Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Top 5 Reasons to Use a Professional Photographer

By Eric Doggett

With the wealth of photography knowledge waiting for you to soak up online, your first thought might be to avoid using a professional for your family images. After all, photography tips are everywhere, cameras are cheap and you can keep checking your display until you get it looking good, right? Here are 5 reasons that may be a bad idea.

The Gear!
Let’s start with the gear! Photographers invest thousands of dollars in their equipment. This is not to say that you can’t get great results with a point and shoot, but they simply won’t compare with the quality that a pro offers. Besides camera features like sensor size and low-light sensitivity, the actual physics of light and lenses allow depth of field and wide angle framing of images that you simply can’t get on today’s pocket cameras. Many photographers with studios invest in additional gear, including multiple strobe lighting, wireless systems to trigger them, backgrounds and more. A true professional invests in their business, and their images will reflect the quality of that investment.

Training
Professional photographers continually invest in training. This might come in the form of professional affiliations (like PPA, TCPPA or WPPI), nationwide seminars, conferences, or full-blown college degree programs. This training not only covers the fundamentals of photography, but encompasses a wide range of subjects including business, marketing, and technology. These educational resources keep professionals current with what today’s clients need, and the latest technologies that help them meet those needs. Many of these programs are only available to professionals.

Unique Products
Taking the picture is usually only the beginning; you need a way to display it. The ‘print only’ days are long gone. Today, professional photographers have access to the most unique and personalized products available. Albums, framing, canvas printing, cards, high-end paper products, jewelry and more are available to the professional. Pros handle all aspects of the product ordering process for you. Images are retouched and cropped to fit the products as necessary. If a pro has a relationship with a vendor, they would know for example that a certain product prints a little dark or light. This experience on their part saves you time in money in the end.

Quality Control
If a professional photographer shoots your session and orders prints or albums for you, you can bet that the quality will be high. This is because the final product is an expression of their business. Professionals don’t skimp on labs and vendors - they go with the best they can find because their work becomes something that you will treasure forever. They will present the work to you in a way that reflects their pride in the work. This is a completely different mentality from your local drugstore which happens to have a photo lab. Over there, it’s about mass-sales and ‘consistently average’ quality.
Experience

This is the biggest reason to go with a professional. Whether you are looking for a wedding photographer, family/child photographer, or an event photographer, there simply is no match for the experience of a professional. They will be able to see what you envision for the shoot, or suggest ideas in case you don’t know where to start. The good professionals have seen everything in their particular field, so they will be well-accustomed to your situation (whether it’s a stressed out bride or crying child). When you work with a pro, the shoot can be incredibly fun, creative, and productive. You feed off of each other, and this further enhances the trust you have in their ability to get the shot.

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Storm on July 1, 2011

My prayers go out to the families in Tyler and Ruthton. These are pictures of my dads farm. There is nothing left except the house. It is all over like that.




Monday, June 27, 2011

New Pricing Structure

I invite everyone to sign up with Prominence Photography before my price structure changes at the Beginning of Aug. I would love for you to get in on today's deals.

Friday, June 3, 2011

Wedding photography

Wedding photography is all about telling the couples story.

Capturing moments of intimate looks, fun group shots and being there for the couple in every way they need. Ideas of the portraits should come from both the photographer and the bride & groom in order to capture the day is a collective moment between the two.

As the Prominence Photography photographer my goal is to capture moments that you will cherish forever. Moments that you might forget if you didn't have the portraits to look back at. That is why I costume design each and every album to convey the day.

I love being a wedding photographer.
Cindy

Monday, May 23, 2011

Cute faces

Prominence Photography has been taking these cute faces as long as I can remember. They are a favorite.


Friday, May 20, 2011

lovely friends boy

Prominence Photography will travel all over the Twin Cities to get the right portraits for your family.



Wednesday, May 18, 2011

New Photography Studio

I just met with my Realtor about my new photography studio. She is very positive about everything we talked about and I have a renewed excitement about it all. Will keep you updated about the progress.

Mn Child Photographer

Just had a great photography session with my favorite three year olds.
Keep in tuned in for picture updates.

Friday, April 29, 2011

What does the queen do?

A lot. Are you prepared for a long answer?
http://www.royal/gov.uk/ lists her role,what she does each day.Here are some snippets:
"The British Sovereign can be seen as having two roles: Head of State, and 'Head of the Nation'.

As Head of State, The Queen undertakes constitutional and representational duties which have developed over one thousand years of history.

There are inward duties, with The Queen playing a part in State functions in Britain. Parliament must be opened, Orders in Council have to be approved, Acts of Parliament must be signed, and meetings with the Prime Minister must be held.

There are also outward duties of State, when The Queen represents Britain to the rest of the world. For example, The Queen receives foreign ambassadors and high commissioners, entertains visiting Heads of State, and makes State visits overseas to other countries, in support of diplomatic and economic relations.
The Queen's role is to:

Perform the ceremonial and official duties of Head of State, including
representing Britain to the rest of the world;

Provide a focus for national identity and unity;

Provide stability and continuity in times of change;

Recognise achievement and excellence;

Encourage public and voluntary service."
Her working day:

"The Queen begins her ordinary working day like many other people - with paperwork at her desk.

After scanning the daily British newspapers, The Queen reviews her correspondence. Every day, 200-300 (and sometimes many more) letters from the public arrive. The Queen chooses a selection to read herself and tells members of her staff how she would like them to be answered.

This enables The Queen personally to see a typical cross-section of her daily correspondence. Virtually every letter is answered by staff in her Private Secretary's office or by a lady-in-waiting.

The Queen will then see, separately, two of her Private Secretaries with the daily quota of official papers and documents. This process takes upwards of an hour.

Every day of every year, wherever she is, The Queen receives from government ministers, and from her representatives in the Commonwealth and foreign countries, information in the form of policy papers, Cabinet documents, telegrams, letters and other State papers.

These are sent up to her by the Private Secretaries in the famous 'red boxes'. All of these papers have to be read and, where necessary, approved and signed.

A series of official meetings or 'audiences' will often follow. The Queen will see a number of important people.

These include overseas ambassadors and high commissioners, newly appointed British ambassadors, senior members of the Armed Forces on their appointment and retirement, and English bishops and judges on their appointment.

Each meeting usually lasts 10 to 20 minutes, and usually The Queen and her visitor meet alone.

The Queen may also meet a number of people who have won prizes or awards in a variety of fields such as literature or science, to present them individually with their prize.

If there is an Investiture - a ceremony for the presentation of honors and decorations - it begins at 11.00am and lasts just over an hour. The Queen usually meets around 100 people at each Investiture to present Orders, decorations and medals.

The Queen will often lunch privately. Every few months, she and The Duke of Edinburgh will invite a dozen guests from a wide variety of backgrounds to an informal lunch.

If The Queen is spending the morning on engagements away from her desk and other commitments, she will visit up to three venues before lunch, either alone or jointly with The Duke of Edinburgh.

On a regional visit, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh lunch with a wide variety of people in places ranging from town halls to hospitals.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Minnesota Newborn Photographer


Prominence Photography photographed a lovely 6 month old. She was a great model for us. Newborns are so amazing. I just love to work with their energy.

Senior specials going on

Seniors: we are having a great time and your parents will love that it is very affordable. Prices starting at $175 Call today Cindy @ 952-239-5635

Monday, February 28, 2011

Where does your heart lead you?

I have been thinking a lot lately about where my heart is leading me.

God has given me a heart that so wants to help others. I would say that 40% - 50% of my Photography business is volunteer work. It is out of my heart wanting to help people.

Where is your heart leading you?

When are you going to take a grasp of what really is important to you and grab it?

Are you going to stand by and watch the years go by or are you going to look back and say I did what I could do to help and reach out to the world.

Where is your heart leading you?

Cindy

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Friday, February 11, 2011

Grand opening

I just decorated the Bride to be Consulting shop. It is amazing. Go check it out. it is a consignment shop that has amazing items for weddings and for your home. Go check it out. My wedding photos are in there and you can check out my work also.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Senior 2012

I am in need of some senior reps.
Call today to find out what you will receive and what is required.

It is a great time to have fun and let your hair down in a fun friendly atmosphere.
We desire to have 3 - 5 models at a time.

Call today at 952-239-5635

Sessions start at $175

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Super bowl

Who all watched that game.
I am not much of a football person but boy is it big in my family.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Adding emotion to your photographs

Adding Emotion and Feeling To Photographs

by Peter West Carey


One thing that makes a great photo is its ability to convey emotion. Emotion in a photograph, or any work of art, is what helps a viewer connect with a piece if that emotion is prevalent in the viewer. Happiness and joy, sorrow and despair, these are some of the easier emotions as they are universally felt, at one time or another, by all on this planet.

Emotion, or a feeling, is what can bring a snapshot out of obscurity and make it shine. Think of a normal sunset picture from the shores of Hawaii with just the horizon and a bright orange sun dipping low. It’s beautiful for sure and even better when viewed in person. Now pull the zoom back to a wider angle and show a couple in silhouette, sitting on lounge chairs facing the waves and reaching to each other to hold hands. Different people will connect with each photo in different ways, or maybe not at all. Those in a romantic mood will enjoy the photo of the couple and those looking for calm without distraction may enjoy the singular sunset.

My point here is you can’t guess which mood people will be in when they view your work. Which is actually a good thing, because the photo should be your expression of what you see and feel through the viewfinder (unless you are attempting a neutrally biased photo journalistic stance). Here then are some tips to help convey emotion and feeling in photographs to help make a stronger connection with viewers.
Realize What Type Of Mood You’re In While Shooting

Your emotional state has the largest impact on the emotional quality of your photos. When I look back through travel photos I will often noticed a dip here and there in the number of photos taken on a particular day. The quality is also off and I can remember just what I was feeling that day. In most cases, I had that, “Just not feeling it today” blah that comes and goes for us all. And it shows in my work. Ok snapshots of mountains, but nothing to write home about.

Other days I feel like the world is my oyster and I’m uncovering hidden gems left and right.

It’s important to understand where you are and realize that will likely come through in your photography (while realizing just like anything in life, some people are really good at faking it). Give yourself a break on the down days and be sure to pick up your camera on the upswings. Just remember that neither lasts forever.
Tighten The Shot

Often a singular emotion gets lost in a busy scene. This goes for photos as well. Simplify the main subject of the image before hitting the shutter release. A wide angle view of a festival in the streets might show the size, which can be impressive in its own right, but the feel of that party is best conveyed on the faces of those dancing or performing in the crowd. Zero in on the action. It may tell the difference between a large crowd who is standing around, bored or a large crowd having the time of their lives.
Focus On Faces

This is a fairly straight forward bit of advice that may seem obvious, but many of us avoid people photographs when in a new situations with strangers. When possible, always ask permission before taking a picture of stranger, especially head on. Again, remember your mood will possibly influence theirs and if you are trying to capture them as naturally as can be (without being a sniper hiding in the shadows), keep your demeanor as neutral as can be. Simple raised eyebrows while pointing to your camera does work and it doesn’t require a huge smile on your part, as if you are asking your subject to smile back.

Chances are they will convey what they wish. If life is hard, they likely won’t smile and their face will often tell the tale of their hardships. If they are joyous, or just young, you may get a beaming smile. And with any good portrait, remember to get sharp focus on the eyes. And share the results with your subject if you can.
Set Your Camera Down And Observe

I tend to get lambasted when I tell people to stop shooting and set the camera away, so this time I’ll simply tell you to put the camera down for a minute. Forget about shooting and just sit and observe. Your mood has a big part in what and how you shoot, but also realize that being a shooter in a situation often means you travel in a bubble.

To break out of that bubble and absorb more from the world in which you are immersed, sit. And observe for 15 minutes. The mood of those around you will often become more apparent with this relaxed stance.
Return If You Can

If you are shooting a subject which you can return to, do it. The same street or beach or room will have a different feel on different days, especially if the weather changes often. And your mood can shift as well from day to day. Return to a location with an open mind for a second look and you may be surprised to find not only are the characters involved different, the feel of the place is different too.

Conveying emotion in photography is a surefire way to help your work connect with those viewing it. It will help lift the quality of your work and give it more punch. Before you hit the shutter release next time, think to yourself, “What emotion am I trying to convey?”

Read more: http://www.digital-photography-school.com/adding-emotion-and-feeling-to-photographs#ixzz1CFjDOaWd

Monday, January 24, 2011

Help with a focal point

Lack of a focal point

Family building a snowman.
Although this photo presents a stunning winter landscape, the family becomes lost amidst the competing scenery.


A cropped photo of the family building a snowman
By cropping, the family reclaims the spotlight and the photo still captures some of the picturesque surroundings.

Even an image that possesses many qualities of a great photo (sharp focus, accurate colors, correct lighting) can be compromised by lacking an obvious focal point or main subject.


What causes it

* Shooting your subject against a busy or competing background or foreground.
* Trying to fit too much into one picture. (The entire family, the scenery, and a famous landmark are too much for a single vacation photo.)
* Taking a photo from far away, making your subject too small to be an obvious focal point.



How to prevent it

* Physically move closer to your subject.
* Use your camera's zoom feature.
* Before you snap your shot, ask yourself: "What is the main subject of this photo?" and "Does my subject fill the frame?"


How to fix it

* Cropping allows you to eliminate unnecessary or unwanted elements from your photo, bringing the focus back to the main subject. Use cropping to "zoom" in on your photo after you've taken it.
* Several HP printers, such as the HP Photosmart Plus e-All-in-One, let you crop photos directly from the printer's TouchSmart screen—no PC required.

* Learn more about improving photos with cropping.


- HP Digital Photography

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Welcome to all!

Welcome to all and we are relaunching this blog.

I am going to try to give you the latest and most relevant information to you about choosing your photographer, offers we have and special tips that can help you take your own pictures. I hope to give you a wealth of information that will benefit you. If you have any questions that you would like answered on the subject of photography or portraits let me know and I will address them as I get them.

I look forward in posting articles that will help everyone out.

Invite all your friends to keep tune for the next step here.

Have a great day!
Cindy

Monday, August 2, 2010

Model opportunity

I am looking for a a couple newborns between the ages of 5 day and two weeks. If you are interested in getting a session with the opportunity to get the copy rights of your pictures. Let me know.

952-239-5635

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Christmas is almost here!

It may not be time yet for your opening of your presents but It is time to get your photos taken so you can get your holiday cards ordered. Times are filling up. call today. 952-239-5635

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

On location

I will travel on location shoots for weddings and events. I may be traveling to North Carolina and would love to come photograph your wedding also. Prominence Photography Wedding service love to serve you and would love to share that special day with you.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Prominence Photography Miracle of Birth


I am about to leave for a Miracle of Birth session. I love love love being there for the birth. Give me a call and I can be there for you also.