Simple Project Timer/ Tracker

One of the most useful tools I use as a freelance photographer is not a camera or a lens.

Rather, the most useful tool in my photography arsenal as of late has been a simple project tracker which I developed using Google Sheets. This tracker allows me to keep track of how much time I spend working on a project either in the field or in front of the computer.

Whether you are learning to budget your time or making sure to provide clients with accurate billing information a resource like this can prove especially helpful.

Photo Competitions Calendar

One thing I encourage my students to do before they leave my class is enter a photography contest. Not only is it beneficial for putting their work out there, but there is always the chance they might win big.

I will be the first to admit, however, all the research and prep work associated with entering any type of contest can sometimes discourage ones desire to participate.

So to make life just a little easier for myself and others, I have created a calendar with contest deadlines and links to the official contest websites. Though entry fees vary by contest I have also taken the liberty of labeling those that are free to enter with the color green.

Misaellaneous Blog Relaunch

I have neglected my blog long enough...

This neglect, however, was not without reason. In the last five years I've kept myself busy winning an Emmy Award, working as a staff photographer at The San Diego Union Tribune, getting married, going back to school and earning a teaching credential, having a kid, quitting my job at the newspaper, becoming a photography teacher, starting a Youtube Channel, traveling around the world and gathering experiences to share with all of you.

My 'Best of 2012' Collection

It has been a year since I started this blog. Here is a look at some of my favorite assignments of 2012. I look forward to what 2013 has in store. Happy New Year!

Zoo Photography Tips: Top 7

A lion paces back and forth as the sun sets on his den at the
world famous San Diego Zoo.
This summer I spent a generous amount of time visiting my hometown zoo, the San Diego Zoo. My girlfriend and I got our year memberships in early April. Zoo’s are unlike any other environment. The variety of exotic animals all existing in the same place, can make animal photography very rewarding. But shooting in such and enclosed environment can present itself with its own set of challenges and difficulties. So here are a few zoo photography tips for you.

Studio Time with Tyler

My friend Tyler called me up last week to tell me he wanted to get his picture taken.
Tyler is also a photographer and a CSUN alumni so it didn’t take long before I was able to bring him into the studio and make it happen.
Most of Tyler’s upper body is covered in awesome tattoos so this was a great opportunity to show case them. We began by experimenting with an orange background to match Tyler’s outgoing personality.
Halfway through the shoot, however, we decided to take a complete 360 degree turn with navy blue for a more down to earth feel.
The energy in the room was high and creativity seemed to flow quite well as music from A Day to Remember flooded to studio. Being that I am still fairly new at studio photography, I saw this as a great opportunity to put to practice a few of the lighting concepts I learned in my Advertising Photography class over the semester.
Overall I’d say it was a pretty successful shoot, but I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves. Here are some of the photos of last weeks shoot with Tyler Ross.

Welcoming the Canon EOS 5D Mark II to the family

A look at my new 21.1 megapixel, full-frame, with full HD
video, digital box with a hole.

Its been a long time coming but I finally have new gear! I had been shooting with a Nikon D40X for about five years now. This little camera withstood a lot from me! Its small body and price is what caught my attention as a novice photographer five years ago. Although it saddens me to put my sweetheart to rest, I am proud to be the new owner of a Canon ESO 5D Mark II.

I am usually not one to worry about the tech specs of my equipment but as my photography progresses ensuring the quality of my photographs has become more and more important to me.

I believe every type of camera produces a particular image unique in its quality. Some may label it as better or worse while I simply like to see things as different. With new technologies becoming more available it gets easier to forget a camera is simply a dark box with a hole. So why spend thousands of dollars on a piece of equipment you can actually make yourself?