Archive for the ‘Photography’ Category

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Photographers as Musicians

June 2, 2010

In the photography industry, well any creative industry really, it can be brutal. From an outsiders perspective it seems so easy to be creative and be paid for it. But there is so much more to it.

I was watching Top Chef Masters and one of the chefs mentioned how they are all like musicians, but each has a different style, one plays acoustic guitar and another an electric, or one a tuba and another a flute. But in the end, they all play music. In this show, they are all competing to win money for their chosen charity, but its amazing how well they work together, learn from each other, and help one another. Sure they want to win. But that doesn’t mean they can’t mutually respect each other and become good friends during. They all have different backgrounds and experience levels, unique strengths and certainly a lot of talent between them. This parallels photography in a big way.

We all want to be your photographer! But each of us play different instruments, even though in the end, its all music. I think that this analogy is important for a couple reasons.

Different Music for Different Clients
Do you like Country music? What about Rock & Roll? Heavy Metal rocking your speakers? You get the idea. Find a photographer who’s music you love. Then let their creativity rock your walls!

Photographers Playing Music Together
Its impossible to never feel competitive. But if I play Viola (I actually did for years when I was younger so I identify with that one hehe) and you play Cello or Clarinet, why should I feel like I’m competing with you? I just want to be the best Violist I can be. Fortunately there are many photographers in the Pacific Northwest who embrace networking and sharing with one another. From what I’ve experienced, it just makes everyone better at playing their own instrument.

Enough with the analogy right?? Well, I’ll just add that every time I play a song from my favorite band, each song is so unique even though its the same musicians…that is creativity and that is what making music is about.

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30 Comments = Free Gift

May 14, 2010

The number 30 is coming up a lot lately and I just thought it would be fun to try this out. If your session sneak peek or session favorites blog post hits 30 comments, you’ll receive a free gift! Sooooo what’s the gift? Well, you can choose between one set of 8 wallets or a 8×10 (or 8×12) print of any image in your session gallery. Spread the word to family and friends by posting the link to your Facebook, Twitter or even in an email…you’ll get there in no time! :)

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Its Good to be Green

April 22, 2010

Being eco-conscious is a necessary investment in our future. I am committed to being a “Green Photographer” and environmentally responsible in my life and in my business. I’m always trying to find ways to be an eco-friendly photographer, here are some of them…

+ My vehicle is a Hybrid
+ My marketing materials are printed on recycled paper
+ I also work with a variety of vendors that are environmentally responsible and provide eco-friendly products
+ I generally try to use my laser printer as much as I can, which uses solid-ink technology (no cartridges!)
+ I reuse and recycle glass, plastic and paper products to reduce waste
+ By not having a studio, it saves valueable resources such as energy and water
+ Only rechargeable batteries are used in my photographic equipment
+ When I do use studio lighting, the bulbs are CFL (Compact Flourescent)
+ I subscribe to an online fax service (electronic PDF’s instead of paper/toner/electricity)
+ I work exclusively on Apple computers (click here to learn more about their efforts)
+ I try to always use renewable resources (environmentally sustainable) & conserve whenever possible
+ Instead of notes, maps, etc. I use my cell phone and in-vehicle GPS for keeping notes & directions
+ Many of my props are second-hand from antique and donation stores
+ Many of the knit hats (I have an extensive collection) are made with natural fibers and all hand-knit in the USA
+ Listed as a green photographer on the Green Bride Guide

Going digital does a lot for the environment.
Being a digital photographer does more than make the process significantly quicker than traditional photography. It also saves on unecessary prints, harsh developing chemicals and excess materials. Clients are encouraged to only order the images they want.

Mother Earth provides for us, so let’s show her some love!

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Then + Now

April 1, 2010

Kodak Film and Compact=

An unused can of Kodak film on the left, and a Compact Flash card on the right…the reality of the changing times.
I can only imagine where that can of 20-exposure film has been…for years it was hidden in my Grandfather’s garage storage until he passed away and it ended up in my hands. I have been its keeper for almost 10 years now and I will always keep it for all that it symbolizes. History. Art. Innovation. The compact flash card on the right is one of many that I use for my photography and it holds 400+ images in RAW format.

There is still art in digital.
I do remember processing my own film and developing my own photos in my High School’s darkroom…it really felt like you were making “ART”. I refused to buy a digital camera until I saw just how amazing the technology and the quality had progressed. I soon discovered that professional images are still edited…still skillfully retouched…still hand-processed. It just happens its done to a digital file instead of a negative.

Pursue your passion and embrace change.
I have five or so of my Grandfather’s film cameras (from a Falcon Miniature to a Kodak Tourist II), which I hope to display one day in a studio of my own. He loved photography, architecture, printing, and was so proud to finally own a digital camera and a computer when he was in his late 70′s. He built his own garage workshop and would tinker, build, repair and organize in there. When he passed, we discovered file cabinets full of old magazine clippings that were categorized…things he had saved and things that he had always planned “to get to” or that he thought were important. He was a very quiet man. I worked with him in a print shop for a couple years and really had an opportunity like no other in our family to get to know him. He was an average man with an amazing life story. From being captured by Nazi’s in WWII to owning his own newspaper business…I just wish I would have asked more questions. We had computers in school when I was a kid and I remember having one kind of computer or another since I was 5. Even games have changed, from Frogger to World of Warcraft…and what would my Grandfather think of my 2 year old playing puzzles on my iPhone? I think he would be amazed and would have been one of the first to own his own iPhone. He truly embraced technology…and embraced change. I just feel like he wasn’t able to pursue his passion and realize his full potential…but he seemed content. I know he wanted more from me, for me to take whatever I had to wherever it could go.

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A Name Behind the Name

March 30, 2010

Today I saw another post about how as a photographer, you are hiring a person for their talent and skill, which is why many photographers use their name for their business…”John Smith Photography”. Photography is a very personal thing, and when you hire a professional photographer you are hiring a person with a unique style, talent, and skill.

I considered doing the same…Laura Zander Photography…but to me, it was just a name. My last name is from my husband, but its not really “his” either…its actually his half-brothers dad’s name, and my husband has a different father..so it is kind of awkward and even a little confusing. Even though it is my legal name, I just wanted something with a little more personal meaning to me. I created a list of words..moments, capture, little, love, weddings, and so forth…but everything seemed taken, or overused, and I certainly didn’t want to confine myself to a specific genre of photography. Even though I want someone to hire me as a person for my creativity and style, I also want them to know that I am a business and a professional.

I had wracked my brain for weeks…and then I was shopping online… add to cart… add to cart… add to .. wait a sec… ADD TO HEART! In this internet-based society we shop online for just about everything, a quick click “Add to Cart” and its on the way to our door – so I thought for the moments of life, just a click of the camera and that memory is added to your heart. I was in love with the name, because it just had so much and so many meanings for me and to this day I still find new meanings in the name.

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Ways to Share Session Photos

March 14, 2010

I know that my clients will want to share their session images, after all that is one of the biggest reasons for having professional photographs taken. But did you know that photographs (both digital and printed) are protected by United States Copyright law? Unauthorized copying or duplication of images (including scanning photographs) is in violation of this law and affects a photographer’s ability to continue to produce high-quality work. When you have your photos professionally taken, the photographer still retains copyrights to these images and therefore, under no circumstances can you use the images for profit, commercial use, in competitions or for professional display (altered or not). But there are many ways to share your photos that do not violate this copyright.

Photographer’s Blog
Often photographers will post session sneak peeks or favorites on their blog. This is the quickest and easiest way to share your session images – just post a link to the photographer’s blog post in your email, Facebook, Twitter, or even your very own blog. Don’t forget to leave a comment as its always wonderful for a photographer to see their client not only visiting their blog but leaving some great feedback. Its also a good idea to check out their blog often for great information and even special offers they are running that may not always be advertised elsewhere.

Tagging on Facebook
Why not ask your photographer if they will post some of your session images to Facebook? Most photographers have Facebook pages and would be more than happy to upload and tag you in your session photos. You first need to “friend them” on Facebook and then the Photographer will be able to tag you in the photos. Once you are tagged, those images will automatically show up on your Wall for your own friends to see. Usually the images will be watermarked with the photographers logo or name. Its important to not crop out watermarks as that could be considered copyright infringement. If you want an image cropped a certain way for any reason, just ask your photographer to do that for you.

I’ve also had clients upload the watermarked version of their images to their Facebook page and tag me in them, that works fine too! As long as you are using the web-resolution watermarked images (including a link to my website or blog is awesome too) and then don’t forget to tag me in the image so I can see the ones you post, I always love to see your favorites!

Online Gallery
If you have an online gallery for proofing your session photos, then why not email the link to your “inner circle”? Its another great way to share with friends and family. Make it easy on yourself and let them know if they want to place an order, how they should go about doing that so you won’t be bombarded with email requests. Sometimes they need to order directly through the photographer, or sometimes they can order right through the gallery.

Gift Prints
When you place your session order don’t forget to include a few gift prints. Giving prints to a few special family members or friends is always a great way to share your photographs. Your photographer will likely sell prints a la carte, so think about a set of wallets or a 5″ x 7″ print of your favorite photograph as these are both popular choices.

Buying the Digital Files
Many photographers will offer the digital files at an additional cost, or may even include them as part of their package. You could still run into trouble making personal prints unless you have “Permission to Print”. This is generally something from the photographer allowing you to make prints from the digital files for your own personal use. Their may still be restrictions about distributing the files (either by email or online), so be sure to read their policies.

I want you to be able to share your session photos and try to make it easy for you to do so. If you have any questions, please put them in the comments or send me an email and I’ll post the answer here for everyone.

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Maternity Photography + What to Wear

February 27, 2010

The good news about maternity sessions is…almost anything goes. The main thing to keep in mind regarding attire is – the more fitted, the better – we want clothes that are going to show off your beautiful bump! If you feel good in a colorful tank and jeans, thats a great go-to. If you prefer a beautiful long skirt that fits under your belly or a long fitted dress that makes you feel ultra-feminine, those are great choices also. Browse the outfits at Isabella Oliver and Hot Mama for inspiration.

Remember, you can always change clothes during the session. Everyone has different levels of modesty and so we’ll discuss in advance if you want to remain fully covered or if you would like to try a few very tasteful bare poses. Here are some more ideas and tips to consider:

Tanks & Blouse
A tank top, scoop neck t-shirt, or strapless top that is clingy/stretchy for covering your top and exposing/revealing your belly (too loose and your belly will no longer be the focus) is perfect. Solid colors such as cream, brown, gray, navy or soft neutral colors photograph well (white and black tend to hide your beautiful bump). A buttoned down blouse/shirt (soft, flowing, drapey fabrics/linen/cotton-one of your own or one of his works well too.) This can have an interesting sleeve or pattern/stitching/ruffles, or a long sweater that can be fastened above your belly. Fitted blouses and cropped sweaters are great for showing off your belly too.

Bras & Accessories
If you have a strapless bra or bandeau bra, that will come in handy for many photos. A beautiful lace bra and panties can be worn for intimate shots and can be any color. If you would like a nice “legs” shot, then have your favorite heels available. Jewelry is best kept to a minimum, usually only your wedding ring is preferred. I will bring a few bandeau bras and accessories so that we have options available.

Pants & Skirts
Jeans, yoga pants, and soft skirts are great options. Linen and other fabrics that drape look feminine and soft. Wraps are GREAT! Wraps that drape and can work as long skirts or can be used to cover parts of you, especially if modesty is preferred, can be very pretty. I have various fabrics I’ll be bringing to choose from as well. Your pants/jeans/skirts should not have maternity panels – they do not photograph well. Instead, wear regular jeans that can be unzipped or unbuttoned under your belly.

Hair & Make Up
I recommend wearing make-up for your session even if you don’t normally, and its a good idea to have finger/toenails groomed. Lotion and lip gloss will be great for the close-ups.

Props
Baby shoes, a special little stuffed animal or toy, and your ultrasound image are perfect props. Feel free to explore your creativity here, anything unique or fun or memorable of your pregnancy is perfect. If you would like, bring hats or fun sunglasses for outdoor photos.

Other Family Members
Men should wear jeans, khaki pants or any other dark pants. I encourage a simple polo or a nice crew-neck (don’t forget to iron). Layers work great, especially if we head outside. If your other children will be in a few of the photos, either consider the tips on what to wear for families or just let them be their everyday self to keep them as happy and cooperative as possible.

Keeping your attire simple allows for the focus to stay on you and your belly and not draw the eye to patterns and colors in fabrics. Your wardrobe should be free of logos, pictures and writing (unless its “Bun in the Oven” or the like). Avoid wearing items that constrict your skin leaving behind marks (socks, waistbands, etc). And remember, you can always change clothes half way through the session if you want some sexy dressed up photographs and some more casual ones – it gives you different “looks” to choose from later.

If you have any questions, please put them in the comments or send me an email and I’ll post the answer here for everyone.

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Newborn Photography + What to Wear

February 27, 2010

Newborns in the buff photograph the best as I’ll be able to capture all the delicate details of your litte one. By being bare it highlights their innocence and newness to the world. However I do make it a point to hide certain “areas” to keep every image tasteful and appropriate. Just remember to dress your baby in something loose fitting and easy to take off so that we won’t disturb their slumber right before the shoot. Also make sure you put the diaper on loose beforehand too to avoid any diaper marks. No need to worry about your little one being cold – if you adjust the room temperature to be at least 74 degrees combined with the heating pad I use, they will stay nice and warm. (A space heater is also helpful which I can bring if needed.)

I do bring along a few props, such as throws & blankets, containers, various hats (which are really fun for a few images) and other items to add some color and texture into your images – though who can resist the simplicity of newborn baby skin? I love to include personal items such as an important blanket or a sentimental toy of your own because it can make the photograph extra special to you and your family.

Now that we have your newborn figured out…on to you! In general, a plain black or neutral t-shirt or tank paired with dark denim jeans or black yoga pants are great for mom. A plain black t-shirt or long sleeve shirt with dark denim jeans are a good option for dad. Since we’ll likely be inside your house and it’s going to be nice and warm, bare feet works best. But if you plan on wearing socks, please make sure they are a similar color to your pants. If siblings will be included in a couple of the images, just remember to keep it simple…neutral colors keep the focus to the connection between those in the photograph.

If you have any questions, please put them in the comments or send me an email and I’ll post the answer here for everyone.

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Looking Back + Looking Forward

February 25, 2010

Recently my Dad wrote something for me and much of it was about my photography…from what he remembered about how it started and what he hopes for it in the future. This is very personal post for me, but I think completely relevant to share here.

Looking Back
My family moved from Nebraska to Arizona when I was little, so I don’t always remember that much from then. But I do remember when my Dad bought a used Nikkormat to capture all the beauty he saw in the desert. Times got pretty tough and he gave up on this interest to work as much as possible just to make ends meet, leaving the camera to collect dust. One day, he gave it to me as a present, I think when I was about 12. I didn’t know how to use it and certainly not mature enough to understand the technical aspects of how the shutter speed related to the aperture – but I am a born self-starter and very stubborn. I practiced and failed many times, but never really gave up. I took a photography class in high school and the first time I watched a photo of mine actually develop in front of my eyes, I was amazed. I spent countless hours in the darkroom and went through much more than my allotment of film and paper. I loved processing my film, setting up the enlarger, developing my photos, and absorbing every bit of information I could. I was drawn to anything creative, jewelry class, drawing class, sewing, etc. but one day I opened a program a friend shared with me – Photoshop – and begun to teach myself how to use it…and eventually pursued a career in Graphic Design. Some of my designs have even been published in books (proud parent moment here), but occasionally I would come across those photographs I took when I was a kid (see photos at end of post) and think about how much I missed photography. The past few years of my life have been filled with challenges and changes. With that, photography found its way back into my life.

Looking Forward
Those who know me, know exactly how stubborn I am when it comes to proving I can do what I set my mind to and just how passionate I am about photography. I’ve found that the photography industry is similar to the design industry in many ways, which makes me believe that I can find success in this business. Its not only about being creative but also connecting with clients to capture who they are. Both of which I love and I hope that is what is reflected in the photos I take. Even though that old Nikon Nikkormat (shown above right) has once again found itself collecting dust, its only because its been replaced with a serious upgrade and a very serious commitment to taking this as far as I can. Many sacrifices have been made to pursue this dream but I love what I do.

To wrap up this post, I wanted to pay tribute to that Nikkormat by sharing a few of those photographs that I had taken when I was a kid. (Please pardon the dust & scratches, the original prints have seen better days.)


Left: My parents hands + Right: My sister posing for me


Left: Experimenting with light, marbles on top and a dollhouse on bottom + Right: Playing with contrast, a flower on top and cat on bottom


Both images were in Tombstone, AZ during a reenactment at the OK Corral

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Custom Photography + Session Pricing

January 12, 2010

I thought I would touch on a subject that often comes up when someone is considering custom photography…price.

Carefully consider these three key factors to determine your investment:
1. Style of the Photographer (Do you love their gallery/portfolio images?)
2. Up-front cost (Session fee, deposit, print credit, etc.)
3. Back-end cost (Prints, canvas, albums, etc.)

For me, I have clients pay an initial session fee and want them to be able to walk away with enough that they feel great about the experience. This is the reason why I include a print credit in your session fee or include a album in most wedding packages. Of course clients can always get more, and they usually do, because I price my prints affordably so you can buy more of what you want. Clients typically budget $500-1500 per session which can include desk portraits, gift prints, wall art, canvas, digital files, albums, and other keepsakes. Please contact me for an extended price list.

Why charge a session fee? The session fee covers my time and talent as your photographer and skill behind editing and professional retouching. Some photographer’s will have you pay a lower price up front to get you “in the door” and then have a higher price on the back end. However I use the same quality labs and materials, but my prints generally cost lower in comparison, because I truly want you to be able to have more of the images you love.

If you have any questions, leave a comment below and I’ll be happy to answer them!

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