Do you realize what just happened? Remember that thing you always wanted to learn how to do? That system for your business you always wanted to set up? That personal project swirling around in your head but you just never had the time? Well guess what? A big ol’ window just opened up in your calendar no thanks to the global pandemic that is affecting so many of us.
We are definitely in this together and Mary and I wanted to do our part to provide you with tools and content to help you better yourself and your business while you may have some extra time on your hands. So welcome to the beginning of our blog series!
Professional Photographers of America just unlocked the PPA EDU Video Vault to the public through the end of March 2020. There are over 1000 videos and there’s so much to cover. To help you get started, here’s a 5 videos designed to help you add some tools to your tool belt over the next few weeks. Today we’ll focus on videos that talk Technique and Inspiration. Before you start, make sure you sign up for a free PPA account. You will need to be logged in to view these videos.
1. Self Portraits with Dan & Alex McClanahan
Surrounded by loved ones for days and days and days and day? Now is the PERFECT time to create that epic family self portrait and the McClanahan’s are the experts on just that. This video covers concept to execution to finishing and is full of inspiration to get that epic family portrait that you always wanted. If you are like me, there’s never enough time during the holidays to do my own card. How ahead of the game will you feel if you get it done in March?
2. How to Photograph Outside Midday with Ian Spanier
Stuck at home and away from your lighting equipment? Beef up your available light skills and learn how to find the right light any time of day for flattering portraits. What I love about this one is how he uses subtractive lighting and the natural bounce of the sky to control the light. It’s a great watch and something you can try during peek sun times while you are getting some fresh air.
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3. Photographing Glass with Joe Glyda
Isolation is, well, isolating. If you are a portrait photographer, you may find yourself without a person to photograph. Why not beef up your commercial and still life photography skills and learn the ins and outs of photographing glass? Joe Glyda takes you through several different scenarios using different glass objects with ideas on how to tackle each one. This one will require your lighting equipment, so make sure you have a few lights ready to try this one at home.
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4. ATJ Studio Tour with Allison Tyler Jones
This one is totally and completely self serving as I’m currently in the process of making some updates to my own studio space, but I know you are going to get your face inspired off too. ATJ’s studio space is the whole package, design, sales psychology, functionality, practical, and clean. Everything that is in that studio has a purpose towards the finished product in a client’s hands and it’s a real thing of beauty. Get some ideas for your own space if you have one or just some great tips for the psychology behind sales. This is one of my favorites!
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5. Introduction to Capture 1 (Parts 1 & 2) with Yanek Wasiek
Capture one is a robust processing and editing platform and more and more photographers have been making the switch. I personally haven’t made the switch yet because…you guessed it…I haven’t had time to learn it. Now is a great time to settle in and take on some new software that you’ve been meaning to learn, and this is a great place to start. You can download a free trial of Capture One here. Like most software similar to it, it is updated frequently, but this video will give you a good basic run down of how to get started. I’m looking forward to diving in myself!
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- GYST RECOMMENDED PODCASTS FROM VOICES OF COLOR - June 4, 2020
- Episode 48 – Taking the Time to Learn - May 7, 2020
- Episode 47 – Know What You’re For - April 30, 2020
Kira Derryberry
Kira Derryberry is a Tallahassee based photographer focused on Family and Commercial portraiture. Kira has spent the last 10 years of her career photographing hundreds of clients all over the southeast as well as sharing her knowledge with thousands of photographers across the country. Kira is a proud member of Professional Photographers of America and has earned Master Photographer, Master Craftsman and Certified Professional Photographer, is an approved judge for International Photographic Competition, as well as a member of PPA’s Board of Directors since 2017. Kira is also cohost of the Get Your Shoot Together Photography Podcast alongside fellow photographer and friend Mary Fisk-Taylor. She’s Tether Tools Pro, Spider Holster Ambassador and WHCC Speaker. When not slinging a camera or volunteering for her favorite photography organizations, Kira is a wife and a mom who publicly loves karaoke jams and bad science fiction.
