Monthly Archives: August 2012

hipstomatic, Iphone, location, personal, photography

The Quest for the perfect Photo App

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Happy Birthday to my daughter, Tiffany.  She has made me a proud Dad and a prouder PoppaZ (what my granddaughters call me and name of my other blog).  But I digress.  I was swamped with my commercial and architectural work and feeling over burdened.  Then, while in Seattle for a shoot had an epiphany……  Pull out the iPhone.  All at once my world calmed down.  When I shoot with my iPhone I’m not working or shooting for acceptance from anyone else.  It helps remind me of why I love what I do.  It’s fun, creative and I make a living at it.

Again, I digress from the topic at hand.  I have some of my best iPhone memories when I use the Hipstamatic app.  But, it’s very inconsistent.  Even with the same lens and “film” combination it’s hard to get a fresh capture that is what you want.  So, I’m now looking for a good companion app.  I’ve used the Abobe App PS Express, TiltShiftGen, and 100 Cameras but they all leave me a little empty.  Then I tried an old app I had on my phone but hadn’t used, Snapseed.  Very Nice.  A lot of options and a workflow similar to other Nik Software.  Try it, I think you’ll like it.  In the meantime if you have any good photo apps let me know.

Techy stuff:  shot with my iPhone 4 (waiting for the 5) and all images were processed in Snapseed.

More of my non iPhone work can be seen at:  www.zwink.com

career, Lightroom 3, location shoot, photography, San Diego

Learn to Communicate (Ask the right Questions)

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  (Above)  My client specifically  asked that I get images of the water feature between the two building.  Much to my chagrine there were white strips at the bottom the the pools.  If I was shooting this on an editorial job I would have to shoot it the way it was.  Being that this was for a commercial client I did a quick sample and emailed it to them.  They opted for the retouched version and the additional expense.  Communication with the client got them what they wanted and a more profitable day for me.

Fortunately most of my clients and I have some history.  Although most of my assignments come in by email we generally know what each other needs.  If you’re working with a new client, don’t assume.  You know the old saying.  Not only is it true but it can cause you more time on the project and even grief.  Ask what the final product is so you know how to shoot, are you going to have time to do it right, light it right or have to shoot ambient and minimize the impact on the tenant/subject?  In other words, get in, make great images and get out quick.  Here’s a short list to get you started.

  1. Make sure you have a contact # while on site.
  2. know in advance if this is the only day/time you can shoot if the weather is bad.
  3. Security.  Make sure they know you’re there.
  4. Shot list.  Make sure you know exactly what they need.  Anything else is cake, i.e. additional income.
  5. Be prepared.  Scout the location to know what you’re getting into.
  6. Deadline.  Know when the need it and get it to them early.
  7. Communicate.  To be successful you have to learn to talk their language.
  8. Make your own list.  But do it and constantly review it so you will do it right and enjoy the process.

More of my work:  www.zwink.com

Techy stuff:  Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop 6, Nikon D800