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.