Well, Winter is coming early.
For those of us who like the quiet peace of the gentle falling snow, this last week has provided some with an early opportunity to take those Winter pictures. Here is a link to the Weather Channels snow forecast map. Central Indiana got the rain and wind. We did have a trace of snow. Here are a few tips for the winter photo season.
- Keep your batteries warm. They will last longer.
- Keep your tank full. You do not want to get stranded.
- Do not be afraid of inclement weather. Some of the best shots I've seen have been taking in conditions that 99.9% of us stay inside for. Be sensible though. You do not want to shoot an avalanche from your buried car.
- Know the temperature extremes of your equipment. Keep them inside your jacket when not in use if the temperature is to cold.
- Pack a thermos of hot chocolate. Add any other warming fluids as needed ;)
Have fun out there!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
Key West Trip Report
Sometimes being in the military has its upside. This last spring I was sent to our facility in "Key West for two weeks. I usually select a region that has a more mountainous terrain. The highest point on Key West is only 14 feet above sea level at Ernest Hemingway’s house. But it was still the tropics and it was free, besides having to go to work every day. I used to go to Key West every summer with my Fraternity Brothers to help Irish Kevin celebrate the anniversary of his bar’s opening and to pay Jimmy Buffett’s Margaretville a visit. I went to Key West with aspirations of getting some incredible images on Duval Street. We’ll, that did not quite happen. There is a rule on all Microsotck websites that say you cannot have someone’s corporate logo in any of your images. Nearly every square foot of Duval Street had a business name on it. Well, I did find some other areas of interest. Let’s start at the Key West Warf.
There were marketing signs everywhere, but not to the extent of what was on Duval Street. I had to focus on details and not landscapes. As I walked around, I found a few pieces of inspiration.
I also visited several times in the evening, but lighting was just not working for me to post anything. So what to do when the shooting is not turning out as well as you had hoped? I highly recommend the Oyster Rockefeller at the Half Shell Raw Bar.
I also spent some time at sea. Many years ago, a friend of mine and I pretended that we were married, sat through the time share show and tell, and then claimed our free sunset booze cruise tickets. Hey, we were college kids. Anyway, I found them to be great ways of getting the most incredible sunset pictures imaginable. This was my first time in Key West with a digital camera. Nothing beats the image I took many years ago of two water spouts with a point and shot camera, but the images were fun to get anyhow. Take along your camera case or a zip lock bag. Salt water is very bad for your digital camera. Keep it covered while not in use. Also, wipe it down with a damp cloth after returning to shore and clean your lenses. Don't forget to explore the side streets for the hidden treasures of Key West.
There were marketing signs everywhere, but not to the extent of what was on Duval Street. I had to focus on details and not landscapes. As I walked around, I found a few pieces of inspiration.
I also visited several times in the evening, but lighting was just not working for me to post anything. So what to do when the shooting is not turning out as well as you had hoped? I highly recommend the Oyster Rockefeller at the Half Shell Raw Bar.
I also spent some time at sea. Many years ago, a friend of mine and I pretended that we were married, sat through the time share show and tell, and then claimed our free sunset booze cruise tickets. Hey, we were college kids. Anyway, I found them to be great ways of getting the most incredible sunset pictures imaginable. This was my first time in Key West with a digital camera. Nothing beats the image I took many years ago of two water spouts with a point and shot camera, but the images were fun to get anyhow. Take along your camera case or a zip lock bag. Salt water is very bad for your digital camera. Keep it covered while not in use. Also, wipe it down with a damp cloth after returning to shore and clean your lenses. Don't forget to explore the side streets for the hidden treasures of Key West.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Where do you sneak in Photos?
One of my favorite things to do is to travel. Of course my camera is always with me. My wife has called my camera “The other woman.” Over the past two years I’ve had the opportunity to work for the Center for Naval Leadership as my reserve duty. Every two months I would travel to different reserve centers throughout the Midwest and facilitate our leadership classes. During these trips I’ve often had some spare time to do a little photography.
Late last fall, on my way to Columbus Ohio, I had a chance to stop at the Hopewell Culture National Historic Park. It was a beautiful morning at the base of the foothills of the Appellations. The site contains large burial mounds of an ancient culture. Not exactly a very photogenic site, but relaxing to hike around.
In Cleveland I had the chance to visit Cuyahoga National Park twice. One time in winter and one time in the early fall. Although not the wilderness that many associate with a national park, it was a nice oasis from the grind of the interstate just outside its borders.
This past spring, I had a chance to go to Key West. Now, I use to go there with my fraternity brothers every summer for Irish Kevin’s anniversary party. This time though it was for my military duty. My wife flew down for a long weekend and I even took some photos that have sold.
Unfortunately, my units mission has changed and the monthly travel has ended. None the less, thanks to the Navy, in the last two years I’ve seen Virginia Beach, Coronado Island, Key West, and many cities in the mid west that I would not otherwise of seen. This year I was hoping to go to Maine so I could spend the weekend at Acadia National Park. I guess Acadia will have to wait. Take your camera on these little business trips. You never know what you might find.
Please comment back and share with us how you squeeze in a shot or two.
Late last fall, on my way to Columbus Ohio, I had a chance to stop at the Hopewell Culture National Historic Park. It was a beautiful morning at the base of the foothills of the Appellations. The site contains large burial mounds of an ancient culture. Not exactly a very photogenic site, but relaxing to hike around.
In Cleveland I had the chance to visit Cuyahoga National Park twice. One time in winter and one time in the early fall. Although not the wilderness that many associate with a national park, it was a nice oasis from the grind of the interstate just outside its borders.
This past spring, I had a chance to go to Key West. Now, I use to go there with my fraternity brothers every summer for Irish Kevin’s anniversary party. This time though it was for my military duty. My wife flew down for a long weekend and I even took some photos that have sold.
Unfortunately, my units mission has changed and the monthly travel has ended. None the less, thanks to the Navy, in the last two years I’ve seen Virginia Beach, Coronado Island, Key West, and many cities in the mid west that I would not otherwise of seen. This year I was hoping to go to Maine so I could spend the weekend at Acadia National Park. I guess Acadia will have to wait. Take your camera on these little business trips. You never know what you might find.
Please comment back and share with us how you squeeze in a shot or two.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Get Ready for Winter
I know, I know. The peak season for fall is not quite past yet. None the less, this is not the time to take a vacation from Microstock. Winter is a time for adventure and outdoor fun. Children sliding down a hill in an inner tube, a skier catching some air high in the mountains. Even a young girl on ice skates for the first time can land you some cash. Do some key word searches and see what types of images are successful.
For those of you in high snow fall areas, you have a great advantage. Head out after those huge snow storms Minnesota and see what unique landscapes Mother Nature has created for your lens. Colorado, I’m jealous. Wyoming, your wildlife viewing opportunities are unsurpassed in my book.
Don’t skip out on the opportunity to get a few new Christmas images out there. I sold my first Christmas image of the season in July. Santa’s elves don’t take summer vacations. The department stores start putting out Christmas displays in August. That means that the graphic art work was already done. As we get closer to November, watch the most popular images for different stock photo sites. You will see a gradual shift to Christmas imagery. Get yours out there to take advantage of the holiday season. Last year I had a very limited Christmas portfolio. As result, I had a drop in sales for November and December with a very strong surge in sales in January of non holiday images.
For those of you in high snow fall areas, you have a great advantage. Head out after those huge snow storms Minnesota and see what unique landscapes Mother Nature has created for your lens. Colorado, I’m jealous. Wyoming, your wildlife viewing opportunities are unsurpassed in my book.
Don’t skip out on the opportunity to get a few new Christmas images out there. I sold my first Christmas image of the season in July. Santa’s elves don’t take summer vacations. The department stores start putting out Christmas displays in August. That means that the graphic art work was already done. As we get closer to November, watch the most popular images for different stock photo sites. You will see a gradual shift to Christmas imagery. Get yours out there to take advantage of the holiday season. Last year I had a very limited Christmas portfolio. As result, I had a drop in sales for November and December with a very strong surge in sales in January of non holiday images.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Results for September 2008
There is still a little bit of the summer slow down, but sales are picking up.
I was getting worried there for a while. It was not until the last week of September that sales started to go to pre summer levels. I'm getting curious if microstock will see a boost from the economy. As consumers have less to spend. Advertisers will need to spend more to get their products off the shelf. With tight budgets, they need inexpensive images. Also, with high gas prices, hopefully that means more web sales and a need for web images. If things go our way, this will drive more advertisers to the microstock world.
Here is how the month of September went:
I started off with two extended license sales on Fotolia. I was a bit upset with myself over these images. They were ones with decent sales, but I had my extended license price set to only $10. I set a lot of my images low while I feel out there potential. Obviously, I need to pay more attention and adjust prices accordingly.
On a final note, I would like to welcome our new readers from:
I was getting worried there for a while. It was not until the last week of September that sales started to go to pre summer levels. I'm getting curious if microstock will see a boost from the economy. As consumers have less to spend. Advertisers will need to spend more to get their products off the shelf. With tight budgets, they need inexpensive images. Also, with high gas prices, hopefully that means more web sales and a need for web images. If things go our way, this will drive more advertisers to the microstock world.
Here is how the month of September went:
| August results: | Change from last month | |
| This month: | $93.75 | + $7.93 |
| Total Downloads: | 107 | + 11 |
| Lifetime Total: | $1222.64 | |
| Number of months contributing: | 18 | |
| Average: $/month | $76.62 | + $1.07 |
I started off with two extended license sales on Fotolia. I was a bit upset with myself over these images. They were ones with decent sales, but I had my extended license price set to only $10. I set a lot of my images low while I feel out there potential. Obviously, I need to pay more attention and adjust prices accordingly.
On a final note, I would like to welcome our new readers from:
- Brisbane, Australia
- Vicente Lopez, Argentina
- Manchester, United Kingdom
- Fort Wayne, Indiana (USA)
Monday, September 29, 2008
Power of the Polarizer
A polarizer is a lens attachment that you can utilize to remove glare. The end result is more vibrant color. You can use it to make the sky a darker blue, bring clouds out from the haze, remove glare off the road and leaves, and also to help you see through the surface of water. It is simple to use and can produce excellent results.
Circular polarizer’s are best for auto focus cameras. Liner polarizer’s may interfere with camera focus. Simply attach it to the end of your lens. Look at your subject and rotate the polarizer until the glare is gone or the image appears darker. You will need to constantly adjust the angle of the polarizer as you change subjects. This is because the sunlight is coming in at different angles and the lens needs to be adjusted for optimal filtering.
A prime example of how a polarizer helps you is when I was visiting the USS Arizona. After over 65 years, the ship is still bleeding oil into Pearl Harbor and causing a nasty glare. Without the polarizer, I saw a lot of reflection on the surface. With it, I saw the ship. In nature, you can use it to remove glare from vegetation and bring out vibrate colors.
To see the difference before you invest in a circular polarizer, you can use polarized sunglasses. Hold your glasses away from your face so you can rotate them at least 90 degrees. Rotate them until the subject appears darker. That is a correct setting. Now, rotate the glasses 90 degrees. What you are looking at is what you would be shooting without a polarizer. The difference in color is amazing.
Circular polarizer’s are best for auto focus cameras. Liner polarizer’s may interfere with camera focus. Simply attach it to the end of your lens. Look at your subject and rotate the polarizer until the glare is gone or the image appears darker. You will need to constantly adjust the angle of the polarizer as you change subjects. This is because the sunlight is coming in at different angles and the lens needs to be adjusted for optimal filtering.
A prime example of how a polarizer helps you is when I was visiting the USS Arizona. After over 65 years, the ship is still bleeding oil into Pearl Harbor and causing a nasty glare. Without the polarizer, I saw a lot of reflection on the surface. With it, I saw the ship. In nature, you can use it to remove glare from vegetation and bring out vibrate colors.
To see the difference before you invest in a circular polarizer, you can use polarized sunglasses. Hold your glasses away from your face so you can rotate them at least 90 degrees. Rotate them until the subject appears darker. That is a correct setting. Now, rotate the glasses 90 degrees. What you are looking at is what you would be shooting without a polarizer. The difference in color is amazing.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Seattle Trip Report
I decided to add some reports on the locations that I visit and upload images from. For those of you who read my previous post on how to sell so-so images, you know that I had a business trip to Seattle, WA this February. I’m happy to say that I’ve been able to sale a few of those images.
Let’s start off with the Cascade Mountains. Now, even though Seattle was somewhat pleasant thanks to its proximity to the ocean, drive inland and up into the mountains changes things quite a bit.
I flew in very early in the morning and headed straight for Snoqualmie pass. It was also conveniently a ski resort. They had a lot of snow, which I enjoyed skiing on thoroughly. Now here in Indianapolis, we do get snow. Not enough to make very interesting winter time photos. But in the Cascades, they get plenty. Check them out:
Even the drive up gave you plenty of photo opportunities. This was the only day during the week that I was there that I was able to drive into the mountains. Heavy snow storms closed all east-west passes in the state. Not to worry, I did go downtown and snapped some images from the Space Needle. For me though, the most rewarding time was on Whidbey Island. With roads to Mount Ranier and North Cascades National Parks closed, I decided to take a drive to Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve,. Even in February, it was beautiful. For those of you who enjoy the locals that you meet while practicing your hobby, I found out from the receptionist at the local museum in Coupeville that Whidbey Island is in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains. In other words, they get 300 days of sun shine a year. That was exactly what I needed after being in Seattle all week.
Whidbey Island is very scenic. There are several ferry options to get you and your car there. There are some spectacular rural and shoreline scenes to take in. From soaring cliffs to lighthouses. From fields to beaches. It was just an absolutely relaxing time.
A few tips for shooting in this area. First off, avoid Seattle and the surrounding cities during rush hour. You will only find yourself frustrated in traffic. Take enough ziplock bags for your equipment. Seattle is a wet environment. We had rain almost every day and snow once. If you venture into the mountains during this time of the year, keep an eye on the weather. Washington State Law requires you to have tire chains when driving in the mountains. They also close the passes during snow storms because of avalanches. Keep your camera inside your jacket with the lens caps on while outside. This helps keep your camera warm and functioning correctly. Enjoy yourself!
Let’s start off with the Cascade Mountains. Now, even though Seattle was somewhat pleasant thanks to its proximity to the ocean, drive inland and up into the mountains changes things quite a bit.
I flew in very early in the morning and headed straight for Snoqualmie pass. It was also conveniently a ski resort. They had a lot of snow, which I enjoyed skiing on thoroughly. Now here in Indianapolis, we do get snow. Not enough to make very interesting winter time photos. But in the Cascades, they get plenty. Check them out:
Even the drive up gave you plenty of photo opportunities. This was the only day during the week that I was there that I was able to drive into the mountains. Heavy snow storms closed all east-west passes in the state. Not to worry, I did go downtown and snapped some images from the Space Needle. For me though, the most rewarding time was on Whidbey Island. With roads to Mount Ranier and North Cascades National Parks closed, I decided to take a drive to Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve,. Even in February, it was beautiful. For those of you who enjoy the locals that you meet while practicing your hobby, I found out from the receptionist at the local museum in Coupeville that Whidbey Island is in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains. In other words, they get 300 days of sun shine a year. That was exactly what I needed after being in Seattle all week.
Whidbey Island is very scenic. There are several ferry options to get you and your car there. There are some spectacular rural and shoreline scenes to take in. From soaring cliffs to lighthouses. From fields to beaches. It was just an absolutely relaxing time.
A few tips for shooting in this area. First off, avoid Seattle and the surrounding cities during rush hour. You will only find yourself frustrated in traffic. Take enough ziplock bags for your equipment. Seattle is a wet environment. We had rain almost every day and snow once. If you venture into the mountains during this time of the year, keep an eye on the weather. Washington State Law requires you to have tire chains when driving in the mountains. They also close the passes during snow storms because of avalanches. Keep your camera inside your jacket with the lens caps on while outside. This helps keep your camera warm and functioning correctly. Enjoy yourself!
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