Shows
Shutterbug Life podcastHow to improve your photography compositionWhen you spend years teaching photography, you start to spot trends. And there was one frustration so many photographers used to bring to me. Well, maybe two.
First, when they saw something interesting and pressed the camera shutter, what showed up on the back LCD screen looked nothing like they imagined. And as a result, their pictures were lackluster.
The other — they didn't think they were naturally creative. They knew others who were naturally creative, but they knew they weren't in that number.
I don't know if you see yourself in any of th...
2022-09-0114 minShutterbug Life podcastHow to choose the right subjects for better photosTaking better photos sometimes boils down to choosing better subjects. It should seem obvious but a boring subject often leads to a boring photo. But how do you choose better subjects? That's what we'll discuss today.
If you are wondering which lens you should buy next, I have an ebook that walks you through everything you need to know about camera lenses to find your next lens and best lens. I call it the Ultimate Guide to Camera Lenses — 55 pages with lots of photos and examples. You can download it free at https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/lenses ...
2022-08-2525 minShutterbug Life podcastYou already have everything you need to be a photographerYou already have everything you need to be a photographer
Note: This is a replay from episode 32. I thought it was worth a revisit.
Jim didn't want to admit what his girlfriend already knew.
I met them both last week, and early in the conversation they asked what I did. When I told them I taught photography, Nancy exclaimed. "Jim is a photographer. He takes great pictures!"
"Is that so?" I asked Jim. "Wait a minute," he cautioned. "Let's not go too fast here..."
Nancy looked shocked. "Y...
2022-08-1925 minShutterbug Life podcast10 ways to improve your photography skills10 ways to improve your photography skills with the gear you already own
If you are out looking for new gear thinking it will help you improve your photography, I'm here to tell you stop! Save your money. I'm willing to bet that you already have all the gear you need to improve your skills and create great images. So today I'll share 10ish ways to improve your photography skills with the gear you already own.
If you are wondering which lens you should buy next, I have an ebook that walks you through e...
2022-08-1231 minShutterbug Life podcastThe one lens that should be in every camera bagIn the world according to Lyn, there is one lens that should be in every camera bag. Today I'll tell you about it, and why I think it is such a good deal for you.
If you are wondering which lens you should buy next, I have an ebook that walks you through everything you need to know about camera lenses to find your next lens and best lens. I call it the Ultimate Guide to Camera Lenses — 55 pages with lots of photos and examples. You can download it free at https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/lenses
...
2022-08-1105 minShutterbug Life podcastPreparing for a photo walkPreparing for a photo walk
With the World Wide Photo Walk approaching, I thought I'd share some tips on preparing for a photo walk. Whether you are going out on World Wide Photo Walk or doing another photo walk, try these tips for a great experience.
Ultimate Guide to Camera Lenses — If you are wondering which lens you should buy next, I have an ebook that walks you through everything you need to know about camera lenses to find your next lens and best lens. I call it the Ultimate Guide to Camera Lenses — 55 pages with...
2022-08-1024 minShutterbug Life podcast8 Questions for great photos8 Questions for great photos
Can you walk into any situation and find the best photo and create something interesting?
In today's video, I have eight questions, or eight decisions, that will lead you that point. These questions take you from reading the light, to composition, choosing the right settings, to storytelling. Take them all in order or just answer the ones where you are struggling. Wherever you are, the answer is in these eight questions.
If you are wondering which lens you should buy next, I have an ebook that walks you through...
2022-08-0913 minShutterbug Life podcastGuess who is back?!Hi there Shutterbugs, guess who is back?! After a hiatus, I'm reviving this podcast feed with a reboot of the Shutterbug Life podcast.
This time you are getting the audio version of a new YouTube channel I launched, so you can follow me here and at the YouTube link below.
As before, I will be teaching and sharing helpful photography tips for enthusiasts and aspiring pros. I've also rebooted the community, so I'm including some more helpful links to other content and community items.
Finally, you can always reach out with any suggestions...
2022-08-0805 min
EOS PhotographerGetting started with Canon Speedlites featuring Brian WorleyWhen you get started with Speedlites, there are so many decisions — on camera or off, optical or radio, one flash or many, fill flash or key. Fortunately for us, we have the man who has been going deep with Canon products for almost 25 years. Brian Worley is a former product manager for Canon Europe and still works with them on a contract basis. If you have ever read the UK photography magazines, PhotoPlus, or EOS User, you’ve probably read his words. Well, today, we get to pick his brain on Speedlites. If you...
2019-10-1642 minEOS PhotographerGetting started with Canon Speedlites featuring Brian WorleyWhen you get started with Speedlites, there are so many decisions — on camera or off, optical or radio, one flash or many, fill flash or key. Fortunately for us, we have the man who has been going deep with Canon products for almost 25 years. Brian Worley is a former product manager for Canon Europe and still works with them on a contract basis. If you have ever read the UK photography magazines, PhotoPlus, or EOS User, you’ve probably read his words. Well, today, we get to pick his brain on Speedlites. If you...
2019-10-1642 minEOS PhotographerHow to make street portraitsI walked by Frank and Scott three times before I stopped and asked to take their photo. The two tattoo artists were joking around outside a tattoo shop, and I was out shooting street portraits for my 100 Strangers project.Over the years, I’ve done photographed plenty of street portraits and even started teaching others how to do it. Most people I teach overcome the same initial fears and find that it’s a rewarding experience for them too.Now, it’s your turn. In this episode, I will show you how you can make street...
2019-09-2747 minEOS PhotographerHow to make street portraitsI walked by Frank and Scott three times before I stopped and asked to take their photo. The two tattoo artists were joking around outside a tattoo shop, and I was out shooting street portraits for my 100 Strangers project.Over the years, I’ve done photographed plenty of street portraits and even started teaching others how to do it. Most people I teach overcome the same initial fears and find that it’s a rewarding experience for them too.Now, it’s your turn. In this episode, I will show you how you can make street...
2019-09-2747 minEOS PhotographerHow to create street photography featuring YouTuber Josh KatzStreet photography is one of the more accessible yet challenging forms of photography. As long as you have a camera, any camera, it’s available to you. We’ve been seeing it in some form or another for several decades now. But if you want to be good, you have to work at it. You have to decide which approach you want to take and how you will go about creating. Should you engage or not engage people. And how you will deal with them?Josh Katz has not only thought about all these issu...
2019-09-1143 minEOS PhotographerHow to create street photography featuring YouTuber Josh KatzStreet photography is one of the more accessible yet challenging forms of photography. As long as you have a camera, any camera, it’s available to you. We’ve been seeing it in some form or another for several decades now. But if you want to be good, you have to work at it. You have to decide which approach you want to take and how you will go about creating. Should you engage or not engage people. And how you will deal with them?Josh Katz has not only thought about all these issu...
2019-09-1143 minEOS PhotographerHelp! I have to photograph a weddingSometimes the mayday comes with a long explanation. Sometimes it is a message that is short and to the point.“Help I have to photograph a wedding!” I know many photographers get that call, because often, I get the next mayday, “Help! I have to photograph a wedding!In this episode, I’ll give the full response I often wished I had the time to offer. Here is everything a non-wedding photographer should know before attempting a wedding.Listen to the podcastSupport the show (https://www.learncanon.com/patr
2019-09-0643 minEOS PhotographerHelp! I have to photograph a weddingSometimes the mayday comes with a long explanation. Sometimes it is a message that is short and to the point.“Help I have to photograph a wedding!” I know many photographers get that call, because often, I get the next mayday, “Help! I have to photograph a wedding!In this episode, I’ll give the full response I often wished I had the time to offer. Here is everything a non-wedding photographer should know before attempting a wedding.Listen to the podcastSupport the show (https://www.learncanon.com/patr
2019-09-0643 minEOS PhotographerScott Kelby - 'talking about two of my favorite things, photography & sports'For a photographer and sports fan growing up in a football town, there’s one question you always dream of hearing, “would you like to shoot from the sidelines of an NFL game?”And for Scott Kelby, the dream came true. He shot for three years as a backup wire service photographer and another six years as the primary wire service photographer covering his hometown Tampa Bay Buccaneers.As you might expect, that experience comes with lots of great stories, not to mention helpful photography lessons.I’m talking photography and sports with THE Scot...
2019-08-2947 minEOS PhotographerScott Kelby - 'talking about two of my favorite things, photography & sports'For a photographer and sports fan growing up in a football town, there’s one question you always dream of hearing, “would you like to shoot from the sidelines of an NFL game?”And for Scott Kelby, the dream came true. He shot for three years as a backup wire service photographer and another six years as the primary wire service photographer covering his hometown Tampa Bay Buccaneers.As you might expect, that experience comes with lots of great stories, not to mention helpful photography lessons.I’m talking photography and sports with THE Scot...
2019-08-2947 minEOS Photographer5 Ps of Travel Photography - A Comprehensive GuideScott Kelby shared a rare moment of honesty that you don’t usually hear from professional photographers. “Do you know how you can take better pictures? Go somewhere interesting!” he joked during a presentation at PhotoPlus Expo. “Do you see this photo?” he said of a spectacular sunset image. “I just showed up and pressed the button.”Of course, Scott is simplifying his role quite a bit. He’s right that travel photography is a great way to create photographs, but it requires more than showing up and pushing a button. Follow these 5 P...
2019-08-1551 minEOS Photographer5 Ps of Travel Photography - A Comprehensive GuideScott Kelby shared a rare moment of honesty that you don’t usually hear from professional photographers. “Do you know how you can take better pictures? Go somewhere interesting!” he joked during a presentation at PhotoPlus Expo. “Do you see this photo?” he said of a spectacular sunset image. “I just showed up and pressed the button.”Of course, Scott is simplifying his role quite a bit. He’s right that travel photography is a great way to create photographs, but it requires more than showing up and pushing a button. Follow these 5 P...
2019-08-1551 minEOS PhotographerRick Sammon's life in photographyIf you spend more than five minutes with Rick Sammon, you are bound to learn something about photography. After photographing more than 100 countries throughout his career, there are few things he hasn’t seen and photographed...or taught others how to shoot.How did he happen upon this life in photography? That’s how we begin this conversation with Rick Sammon. He tells us about the first time he picked up a camera, how he fell in love with photography, and how he built his business.And along the way, he also teaches us about phot...
2019-07-1747 minEOS PhotographerRick Sammon's life in photographyIf you spend more than five minutes with Rick Sammon, you are bound to learn something about photography. After photographing more than 100 countries throughout his career, there are few things he hasn’t seen and photographed...or taught others how to shoot.How did he happen upon this life in photography? That’s how we begin this conversation with Rick Sammon. He tells us about the first time he picked up a camera, how he fell in love with photography, and how he built his business.And along the way, he also teaches us about phot...
2019-07-1747 minEOS PhotographerChoosing the right shooting mode on your DSLRToday, we go back to basics. I’ve heard from a number of you that you are struggling to learn your DSLRs…that you struggle with shooting in manual mode. That you aren’t sure what all the buttons on your camera do. That you need to be more comfortable learning your camera. Well, I have a couple of resources for you. Today, I’m going to walk you through the basics of exposure, all of the options in your creative modes; and how you choose the correct shooting mode. By the end of this podcast, you shou...
2019-07-1151 minEOS PhotographerChoosing the right shooting mode on your DSLRToday, we go back to basics. I’ve heard from a number of you that you are struggling to learn your DSLRs…that you struggle with shooting in manual mode. That you aren’t sure what all the buttons on your camera do. That you need to be more comfortable learning your camera. Well, I have a couple of resources for you. Today, I’m going to walk you through the basics of exposure, all of the options in your creative modes; and how you choose the correct shooting mode. By the end of this podcast, you shou...
2019-07-1151 minEOS PhotographerFireworks Photography TipsWere last year's fireworks photos a bust? No worries. You won't have to be frustrated this year, too. You can take spectacular fireworks photos with the right tools and settings. In this special podcast episode, I will talk you through how to photograph fireworks. We'll talk about the settings, composition, and tools you will need for success.Support the show (https://www.learncanon.com/patrons)
2019-07-0315 minEOS PhotographerFireworks Photography TipsWere last year's fireworks photos a bust? No worries. You won't have to be frustrated this year, too. You can take spectacular fireworks photos with the right tools and settings. In this special podcast episode, I will talk you through how to photograph fireworks. We'll talk about the settings, composition, and tools you will need for success.Support the show (https://www.learncanon.com/patrons)
2019-07-0315 min
EOS PhotographerA practical approach to the creative processEver feel like just screaming when you download your photos from a shoot?You wasted so much time fidgeting with your camera rather than shooting. And the photo you thought would be the money shot? You’d go broke.To make things worse, everyone else from the same shoot is posting these amazing images. The whole experience has you wondering, "What am I doing wrong?"If this sounds like you, I created a lesson for you that I planned to begin teaching today. But then there more I thought about it, the more I...
2019-07-0332 min
EOS PhotographerA practical approach to the creative processEver feel like just screaming when you download your photos from a shoot?You wasted so much time fidgeting with your camera rather than shooting. And the photo you thought would be the money shot? You’d go broke.To make things worse, everyone else from the same shoot is posting these amazing images. The whole experience has you wondering, "What am I doing wrong?"If this sounds like you, I created a lesson for you that I planned to begin teaching today. But then there more I thought about it, the more I...
2019-07-0332 minEOS PhotographerGetting the most out of a conference with Skip CohenBefore you pack your bags and take off for the next photography conference, how do you make sure that the experience will be productive?Many photographers arrive at the latest trade show with lots of excitement and then get completely overwhelmed by the sheer volume of people and information. Skip Cohen has participated in conferences as an organizer, vendor, speaker, and attendee. He shares his tips on how photographers can get the most out of your next meeting or event.Listen to the podcastSupport the show (https://www.learncanon...
2019-06-2642 minEOS PhotographerGetting the most out of a conference with Skip CohenBefore you pack your bags and take off for the next photography conference, how do you make sure that the experience will be productive?Many photographers arrive at the latest trade show with lots of excitement and then get completely overwhelmed by the sheer volume of people and information. Skip Cohen has participated in conferences as an organizer, vendor, speaker, and attendee. He shares his tips on how photographers can get the most out of your next meeting or event.Listen to the podcastSupport the show (https://www.learncanon...
2019-06-2642 minEOS PhotographerClickCon founder - the one decision that turned her life aroundSherry Hagerman was divorced, single mom of two with $700 to her name when she made a decision that changed her life. She had been trying to get her photography business off the ground with little success and was worried that once her money ran out, she would also be out of options. What happened next, a gambler might say she pushed all her chips to the middle of the table. You could even say she bet on herself. Or you could say she made a strategic investment. However you say it, the next step took guts...
2019-06-1932 minEOS PhotographerClickCon founder - the one decision that turned her life aroundSherry Hagerman was divorced, single mom of two with $700 to her name when she made a decision that changed her life. She had been trying to get her photography business off the ground with little success and was worried that once her money ran out, she would also be out of options. What happened next, a gambler might say she pushed all her chips to the middle of the table. You could even say she bet on herself. Or you could say she made a strategic investment. However you say it, the next step took guts...
2019-06-1932 minEOS PhotographerQuestions that lead to better storytelling photographyYou can get all the technical things correct, light, composition, exposure — and still get a so what picture. How do you fix it? Ask yourself these questions to find the story for your photo.Storytelling elements are the one feature that can make good pictures great and even memorable. Good storytelling is helpful if you are doing travel photography, street photography, photojournalism, sports and action. And as Freddy told us in Episode 109, even with Food & Beverage Photography.In this episode, I discuss the questions that can lead you to better storytelling photography.Su...
2019-06-1315 minEOS PhotographerQuestions that lead to better storytelling photographyYou can get all the technical things correct, light, composition, exposure — and still get a so what picture. How do you fix it? Ask yourself these questions to find the story for your photo.Storytelling elements are the one feature that can make good pictures great and even memorable. Good storytelling is helpful if you are doing travel photography, street photography, photojournalism, sports and action. And as Freddy told us in Episode 109, even with Food & Beverage Photography.In this episode, I discuss the questions that can lead you to better storytelling photography.Su...
2019-06-1315 minEOS PhotographerHow to photograph beverages with Freddy ClarkIf you’ve ever experienced your mouth watering, just because you were looking at a photo of a cold drink, you can thank people like Freddy Clark.Beverage photography is a more challenging subset of food photography. Instagram overflows with photos from people snapshotting their meals, but when you want to set up a stylized shoot of a beverage in a glass or bottle, that’s a different level of effort. Lucky for us, we have a great food & beverage photographer to talk with today.Support the show (https://www.learncanon.com...
2019-06-1239 minEOS PhotographerHow to photograph beverages with Freddy ClarkIf you’ve ever experienced your mouth watering, just because you were looking at a photo of a cold drink, you can thank people like Freddy Clark.Beverage photography is a more challenging subset of food photography. Instagram overflows with photos from people snapshotting their meals, but when you want to set up a stylized shoot of a beverage in a glass or bottle, that’s a different level of effort. Lucky for us, we have a great food & beverage photographer to talk with today.Support the show (https://www.learncanon.com...
2019-06-1239 minEOS PhotographerHow to photograph automobiles with Jim RoseWhether they are roaring by at 200 miles per hour or parked in the perfect light, automobiles can be both thrilling and challenging to photograph. Jim Rose should know. He’s been a fan and photographer of automobiles for almost 40 years. A former Canon USA instructor, Jim learned photography to have something to do while he was watching cars race. He turned photography into a career with Canon and now he’s here to share his best lessons on how to photograph automobiles.About Jim Rose, former Canon USA instructor.If you were into...
2019-06-0542 minEOS PhotographerHow to photograph automobiles with Jim RoseWhether they are roaring by at 200 miles per hour or parked in the perfect light, automobiles can be both thrilling and challenging to photograph. Jim Rose should know. He’s been a fan and photographer of automobiles for almost 40 years. A former Canon USA instructor, Jim learned photography to have something to do while he was watching cars race. He turned photography into a career with Canon and now he’s here to share his best lessons on how to photograph automobiles.About Jim Rose, former Canon USA instructor.If you were into...
2019-06-0542 minEOS PhotographerWhich lens should I buy next?You’ve asked it. You know you’ve asked it. It might have been when you were just starting photography. It might have been last week. But at some point you asked… which lens should I buy next? Today, I answer that question and introduce the Ultimate Guide to Canon lenses. This helps you from the journey from your kit lens to your best lens. Find the show notes here: https://www.eosphotographer.com/blog/which-lens-should-i-buy-next.Support the show (https://www.learncanon.com/patrons)
2019-05-3046 minEOS PhotographerWhich lens should I buy next?You’ve asked it. You know you’ve asked it. It might have been when you were just starting photography. It might have been last week. But at some point you asked… which lens should I buy next? Today, I answer that question and introduce the Ultimate Guide to Canon lenses. This helps you from the journey from your kit lens to your best lens. Find the show notes here: https://www.eosphotographer.com/blog/which-lens-should-i-buy-next.Support the show (https://www.learncanon.com/patrons)
2019-05-3046 minEOS PhotographerNine lessons I learned creating podcastsThe questions tickled me. Back in 2015, I announced that I was shutting down my Free Photo Webinars and starting a podcast instead. My webinars had run for four years — on second Tuesday night of every month. We had great photographers join us to show their work and tell their stories. I had a fairly loyal following, so they were probably puzzled that I wanted to shift.“Why in the world would you want to start a podcast?” “Do you really want to replace a monthly requirement with a weekly one?”“Isn’t photography a...
2019-05-2226 minEOS PhotographerNine lessons I learned creating podcastsThe questions tickled me. Back in 2015, I announced that I was shutting down my Free Photo Webinars and starting a podcast instead. My webinars had run for four years — on second Tuesday night of every month. We had great photographers join us to show their work and tell their stories. I had a fairly loyal following, so they were probably puzzled that I wanted to shift.“Why in the world would you want to start a podcast?” “Do you really want to replace a monthly requirement with a weekly one?”“Isn’t photography a...
2019-05-2226 minEOS PhotographerWhy aren't my DSLR photos sharp?On a photo walk this weekend, I heard what’s probably the most common complaint from photographers. Why aren’t my photos sharp?We usually don’t have time to do a complete diagnosis, but it typically boils down to three potential issues.Three potential issues: Autofocus settings issue. Focusing issue. Some other technical or performance issue.Support the show (https://www.learncanon.com/patrons)
2019-05-1527 minEOS PhotographerWhy aren't my DSLR photos sharp?On a photo walk this weekend, I heard what’s probably the most common complaint from photographers. Why aren’t my photos sharp?We usually don’t have time to do a complete diagnosis, but it typically boils down to three potential issues.Three potential issues: Autofocus settings issue. Focusing issue. Some other technical or performance issue.Support the show (https://www.learncanon.com/patrons)
2019-05-1527 minEOS PhotographerSetting up your new Canon cameraI got a text from my Mom last week. She said, “did you see the Groupon with Canon T6Is? They sold thousands of them.” I hadn’t, but I know those cameras have been selling well for a long time. Places like Costco churn them out by the ton. Well, if you have one of them, you’re going to need to get it set up. This information is helpful not just for newbies but for anyone who picked up a used camera or even a rental. Let’s say you rent a camera f...
2019-05-0832 minEOS PhotographerSetting up your new Canon cameraI got a text from my Mom last week. She said, “did you see the Groupon with Canon T6Is? They sold thousands of them.” I hadn’t, but I know those cameras have been selling well for a long time. Places like Costco churn them out by the ton. Well, if you have one of them, you’re going to need to get it set up. This information is helpful not just for newbies but for anyone who picked up a used camera or even a rental. Let’s say you rent a camera f...
2019-05-0832 minEOS PhotographerWhat photography stage are you in?In the oft-told story of Alice in Wonderland, she reaches a fork in the road and sees a Cheshire Cat in a tree. Alice asks, "Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?’`That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,’ said the Cat.`I don’t much care where –‘ said Alice.`Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,’ said the Cat.Alice the Photographer asks, Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?...
2019-05-0145 minEOS PhotographerWhat photography stage are you in?In the oft-told story of Alice in Wonderland, she reaches a fork in the road and sees a Cheshire Cat in a tree.
Alice asks, "Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?’
`That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,’ said the Cat.
`I don’t much care where –‘ said Alice.
`Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,’ said the Cat.
Alice the Photographer asks, Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?...
2019-05-0145 min
Shutterbug Life podcastWe've moved! Hi there, this is Lyn from the Shutterbug Life podcast, and you must be thinking…this is a blast from the past. Well I’m back to let you know that I’ve launched a new podcast and invite you to join us. It’s called the EOS Photographer podcast and we will cover a lot of the same kinds of topics we did here in Shutterbug Life. The main difference is that all my examples will be focused on Canon gear. As you might know, I spent the last two years working with Canon USA leading their Live Learning workshop pr...
2019-04-2501 minEOS PhotographerFinding a photography mentor with Peggy Farren"Hi, Joe McNally? You don't know me, but I'm Lyn Morton. I'm a big fan of your work, but even more so, I love the way you teach. You see, I'm also a photographer and photo coach. I was wondering if you would be my mentor?"Why would you do that? What's in it for you?!"Good questions...." Hmmm...If you've ever imagined asking someone to be your photography mentor and feared the conversation would end like that, Peggy Farren has some tips for you.Peggy is a portrait and wedding...
2019-04-2233 minEOS PhotographerFinding a photography mentor with Peggy Farren"Hi, Joe McNally? You don't know me, but I'm Lyn Morton. I'm a big fan of your work, but even more so, I love the way you teach. You see, I'm also a photographer and photo coach. I was wondering if you would be my mentor?"Why would you do that? What's in it for you?!"Good questions...." Hmmm...If you've ever imagined asking someone to be your photography mentor and feared the conversation would end like that, Peggy Farren has some tips for you.Peggy is a portrait and wedding...
2019-04-2233 minEOS PhotographerConversation with Humans of New York's Brandon StantonBefore there was a NY Times best-selling book, before there were more than 20 millions of followers on social media, before he launched a campaign that raised $1 million for a Brooklyn school, Brandon Stanton was a blogger with a quirky goal. He wanted to photograph 10,000 New Yorkers and create a visual census of the city. And that’s when we found him. I stumbled on HONY in 2011 and had a crazy idea that we should invite him to one of our Free Photo Webinars. We often asked photographers to share their work on our webinars and answer qu...
2019-04-2250 minEOS PhotographerInspiration with Canon Explorer of Light Parish KohanimLet's start with the end first. When I asked Parish Kohanim what advice he would give to a photographer who aspires to make a real impact, his advice was succinct."Listen to your own voice... Don't listen to people. They will give you a hundred different opinions that don't speak your voice... Your intuition is the most powerful voice that you could listen to."That might seem like easy advice to dispense from a photographer with a resume like Parish has.Parish has been a commercial photographer for more than 30 years,...
2019-04-2246 minEOS PhotographerConversation with Humans of New York's Brandon StantonBefore there was a NY Times best-selling book, before there were more than 20 millions of followers on social media, before he launched a campaign that raised $1 million for a Brooklyn school, Brandon Stanton was a blogger with a quirky goal. He wanted to photograph 10,000 New Yorkers and create a visual census of the city. And that’s when we found him. I stumbled on HONY in 2011 and had a crazy idea that we should invite him to one of our Free Photo Webinars. We often asked photographers to share their work on our webinars and answer qu...
2019-04-2250 minEOS PhotographerInspiration with Canon Explorer of Light Parish KohanimLet's start with the end first. When I asked Parish Kohanim what advice he would give to a photographer who aspires to make a real impact, his advice was succinct."Listen to your own voice... Don't listen to people. They will give you a hundred different opinions that don't speak your voice... Your intuition is the most powerful voice that you could listen to."That might seem like easy advice to dispense from a photographer with a resume like Parish has.Parish has been a commercial photographer for more than 30 years, working on...
2019-04-2246 minEOS PhotographerWhy a Canon photography podcast?At this point, you might have questions. Why another photography podcast? Why Canon only? Why should you even listen?This are some of the questions I’ve grappled with myself, so I’d like to share my answers with you. Consider this an episode to set the stage for EOS Photographer. Here are a few of the things you will learn in this episode:Who this podcast is for and why you should listen - what’s in it for you. What else is in store for this community and learning channel. W...
2019-04-1018 minEOS PhotographerWhy a Canon photography podcast?At this point, you might have questions. Why another photography podcast? Why Canon only? Why should you even listen?This are some of the questions I’ve grappled with myself, so I’d like to share my answers with you. Consider this an episode to set the stage for EOS Photographer. Here are a few of the things you will learn in this episode:Who this podcast is for and why you should listen - what’s in it for you. What else is in store for this community and learning channel. W...
2019-04-1018 minEOS PhotographerEOS Photographer trailerIf you're a Canon photographer or content creator who is in learning mode, I have a new podcast for you.Hosted by Lynford Morton, a photography coach & former Canon USA employee, this new podcast was created to help teach all our friends in the Canon community and more. EOS Photographer will be a podcast where we will learn from interviews with top Canon instructors, conversations with technical experts, lessons from my learning center. We'll also include special Q&A episodes to respond to your questions. Photography...
2019-04-0901 minEOS PhotographerEOS Photographer trailerIf you're a Canon photographer or content creator who is in learning mode, I have a new podcast for you.Hosted by Lynford Morton, a photography coach & former Canon USA employee, this new podcast was created to help teach all our friends in the Canon community and more. EOS Photographer will be a podcast where we will learn from interviews with top Canon instructors, conversations with technical experts, lessons from my learning center. We'll also include special Q&A episodes to respond to your questions. Photography...
2019-04-0901 min
Shutterbug Life podcast101 - Creating a marketing system to help you show, share, or sell your photosSeveral months ago, I got a call from a potential client. She worked in the marketing department of a camera manufacturer and wanted help creating a marketing plan for them. We talked about a coaching program that would help her conduct the market research for her plan. "Have you done this kind of thing before," she asked? Of course. I gave her some highlights of my resume and pointed her to some links. One of the links was to the work we have done together on Shutterbug Life. On her next call to...
2017-03-2751 min
Shutterbug Life podcast100 - How to sell your images onlineSitting on the floor in a room full of pictures, I let out a heavy sigh and began the tedious job of sorting the image packages into envelopes. My Dad and I had just picked up the prints from a high school prom shoot we completed, and now we had to prepare them for our clients. There was no simple way of doing this. Fill each envelope, cross reference it against the names, and make sure they had paid. Then Dad would deliver the photos to the parents. I wish we had today's solutions back...
2017-03-1948 min
Shutterbug Life podcast099 - Take the shot. Don't take the shot. TodayI've got some more advice for you that doesn't have anything to do with f-stops or apertures. I'm not weighing in on DSLRs vs mirrorless or Canon vs Nikon. Today we are ignoring all the typical photography topics yet sharing some timeless advice. Here are three decision points that all photographers face. If we can choose right at each intersection, I think we can improve our work considerably.
2017-03-1429 min
Shutterbug Life podcast098 - Comprehensive guide to photographing cathedrals and churchesWith all due respect, we know that churches and cathedrals are places of worship, but they also are incredible structures to photograph. The architecture, light, and history all provide opportunities for you to photograph. Those same characteristics also create challenges for many photographers. If you want to create memorable images in your cathedral or church, follow these tips. Listen to the podcast
2017-03-0547 min
Shutterbug Life podcastWhy you should show your prices on your photography websiteSeveral years ago, I followed up on what I thought was a great lead for my photography business. I crafted a warm introductory email and requested that we schedule a phone conversation. Then came the response that totally deflated me. "Just send your prices." Like many photographers, that was the very last thing I wanted to do. I didn't want to talk about prices before I had an opportunity to have a conversation. I didn't want to quote a price before I had a chance to understand the full scope of their needs...
2017-02-2337 min
Shutterbug Life podcast097 - How to stay motivated with your photographyHe had a different reason for asking, but we were looking for the same result. "How do you keep photographers motivated to keep shooting?" asked a camera industry salesperson. "It seems photographers aren't shooting as much. "How do we address that?" This got me thinking about a problem we are all encounter. There is so much noise, so much distraction. It's tough for even the most dedicated photographers to find the motivation to keep shooting. Here are a half dozen ideas, from easy to hard. Listen to the podcast
2017-02-2031 min
Shutterbug Life podcast096 - How to build your own photography websiteIn the Squarespace Super Bowl ad, John Malkovich is screaming into the phone at his namesake. John wants to launch a website, but the hard part is not in creating a website. It is in getting his name. You know the message coming will be this...The easy part in creating a website will be creating a website. If you are a photographer, by now you know you should have a website. The easy part in creating a website is in creating a website. The difficult part is in creating a website - that works.
2017-02-0549 min
Shutterbug Life podcast095 - Which lens should I buy next?It doesn't matter if you have been shooting for two weeks or 20 years, most photographers are constantly mulling the question, 'which lens should I buy next?' Your frustration only gets worse when you find that there seems to be an endless supply of options. Even within the same brand, you can get lost in a sea of f-stops and millimeters. Here is an approach to help you understand and simplify the lens selection process. Listen to the podcast
2017-01-2831 min
Shutterbug Life podcastWhen do you need a model releaseWhen do you need a model release? That's the latest question I received from one of our listeners: "What guidance can you give us regarding releases? Both for people (for instance, if they are potentially identifiable) and locations (for instance, trademarked property, federal property)? I seem to recall this gets complicated. What if it’s a crowd such as demonstrators in DC? Assuming a release is required, as a practical matter do you obtain it during the shoot?"
2017-01-2620 min
Shutterbug Life podcast094 - Learning how to learn photography with Joe EdelmanIf you are learning photography now, I have good news and bad news. The good news is…you have a wealth of information availability to your in just about every form. Here’s the bad news. You have a wealth of information available to you in just about every form. How do you sort through it all? When do you seek formal training? And how do you know what workshop to take next? I discuss all these topics with Joe Edelman. Listen to the podcast
2017-01-2140 min
Shutterbug Life podcast093 - Street photographer's guide to photographing a public events or demonstrationPeering out the window of a coffee shop, I saw a very familiar process unfolding. People were arriving with big signs. I saw what looked like costumes, and over time a small crowd started assembling. In Washington, DC, that usually means a protest is about to start. It also means prime photography opportunities. No time to finish my coffee, I grabbed my DSLR and headed out to the park to start my shoot. Whether you happen upon a protest demonstration or even a parade, you have a perfect opportunity to practice street photography that tells s...
2017-01-1539 min
Shutterbug Life podcast092 - Publishing & getting paid for your travel photosIt’s always cool seeing your best images on your blog or social media, but for a real rush, imagine seeing them in the glossy pages of a national travel publication. Even better, imagine getting paid to place them there. I'll tell you how your can publish your travel photos in this episode. Listen to the podcast.
2017-01-0747 min
Shutterbug Life podcast091 - Shaping the photography of a city without taking a photoIf there was ever such a thing as a photography impresario, Heather Goss would be it. She curates images. She creates photo gallery shows. She runs an online photography community. She just celebrated 10 years organizing a citywide photo contest. She edits a major photography blog. She organizes monthly photography Meetups. All this from someone who doesn't even consider herself a photographer. Why? Listen to the podcast
2016-12-3042 min
Shutterbug Life podcast090 - Setting up your new cameraDid Santa bring you a new camera body for Christmas? Maybe you want to take advantage of some down time to reacquaint yourself with your existing camera. You’ll want to listen to this episode and take some notes. We are setting up your new camera or resetting your old one. Listen to the podcast
2016-12-2853 min
Shutterbug Life podcast089 - Creating holiday photographs your family will loveI was struggling through Christmas portraits, but I did not have the Christmas spirit. My boys were young then, between 2 to 10 years old. I thought I would have them take Christmas portraits, but just as I was getting started, one of them got a giggle fit. Then just like a virus it spread. Before I knew it, we had spent way too much time shooting, and I had not one good portrait to show for it. They continued taking turns giggling and being serious until I decided to get over myself and photograph them in all their...
2016-12-2347 min
Shutterbug Life podcast088 - Meet with Top Photographer's Roxy RodriguezWhat's it like to be on the first and only photography reality show? There are only five people who can answer that question, and today I am talking with one of them. Roxy Rodgriguez made a splash on Top Photographer with her unique point of view and signature shooting style. In fact, by the end of the show both the host, Nigel Barker, and guest judges were gushing about the "Roxy photo." If you watched any of the Top Photographer episodes, you might wonder what really went on before the camera started and after it...
2016-12-1748 min
Shutterbug Life podcast087 - The so what factor that helps you create amazing photosThe world is overflowing with boring pictures, and if you don't want to contribute another one to the pile, ask one more question. So what? You took another picture. So what? Why should we care? Why should we stop what we are doing to look at it? Is it just another boring collection of pixels? Today's question is the last one you ask before you release your photo to the wild. Use it to decide if your photo goes or stays. "I created another photo. So what?" Listen to the podcast
2016-12-1227 min
Shutterbug Life podcastTop Photographer finale + 9 ways to improve the show next seasonTop Photographer wrapped up their first season and crowned a winner last week, and it wasn't who I would have expected. In the final episodes, the photographers got to go anywhere they wanted and shoot anything they wanted. Even better, they got to load up a backpack with their dream Canon gear for the shoot. With all this freedom and flexibility, what did they choose? Let's review the final episodes and look at nine ways they can improve season 2. Listen to the podcast
2016-12-0541 min
Shutterbug Life podcastLessons learned from Top Photographer - Episode 3In episode 3, Top Photographer challenged contestants to create a landscape photograph from the tip top of the Empire State Building. The photographers started at sunrise with this charge - how do you make your photo stand out from the masses -- and each other. That's a challenge you can probably relate to if you have ever done a photo walk. How do you make your photos stand out from everyone else. Listen to the podcast
2016-11-2025 min
Shutterbug Life podcast086 - Why & when to buy the more expensive cameraDave didn't want to hear what I had to say. He struck up a conversation at the PhotoPlus Expo that ended with him asking me which camera he should buy. "How much do you want to spend?" I asked. "Maybe a few hundred dollars," he responded. "You need to move a decimal point over. For what you just told me about yourself Dave, you should plan to spend at least $2,000." His mouth almost hit the floor. That's not what he wanted to hear. In many instances, I...
2016-11-1837 min
Shutterbug Life podcastLessons learned from Top Photographer - episode 2In episode 2, Top Photographer challenged contestants to create a fashion photography image. How did they do? Let's talk about how each photographer interpreted the challenge and what we might learn from this episode.
2016-11-1725 min
Shutterbug Life podcast085 - Are any of these contestants really top photographers?Photographers have officially arrived. Photographers join cops, lawyers, and doctors as professions who can see themselves on the big screen. With Top Photographer, we have our own glitzy reality TV show, even if it isn’t technically on TV. I watched the first episode a few times to dissect it for you. Is it worth your time? And if so, what will you learn?
2016-11-0733 min
Shutterbug Life podcast084 - 10 Ways to improve your photography with the gear you already own In the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy and her friends embark on a magical journey to the Wizard of Oz, searching for qualities they thought they lacked. As it turns out, they had them all along. This weekend, photographers will journey to a big camera show in New York City and camera stores all around the world, searching for abilities they think the lack. Just like the crew searching for Oz, many of the photographers already have the potential they seek. If you want to improve your images, you don't need the magical powers of new cameras or lenses. Here are 10 wa...
2016-10-2039 min
Shutterbug Life podcast083 - 12 Decisions that create better compositionWhen I ambled onto the Tidal Basin one fall day, I faced what many photographers confront every day — a view that millions of people will recognize immediately and the challenge of how I could make it look interesting. In photography, as in life, the results we get are often a result of the decisions we make. At the Tidal Basin, or wherever you happen to be shooting, your decisions make the difference. Try these 12 composition decisions can help you improve your odds of capturing more interesting photos. Listen to the podcast
2016-10-0140 min
Shutterbug Life podcastWhat you will see, photograph, and learn at our NYC photography weekendWhat will you really see, photograph and learn at the Fall Photography Weekend in the Big Apple? How is it different from the photo tours and Meetups we have been doing in New York City? Steve Rosenbach and I recently chatted by Skype call to talk about the workshops in detail. If you have been wondering about the details of this weekend workshop, just listen in. Listen to the podcast
2016-09-2635 min
Shutterbug Life podcast082 - The photographer's guide to creating photo booksWhen I was growing up, you could always find stacks of photo albums under our coffee table. You know the albums where you stuck your photos under that thin film of plastic? We had more than 20 of them, full of photos that documented every facet of our lives. Today’s photographer has a more sophisticated option — a finished book that goes on top the coffee table. Is it time for you to publish your own photo book for your coffee table? Here are the many options you should consider. Listen to the podcast
2016-09-1846 min
Shutterbug Life podcast081 - Canon 5D Mark IV - Fujifilm X-T2 & moreIf you want to get the low down on latest new cameras hitting the shelves, you need to find your way to a launch event. Launch events are where camera stores invite reps from the camera manufacturers to come out and answer your questions while you play with the store models. I got an invite to a launch event for the Canon 5D Mark IV and Fujifilm X-T2, and I decided to take you along. While we are in launch mode, I'll share some new photo tours as well. Listen to the podcast
2016-09-1144 min
Shutterbug Life podcast080 - You have to do more than create. You have to hustle.If you want to have your photography stand out from the millions of picture takers flooding the internet, Levar Burton has a message for you. You will have to do more than be the artist and creator. You will have to be your own advocate. You will have to learn how to promote and distribute your work. You will have to hustle. And only when you are willing to hustle, will you demonstrate your commitment to getting the job done. That's what Levar says. What will that mean for you? We unpack the quote in t...
2016-09-0329 min
Shutterbug Life podcast079 - Which of these three photography stages are you in now?What should you be doing now if you are trying to get to the next level with your photography? That depends on what stage you are currently in. Stages of Platform Growth and share some details of the first stage. Listen to the podcast
2016-08-2734 min
Shutterbug Life podcast078 - Volunteering to photograph our neighbors in needWhen 6-year-old Desiree took my microphone to sing a song, she unwittingly belted out the theme of the day. "You are so beautiful to me..." she sang out with all the emotion she could muster. I couldn't help but think that was the theme of the day. We assembled 21 volunteer photographers and photo editors to create portraits of homeless families in Washington, DC. More than that, we wanted to share Desiree's message. You are beautiful and special to us. You don't have to take my word for it. I share interviews with our...
2016-08-2332 min
Shutterbug Life podcast077 - How to choose your autofocus settingsHave you ever tried to make sense of the Auto Focus alphabet soup on the back of your camera? You aren’t alone. This frustrates so many DSLR shooters, yet it is something we need to master. Very often, the right setting here is the difference between getting blurry images and sharp images. Listen to the recording.
2016-08-1342 min
Shutterbug Life podcast076 - This month in photographyIt's time to talk gear again. Where were some of the most interesting industry announcements in the past month or two? Let's talk about the new gear and technology and what we think about them. Listen to the podcast
2016-08-0534 min
Shutterbug Life podcast075 - Storytelling with your photographyYou'd think that storytelling is natural and obvious skill. We all grow up listening to stories and even falling asleep to them. You might have even been wrapped up in the dramatic stories of the big screen. Storytelling with your camera can be just as engaging and can be an effective way to create images with impact. Not all great photographs need to tell a story, but the ones that do tell a story often stand out. Listen to the podcast
2016-08-0132 min
Shutterbug Life podcast074 - 13 Mistakes photographers make with their blogsSo you decided to create your photography blog, but something still isn't right. Maybe you only hear crickets when you post. Maybe you aren't getting the feedback you'd hoped from your visitors. You're not sure exactly what is going wrong, but something needs to change. Here are 13 common mistakes photographers make when starting blogs. Let's see where we all measure up with our efforts. Listen to the podcast.
2016-07-2337 min
Shutterbug Life podcast073 - Package your geniusI was catching up with an old friend in a crowded coffee shop in Washington, DC, when she asked a question many of us wonder privately but don't say out loud. "Why do you think one person will get so many likes and great comments on a photo when another person with photos just as good gets nothing? How do some people get so popular and others don't? "Seriously? I don't get it." I know it can seem arbitrary, but often it can come down to your personal branding choices. Listen t...
2016-07-1530 min
Shutterbug Life podcast072 - How my photography blog helped me find myself as an artistBy her own admission, Emily Carter Mitchell was just a girl with a camera who loved to go shoot. "I got my new DSLR about six years ago, and I was trying to find out what was going to be my passion," she said. "It took a couple years to start down the road I'm on now, which is nature and wildlife photography." Emily's journey of self-discovery took her down the path of creating a photography blog, Bella Remy Photography. "Short of putting my photos on my computer or maybe on Facebook, I wanted to...
2016-07-0247 min
Shutterbug Life podcast071 - Inspiration from Canon Explorer of Light Parish KohanimLet's start with the end first. When I asked Parish Kohanim what advice he would give to a photographer who aspires to make a real impact, his advice was succinct. "Listen to your own voice... Don't listen to people. They will give you a hundred different opinions that don't speak your voice." That might seem like easy advice to dispense from a photographer with a resume like Parish has — a commercial photographer for more than 30 years and a Canon Explorer of Light, one of only 40 people in the world with that designation. B...
2016-06-2345 min
Shutterbug Life podcast070 - Photography with our fathers - Part IILike so many photographers, I was introduced to photography in a home where cameras were commonplace. Credit it to nature or nurture, when a child grows up in a home of a photographer, it seems photography comes naturally. For Father's Day weekend, I wanted to tell the stories of photographers and their fathers. In part II, I interview Emily Carter, a nature photographer in our community. Emily's dad was a Latin American anthropologist who used his camera to document the lives of Indians in the Andes Mountains. I share the story of Sheldon...
2016-06-1833 min
Shutterbug Life podcast070 - Photography with our fathers - Part ILike so many photographers, I was introduced to photography in a home where cameras were commonplace. Credit it to nature or nurture, when a child grows up in a home of a photographer, it seems photography comes naturally. For Father's Day weekend, I wanted to tell the stories of photographers and their fathers. My selfish reason, of course, is that I get to interview my dad and share his story. Listen to Part I
2016-06-1834 min
Shutterbug Life podcast020 — Finding a photo mentor with Peggy Farren"Hi, Joe McNally? You don't know me, but I'm Lyn Morton. I'm a big fan of your work, but even more so, I love the way you teach. You see, I'm also a photographer and photo coach. I was wondering if you would be my mentor.
"Why would you do that? What's in it for you?!
"Good questions...." Hmmm...
If you've ever imagined asking someone to be your photography mentor and feared the conversation would end like that, Peggy Farren has some tips for you.
Peggy is a portrait and wedding...
2015-05-1841 min
TWiP Street FocusStreet Focus 27: Streets of the World – Washington DC with Lynford MortonFor this new installment of Streets of the World, I'm taking you to Washington DC and your guide for this special segment is Lynford Morton
The post Street Focus 27: Streets of the World – Washington DC with Lynford Morton first appeared on This Week in Photo.
2015-03-2642 min