Dancing with the Stars

There are many ways to work with natural light.  In the latest downloadable tutorial, Ten Ways to Create Natural Light Portraits you will learn how to work in all types of situations.  The following shoot was photographed using tips from the first lesson in the video.   For a sneak peek check out the Youtube clip here.  http://bit.ly/gBLyoT

Success and Self Discipline

To achieve success in photography you must have self discipline.  When you work for yourself no one is there to see if you've "checked-in" on time or if you're accomplishing your goals.   I start my day with a series of things and one of those is listening to the inspirational words spoken by Napoleon Hill, author of Think and Grow Rich.  It puts me in the right frame of mind to start my day and accomplish my goals.  Today I'd like to share a bit of his knowledge with you and wish you success for today!

Always Dream Big!

Awkward Family Photos

If you haven't checked out this family portrait site you should.  If this site doesn't make you want to learn more about taking better pictures then nothing will.

Many of the images featured in Awkward Family Photo's are funny and some are are shockingly bad but I believe we can all learn by viewing what NOT to do when taking portraits.

Enjoy!

Top 50 Photography Sites

I have fallen in love with this Pixiq site as it is the mega millions of photo information!  It is simply a great source for information and education for all things photographic.  This post is  by Haje Jan Kamps and is a great compilation of photography sites worth checking out.

Link:  http://bit.ly/i37bPg

Have a great weekend and take great photo's!

Always Dream Big

Happy Birthday Aretha Franklin

Today is Aretha Franklin's 69th Bday.  Happy Bday to the Queen of Soul.

Check out the following blogs today:

www.Pixiq.com - http://bit.ly/hLkiYo

Nature Photography:  http://photofocus.com/

Photoshop tips:  http://skipsphotonetwork.com/

Have a great weekend and always dream big!

The Joy of Giving Back

The saying "it's better to give than to receive" is something we've all heard countless times, but giving is a wonderful feeling, especially when giving back in a way that can enhance the lives of others.

As photographers there are many ways we can use our talents to give back.  We can donate our services to a worthwhile cause or share our knowledge with others from our experience.  Today I received a question from a photo student in Holland regarding a photograph of Tyra Banks.

The question came after he viewed the youtube video where I describe how I shot this image.



His question was in regard to redeye in your photos.  A common problem photographers have when using a ring light or on camera strobe.  To correct this problem you simple have to raise the level of ambient light (the existing light) in the room.  You don't want to shoot in a dark room as this will almost insure you have red-eye in your photos.    In studio I use a hotlight to keep the room bright while using a ring-light.  You don't want to have the hot light pointed at your subject, you only need it to open up the room.  I will usually point my hot-light to the ceiling.

You get red-eye when the flash reflects the blood vessels of the retina into the lens, so you want to make sure your subjects pupils are reduced by having a bright source.  Many of point and shot camera have a feature to reduce this by flashing multiple times before it takes the photo.   If you're shooting at an evening event and have this problem try and put a bit of distance between your camera and flash by using a bracket to hold your flash.  You can also bounce your flash into a white wall or up towards the ceiling so the flash doesn't fill your subjects eyes.

For more information regarding lighting and photography please check out the instructional videos in the Gallery Store.

Ten Ways to Use One Light Source

Ten Ways to Create Natural Light Portraits

Today's question comes from Holland.  If you have any questions regarding photography please send your questions to mjs@matthewjordansmith.com and we will answer them here on the blog!

Always Dream Big

Marketing Essentials International

Check out this blog post today:  Marketing Essentials International

Australian Photo Student Questions!

I often get questions regarding photography from photography students  around the world.  Today after receiving a set of questions from a student in Australia I asked if I could answer them via my blog.  Thanks to all the students at James Cook University in Townsville, Australia.

1)  How did you break into the photo industry?

After attending art school in Atlanta, Georgia I returned to New York to work as a photo assistant for photographer that I admired.  Working on the set of photo shoots every day prepared me to work in the industry and sharpened my skills.  When I shot my first assignment on my own it felt natural because assisting prepared me for any situation.



2)  What are your personal thought towards what skills and attributes are required to enter into and succeed in the photography industry?

It has always been necessary to really know the fundamentals of photography.  With digital some are skipping this part, but I believe it is crucial to understand how your camera works to produce an image and how the camera and light work together.  Once you have a deep understanding of camera and light you have a good foundation.  I also think it just as important to be able to communicate well.  If you're a great technician but bad with people skills you may not go far.  How you interact with people is crucial to success in this industry.  This is the reason why I always suggest this book, "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie as a must have book to read.  Lastly, I believe learning to use our creativity will make you stand out.  To do this look for the things that inspire you as they will help you create images that come from your soul.  Fundamentals of photography and lighting, learning to use your creative vision and being good with people will lead you to success and a long career in photography.

3)  Who/what inspired you to become the photographer you are today?

My father had a huge impact on me and gave me my first camera.  He also taught me how to develop black and white film by turning the 2nd bathroom into a make-shift darkroom.  Reading about other photographers also made me dream.  Books by Gordon Parks showed me I could make a career in photography and images by Ansel Adams inspired me to work hard to achieve beautiful images.  Today I find inspiration through exhibits and shows of all types, books, movies, plays, etc.  When you get away from the computer and experience life to the fullest you have great material to use in your photography.  I'm inspired by life and all it brings to use.

4)  What regular and irregular activities are involved within your career?

Photography is evolving at a staggering pace and as it changes we have to change.  For 50 years photography was the same, but today every years seems to bring about new change.  Today social media is a big part of my photography and used for promotion and education.  My interns are using social media every day at the office and even when we shoot.  Staying in contact with clients has always been something I've done regularly but now a lot of it is via social media.  I still believe it's important to have face to face meetings and lunches.  We are always looking for great concepts and ideas to turn into new photography.  From time to time we also look for great photo contest to enter into and decide what images to enter.  This exposure in contest gives us world wide recognition and expands our client base.  We are always looking to be more creative.  Oh, I can't forget about archiving files.  After 24 years I have a zillion images and staying on top of the film archive and digital archive is a never ending job.



5)  Could you describe your average day or week?

No day or week is ever the same.  Some weeks we are shooting or prepping for a shoot, other times we are working on getting more work via meetings, promotion, social media, printing exhibits, speaking, etc.  The best days are when we are shooting of course because that is my first love, but there is a lot of work that goes into pre production and post production.  Some days we are just casting models and looking at new hair, makeup and stylist for future assignments.  When you work for yourself there is always something to do.  This week we were prepping for a five image advertising shoot, while at the same time getting prints to a client in DC and getting retouched finals to yet another client.  It's always busy with work even when it's not busy with shoots.

Thank you again and I wish you and all the photo students at James Cook University the best.   Join me on Twitter for tips every day on photography.  www.Twitter.com/Matthew_JordanS



Always Dream Big,
Matthew Jordan Smith

Vanessa Williams vs Queen Latifah

Today, March 18, 2011 is the birthday of two of my favorite clients.  Vanessa Williams and Queen Latifah.  This post is dedicate to them and the many amazing assignments we've done together.

The secret to photographing beautiful, iconic women is keeping the lighting simple and classic and concentrating your energy into making your subject FEEL beautiful.  No matter how beautiful your subjects are or arent, they will never feel beautiful until you make them feel beautiful.  Before every celebrity shoot I always have flowers waiting in the dressing room when they arrive.  Inside the flowers I put a personal note to start the day.  

The process for making a subject feel special starts before they stand in front of your lens.  Think of little ways to win your subject before you photography them.   For more infomation on shooting check out Ten Ways to Use One Light Source at www.Gallery.MatthewJordanSmith.com

Happy Birthday Vanessa Williams and Queen Latifah

I have many clients that I've loved working with over the years and today two of them share the same birthday.  Vanessa Williams and Queen Latifah are both incredibly talented individuals with March 18th as their birthday.  My first order of business is to wish them both a very happy birthday and then start my day.



Today, I was asked on twitter "how did I photography a certain photograph of Vanessa", so instead of going into it with only 140 character I decided to show it.

If you'd like to learn more about how these photo were taken and more check out the instructional videos, eBook and Fine Art Prints at:

www.Gallery.MatthewJordanSmith.com

Always Dream Big

Human or Photographer?

I read today about a photojournalist who was taking pictures in Japan in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami.  As he was photographing all around him he came upon the bodies of a mother holding her infant child.  He became so over come with emotion he stopped to think if it was right to photograph this image.  In the end he decided NOT to photography them because "he wanted to feel human".

I absolutely understand this and felt the same way on 9/11.

Three Ways to Enhance Your Life

There are only three ways to enhance your life.

THE PEOPLE WE MEET:  which was the blog post this past Monday.

THE PLACES WE GO:  Tuesday's post

THE BOOKS (and blogs) WE READ!

Reading is one of the best ways to enhance our life in any area including photography.   We are all reading blogs and eBooks and traditional books to enhance our life in some way.  Today I want to share a few books that will help you to not only become a better photographer but to make more money with your business.

My top four suggested books are:

1)  How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie - It's not a photography book but it will help you grow in your business more than any photography book I've ever read.

2)  Selling the Invisible by Harry Beckwith

3)  The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

4)  Successful:  How I Turned My Dreams Into Reality by Matthew Jordan Smith

I also want to make you aware of two brand new books on photography.  One by my friend Me Ra Koh, Your Baby in Pictures:  The New Parents Guide to Photographing Your Baby's First Year and the second by my brother, Brian Smith.  Yes, I have a brother and he is also a photographer and we even shoot with the same camera, the Sony A900.  Brian book is a beautiful collection of photographs celebrating and supporting the arts.

Art & Soul:  by Brian Smith

Always Dream Big, and read a good book!

The Places You Go

There are only three things that enhance your life:

The people you meet
The places you go
The books you read

I love traveling with my camera and discovering new places.  There is something so incredibly special about seeing a place for the first time and really being opening to what you're experiencing.  The places you go enhance your life because you really get to understand the culture, the people and so much more.  A politician once mentioned she's read about places and didn't really need to go there to know the place, but I disagree totally.  You can't know a place or the people until you're been there.  You can read Eat, Pray, Love all you want but until you go to India and experience the sights, tastes and smells of India you'll never really appreciate all she has to offer.  Hearing about a family of five riding on a motorcycle is one thing but a totally different thing to see it all around you.  As photographers we are really fortunate to have our eye to capture all we see and feel.  The places we go have a lasting effect on not only us but all the people we share our images with.

Five years ago I was in India when the tsunami hit but I was blessed to be out of harms way.  I left India days later and headed to Katmandu, Nepal.  When I arrived there were having a candle light vigil and I met some of the kindest people in the world.  In honoring those who passed away during the tsunami there was a candle light vigil and the entire town came out.  It was one of my favorite nights of my month long trip.  We are now in a similar situation with Japan and if you have the opportunity to capture a similar event you should make every effort to do so.  I can almost guarantee you will be affected in ways you can't imagine and the images you will get with stay with you forever.

Photography and Pray For Japan

The power of photography!  I love the images from this site and how photography is being used to send this message.

http://matome.naver.jp/odai/2129985372846288901

Pray for Japan

The People You Meet

There are only three things in life than can really enhance your life.

1) The people you meet

2)  The places you go

3)  The books & blogs you read

Today I want to show how the people you know can help your photography career to grow by leaps and bounds.

1994, I was hired to photograph Vanessa Williams for the first time.  Before the shoot I was very nervous as it was one of my first celebrity covers.  Before the shoot I did ton's of research on her and worked on my concept for the cover.  She was in a play at the time called Kiss of the Spider Woman and wanted to capture her energy in this role.  I decided to do a shot that felt like her role in the play.  I had a spider net slide made before the shoot to use as a background and used a HMI 4k light as my main light.  In my mind this was my shot but my clients were nervous about my idea and wanted a standard beauty cover.  Whenever you have creative minds together you have to work to collaborate on ideas.  In the end I shot my version and my clients.  When the cover came out my client choose my version and it started a long great relationship with Vanessa Williams.

Our bond was formed on this day.  Since it was my first time meeting Vanessa I wanted to make a great impression so I placed a bouquet of flowers in the dressing room for her with a simple note that read something like, "it's great to meet you and here's to a great shoot".

The next thing I knew I was being referred by Vanessa to other clients.   From Vanessa I was referred to Lifetime TV, who became a long time client, then to Showtime, who became a long time client, then to Ebony Magazine, who ........you get the idea.  Throughout my career this situation has happened over and over again.   Every shoot is the chance to make a lasting impression so do your best every time you put your camera to your eye.   Put the time into doing research before every shoot and look for ideas and inspiration so you can give your subjects something to work with.

To hear my ideas directly on how I decide what light to use, how to use it and how to find inspiration for a shoot check out any of these videos at the Gallery Store.

For Inspiration:  

Successful:  How I Turned my Dreams into Reality (introduction by Vanessa Williams)

$12.95

For Photography Education:

How to Work with Complex Lighting Situations:  $12.95

Ten Ways to Create Natural Light Portraits:  $12.95

Ten Ways to Use One Light Source:  $12.95

The Secret to Making Creative Photographs:  $12.95

Through the Lens:  $9.95

For Fine Art Collectors:

Limited Edition Prints

Learn more tomorrow about the "Places You Go"!

What Inspires a Photographer?

Inspiration comes when we are usually not expecting it.  It comes suddenly and without warning, much like the 8.9 earthquake and tsunami that took place in Japan this week.  After feeling down about the situation in Japan and spending endless hours watching the news I decided to look for something to take my mind away from everything that is happening.  My lady is from northern Japan so we have a strong connection to this beautiful country.  

After searching the web for events in town I found a show and bought tickets right away.  I haven't been to a show like this since I moved from New York but I love going to see a great performance.  This event was dedicated to dance and was called Celebrate Dance 2011.  It comprised of 8 different dance companies performance their best work, and included everything from classical to modern and more.   By the end of the night we were blown away, but more than that, I was so inspired to make new work and show older work that I've yet to really share with the world.  Seeing this show made me feel alive as an artist and I felt a connection watching other artist doing their best work.

When you get out and enjoy life inspiration comes to you in ways that you will never imagine.  Our lives can only be enhanced by one of three ways.  

1)  The people we meet

2) The places we go

3) The books we read


To learn more on the inspiration process and how to turn that inspiration into new work check out The Secret to Making Creative Photographs.  There you will walk through the process from beginning to end as I share how I was inspired to make one of my collections of work and how this work still benefits my career today.


Always Dream Big

From the Models Perspective

Often when people ask me what type of light I used on a particular shot I will say a large umbrella.  However, there are different degree's of large.  For example the images here display a med. sized umbrella, which is beautiful on this type of image.

When I'm shooting with this light source my subject see's a wall of light but and often tell me they're never shot with this type of light before.  With large lights umbrella's the rule is the larger the light the softer the light.  Most people prefer to place something over the front of the umbrella's to soften the look but I usually like it bare, as in these images to give the images more of a punch.  Experiment when you can and determine which way you like your light best!

Always Dream Big!

Lighting Instruction:  Click Here

Pray for Japan

Japan Tsunami

Today I had plans for so many things regarding photography, but my mind is fixed on Japan and the Tsunami, as CNN plays in the background.

The images blow your mind and I think back to being in India during the tsunami there more than five years ago.   As you go through your day please keep in mind the people all over the world affected by this event and pause for a moment to pray for them.

Here in Southern California tensions were on edge for the morning hours, but waves at the beaches are normal here.  Still the beaches remain closed and for good reason.  The 8.9 earthquake was one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded.  Even as I write this an after shock of 6.6 has just hit Nagano, Japan so this is still a developing story.  Please pray for all those in Japan.

Another Day on the Set

Have a great Friday and remember to have fun while you shoot today or this weekend!  This video is from a blue jeans photo shoot for a client who makes jeans from recycled jeans.  Not a bad concept at all!

To learn more about how I photographic lighting check out all of these great videos available in the gallery store.

# 1 Top Seller:  Ten Ways to Use One Light Source

#2:  Ten Ways to Create Natural Light Portraits

#3:  How to Work with Complex Lighting Situations

# 4:  The Secret to Making Creative Photographs

#5:  Through the Lens






Always Dream Big!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Pray for Those in Japan

Japan is at this moment being hit by a Tsnami after an 8.9 earthquake.  As some of you know my other half is from Northern Japan and comes from Sapporo which is in Northern Japan.  Sapporo is okay but they are feeling the after shocks.

It is still very cold in Norther Japan and was 17 degree's yesterday.  Please send your prayers out to all those being affected by this disaster happening now.

FINALLY! A Great Paper for Photographers

I think I'm decent at photographic lighting, shooting pictures and doing all things photographic.  I even like sharing what I love in my lighting tutorials which are available at the gallery store.  Click this link to learn more:  CLICK HERE. However, I've always fought the printing process when it came to printing on a paper that I liked.  I like having control of my images and how they look once printed.  I think all photographers do and for this reason I've stayed away from selling my fine art prints to collectors.  This year that all changed when I found a paper that I really love.

If you haven't tried the new Epson Cold Press  and Hot Press papers then you owe it to yourself to give it a shot.  I finally have a paper I am proud to sign and share with collectors around the world!




Fine Art Photographs Available:  Click Here

Always Dream Big........, and use the right paper.




www.Gallery.MatthewJordanSmith.com

The Beauty of the Small Reflector

Today I was asked about the use of the small reflector from one of my followers on Twitter.  "Does it really make a noticeable difference"?.  The answer is yes it does!  The small reflector can make a huge difference in your portraits in helping to open up the eyes and bring the viewer closer to your subject.


In my portraits, cover shots and much more I have use this small reflector as mentioned in today's blog showing what's inside my camera bag.

Take a look at a January Cover when I used the small reflector in the same manner as today's portrait shoot.    As you look at the image notice the bottom reflection and how it opens up the eyes.  The small reflector is an invaluable tool when it comes to making great portraits and I have one in all of my camera bags.

For more great tips on lighting and more check out the videos in the Gallery Store.  There are great tips and  examples of using lights, reflectors and fill cards to add and subtract light to create powerful images.

Always Dream Big!

What's in my Camera Bag?

I always seem to get this questions regarding gear.  This video was taken one year ago and the only thing that has changed is the behind the scenes camera.  Now I use the Sony NEX-5, which I really love these days. 

Creating great images requires the perfect tools and this video shows you some of my favorites.  In order to make great images you need the right gear, but you also need a deep passion for your photography.  I can teach anyone to understand lighting and you can do so very cheaply by purchasing one of my tutorials for only 12.95, but what I can't teach you in passion.  I can tell you the secrets that have helped 25 celebrities make their dreams come true with my ebook, Successful, but that is also only showing you the path by sharing how others have carved their way to success.  Behind every successful person lies a true passion for their craft and a burning desire to succeed.  

Many times people want to know what I'm shooting with or how I light, but the real secret to success is finding what drives you and inspires you.  This passion is really the key to achieving all you desire in not only photography, but in life.  The video that comes closest to showing you the path is How to Make Creative Photographs.  Here you will receive not only the instruction but most importantly you will see the process to finding your passion.

Always Dream Big..........., and use the right tools!

America's Next Top Model meets Angela Basset

America's Next Top Model has been a great show for me in many ways because it gave me the opportunity to show my ideas and concepts regarding photography.  However, nothing could be possible without a light meter.  The video in this post shows the importance of using a light meter.





The light meter enable me to stay consistent on all the images you see here as I shoot at different times and through many different situations that later must be matched to blend into one image.  The concept on both the ANTM shoot and the Angela Bassett shot were very similar and required a consistent light, angle, lens and vision.

To learn more about lighting for portraits, fashion, weddings, beauty and more CLICK HERE

Each of these images for ANTM requires complex lighting setups.  To learn more about how to work with complex situations CLICK HERE

Before I can set up any lighting situation I must first have the concept together and discuss it with my clients and team.  For both the ANTM shoot and Angela, Courtney and family we spoke before to get the concept together.   I needed to get my vision together first before thinking about lighting.  To learn how to create concepts like these and more CLICK HERE.

If I could give one bit of photographic advise to those who are new to photography it would be to first learn how to master one light.  I started my career by doing just that and I've put many of the ways I use one light in this video.  Ten Ways to Use One Light Source.  Start here and then add lights as you see fit, but first master your lighting.

Out of all my ANTM shoots this one was my favorite.  It was fun to make each model look like a celebrity couple.  In all we made the model AJ into J.Lo and Marc Anthony, Amanda into Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore, Brooke into Britney Spears and Kevin Federline, Cari into Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, Eugena into Beyonce and Jay Z, Jaeda into Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown and my favorite of all, Melrose into Donald Trump and Melania.  The Joy of Photography!

Always Dream Big!

Jaeda into Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown

Melrose into Donald Trump and Melania

AJ into J.Lo and Marc Anthony

Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore

Britney Spears and Kevin Federline

Cari into Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt

Eugena into Beyonce and Jay Z

The Photographers Assistant

I have always said the best way to learn photography is by working as a photo assistant. By working for photographers you admire you will grow faster and learn more because you are thrust into real life situations. Many high end shoot come with a lot of pressure and you must perform or you don't last.

The photo assistant's job is very demanding. They must know all the camera gear, all types of light and they work in every situation you can image. This information is very valuable because as an assistant to really see what equipment works the best on a shoot. My years as a photo assistant in New York City taught me everything I know and as I shoot I try to teach my assistants so they can do go out and shoot jobs with confidence.

The job of the assistant can be very difficult at times because they are the one's carrying all the gear. On a shoot last week my crew made me so happy because they busted their butts taking all my gear up and down a very steep hill several times and never complained. I remember doing the same when I was assisting and even though I hated it while I was doing it, it made me the photographer I am today.

To Learn more about photography, lighting and much more click this link for the instructional videos:

CLICK HERE