portrait photographers Archives | Views, Reviews & Interviews For Savvy Photographers

Using Backdrops, Custom Hand-Made For Portraits

December 25, 2018 by Seshu | Editor & Publisher

Mizu Backdrops

As a photojournalist and much later a family portrait photographer, I rarely considered using backdrops in my photography. Backdrops would have simply got in the way of what I was producing for my clients.

Recently, however, I've a new-found interest in studio photography and want to go well beyond the existing lavender walls in my home studio. As luck would have it, I stumbled upon a backdrop company called Mizu.

Mizu's brand promise is this:

“Presenting MIZU Backdrops, handcrafted to perfection. Each drop is painted by seasoned artists with high quality materials for a timeless touch that your pictures deserve.”

Ordering A Mizu Backdrop

The Mizu bacdrop website is elegantly designed and easy to navigate. The sample images on the site are stunning and inviting. What caught my eye was however the fact that Mizu offers custom backdrops. Not having backdrops before, I don't know how many other backdrop companies offer that to their customers, but the fact that I could a request a specific tone and have that delivered really intrigued and excited me.

So, as I said, my home studio has lavender colored walls. When I repaint it, it will be a neutral gray, I promise. But until then, I'll be using my Mizu backdrop in my studio because it was neutral gray that I requested when I placed my custom order.

Take 10% Off Your Order. Use Code: Tiffinbox10

I was intrigued by Mizu's process and reached out to the owner and asked if I could see what was involved in making a custom backdrop. A few days later, I received a video and a Dropbox full of images of my canvas being produced!

The Backdrop Details

One has three choices for backdrop dimensions: 5'x7′, 7'x10 and 10'x15′. Given the dimensions of my basement home studio, I ordered a Mizu backdrop in the 5'x7′ dimension. My cost was just $100! While the payment was originally in Indian rupees, Mizu now accepts Paypal payments in US dollars.

The canvas is sourced from Camlin and is made of a linen canvas fabric. The backrop I received, a small, weighs between 6-8 pounds. The backdrop is made and shipped from Chennai, India, via FedEx and I was very surprised that it arrived here in the US within days of ordering it.

While I ordered a custom backdrop, you may want something out of their current inventory. At this writing, Mizu has nine different backdrops for sale. If I had a typical commercial studio, I would likely buy every one of them.

As Mizu was running a launch special when I ordered my custom item, I ordered a second backdrop from their inventory (Creative Charcoal). I have not had a chance at using this second backdrop yet, but here are some examples from a recent portrait session using the custom backdrop.

A Mini Review Of Mizu Backdrops

As much as I wanted to photograph a few friends indoors, in my basement studio, I chose to experiment a little by using the Mizu backdrop outdoors on my back deck. With a little more space to move around, I felt quite comfortable initially in setting up my backdrop.

A couple of A-clamps held the backdrop steady until a gust of wind took the whole set up crashing down. My backdrop did get crinkled a bit (as you can see from the portraits above) but one way to look at it is that it adds a little more character to the backdrop in the process.

So, one big lesson I have learned from setting this up outdoors is to invest in lots of sandbags.

The Mizu backdrops are my first backdrop, so I didn't know what to expect. The finish of the custom canvas was spot on to the color I sent them to emulate. I was thrilled to get just the color I was looking for. I was also happy with how quickly the order arrived. Lastly, the price surprised me the most. Making hand-made made backdrops is no easy task and it is labor-intensive. When I discovered these are produced in Chennai, India, it made a lot of sense. Labor costs are definitely lower than in Brooklyn, New York. But that they can produce something so beautiful at such an affordable price truly amazed me.

I invite you to compare Mizu backdrops with Oliphant, Gravity and PaintX.

Are you going to take up studio photography? Is studio photography “The Comeback Kid” as Rangefinder magazine suggests? If it is, and you are looking for a well-made, affordable custom backdrop for your studio, you should place Mizu backdrops on the top of your wish list.

Take 10% Off Your Order. Use Code: Tiffinbox10

Tamara Lackey’s Family Posing Playbook Supports “Beautiful Together”

November 18, 2015 by Seshu | Editor & Publisher 2 Comments

Thanksgiving is a week out and we have a lot to be thankful for as we gather around with our families for the holidays. Still, there are thousands of children who are waiting to be adopted into loving homes. Ever wonder what their lives are like as they wait to be adopted?

Tamara Lackey did. She is a photographer, speaker, teacher and author based in North Carolina.

As she went through the process of adopting her children, she saw first hand how challenging their lives were; lack of electricity, running water, working bathrooms etc. So she decided to do something about it. She launched Beautiful Together, to give these children better opportunities towards education and health, as they waited to be adopted by families around the world.

But running a non-profit takes money. In addition to raising funds through innovative auctions and local fundraisers, Tamara who just published the Family Posing Playbook, is giving 10% of the proceeds from the sale of the book to Beautiful Together.

We sat down to talk about the book, how it will help photographers like you and how the book's sale will help Beautiful Together:

So, if you are a portrait photographer who struggles to quickly create beautiful, loving portraits of families, you are going to want to buy the Family Posing Playbook. It's chalk-full of great advice and tips for family photographers like me who can sometimes find ourselves in front of clients who either feel awkward at the sight of a camera or simply don't know how to gather together as a family for portraits.

When you buy the Family Posing Playbook, you also receive a quick reference guide that you can presumably print and carry with you in your camera bag. Tamara walks you through 24 different options and the reference guide gives you easy to read bullet points for each pose that you may choose for your clients.

Tamara, I can tell, is natural teacher. As a Nikon ambassador she often speaks at conferences and trade shows, inspiring thousands of photographers along the way. She also hosts reDefine, an inspirational web series where she speaks with a wide variety of creative and interesting people about their passionate pursuits. Her courses on CreativeLive are also wildly popular (I think I own every one of them!). Also, are you looking for animal-friendly and environmentally responsible album company for your family portrait clients? Check out Tamara Lackey's Lush Albums by Finao now.

You can connect with Tamara on Twitter and Facebook.

Do You Have Any Pixel Cents?

October 28, 2015 by Seshu | Editor & Publisher 1 Comment

Melissa Welsh is a lot more than a photographer. She is a problem solver. Especially, if it is a problem photographers are having.

One major topic of contention among photographers is how to respond to clients who ask for digital files. If you are reading this post, I know you have had a client who has asked or demanded for “their” digital files. And, you have struggled to find the right words that will satisfy both them and you.

Am I right?

Most of the wedding industry now “gives” the files to the couple. Some portrait photographers sell the files. Some photographers bundle it with other products. There isn't one industry standard that makes everyone happy. Either the clients are miffed because they were expecting or assuming the files would be included in the fee, or the photographer is upset because she or he is now having to deliver more value with no or a negligible monetary return.

Something had to be done and Melissa Welsh, a Victoria, British Columbia photographer with 20 years of experience as a photographer set out to find a solution that will be a win-win for all. Information about the Pixel Cents app is available here.

So what is this elixir? It's called Pixel Cents. It's both an ebook and a iOS application. The ebook is smartly bundled together with a few other tools you will find useful.

Photographers can use our industry standard cents per pixel (cpp) rates and calculate the value of their photos for all types of personal, commercial, editorial and advertising photo use.

A few weeks back, when Melissa was about to launch Pixel Cents, she emailed a bunch of her friends to introduce the idea to us. Some of us received the Pixel Cents ebook to read in advance and to possibly review.

Most often, I download an ebook, I let it sit for a few days before reading it. Pixel Cents was different. I dove in and couldn't stop reading it. If you could have seen me then, I was nodding in agreement to what Melissa has written. It's a well-crafted, lucidly written alternative to the craziness that is currently our lives. I quickly wrote back to her and asked if she would spend a few minutes speaking to us about her big idea – Pixel Cents. So click the video below and watch the interview:

Pixel Cents is bringing both efficiency and profitability to my family portrait photography business. And, I am no longer struggling to explain whether digital files are or are not included. Who wins? Everyone. Clients receive their files and I am compensated fairly. Hand wringing is history.

Need more convincing? Here in a nutshell is Melissa's solution.

The Pixel Cents Formula is the simple, easy way to value your photographs for personal, advertising, editorial and corporate use.

I trust this post will stir a pot a bit and we are all open to having a healthy dialogue here. So, comment below. We would love to hear from you. If you buy Pixel Cents, let us know what you think. Could this business model be the new industry standard? I really think so.

So, let me ask you again, do you have any Pixel Cents?

The Blumes Will Teach You To Make $1500 Per Hour, Promise!

July 2, 2015 by Seshu | Editor & Publisher 2 Comments

The headline isn't a mistake and it's not hyperbole either. Eileen and Phillip Blume, wedding and portrait photographers based in Athens, Georgia will teach you to make $1500 per hour shooting mini-sessions. Indeed, that's what they do whenever they announce their portrait sessions.

At Shutterfest 2015, a conference produced by Sal Cincotta in St. Louis, they presented a two-part seminar called “Maximizing mini sessions: Make $1500 per hour.” The room was packed with photographers, all eager to learn their secrets. Even though I couldn't find a seat, I stood for nearly two hours and took copious notes. It was one of the top presentation at Shuttefest and I do hope they are asked to present again.

UPDATE: Now through July 11th, The Blume's are making their Shutterfest presentation available for download … for FREE!

Who doesn't want to make $1500 per hour? Right? Well, Eileen and Phillip didn't hold anything back. They walked us through all their steps, one-by-one that guarantees them this high rate of return for their time. Soon after their presentation, I made a bee-line to them and asked if I could interview them about their successes. They both readily agreed to connect with me after the conference and true to their word, we set up a time to conduct a short interview.

In this short chat, we talk about how they structure their mini-sessions and dive deep into how and why they decided to offer mini-sessions in their community. Give this a listen!

One of the things they offered for sale at Shutterfest was a CD called “Maximizing Mini Sessions: The Complete Kit.” Included in the kit is a beautifully designed 30-page PDF that outlines the exact steps they take every time they launch a mini-session in their neighborhood. You'll also find a mini-session contract and a document to help you streamline ordering appointments. The Blumes also have thoughtfully provided a folder of customizable design templates that you can use to announce or advertise your own mini-session. I got the Shutterfest show special of $80, for this wonderful resource. At even its full price, I would say this is a bargain because it will save you time and get you on your way to setting up your first mini-session.

While this post is really about the Blumes and the mini-sessions they offer, check out their fabulous wedding photography:

Do you want to learn about how The Blumes inspire their portrait clients to go from stiff poses to fun, interactive ones? Get their free e-book, “From Posed to Playful” now! Just sign up for their newsletter and they'll hook you up!

Do you offer mini-sessions? Are you profitable? Do you make $1500 per hour as well? Would you like to? Am I kidding … of course you do! Click the graphic below if you are interested in buying Maximizing Mini-Sessions: The Complete Kit.

Colin Breece, ShootProof.com – Inspire Interviews: Episode 11

January 1, 2015 by Seshu | Editor & Publisher Leave a Comment

Colin Breece is the co-founder of ShootProof.com, the photography industry's leading provider of proofing galleries for wedding and portrait photographers in the world.

When I first heard of ShootProof, I was stunned by their business model.

“We empower photographers to upload, share, sell and have products printed for their clients without taking commission from their sales.”

What? No double dipping? I was truly gobsmacked by their move. Intrigued, Colin and I set up a time to chat and in the course of getting to know each other, I boldly asked Colin to sponsor a Gary Vaynerchuck interview. He didn't blink once. His response was, “Sure, ShootProof would love to do that.”

I was floored again.

About a year later, I ran into Colin at Inspire Photo Retreats. He had a relatively small booth, but what I noticed was how he engaged with those who stepped up to speak with him. He was excited to speak with photographers about ShootProof; not in a hard-pitch kind of way that one would expect at a conference, but more in line with how his product could really help photographers make a difference for their businesses. I knew then that ShootProof was a natural fit for Inspire and I am thrilled to know that he and ShootProof will be back again.

We sat down to chat about his experiences in the past and I asked him what motivated him to come back to Inspire Photo Retreats.

You still have an opportunity to be a part of Inspire Photo Retreats. I do hope you will come. Not only will you network with other photographers, but you will get a chance to step up and chat with people like Colin Breece about how ShootProof can benefit you. That kind of access is often hard to come by at large, crowded, tradeshows or conferences. That's how Inspire Photo Retreats is different.

Do yourself a favor and register for it now. The conference takes place from February 9th through the 11th in Portland, Maine.

Salesographer For Savvy Portrait & Wedding Photographers

April 23, 2014 by Seshu | Editor & Publisher 1 Comment

I posted the sales link to Salesographer on Facebook a few days ago and one photographer who took me up on it said this:

Hi Seshu, I followed your link to Salesographer. Bought it and really like his straight forward approach to pricing and sales!

You are probably wondering what Salesographer is all about. Fair question!

“Salesographer is a pricing and profit-boosting sales strategy for photographers lacking the cash flow mojo. You will learn pure, not-from-concentrate sales & pricing education that will take you step-by-step on how to price, present, and sell your photography, without feeling like a salesman.”

Yep, that's straight from the Salesographer website. I couldn't say it any more simply so I figured I would just quote from it.

This guide and set of step-by-step helpful videos were initially produced by Spencer Boerup (who went on to become the genius behind MagMod). Chris and Adrienne Scott, the folks behind the incredible Preveal iPad application bought Salesographer a few months ago from Spencer, as it complements their original mission to empower wedding and portrait photographers make a sustainable living through tools, applications and now resources.

One photographer asked me: “Have you used this Seshu? Did it change your business dramatically?”

Again, a fair question. Whether Salesographer is $74 (as it will be till April 28th, Monday evening) or $349, when it was first offered by Spencer, one absolutely needs to know whether a product, service or resource is going to help our bottom line.

So here is my response to that photographer:

“Yes, I have used it. I have adapted a great many of the steps included in this guide to make it my own process. In my experience, there is no cookie-cutter solution out there. One absolutely must adapt it one's unique business condition. What Salesographer does is give you a great foundation to begin to do just that. Also, I wouldn't be promoting it if I didn't believe strongly in this resource for photographers.”

My recommendation? Buy it before Monday and save some money. Read the guide. Watch the videos. Take notes. Put it all into action and then make a decision. If you are actively working as a photographer, you shouldn't have any trouble seeing whether this works for you or not. The Scotts are also offering a 30-day money back guarantee.

When you buy Salesographer now you'll receive:

90 minutes of video education

an e-book guide

access to a private community to discuss the teachings

a $50 gift card from ProDPI (the best printing lab I know)

a custom pricing sheet

a sales & order form that you can customize and use with your clients

a consultation form that you can customize and use with your clients

All this for $74? I think that's an incredible deal that you can't afford to pass up.

Give it a shot before April 28th because I know you are a savvy photographer who seizes opportunities like this to run your business.

If you have any questions, please holler below. I am happy to answer them to the best of my ability or ask Chris Scott to chime in. How does that sound to you?

Announcing A New Partnership With Inspire Photo Retreats

April 21, 2014 by Seshu | Editor & Publisher 1 Comment

I am thrilled to announce a new partnership between Tiffinbox and Inspire Photo Retreats.

After attending the annual gathering for the last three or four years, I was impressed by how and why the organizers emphasize fostering a community of photographers. Indeed, the very idea of working together came about because it was clear to me that Inspire's vision matched that of Tiffinbox; to inspire photographers by elevating their craft and business skills through education, practice and honest feedback.

What is Inspire?

Inspire is a retreat-style conference for professional wedding and portrait photographers. The conference is comprised of sessions on a variety of subjects, from business practices to shooting techniques, to artistry and personal vision. Inspire retreats are structured to enhance opportunities to foster deep relationships with other attendees, build community, and create a culture of ongoing peer-to-peer mentoring and support in our industry.

Inspire's Mission:

The Mission of Inspire is to invigorate photographers of any level with vision, ideas, and a community of support through intensive workshops focusing on vision, craft, and business.

“We are happy to announce the partnership of Inspire Photo Retreats and Tiffinbox. This partnership supports the mission of both Inspire and Tiffinbox to bring high quality educational content to their audiences.”

The next Inspire Photo Retreats takes place in Portland, Maine, from February 9th through February 11th, 2015. Some of the speakers have already been announced. If you would like to submit a proposal to speak at Inspire, do so before the deadline on May 9th.

Curious to know what the Inspire Photo Retreats feel like? Check out these videos from 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

And, lastly, here is a slideshow of images by Kate McElwee, an awesome Boston wedding photographer.

What Can You Expect?

At past Inspire gatherings, I have really enjoyed speaking with the organizers and speakers who put their heart and soul into this intimate gathering. It struck me that we should record our conversations and make them available to you. So, while we are working on a slew of neat surprises between now and February 2015, I hope to part the curtain a bit through a series of co-branded interviews.

These short clips will give you a chance to better understand how you too can be a part of this inclusive annual gathering. I hope you will join me and Inspire Photo Retreats on this journey to improve your/our photography craft and photography business in a radically new way. For good measure, bookmark and visit the Inspire Photo Retreats blog as well so you don't miss anything.

Also, if you are an Inspire alum or considering attending in 2015, please sign up for my weekly newsletter in the blue box above! I have begun canvassing deep discounts on high-quality photography products and or services, just for photographers like you. Right now, the second you opt-in, you'll see a special 25% off code for Zack Arias' OneLight 2.0 lighting workshop. Look out for other such offers in your inbox!