. 

This is what it looks like when you're shooting:

Salem, MA. Shooting my cemetery project for school!

And this is the final product: 

Take a step back and think about your progress. What changes can you make to learn more? What do you want to learn in the next couple months?

Everyone learns to crawl before they can run.
Do you know how to wobble?
Almost to standing?
Keep moving forward!

Scarlett J

All photos are property of Scarlett Jewel Photography. They are not to be reproduced without permission under any circumstances.

What camera should I purchase?

 DISCLAIMER: This is the most logical way that I have found to purchase a camera. If you've gone a different route that is ok too! 

Also, I am a Canon Girl. So I speak primarily about Canon cameras.

When starting to shop for cameras DON'T let your husband just rush out and buy you one! Hubby may know more about technology, but not all instincts are good when it comes to YOUR camera. (I often hear "Oh, my Hubby is picking one out for me." I quietly shake my head...)

Ask yourself a few questions.

Do I:

1. only want to take photos of my kids and don't care about learning the manual mode? 
2. just want pretty pictures and don't care how I get them? 
3. want to learn the camera front to back, back to front so that I can create art? 
4. feel the need to possibly share my talents with the world and start a business? 
5. want to become the best, most talented photographer that I can be for myself?

If you answered yes to 1 and 2, please go to the store, place the cameras in your hands and see what feels best. Is it a Canon, Nikon, Olympus camera? Or maybe even a Point and Shoot is more your speed? If you want a DSLR for sure- buy a couple good lenses and go to town! There's nothing wrong with this approach. Chances are you will purchase one camera in your life and this is ok! You'll have a quality camera that you can capture your kiddos/ the landscape with.

If you answered yes to 3-5 then please, continue on.

In my last blog, I talked about purchasing my first camera. But I did not say what it was.

I started with a Canon Rebel XT. IMO, if you want to really learn your craft you should start with the crappiest camera you can get your hands on. And by crappiest, I mean simple. One that when you look at it, you are NOT intimidated by it at all. One that you can carry around because it is so light weight and that once you outgrow it you can even pass it down to your kids to learn on.

This is that camera:

When you start with a camera this simple, it is so much easier to completely master your craft. See how few buttons are on the back?  You are able to fairly easily learn how to use ISO (it only goes up to 1600 on this), exposure and composition.  See the top of the camera (far right) just turn the knob and that's it. BAM! No video, no crazy buttons etc. Just simple, easiness, focus and concentration. Its only an 8 mega pixel camera, so there's no need to worry about how grandiose your photo will be, this is mere practice. (You can still print nicely up to about an 11x14).

(You can pick up a USED XT on craigslist for around $150- 250.00 depending on if it comes with lenses etc).

Now, fast forward to 8 months down the line. I had already attended a class, I had a real grasp on manual mode and composition. I was ready to upgrade to this puppy:

Do you see how many buttons this thing has? Could you imagine trying to learn this thing first? Its silly. In my honest opinion, I kind of feel people that purchase these expensive cameras straight off the bat are slightly, well, 'out to lunch'.  (This camera, with an extra lens cost me about 3k when I purchased it in fall of 2009. It weighs a ton and is 19 mega pixels. Not something a beginner needs).

If someone is gifting you money to purchase a camera PLEASE use that money on purchasing lenses. Get a nice zoom lens such as the 24-70mm f/2.8 or a 70-200 f/2.8 (all Canon products). Or a prime lens such as the 50 f/1.4. Check out www.keh.com  for quality used gear and as always craigslist is a great option.

I HIGHLY suggest purchasing a 50mm 1.8 (~$100.00) or 1.4 (~$400.00) if you have the money. Its a great tool to get crazy sharp images with (compared to a zoom) and to practice 'zooming with your feet'. That is instead of just sitting in one spot and letting the action happen around you. Instead you get up and zoom in and out with your feet to best capture the action! Also makes for nice portraits! 

Scarlett J

What made YOU decide to start photography? What inspires you to keep going?

I think people typically purchase a DSLR to take photos of their kids.

I guess I wanted one to better capture the landscape of Hawaii and my memories.

 This is at the black sand beach on the Big Island in November of 2007.

Honestly, this photo was the breaking point.  Can you tell that's black sand? How about the turtles that are laying on the beach, do you see them? I didn't think so. I knew I wanted a good camera, I just wasn't sure how I would get one because it felt intangible.

Christmas day, 2007. (Taken with a point and shoot camera, edited by me in Photoshop.)

The picture above is from the last Christmas I spent with my Grandparents. Following this photo, within two months my life was turned upside down. My Grandmother (Gramma) was my best friend. She taught me everything that I know about lighting, colors, styling, what clothes look best on what body shapes, composition and the list goes on. 

She grew up wanting to be a clothing designer. One year for my birthday (I think I was 23?) she redesigned a bunch of her 'vintage' clothes for me to wear. I loved it. It was not only a gift to me, but one to her as well. It was creative, it wasn't just taking pants in or letting them out for my Grandfather's ever yoyo-ing waistline. (Chuckle- because all he did was eat bacon and sugar. And you see how skinny he is, right?). 

She was naturally talented. As I've been told by my Aunt and Mom, even when they had no money, my Gramma would remake clothes and repurpose decorations to make beautiful wrappings on Christmas morning. She was doing all this way before it was 'hip'. I know exactly where I got my resourceful nature from. She was the one that took me thrifting and garage sale-ing. "There's a quarter on that price tag, offer them 10 cents." With my cute little self and my long lashes I'd offer them lower and 9/10 I'd get it. (Anyone that's gone with me thrifting as an adult, has anything changed?) lol. 

Around the time that I was about five years old, she picked up the hobby of going to the Senior Center to learn how to paint, massage and she almost became a doctor of homeopathy.  (I think the reason was primarily to get out of the house, away from my Grandfather watching golf. But hey! She added a couple skills!) 

 She was pretty awesome. This is me at 6 months old. This was painted just a couple years after she started and every grandchild had a baby portrait painted that hung in the living room until the day they both passed away. 

This is a more broad example of her talents. She also quilted.

 When I was younger I spent TONS of time in my Gramma's studio area in the basement. Watching her paint, or painting random 'paint by numbers' etc. I had no clue the skills that I too picked up just from being around her. 

The number one way to learn is by doing. 

The way to not realize you're being taught is to observe and listen. 

Which is exactly what I did. 

Fast forward to Christmas of 2008:

I was in Hawaii, looking for a job and trying to find a new normal when on Christmas eve I received a registered letter from-- My Grandparents? All of the grand kids received a check for $500.00. I sat on this check until March of 2009. I didn't know if I was going to use the money for bills that, very much needed to be paid, or if I was going to do something to honor my Gramma. 

On March 23, 2009 I picked my (now) Husband up from the airport and went to the NEX (store). I decided I had found the best deal and I was going to purchase a camera. Even while standing in line to purchase the camera, I was having doubts. Asking him "What if I suck?" "What if I never use it?" "What if its a waste?" He assured me it was a good purchase and to take the risk. 2 weeks later, I was on a plane back to Michigan to start photography classes. I was hooked. 

The first couple years, I loved what I had the potential to create. I loved that I could use my psychology to make people feel beautiful inside and out and show them what I see through the eye of the camera. I loved that people looked, loved and appreciated what I had quickly become and developed. 

I now love how each time I pick up my camera and create something more unique and original than the last, I'm honoring her. I try to preserve everything I touch and I truly believe that by doing this, I'm extending her life as well as making mine richer than I ever thought possible. 

Thank you Gramma, for leading me to the water, but never forcing me to drink. 

  

 

 That's me and Gramma!

Scarlett J

PS- I miss you terribly, thank you for watching over me.