SnapSquad Photographer Marketplace: May 2018

Finding A Photographer Fast And Easy With SnapSquad

By SnapSquad - May 26, 2018

Did you watch the wedding? Of course I mean Prince Harry & Meghan’s wedding. I have scrolled through pictures of the event on internet and there are so many amazing ones. I can’t wait to see the official family photo taken by a professional photographer of the bride and groom’s choice. And so you are thinking that, obviously, Prince Harry and his duchess of Essex not only have the necessary budget to build up a dream wedding album but they are also well connected to professional photographers to do the perfect job for them. That’s when SnapSquad comes with great news: So do you!

Find a Professional Photographer Fast and Easy

SnapSquad saves you time and lots of hassle looking at photographers windows in your town and asking friends or business acquaintances for recommendations.

SnapSquad is a website with a worldwide reach where photographers are for hire. All you have to do is select the city or region where you are going to need your photo shoot and you will find a selection of professional photographers sharing their profile, revealing their personality, style and speciality.

Find a Professional Photographer for your Own Style

Once you feel for one photographers profile, you can scroll through their extensive photo gallery and make a final decision.

Find a Professional Photographer for Your Budget and Time

With SnapSquad you can easily filter prices to suit your pocket. You will be able to afford the services of a photographer. As you’ll make contact with their photographers, SnapSquad will make it easy for you to come to the best agreement with one of them when it comes to the price and date, along with other details that are important to you. Once satisfied, SnapSquad will allow you an easy, no sweat payment through the website and VOILA!

Find your Speciality Photographer at One Address

You need a photographer to shoot a family event, a commercial event, fashion shoot or any occasion, you will find it under one address: www.snapsquad.io

Now that you know how easy and convenient it is to find a professional photographer suited to you, and why not create a great album or portfolio more often?

Author: Annie R. Teo

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Interview

SNAPSQUAD INTERVIEWS KYLE MILLER

By SnapSquad - May 20, 2018

I met Kyle a few years ago while we were both living in Austin, Texas. We went on some fun photography adventures together- capturing the Austin skyline by night, bohemian fashion shoots in the Austin greenbelt, and discovered a hidden Buddhist temple in the hill country. I loved spontaneous photoshoots with Kyle because he was always down to grab his camera and join me. I always knew Kyle was talented but I am entirely blown away by what he has conquered since our Austin days. After moving to California and working in finance, he picked up his things and set off on a world wide adventure. Since then he has travelled to 28 countries and is continuing to explore off the beaten path wonders of the world.

The Interview:

As someone who has watched your photography skills grow immensely, it's very impressive to see how far you've come! When did you find yourself beginning to become interested in photography?

For me, photography has always been linked to travel. My passion for photography really took off when on my first big backpacking trip a few summers ago - a month in Guatemala and Honduras. I was experiencing so many new things; people, places, culture. I was entranced by it all and wanted to capture the details to help remember my best times on the road.

You've been traveling the world for almost a year now. What kind of photography projects are you doing on your travels?

I have done a couple of projects lately via Instagram with Forbes; taking followers on journeys to both Vietnam and Nepal. Other than that, I shoot for many luxury hotels in exchange for free room and board - this helps keep costs down on the road while living well and staying rested.

What is your favorite equipment to use and why?

I love my Sigma Art Series 24mm 1.4. It shoots really well in low light, and captures colors unlike any lens I’ve ever had. With color being one of the things my work is best known for, its important that my images look vibrant straight out of the camera.

What do you find the most difficult in being a freelance photographer? And the perks?

Honestly, I struggle most with marketing myself. All of the jobs and publicity I get usually come from people reaching out to me. I need to spend more time reaching out to companies and putting myself out there. I suppose that while I am on the road, I really just want to focus on being in the moment.

We love your street photography and portraits from your travels. Have you come up with a method of how to approach people to ask them to photograph them?

For street portraits, I usually just smile and ask, “may I take your photo?”. Often times, I cannot speak the same language as my subjects - this can complicate things a bit. But, a friendly smile and a gesture with my camera are usually returned with a smile and head nod. Once I take a few images, I always show my subject the photos on my camera. This usually results in excitement and enthusiasm. If I am lucky, the subject will ask me to take more photos - these usually turn out the best!

How to you make sure you're respectful of other cultures when you are out and about taking photos?

For things of this nature, the internet is a fantastic place to start for research. But, that’s not where your research should end. Once you get to the country, ask around. The locals are usually very happy to inform people who are making an honest effort to be respectful. And, as always, make sure you ask for permission before taking photos of people while traveling.

What are your future travel plans? Do you think you see yourself settling down a bit soon?

I am planning to travel to more challenging locations soon. As I write this, I am in the midst of a Middle East trip. I want to explore more of the Middle East as well as Africa soon. Last month, I went on my first trek - the Annapurna Circuit of Nepal. I loved it! I want to do more big hikes, currently eyeing Patagonia. As far as settling down, its hard to say. As exhausting as it can be, I absolutely love life on the road.

What is your absolute favorite thing to photograph? Which time of day?

That’s quite a tough question to answer… I tend to go through phases depending on where I am traveling. Sometimes I find myself seeking out street photography and portraiture, while other times I want quiet solitude - shooting peaceful nature scenes on a mountain or in a forest somewhere. Regardless, my favorite time to shoot is sunrise. The soft, golden light paints everything it touches and makes for vibrant colors and dramatic shadows.

You started the 5DollarStories Campaign when we met several years ago in Austin. Do you have any other photo projects in the works for the future?

Honestly, not at the moment - but I do want to get back to using photography as a philanthropic medium. I find it hard to come up with ways to do this while on the road, as I move places every few days. Once I head home to Texas for a break from travel, I plan to have a long think about how I can help make a difference once again.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting out with photography, what would it be?

Stay away from using social media as a way to mark your progress. It can be easy to get into the mindset of attributing ‘likes’ to images quality. The amount of Instagram likes an image gets doesn’t really matter all that much. Focus on what you want to shoot and create - don’t shoot to please others or for positive affirmation from your peers.

Interviewed by: Caitlin Collins

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Architectural Photography

PHOTOGRAPHING LARGE BUILDINGS

By SnapSquad - May 17, 2018

Summer holidays are back! Something to celebrate, look forward to and prepare, together with your
camera bag. I am not exactly sure where I am going to go yet, as I am still hesitating between visiting friends and aiming towards more unchartered routes. Still, no matter where I or you are going to end up, there will most likely be buildings, monuments, towers or even light houses that will belong in your travel album; so here are a few points to refresh a memory that may have hibernated for the last few months.

What time for the best lighting?

As always with photography you’ll have to do a little planning to do your shooting under the best possible lighting at the least crowded time. Early morning light is usually the best; somehow it feels like the purest. An early morning shoot will also mean that most people may still be in bed and that the building may be all yours to take. A word of warning though, do make sure that early morning light is the one you need for the angle you want to take!

Sunsets call for a different form of photography. The building will have to stand between you, your camera on a tripod and the setting sun light. To darken the foreground, set your exposure compensation to a negative value. With your camera on the tripod, you will be able set it to a low ISO while using a wide aperture and a long exposure to take lights effects all in.

What do you find interesting in that building?

In relation with the above (correct lighting), dig your thoughts a little bit deeper than the initial emotion that made you grab your camera. What is it that really makes you tick in that building? Is it the whole of it? Is it a particular angle? A particular detail? Letting the structure and its elements talk to you will help you with your photo composition.

Are you keeping the lines?

Always pay attention to the horizon and all the lines, horizontal and vertical. Keep the horizon of the photograph to line up horizontally with the base of the building. In order to achieve that, you may simply want position yourself some further distance away from the building or pick a higher spot to keep sight of the horizontal base of the construction.

Are you working on the perspective?

You could play with adding a special perspective to your picture, using what is near-by: a car, a tree, a bench that would convey a sense of scale of the building; or you may instead want it to stand against an empty background? Yet, sometimes you’ll just have to be creative and perhaps acrobatic too. You may not be able to avoid a crowded front to the building, find a more distant or higher view point and you’ll have to tilt your camera and shoot straight up. The acrobatic part will probably come when you want to keep the lines! And if you can’t manage this last part, do not despair, you can work around it and adjust the perspective with photoshop.

A word on Architectural photography.

Professional architectural photography is a very skilled field with lots of complexities where the photographer must bring out the artistic beauty as well as the soul of the building: for what purpose was it built? Why was it abandoned? Etc… Questions which the amateur photographer too may use to bring creativity to his/her photograph.

Author: Annie R. Teo

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Interview

SNAPSQUAD INTERVIEW WITH BECKLEY & Co

By SnapSquad - May 14, 2018

Rebecca Patton (Photo Above), the founder of BECKLEY & Co., is a Dallas based photographer specializing in bloggers, events, lifestyle portraits, and branding photography. Not only has she built up quit the reputation with her remarkable imagery and distinct style, but she also offers photography and editing tips along with consulting.

The Interview:

First of all, I'm a BIG fan, and have big watching your photography career excel over the years. I learned that your background wasn't always photography. How did you make the switch from what you studied in University to being a full time photographer?

My background is in science - ever since I was little I planned on and studied to be a physical therapist. I have always loved photography and built up a small photography business in college just to pay for little extra things. That developed into BECKLEY & Co. that I labeled a “hobby” until I was applying to graduate school for physical therapy and my husband (then fiancé) asked, “Why don’t you just be a photographer?” And I honestly didn’t know I was allowed to do that. But it made so much sense. I quit all three jobs I was working at the time and never looked back. I think I was meant to do this.

Darling Magazine x Lou & Grey Dinner at Americano

How do most of your clients find you? Do you think social media channels like Instagram plays a big role?

Instagram is huge, but so is living in a city like Dallas where people are eager to help others succeed. I think it’s half social media and half just being out and about and talking to strangers, making connections much more quickly than waiting around for emails to come through.

You have a very consistent editing style that people truly admire. How long did it take you to narrow down what appeals to you as well as worked for your clients? Was it years of trial and error?

I used to be a little more free with how I edited, but BECKLEY is a business and it’s not a place for me to be self-indulgent. It has its own personality and brand, and I’ve always had a clear vision of what that is. It took me about two years to hit a good stride in my editing, but it will always be an ongoing process. Because I work with a lot of bloggers who have their own brands and personalties, I edit a little differently for each client, but I try to keep it clean, clear, and match the mood of whatever scene I am capturing.

Lauren Johnson @discodaydream

How do you challenge yourself as a photographer? What do you find the most difficult to photograph?

I challenge myself to take a step back and try envisioning photos a few different ways rather than just diving in. I enjoy following a handful of photographers that I admire - usually people who don’t photograph exactly what I do, but people who exemplify elements I can work on. I love following Jordan Voth and A Sea of Love because I think they way they pose “candids” is nothing short of magical. I love following Melody Joy Co because she has such a moody, clean, consistent editing style that is so specific to her brand. I find product photos particularly difficult if I’ve had no time to prepare or brainstorm because… I honestly don’t find it very interesting if I have no connection to the brand or have any scene or story behind what I’m shooting.

What are some of the perks you find in working as a freelance photographer? Downfalls?

Perks: I love meeting and connecting with people, and I love what I do. Sometimes I get to travel for work and that’s pretty special too. I think my whole job is a perk.

Downfalls: I love what I do and I’m not that great at setting boundaries, so when I’m overbooked, exhausted, and stressed, that’s on me. But I still love it so I just drink an extra coffee or five and get it done.

Lauren Johnson @discodaydream

As a freelance photographer, many people don't know how much work goes into the back end business side of things. Do you use a good software that helps you with financing, invoices, etc.?

There’s a website called 17Hats that my brother showed me when I was just starting out. Life saver. It’s connected to my billing, calendar, emails, time tracking, etc. If you’re running your own business, check it out.

If you had the option, what would you like to shoot more of?

I’d love to shoot more lifestyle moments. Real, curated moments of people getting together for an al fresco dinner or cute homemade brunch. That’s what I’m truly passionate about - capturing moments that are intentionally beautiful, but are genuine and real. An intersection of food and events and happy people.

Amy Jackson @fashion_jackson

A lot of times it is difficult to explain to non-photographers why the prices are what they are. How do you validate your prices to clients?

Luckily most of my clients are people I have worked with for some time, so we’ve built a relationship and they know how hard I work for them.

What camera equipment can you not live without? What editing software is your all time favorite?

I shoot with a Canon 5D Mark III, so obviously I cannot live without my camera, but my 50mm lens has a truly special place in my heart. We go everywhere together, it’s how I see the world, and it’s what I shoot with probably 80% of the time. A 50mm lens is pretty close to how our eyes see the world with little distortion, so sometimes I am talking to someone and realize that I’ve been cropping them in my mind as I would shoot them with my 50mm - that’s how tight we are.

My favorite editing software is Lightroom on my desktop, but never underestimate the power of the apps Snapseed and VSCO.

Do you have any advice for someone starting out in the industry?

Go talk to people. Be genuine and know what you want and don’t be afraid to ask for it or for help getting there. Don’t pay attention to what other people are doing. Read books and magazines because you can have a genuine reaction to an article or photograph without being swayed by the seventy-six comments that came before yours. Be true to yourself, you can’t please everyone, and don’t be afraid to hustle hard. And make friends with baristas and bar tenders because they know everyone and they’re usually amazingly interesting individuals.

Amy Jackson @fashion_jackson

Interviewed by: Caitlin Collins

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Night Photography

WILDLIFE NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY - SHOOTING FROGS BY NIGHT

By SnapSquad - May 05, 2018

I recently went on an exciting trail in Borneo, a night trail! If not for our experienced guide, I probably wouldn’t have noticed that branches around me were so busy with life: quite a number of stick insects for a start, with even a winged one with elegant hues of pink and black!, a few tree frogs, a bamboo snake (armless) making its way balancing from twig to twig and even a beautiful green snail climbing up a trunk (our guide said it is quite common).

Not so many of us can or even want to make it to the tropical jungle of Borneo, so why not revisit your garden or your nearest park at night and see what your camera lens can catch? Only last night I happened to sight a frog carrying her little one on her back, and guess what? I didn’t have my camera with me!

So here are a few tips to take pictures of amazing frogs:

WHERE AND HOW TO FIND FROGS?

Again you don’t need a tropical jungle to find interesting frogs. Those little mostly nocturnal creatures love wet places, drains, ponds, rivers of course, so look for such a place and listen for the sound of music. All you’ll have to do is follow the direction of the colony singing or the single frog’s calling, never forgetting to progress in slow motion if you want to catch sight of any of your subjects and not scare everyone away.

WHAT ABOUT THE EQUIPMENT?

A 100mm macro lens will do the job (as with bugs, snakes, lizards….)

You will need your flash light and if you worry that you may stress or even hurt frogs with it, you may have to resort to being a bit creative; and beside, if you simply shoot a close up of your nocturnal subject with the flash on the hot-shoe, the lens will block part of the light and you will get unattractive results.

Some experienced photographers, like Neil Jernigan, fit their flash light with a soft diffuser box they equip (here comes creativity!) with a pocket flash light which frog seem not to mind at all. This type of equipment will eliminate harsh light on the frog.

In order to direct your flash light onto the frog with one hand and hold your camera with the other (unless you have an assistant) you could purchase a not too expensive wireless transmitter that fits on top of the camera.

Since your surroundings may not allow you to use a tripod, you will have to remember to keep a steady hand. Shaking will affect your picture negatively

WHAT SHUTTER SPEED AND WHAT APERTURE?

As always with photography and with live creatures, both practise and patience are key words. Still, here are a couple of examples for frogs photographed at night:

Shutter 120/s aperture F6.3 ISO 200

Shutter 1/100 aperture F/6.3 ISO 400

A large aperture and a higher ISO will make the camera more sensitive to light, hence reducing the need of a strong flash light.

Author: Annie R. Teo

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Finding A Photographer Fast And Easy With SnapSquad

SNAPSQUAD INTERVIEWS KYLE MILLER

PHOTOGRAPHING LARGE BUILDINGS

SNAPSQUAD INTERVIEW WITH BECKLEY & Co

WILDLIFE NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY - SHOOTING FROGS BY NIGHT

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