Ask Sam Anything: Part 2

What advice would you give someone who is just breaking out into photography?

Honestly, there is no blueprint for starting out, but here’s some advice. Some have studied in school and some are self-taught, like I am. That decision is entirely up to you. I think it’s important to be patient with yourself and practice as much as you can. Critique your work and focus on getting to know your own style and voice through all your practice. Seek out a mentor or an accountability partner that will encourage you when you get into a creative rut. Don’t spend a bunch of money on equipment if you can’t afford it. But rather start with doing your research for the type of photography you’d like to get into and rent equipment you’d like to try. A lot of rentals are a great rate on weekends! Search for lens and camera rental shops in your area. When I was starting out, I made a note of the lenses my favorite photographers were using, then I’d go out and try them myself before buying even thinking of buying them. I’m glad I did this, because I got to figure out which lenses produced photos that I really love.

Experimentation is such a good idea. But if money is tight, then use the camera you have to build your portfolio because it doesn’t take much to get started. I promise! When I first started my website, I had photos on there that I took with my Canon point and shoot camera. (The horror!) Truth is, I was so proud of the images, some were from my first trip to Trinidad and Tobago with my husband and one was a portrait I took of President Obama. The camera is simply a tool, but the photo means a lot more than that. Be proud of where you’re started because one day you’ll look back see how far you’ve come.

I see on your blog you use a Canon camera, what exact model camera is that and is that the camera you use mainly for your work?

I currently shoot with a Canon 5D Mark II.

I’m thinking of taking local classes offered at the university to learn about using in Manual Mode and just photography in general, is that the best way to learn via classroom or would you recommend self taught (non classroom learning)?

Wow! I wish the universities I went to had photography as an option! I think taking a class is a good idea, but I don’t think it is the only way to learn. I learned how to shoot in manual mode using tutorials online and lots of practice. I would recommend considering what type of environment you’ll learn best in. University’s are very academic in nature and may not provide a lot of hands on experience. I suggest emailing the professor and inquiring about what the syllabus will look like. If you like the structure of a classroom then go for it! If you are self-motivated then get online, borrow some books from the library, make the world your classroom, and get out there and shoot!

What are some of your biggest frustrations that comes along with your job?

I think its frustrating that I don’t get a lot of time to shoot creatively for myself as much as I did when I was starting out. Luckily, my clients really appreciate my art and I like to think that’s the reason why they hire me. The solution is to dedicate more time to shooting creatively just for me, which I plan to do more of soon.

If I wanted to jump into the photography business what would be the basic supply list I need? Website, camera(s), lenses, business cards etc??

Good question! I started with all the things you mentioned except business cards. I wasn’t as confident as I should have been when I started putting myself out there for business. But if you’ve worked really hard to be the best photographer that you can be than you have every right to own it. Get your business cards printed and hand them out proudly. As I mentioned above, I rented the lenses I wanted before buying them.

What’s your go to lens or lenses for weddings?

I love the Canon 50 mm f/1.2 lens. It works well for all the details and bride and groom portraits. It’s on my camera about 90% of the time at weddings.

I love photography and I got my first dslr (canon t3i) 3 years ago. The problem is I only have the lens that came with the kit (18-55mm). I want to try new lenses but don’t know where to start. What kind of lenses will you recommend for beginners?

The lens that comes in the box is usually not the greatest. I think the Canon 50 mm 1.8 or 1.4 would be a great start for portraits. They are light and inexpensive ($110-$400) and they allow you to take great portraits with a shallow depth of field. Try renting them and other lenses you’d like to try out to help you decide.

Can you show me a little about retouching and making pictures clear and sharp during post production?

I do not necessarily retouch my photos. I use VSCO film presets and then make further adjustments in Lightroom. I don’t sharpen my photos in post-production to make them clearer. I always try to get the best shots I can while I’m on-location. Lighting is really important to me. Getting it right in camera, saves me so much time because I don’t have to do too much extra editing work in post.

If you’re not getting the sharpness you want, here are a few things to remember: focus on the part of the image that you want to be in focus (sorry if that seems really basic), don’t stand too close to your subject, make sure you have a good grip on the camera, try to slow down when you’re taking the photos so that you can double check to make sure it’s in focus, invest in good lenses, clean your equipment. Also, remember that the smaller your aperture the longer your shutter speed should be. This will help to make any moving subjects sharper.

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Thanks for all the questions! If you still have a question that you’d like answered, send them over to me via email to sam {at} samanthaclarke.net

Also, take a look at previous Ask Sam Anything posts by clicking here! If you’re looking for one-on-one mentoring to help you even further, visit this link to contact me for more information.