Interviews Archives | Page 3 of 19 | Views, Reviews & Interviews For Savvy Photographers

Learn To Create Client Experiences That Are Memorable

September 4, 2017 by Seshu | Editor & Publisher Leave a Comment

Create Client Experiences

Brian Callaway, a destination wedding photographer based in Southern California, believes it is very important to create client experiences that are memorable. It's this mantra that has helped the business he shares with his wife, Allison, a worldwide success; naming them the top wedding photographers in the world!

Together with their fine artist’s eye, technical mastery and photojournalist’s gift for anticipation and timing, they are unmatched when it comes to creating the images and experience that is the story of your love and celebration.

Want to learn more about how to create client experiences that will ultimately also make you memorable? Brian and his wife routinely conduct workshops for photographers. If you live in or near India, you are in for a real treat. Brian is speaking at Silk Inspire 2017, in Goa, India, from October 6 through October 10, 2017. Now is the time to register for this event!

Interview With Brian Callaway

Just as I have interviewed Arjun Kartha and Jen Huang, I was thrilled to speak with Brian about his journey from comedic television actor to wedding photography. Check out this interview now:

The Same Portfolio

Register Now For Silk Inspire 2017

My friend Sephi Bergerson, who is producing this awesome wedding photography festival, tells me that he is pulling all the stops to make Silk Inspire an incredible learning and social experience for all of you. But to be a part of it, you have to register now for Silk Inspire and then get there.

If you are already in India and you are a wedding photographer, you must be a part of this event. In addition to the amazing speakers, you will get to meet other photographers like you who are also discovering their place in this industry. Look, even I'll be there, and I am looking forward to hanging out with you.

Let me know in the comments, if you are coming to Goa, in October.

Silk Inspire Welcomes Fine Art Wedding Photographer

August 16, 2017 by Seshu | Editor & Publisher 2 Comments

Fine Art Wedding & Portrait Photography

California-based fine art wedding and portrait photographer, Jen Huang, is set to speak at Silk Inspire 2017.

Jen's work has been published in numerous bridal publications, including Harper’s Bazaar, Town & Country Weddings, Brides Magazine, Style Me Pretty, Martha Stewart, The Boston Globe and New York Magazine.

Jen's fine art wedding and portrait photography is often described as being painterly. Her evocative images are created using medium format film cameras. The simple but elegant compositions you see below are her signature style that makes her one of the top wedding photographers in the world.

Be sure to follow Jen through her blog or her Facebook page.

Interview With Jen Huang

In advance of Jen's presentation at Silk Inspire 2017, in Goa, India, from October 6th through October 10th, I sat down with her to talk about her unique approach to wedding and portrait photography. Give this a listen now:

Be sure to check out Jen's interview on the Silk Inspire blog as well!

A Mini Portfolio

Register For Silk Inspire 2017

If you haven't watched the first interview in this series, with Delhi-based photographer Arjun Kartha, please do so.

Secondly, you should consider registering for SILK INSPIRE 2017, India's first wedding photography festival.

Chris Knight On Creating The Dramatic Portrait

June 29, 2017 by Seshu | Editor & Publisher 1 Comment

Chris Knight is a photographer based in New York City. We sat down to talk about his upcoming book, The Dramatic Portrait.

He combines his unconditional love of art history with his conditional love of technology, topping it off with a flare for the cinematic and an uncompromising eye for detail.

Chris also has a full blown workshop via RGGEDU.com called Dramatic Portraiture & Lighting With Chris Knight.

Use the code: TIFFINBOX (to get 15% off for a very limited time)

The Interview

The questions I asked Chris:

1) I love reading biographies on photographer's websites and yours stands out a bit.

Speaking of yourself you say: “He combines his unconditional love of art history with his conditional love of technology, topping it off with a flare for the cinematic and an uncompromising eye for detail.”

Where did you acquire that kind of discipline?

2) Your photographs remind me of paintings that one would see in a museum. Is that your end goal?

3) Why is drama so important to you in portraits?

4) You give light and shadow almost equal value in telling a story. Most of your photographs don't draw attention to the use of artificial light. Is that a skill that was taught to you or is it something that you have honed yourself?

5) Let's talk about your book, The Dramatic Portrait: The Art of Crafting Light and Shadow. What prompted you to write this book and who is it for?

6) Most photography books about portraits jump right into loop lighting or Rembrandt lighting. You spend nearly 40 pages describing the history of portraiture? Why do you believe this is important?

7) You say: “The hows and whys are inextricably entangled in a successful photograph, and hitting both of those points shows mastery of the technical medium.” Can you explain that briefly?

8) What does it mean to you to have a published book? Does it open more doors for you to teach?

9) What can we expect from you next?

10) How can people find you and your work online?

The Dramatic Portrait

Buy Chris Knight's book now or buy the PROEDU.com tutorial today. For a limited time, PROEDU.com is including the book with the purchase of the tutorial.

Do you prefer to buy The Dramatic Portrait on Amazon?

You can also catch Chris Knight teaching at CreativeLive in these online workshops:

Exploring Low Key Portraiture

Creating Advanced Masks

How To Work Faster In Adobe Photoshop CC

Feel free to use this affiliate link for CreativeLive when you browse through Chris Knight's courses.

The Portrait Portfolio

Here's a small sample of Chris' portrait photography. I urge you to visit his website and bookmark it. It's absolutely stunning work!

Simi Jois, On Designing Great Food Photography

April 18, 2017 by Seshu | Editor & Publisher 3 Comments

The Food Photographer

Simi Jois, started as a marketing and branding professional but transitioned to becoming a food photographer. Now based in Chicago, Illinois, her food photography has been featured on MSN, Fox News Magazine, Better Homes, and theKitchn. She is a frequent contributor on the Daily Meal.

Raised in an art-emphasized home subconsciously trained her mind to engage creatively with color, texture, light, shadow and composition. Simi uses photographic images as her canvas and the lens as her brush. She did not have to look far for a subject – her passion for creating flavors provided her with infinite permutations of expression. Painting with ingredients, pairing exotic spices for mutual enhancement and richness of flavor, Simi narrates her stories through the play of light and bold strokes of color.

The Interview

A few weeks back, we sat down to chat about her journey as a food photographer:

Interview Highlights

You will learn that:

1) Simi's parents, both artists, inspired her
2) Her becoming a mom was the catalyst for taking up photography
3) She loves to cook
4) Finding comfort in the ingredients, aroma, and texture motivate her to try different set-ups
5) Her other inspiration are painters from the Renaissance period
6) Simi is creatively challenged to produce photographs that don't look overly styled
7) How the power of observation in day-to-day events and places can help your photography
8) She loves to play with light and uses speed lights, reflectors, and Nikon cameras
9) She is intrigued by shadows just as much as the light
10) How a simple garnish of mint on blueberries can create a punchy image

Simi Jois' Food Photography

Additional Resources

Check out Simi's tutorial on painting prop boards.

Do you want to learn more about food photography? Check out the CreativeLive courses offered here.

Lastly, Don Giannatti is offering a spectacular 8-week food photography course that you simply can't pass up. For $75, it is a no-brainer and in my opinion, there is no better photography instructor to guide you through this wonderful genre of photography.

Damien Lovegrove’s Portraits Using The Fujifilm X System

December 19, 2016 by Seshu | Editor & Publisher Leave a Comment

More Than A Fujifilm Fan Boy

As a lifelong Nikon photographer, a few weeks ago, I sat down to talk with Damien Lovegrove about creating portraits using the Fujifilm X system.

You see, I'm in transit right now; from primarily using my Nikon D750 DSLR to using a mirrorless camera system. My choice without any doubt is the Fujifilm X system. After owning their X100T for a couple of years, I now feel ready to get the Fujifilm XT-2 … BUT … which lenses should I buy? Or, will my off-camera flashes sync with the new system?

Lots of questions were swimming in my head and I couldn't think of a better resource to tap to answer those questions than Damien Lovegrove. So, that's how my brief interview with him came to be.

Introducing Damien Lovegrove

Sure, Damien's a photographer. But he is so much more. He is a teacher (be sure to subscribe to his YouTube channel) and an author (his new books are truly remarkable). And he is also a Fuji X Ambassador.

If you look at his photography, you'll notice his phenomenally disciplined sense of lighting and creating a delicate mood. If you listen to my conversation with him, you'll hear of the origins of his approach. It's all quite intriguing. So, give it a listen!

The Interview

The Portraits Book

If you are a portrait photographer and a Fujifilm mirrorless camera system user at that, then Damien's new book, Portraits, is a must-have. I was astounded by the depth and breadth of Damien's explanations. He is a tireless teacher, stopping and explaining details when most other photographers gloss over that minutiae.

“Everything I know about portrait photography is in this book. I hope it helps you to achieve a lifetime of enjoyment from your photography,” says Damien.

Here's what you can expect from Damien's Portraits book:

• 356 richly illustrated pages

• 384 high res photographs with all the exposure and lighting details used to create them

• Over 50,000 words of creative vision that took me over two years to write

• Everything you need to know in one place

• An expert design with a layout that delivers the best reader experience for you

• Two resolutions of output (high or standard definition) to suit your broadband speed and device capacity. (Choose after making your purchase)

• A print edition may become available in 2017. If you purchase the e-book, the amount you pay will be credited against the printed version

The Fujifilm X System Guide

The Fujifilm X System Guide book is one that I will treasure. As I say in the interview above, I am in the process of moving to a Fujifilm X System and this guide book is perfect in the way it highlights the distinctive features of both cameras and lenses that one would consider buying.

Here's what you can expect in this book:

• 92 richly illustrated pages

• Details of the cameras and lenses that are currently available

• Explanations about the camera settings that Damien uses

• The benefits of individual cameras and lenses

• Recommendations for ideal lens sets

• High res photographs with all the exposure and lighting details used to create them

• Two resolutions of output (high or standard definition) to suit your broadband speed and device capacity. (Choose after making your purchase)

Learn More About Damien's Books

You get 20% off of Damien's books when you use the code – tiffin – This is available only for a limited time, so do not wait. If you haven't bought Christmas presents for yourself or for your favorite photographer, this bundle is perfect!

Want to learn more about Damien's books on creating portraits using the Fujifilm X system? Check out these other blog posts that sing their praises too:

Fujilove, Piet van Den Eynde and Matt Brandon

Stay In Touch With Damien Lovegrove

Catch up with Damien on his blog or on his dedicated portrait website.

The secret of making consistently good photographs is to stay inspired and be passionate about photography. Inspiration fuels the learning of new techniques, and passion generates the motivation needed to continually practice. – Damien Lovegroe

A Sample Of Damien's Stunning Portfolio

Support This Site

If you are shopping for camera bodies or lenses, consider buying them through the affiliate links sprinkled on blog posts like this one. Thank you for supporting Tiffinbox!

For your benefit here are the links to the cameras mentioned above:

Fujifilm XT-2
Fujifilm X100T
Nikon D750

For a limited time you can buy Rico Pfirstinger's book, The Fujifilm X-T2: 120 X-Pert Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Camera for 40% off! Use code: RNXT2

Crafting An “Irresistible You” To Communicate Your Personality

November 1, 2016 by Seshu | Editor & Publisher Leave a Comment

Jenika McDavitt of Psychology for Photographers fame just announced a new resource today called Irresistible You.

Have you bought Irresistible Words or Irresistible Website from her?

Buy them as a bundle here.

If you have bought one or the other, or both, then you know how useful her tips are, right? If you haven't, please do click the links above to find out more.

Why should you buy Irresistible You?

Look, just like you, I struggle to write about myself online. The dreaded blinking cursor is a recurring nightmare. I bet some of you feel the same way.

So this course will teach you how to write about yourself in business! You get to naturally communicate your personality and connect with clients without feeling like you're boring or bragging.

Do you need help coming up with work for your website, blog or even social media posts – that sound like YOU wrote them instead of a machine?

You get that and more with Irresistible You.

The Interview With Jenika

To find out even more about this new course, I sat down to chat with Jenika a few days back. Check our our short discussion:

Finding It Hard To Stand Out?

In a crowded marketplace of amateur and professional photographers, how are you standing out? What are you doing to establish yourself as a brand? How are you showing up on the world's stage?

Here's my advice for you if you are just starting out. Before you even begin considering a website for your photography business, figure out what your client communication needs to be and how it needs to sound. I highly recommend Jenika's Irresistible Words program, but what would make your approach stronger is if you worked on Irresistible You first.

Course Contents

What do you receive when you buy Irresistible You?

You will receive a PDF and class material that's divided into four weeks. Jenika will also be sending out email reminders to keep you motivate, plus bonus interviews with the likes of Christine Tremoulet, Brooke Snow, Nick McArthur, and other experts.

Class Contents:

– What clients actually want to hear about you
– Five psychological influences that make personal sharing a smart business strategy
– Talk about yourself without feeling self-absorbed or boastful
– How to pick stories to share that draw people in
– The “it girl” secrets to dominating online (that even an introvert can steal)
– How to sound like yourself when you write
– The never-ending blog content generator – a strategy for always having something new to say
– How to write an About page that you love

Specific pain points that this class debunks and solves:

“I don't know how to show clients who I am.”?
“I don't know what people want to hear!”?
“My life is just not that interesting.”?
“I am an introvert / private person and I don't want to share that much.”?
“Whenever I go to write about myself, it comes out sounding dumb.”?
“I don't know how to sound like me.”
?”How do I avoid sounding unprofessional?”?
“I sound like every other photographer!”

Irresistible You is being offered at a special introductory offer (only $119) through November 10th. After that date the price jumps to its regular price of $219.

So, what are you going to do now? Get lost in a sea of sameness or stand out and be counted? The choice is yours. If you don't know how to go about it, that's where Irresistible You comes into play. Check out Jenika's site.

I know and trust you will make the right decision.

As A Photographer Do You Transform People’s Lives?

September 19, 2016 by Seshu | Editor & Publisher 3 Comments

Transform: it's a single word, with deep implications.

Read on if you want to make a difference, and subsequently have that change you for the better and potentially, richer.

“Do you transform people's lives through your photography business?” When I first heard Steve Saporito pose the question, I didn't know what he was talking about. I admit, it felt a little woo-woo. After a week-long workshop with him, the light bulbs started going on.

I realized that most photographers wait to discover their clients at the photo session or at the wedding. In fact, I confess doing just that.

I would excitedly send out a questionnaire the second someone came knocking on my website for a family portrait session or wedding. As soon as I had hit “send”, I figured my job was done and all I needed to do was to just wait for their responses.

All I got back in return were … crickets. Frankly, the replies came but often only minutes before a session or not fully completed. It left me feeling helpless and slightly frustrated because I did not know my clients at all. We were completely out of sync from the get-go. Can you imagine the quality of their photographs? They were emotionally flat, almost absent. And that was my doing, not theirs.

I foolishly figured my branding, website and messaging had to change. Or, was it my portfolio? Or, did I have to up my social media game?

No, in all honestly, none of that mattered more than the experience I was providing my clients. And it was poor. Something had to give and that's when I approached Steve Saporito at his New Haven, Connecticut workshop. My photography business was in a critical condition. I had to make changes and fast.

Thanks to Steve, I experienced a mind-shift. What would happen, I wondered, if I took the time to get to know my clients in a meaningful way that helped them be seen, heard and loved by the people in their lives right now? Ahead of their session, our clients would have an opportunity to reconnect with their family in a way that makes the entire process of being photographed together a joyous event. That's where and when the transformation takes place. And the transformation isn't limited to just your clients. Indeed, you as their photographer experience it as well.

Ultimately, clients reward you for giving them this beautiful experience before their session and for the artwork that become a permanent anchor to their heightened emotions. The

Really, there is a lot more to this than a blog post can cover. If you get a chance to listen to Steve speak (podcasts or at conferences), don't miss out. A couple of weeks after attending his workshops again (yes, again) in New Jersey, I invited Steve to a Skype call that I figured wouldn't last more than 10 or 15 minutes. But here we are chatting about all of this for about 45 minutes. It's a good long listen, but I assure totally worth your time:

As a business coach out of Melbourne, Australia, Steve Saporito teaches photographers through his Empower & Effortless Premières workshops and education platform called Intuition To Succeed.

I want to thank my friends Jasen Arias and Mike Allebach for persuading me to attend Steve's workshop in New Jersey. Like a lot of you, I hummed and hawed about going. I conjured up all kinds of excuses. In the end though, my goal to know how to be fully present for my portrait clients, trumped all attempts to bow out.

Without hyperbole, let me tell you that Steve's workshops ARE the best business workshops I've ever attended. And, I will go back for more in the future.

If you are spinning your wheels and have no clue how to resuscitate your photography business, ping me and I'll let you know more about my experience at the Empower & Effortless Premières workshops. The next one in North America is going to be in Toronto, Canada, from October 5th through October 11th.

To quote Jasen and Mike, “Just put it on the credit card and go dude. You'll pay it off in no time.” So true!