10 Common Questions I Get As A Photographer
I get asked on a pretty regular basis on what photo editing software I use, what lenses I recommend, who I use for prints, etc... so I thought I would put together some answers and frequently asked questions in one spot.
If you are just starting out, I hope this helps a bit! I am an affiliate with some of the companies I am listing below because I love them that much, so please be sure to use the referral links below.
1. What photo editing software do I use?
Adobe Photoshop / Creative Cloud
I use Adobe Creative Cloud, this is just under $10 a month and includes both Photoshop and Lightroom. I don't use Lightroom as much as Photoshop, but to have both options available to me is amazing. I will also add that to use the majority of the products and tutorials that I offer, you will need Adobe Photoshop Creative Cloud (or Adobe Photoshop CS2-6).
2. What digital camera do I shoot with?
I shoot with a Nikon D800 currently. I love Nikon but I equally love Canon as I have a Canon film camera that I use from time to time. I also shot with the Canon 5D Mark III and swooned, I almost switched completely over and still debate on it from time to time.
3. What lenses do I use for portrait photography?
Honestly, my lenses change with what type of sessions I am shooting. I will say that I typically shoot every session with a wide angle option (my 24-70mm 2.8) and a prime lens. (85mm 1.8, 105mm 1.4)
If you currently have a 50mm (which is what I started out with) or even a kit lens, you can rock with what you have got until you are able to get one of the lenses I mentioned above. I also recommend renting lenses to get a feeling of what you want.
BorrowLenses is one of the companies I use when renting my lenses and camera gear.
Searching for an online photoshop class?
I recommend my Breakdown for Beginners course before taking any other courses. This is a series of video tutorials that break down the tools that I use and also how to apply actions to your images.
4. Who do I order my photo prints through?
Mpix.com.
6. How do I add skies in photoshop?
I have a great tutorial that I share here.
7. Do I offer templates for photographers?
I do not; however, I do use Design Aglow's blog templates from time to time and I love them. I also have used their marketing templates with my client work.
8. Do I shoot weddings?
I do not. I started out shooting weddings but fell madly in love with capturing families and children so I made the switch to specialize over five years ago.
9. Do I offer to mentor?
While I don't currently offer one on one mentoring, I have many avenues available for you to learn what I do. I have in-person workshops that I do every year and I have many online workshops that teach how I process my images. Also, I have a forum where you can get more specific feedback on your own images, Exposure by Jean.
10. How to advertise a photography business.
As an introvert and shy person, I struggled to talk about my business. Despite that, I still would pass out cards, visit wedding boutique shops and reach out to vendors etc. After trying to build momentum again and again I changed up my strategy. I stopped chasing clients and eventually, they started chasing me. See I stopped worrying about my logo and business cards and start focussing on my product. I discovered ways to give my clients something unique with every session. Now I have a large list of regular clients all over the US and locally. To see how did it click here.
How To Create Great Portraits On A Budget
Here's a fun little video we shot of myself taking portraits in my living room by the window. Even if you don't have hardwood floors you can still create the effect on a budget. Enjoy!
To learn how to edit photos check out our Photoshop Basics Course. For advanced editing and post-processing check out The Create Workshop.
15 Responses
Cameo
Thanks for this site and post. I’m trying to get back into an old love for cameras. I haves Nikon 5100 and a cano t6 . Y lens came with the cameras and have been looking for more portrait friendly lens. I’m also into landscape, so in essence I just want to capture life. I’m so excited but afraid of the overall cost. I look forward to following your future post for grounding!!
Pat
Thank you so much for sharing all this wonderful information for us. This is so awesome. Your work is amazing. Again Thank you?
Linda cobarrubias
Very interested in your in person workshops and photoshop tutorials
Lois Maurice (Jane)
I love taking candid, action, special effects, and landscape shots using my Canon EOS Rebel DSLR. I put my photos to use in a combination of digi-scrapbooking and prints after enhancing using Adobe Photoshop Elements. I learn Digi-scrapping and enhancements from National Assoc. of Digital Scrapbookers (NAODS). I look forward to learning here, as well. Thank you for providing a great showplace and learning place.
Tiffany
Thank you for sharing! I am really looking forward to checking out all your tutorials that I’m sure will guide me in the right direction.
Lisa
Thank you very much for your input and ideas. I am looking forward to all the tip you can give especially on Photoshop.
Tammy Lease
Hello! Thank you for all this wonderful advice. I have a Nikon L810 what would be a good lenses would work best for it? Thank you again so much
Jasie McNeill
I have Lightroom and adobe creative cloud. Just got them recently and my cc says I’m out of storage hoe can that Be if I pay monthly.
Jenniffer Jackson
Love your work … your photos are so alive !! color, sharp and very creative love it love it!!!
Desiree Laspata
Thank you so much for sharing all of this information! I have had such a love for photography since high school but was always scared to go for it. My husband has been encouraging me for years and bought me a camera but I wasn’t ready until recently. I started doing some reasearch to learn more and came across your Facebook page. This is so helpful for someone like me. You are so talented!
ariana
hi Jackie your work is beautiful , I have a Question In regards to the cameras, what do you recommend for a beginners camera? I want to upgrade but still in the process of learning and I’m in a limbo with which camera to buy/upgrade ? Any suggestions
Jeaneyse
I have tried to learn PS on my own, but realized I needed help. Your tutorials have been very helpful. Thank you for sharing!!
Linda Flanagan
Your photos are amazing. I just recently subscribed to Photoshop and also have light room. I find myself going straight to photoshop and just touching up wit LR. I would love to learn what ever you have to teach.
sherri cox
Thank you Jackie, this was so helpful. I hope to soon be able to participate on every level, looking forward to your tutorials and tips. Hope to have more time soon!
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Mary Lively
November 16, 2018
Thank you so much for the information you provide. I love photographing children, but have my own business and have never had the time to put into learning a lot about portraits. Nearing retirement, and having two little granddaughters now, I was looking for that “perfect” place to get information. And that is YOU! You are so gracious to give people such great information that you have acquired. I will never be in the photography business, but it is so nice having someone like you to learn from for my personal use! You are a blessing!