Comments on: photo tips . a new section coming soon

By: Aimee

Aimee — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 03:25:36 +0000

Hi Rachel!

As a beginning portrait photographer, I would like to know a few things:

1. What are some basic tips/tricks one could make to their digital camera settings to improve photos as they are being shot? (ie. white balance, pushing/pulling exposure, photographing in the RAW vs. JPEG, etc) I know this drastically helps in cutting down post-processing time and is the best place to start for photographic perfection.

2. I am most puzzled by the post-process workflow and currently own Photoshop CS2, but that is it. So what is the best way for a beginning photographer to deliver 50+ photos to a client that have been retouched, color corrected and ready for showing? Can you walk us through what a typical workflow is for you and what software you find most helpful and why?

3. Ahh, the magic of Actions! What are the most basic ones you find helpful/effective and why?

4. Lastly, do you have a lab you would recommend using here in the US? It’s great when you can find one trusted by others and can guarantee great results with the utmost care.

Thanks so much Rachel for adding this portion to your site! I can’t wait to learn more – it’s almost like being in school again.

By: Kathryn

Kathryn — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:03:49 +0000

Oooooh….. pick me pick me :O)

When you were starting out what was the best piece of advice/a-ha moment/book etc, that took you to another level?

By: carol

carol — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 16:42:31 +0000

hi! i’ve been following your flickr and blog for awhile and just love your photos.

i’ve always been interested in photography, and want to improve my skills (what little there is). your photos are so vibrant and crisp and just well composed. i want to know about all of that!! especially how do you get the eyes so sparkly!! and all the other lighting questions that others have asked as that is a challenge for me too.

but a question i have….what lens/lenses do you use in which circumstances? i’m sure there’s lenses that you use to get certain effects and they must make a difference when taking pictures. i’m a beginner, and have been wanting to get a new lens for my camera and don’t know what to start with.

thanks!

By: kasandra

kasandra — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:44:47 +0000

just wanted to say thanks for sharing … this really is wonderful of you!

By: Brittany

Brittany — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 01:24:01 +0000

Hey Rachel, I have a few questions for ya! The first is how do you get your pictures to look so sharp? And the second is a misc. question out of curiousity how did you get the name sesame ellis? Also what in your opinion is the best lens to use shooting kids, I mean outside setting not studio…

Thanks loads!

By: Michael Ty

Michael Ty — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 12:22:43 +0000

When a photographer has assistants and all sorts of lighting equipment, s/he has a lot of control over the result. For ordinary families however, it’s not possible to have access to those same resources, especially not while traveling with kids. What are your suggestions for ordinary family photographers to improve the quality of their photos in terms of reasonably portable equipment and feasible setups? Thank you.

By: Louise

Louise — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 22:22:19 +0000

Well, ditto to most of the above, and especially keen on OCF! And one other big thing – FOCUS! How do I get the focus spot on, sharp as a tack. A bit like your bananaphone evening walk post – did you shot 100 shots to get those 3 of G, or am I missing something here!?

By: Brittany

Brittany — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 10:38:13 +0000

My question is about marketing. Not only did you have to market and build up your business once but then again when moving to australia (I’m assuming). How did you go about marketing yoursef and gaining clients? What did you find to be the most valuable form of marketing for your business? Oh and just for fun how did you come up with sesame ellis? Is it a nickname? Thanks! =)

By: Leah

Leah — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 02:09:03 +0000

rachel, i’d also love to know more about flash and off camera lighting. as much as possible, i use natural light, but will use my shoe mount when needed (always aimed at the ceiling, i’m that scared of the unnatural look). i’d also like to know how you determine what would make a good background in non-studio shooting? i mean, have you ever relocated your subjects because of a busy or distracting background? i usually crop very tightly, because i hate trying to get rid the oopses in post processing. thanks so much for doing this! this is awesome.

By: sandra

sandra — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 13:42:07 +0000

hey rachel you have a great idea! i want to now more and more about photography, because i just started and cse i’m young i don’t have much experience and its great that i can learn all this things!!
first I would like to know more about the highlights and shadows!!
thank you so much!