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 In the competitive world of photography, building a successful career involves more than just taking stunning photos. Establishing a robust professional network can be just as if not even more crucial. In this article, I'll explore the importance of networking in the photography industry and share tips and strategies that have helped me over the years build meaningful and valuable connections. Why Networking Matters in Photography
Tips and Strategies for NetworkingAttend Industry Events Participate in photography workshops, conferences, and trade shows that relate to your specific niche to meet like-minded individuals. For example, because I shoot alot of cosplay photography I personally love events like Comic-Con because they offer opportunities to connect with potential clients, collaborators and partners. If your niche is car photography you should be hitting up every local car show you can. Join Online Communities Participate in online forums, Facebook groups, and other social media platforms where photographers share ideas, advice, and job opportunities. Learn how to grow your following with Facebook groups and triple your website traffic with Pinterest. Create Engaging Content Share your knowledge and expertise by creating content such as TicTok videos, blog posts (great for SEO), tutorials, and engaging Instagram Reels. This can help you attract a wider audience and establish yourself as an authority in the field. Connect with Local Professionals Reach out to other local photographers, modeling agencies, B&B owners, and other industry professionals. For instance, try researching the best local modeling agencies and see if they are open to collaborating on future projects. Many modeling agencies have new talent that need headshots and would be happy to collab with a local photographer. Maintain Relationships Don't forget to maintain and strengthen your existing connections. Keep in touch with your contacts through social media, email, or in-person meetings. Offer support and share valuable information when possible, and don't hesitate to ask for advice or help when needed. Offer Your Skills in Exchange for Networking Opportunities If you're new to the industry or looking to expand your network, consider offering your photography services for free or at a discounted rate to local businesses or charities. This can help you gain exposure and connect with potential clients or collaborators. Follow and Engage with Industry Influencers Follow and interact with leading photographers, makeup artists, studios, and fashion designers on social media platforms like Instagram. Engage with their content and join discussions to gain insights and build connections. For inspiration, check out these 10 makeup artists and 15 fashion designers on Instagram. Network Beyond Your Industry Expand your network by connecting with professionals outside the photography industry, such as event planners, studio owners, B&B owners, local publishers, business owners, or marketing specialists. These connections can lead to unexpected opportunities and help you grow as a professional. Be Genuine and Authentic When networking, be genuine and authentic. No need to act, just be yourself. Show genuine interest in others, ask questions, and listen carefully. This will help you build meaningful and long-lasting relationships. Keep Learning and Sharing Your Knowledge Continuously invest in your professional development by attending workshops, reading articles, listening to podcasts and staying updated on industry trends. Share your knowledge with your network, as this can help you establish yourself as an expert and strengthen your connections. In conclusion Networking is an essential aspect of building a successful photography career. Hard Fact: I personally know many photographers that honestly aren't that talented but remain very successful just because they know the right people and on the flip side I know extremely talented photographers who aren't successful simply because they put zero effort into networking. By attending industry events, engaging with online communities, and connecting with local professionals, you can expand your network and create new opportunities. Remember to be genuine, authentic, and always willing to learn and share your expertise with others. Happy networking!
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 Introduction to Dark Academia Dark Academia is a popular aesthetic that combines vintage fashion, old-world charm, and a passion for literature and knowledge. This aesthetic has grown in popularity over the past few years, with social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok showcasing its beauty and mystique. Origins of Dark Academia Dark Academia's origins can be traced back to classic literature, gothic fiction, and films set in prestigious academic settings. The aesthetic embodies the romanticism of learning, with an emphasis on intellectual curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge. Aesthetic and ThemesThe Dark Academia aesthetic revolves around a color palette of dark, muted tones, such as black, navy, brown, and gray. It emphasizes traditional, timeless fashion and encourages the appreciation of antiques and vintage items. Additionally, the aesthetic often involves scholarly pursuits, such as reading, writing, and exploring the arts.  Photo by Lance Reis Vintage Fashion in Dark Academia To successfully adopt dark academia fashion, focus on quality garments that evoke a sense of nostalgia and curiosity, and pair them with well-chosen vintage accessories to complete your scholarly ensemble. Key Clothing Pieces To capture the essence of Dark Academia fashion, there are a few key clothing pieces that should be included in your wardrobe. Blazers and Coats Tailored blazers and overcoats in dark hues are staples of Dark Academia fashion. Look for pieces with classic patterns, such as herringbone or tweed, to add an extra touch of vintage charm.  Photo by Lance Reis Trousers and Skirts High-waisted trousers and skirts in dark colors, like black or gray, are must-haves. Plaid or checkered patterns can also add depth and interest to your outfit. Knitwear and Sweaters Cozy knitwear, such as turtlenecks and cable-knit sweaters, are perfect for capturing the essence of Dark Academia. Stick to darker colors and opt for high-quality materials like wool or cashmere. Vintage Dresses Flowy, vintage-inspired dresses in dark colors and earth tones, like browns and tans or deep reds and greens, can add a feminine touch to your Dark Academia wardrobe. Look for details like lace, ruffles, and intricate patterns to enhance the old-world charm.  Photo by Lance Reis What brands sell dark academia clothes? While there are no specific brands dedicated exclusively to dark academia fashion, there are many brands that offer pieces that can be incorporated into the aesthetic. Here are some brands that you can explore for dark academia clothing:
 Photo by Lance Reis Accessories in Dark AcademiaRemember that the key to dark academia fashion is to focus on timeless, classic, and sophisticated pieces and accessories. Mixing and matching items from the brands mentioned above, as well as incorporating vintage finds, can help you create a wardrobe that reflects the perfect dark academia aesthetic. Hats and Hair Accessories Wide-brimmed hats such as a newsboy cap, Gatsby cabbie hat, berets, and vintage hair clips can add a finishing touch to your Dark Academia ensemble. These accessories not only elevate your outfit but also emphasize the vintage aesthetic. Scarves and Gloves Classic scarves, such as wool or cashmere, and leather gloves can be stylish additions to your wardrobe. Choose dark, muted colors to maintain the Dark Academia theme.  Photo by Lance Reis Bags and Leather Goods Leather satchels, vintage briefcases, and aged-looking book bags are essential accessories for the Dark Academia aesthetic. These items not only serve a practical purpose but also help to create a cohesive, vintage-inspired look. Incorporating Antiques and Vintage Items In addition to clothing and accessories, Dark Academia also embraces the charm of antique and vintage items. Consider incorporating these items into your personal style, such as by wearing antique jewelry or using a vintage fountain pen. Timeless Elegance Dark Academia fashion is all about embracing the elegance of the past. By incorporating vintage pieces and paying attention to detail, you can achieve a look that exudes sophistication and old-world charm.  Photo by Lance Reis Embracing Dark Academia in Your Wardrobe By incorporating classic, vintage-inspired pieces in a muted color palette, you can create a sophisticated look that reflects your intellectual interests. Layering, attention to detail, and natural fabrics are essential elements in achieving this aesthetic. Finding Inspiration To begin incorporating Dark Academia into your wardrobe, start by looking for inspiration from books, films, and social media. Study the outfits and styling techniques of others who embrace this aesthetic to get a sense of what pieces and combinations work best.  Photo by Lance Reis Films for Dark Academia Fashion Inspiration If you're looking for Dark Academia fashion inspiration from films, here are some excellent choices:
These films not only provide a wealth of Dark Academia fashion inspiration, but they also capture the essence of the aesthetic through their storylines, settings, and focus on intellectual pursuits.  Photo by Lance Reis Shopping for Vintage Pieces Thrift stores, vintage shops, and online retailers are excellent sources for finding unique Dark Academia clothing and accessories. Keep an eye out for high-quality materials and classic designs that can be easily incorporated into your existing wardrobe. Styling Tips and Tricks When putting together a Dark Academia outfit, consider the following tips:
 Photo by Lance Reis Conclusion Dark Academia is a captivating aesthetic that combines vintage fashion with old-world charm. By incorporating key clothing pieces, accessories, and styling techniques, you can create a timeless wardrobe that embraces the elegance and sophistication of the past. Embrace your love for literature, knowledge, and vintage fashion as you explore the world of Dark Academia.
Whether you're looking for a suitable match on your favorite dating app or searching the web for a real estate agent to sell you your first home I want you to imagine seeing two identical photos. One with dull, unappealing, unprofessional imagery and the other with vibrant, captivating photographs. Which one would you be more likely to reach out to?
The power of branding photography cannot be understated. It's the first impression potential customers/clients have of your business and can make or break their decision to engage with your brand. But it's not just about having pretty pictures. It's about effectively communicating the essence of your brand through visual storytelling. The right photographer can help you craft a narrative that resonates with your target audience and sets you apart from the competition. Don't leave the success of your business to chance. Invest in a branding photography session and give your brand the visual impact it deserves. Let's work together to create a story that will leave a lasting impression on your audience. Let's elevate your brand to the next level. What is Branding Photography?
Your brand's visual identity is as crucial as its products or services. Branding photography helps. At it's core Branding photography is about capturing your brand's or company's essence in a photo through Professional business headshots, product photos, lifestyle photos, or corporate headshots. These all contribute to brand building.
Good branding photography will reflect your company's professionalism and friendliness. These images are used on company websites and social media to demonstrate trustworthiness. A good headshot can humanize your brand and connect with your audience. 
Branding Photography by Lance Reis
The Importance of Branding Photography
Now Imagine the power of a single image - one moment frozen in time, yet capable of evoking emotions and shaping perceptions. When it comes to building a strong brand, that image is your key to unlocking the hearts and minds of potential customers. The imagery you choose is the foundation upon which your brand will stand, and studies have proven that people are more likely to remember a picture than a piece of text.
This is where branding photography comes in - it's the art of capturing the essence of your brand in a single shot, or a series of shots that tell a story. A good branding photographer is a master of technical skill, artistic vision, and understanding of your brand, who can create images that are not only visually stunning but truly representative of your brand. Make sure your brand story is told through the lens of a pro. 
Branding Photography by Lance Reis
The Role of Photography in Building Trust
In today's world, first impressions are everything. And when it comes to building trust with potential customers and clients, the imagery you use can make all the difference. The truth is, people are more likely to trust a brand or business that appears professional, polished, and well-established. And that's where high-quality branding photography comes in. It's the secret weapon in your arsenal that can elevate your brand, and make you stand out from the competition.
Think of it this way, when a customer visits your website, they are immediately greeted by the photographs that represent your business. These images are the gatekeepers to their trust, and they will form an immediate impression of your business based on what they see. High-quality, well-crafted images that are visually stunning, will not only grab their attention but also convey the message that your business is professional, credible, and trustworthy. On the other hand, if your images are poorly lit, poorly composed, or out of focus, it's likely to leave a negative impression, and you'll lose the customer's trust before you even had a chance to make your pitch. So, elevate your brand and make sure your first impression is a lasting one with the power of professional branding photography. 
Branding Photography by Lance Reis
Choosing the Right Photographer
It's not just about catching the moment when picking a photographer for your branding photo shoot or business headshots; it's also about capturing the essence of your brand. Therefore, it's essential to pick a photographer who not only has experience in branding photography but also is aware of your brand, goals, and target audience. Finding the ideal photographer is like finding the yin to your yang, or peanut butter to your jelly.
You should first check through the photographer's portfolio to identify your fit. An excellent branding photographer will have a portfolio that demonstrates their prowess in producing striking visuals that convey a company's story. Pay attention to the different brands and companies they have collaborated with as well as the photographic techniques they use. Are the images cheerful and energetic or melancholy and dark? Are all of the images taken either on location or in a studio with a plain background? Are their images heavily edited or lightly retouched? This can help you determine whether their aesthetic fits with your brand. An excellent branding photographer will take the time to learn about your company, your target market, and your brand's core principles. With this knowledge, they will produce photographs that are customized to your particular requirements and goals. This is essential since the visuals they produce will serve as your brand's face, and you want them to be the best representation possible. Find a photographer that not only has the knowledge, but also the experience and talents, to bring the story of your brand to life. Take your time, do your homework. 
Branding Photography by Lance Reis
Creating the Perfect Photo Shoot
Once you've found the perfect match in a branding photographer, it's time to start planning your photo shoot. A picture is worth a thousand words, and each one of those words should be representative of your brand. The key to creating the perfect branding photography is to make sure that every image tells your brand's story.
The first step in planning your photo shoot is to decide on the type of imagery you want to create. Will it be product shots that show off the craftsmanship and attention to detail? Or will it be team photos that showcase the people behind the brand? Or perhaps, lifestyle shots that put your products in action, showing how they make life easier and more beautiful. The possibilities are endless, and the choice is yours. But it's not just about the imagery, it's also about the setting. The location and lighting play a crucial role in shaping the mood and atmosphere of the photos. Choose a location that is representative of your brand, whether it's a sleek urban setting or a natural outdoor setting. And pay close attention to the lighting, whether natural or artificial, it should be carefully chosen to create the right mood and atmosphere. With the right imagery, location, and lighting, your branding photography will be more than just pictures, they will be visual storytellers that will leave a lasting impression on your audience. So, let's start planning, and create the perfect visual representation of your brand. 
Who Needs Branding Photography?
All entrepreneurs and business owners both big and small that need help building their brand and image can benefit from a branding photoshoot. That being said, you don’t have to be a business owner to benefit from branding photography. These days everyone is a brand and we are constantly branding ourselves online whether we realize it or not. How do you want to be perceived online on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or your favorite dating app? That is where branding comes in.
How much does branding photography cost?
All the personal branding photographers that I know charge anywhere from $500 to $6,000 per session depending on their skill and what they offer. For example, a session fee might be $1,700 and include 10-15 high-resolution edited images with an option to purchase additional images for $50 per image and additional retouching for $75 per image. You can find my pricing HERE
Branding Photography by Lance Reis
Conclusion
In summary, branding photography is the best tool you have in the toolbox for creating a powerful brand for your company. How potential customers perceive your business will without a doubt depend on the imagery you use to represent it. Your audience will remember your brand more clearly if it is visually represented in a professional way.
Working with a professional photographer who not only possesses the technical know-how and aesthetic vision but also a knowledge of your business is essential if you want to ensure that your branding photography is a success. Creating product images that highlight the craftsmanship, corporate headshots that personalize the business, or lifestyle images that show your products in use are a few examples of how to do this. In order to establish the proper mood and environment that is consistent with your business, choosing the proper location and lighting is also crucial. As you can see, the choice to invest in branding photography can make or break your company or brand. Now is your chance to highlight the distinctive character and values of your brand. When investing in professional business headshots the same care and consideration should be given as you would with any other part of your brand. Other Articles
 Insane ‘Aquaman 2’ Cosplay and Photography - Move over Jason Momoa If you've been on social media today you've probably noticed headlines like, Jason Momoa enjoyed a $12 million pay rise for reprising his role in the second Aquaman movie, while Amber Heard's $2 million paycheck for the role of Mera stayed the same for the sequel. or The president of DC Films testified Tuesday that the studio considered replacing Amber Heard for “Aquaman 2” out of concern that she lacked chemistry with star Jason Momoa. or Amber Heard witness may have accidentally dropped Aquaman 2 spoilers at Johnny Depp trial. or Jason Momoa and James Wan reportedly blocked efforts to cut Amber Heard out of Aquaman 2. While Aquaman is trending I thought now would be a great time to share my photoshoot with Billy Dunston. Billys Aquaman Costume is so good that the last photo shoot we did was featured in numerous articles with headlines like: This Cosplayer Looks Just Like Jason Momoa's Aquaman  Photography by Lance Reis | You May Also Like: Cosplay Tips For Beginners Before I photographed Billy as Aquaman I photographed him as Adam Hunter from the classic video game Streets of Rage 4 and we broke the internet with that shoot as well with headlines like: This Streets of Rage 4 Cosplayer Absolutely Nails Adam Hunter.  Photo by Lance Reis Billy is not only a very talented model in Portland but also an actor and all around badass. It's always a pleasure shooting with him. Now, while you patiently wait for Chris Hemsworth, & Christian Bale in Thor: Love and Thunder I hope you enjoy these Aquaman Cosplay Photos. Makeup by: @trystaleekelleymua. Let us know what you think in the comments below and connect with me on Instagram HERE. All Photos owned by Lance Reis, feel free to use any of these photos in your articles but please link to my website or Instagram. | You May Also Like: Portland Photographer transforms kids into iconic movie characters. | You May Also Like: The 10 best websites for Cosplay Costumes & Props  Squire's Castle, Ohio / Credit: Brad Hartig - BTH Photography As a photographer in Portland Oregon I am always Scouting locations for future photo shoots. If you glanced at my google maps you'd see countless pins scattered all over the united states. Location Scouting is very time consuming, there's a reason why it's a career all on it's own but I really enjoy doing it so today I'm going to share with you what I found. Whether you are a film maker or photographer like me looking for locations or just obsessed with castles, there is something on this list for everyone. Check out these 33 beautiful Castles in the united states you have to visit before it's too late.  Newman’s Castle, Texas / Credit: Cynthia Azzam In this article you will find 33 absolutely stunning locations to photograph or explore. Although each location could be considered a castle technically some of them are Villas, Estates, Manors, Universities, Mansions, Palaces, or Chateaus. I have organized each location alphabetically by state starting with California. I promise you will find some castles on this list that you didn't know existed and I hope that excites you as much as it does me. | You May Also Like: Photographer transforms kids into iconic movie characters. The United States of America is a country full of beautiful castles to visit. From the East Coast to the West Coast, there are many castles that are worth visiting. These castles are not just historical landmarks but they also offer some of the most breathtaking photography in America. Must see Castles in California1. Castello di Amorosa - Calistoga The only authentic medieval (13th-century) Italian Tuscan castle and winery built in America, Castello di Amorosa, officially lowered its drawbridge for business in April 2007. Castello di Amorosa is nestled in the western hills on 171 acres just minutes south of The Napa Valley town of Calistoga. I have personally had the pleasure of enjoying wine here with my family in 2018 and it was even more impressive in person. This castle features 136,000 square feet, including 107 rooms (90 of which are devoted to winemaking and wine storage); an enormous Great Hall with 2-story replica Tuscan frescoes painted by Italian artists and a 500-year old fireplace; 8,000 tons of hand-chiseled stones; 8 levels (4 above ground and 4 below); a drawbridge, dungeon and torture chamber; medieval church; and arguably the single most impressive wine barrel room in the U.S., with ancient Roman cross-vaulted ceilings.  Credit: visitnapavalley.com  Credit: @soeventful on IG 2. Castle in the Forest - Skyforest Nestled in a deep canyon nearby serene Lake Arrowhead – you will find Southern California’s secret gem: The Castle In the Forest. Surrounded by towering pine and dogwood trees, this secluded 10,000 square foot chateau provides an unforgettable intimate setting for your stay or photo shoot. This castle is full of endless unique custom features.  Credit: Castle in the Forest - Airbnb From the moment you descend its driveway – you and your guests will be enveloped in this magnificent private estate. Once inside the castle, you will marvel at its cathedral ceilings, glittering chandeliers, fireplaces, floor to ceiling windows (with forest views) and custom-made, gothic architectural features.  Credit: Castle in the Forest - Airbnb  Credit: Castle in the Forest - Airbnb Situated on multiple levels (Including a tower wing)· the Castle has several dozen rooms, including seven luxurious suites, an acoustically perfect great room with balcony, custom kitchen, a formal dining room and several salons – plus multiple themed rooms: study, game room, and even a Bavarian-style pub with a sunken bar. Finally, multiple lower and upper terraces complete this spectacular edifice.  Credit: Castle in the Forest - Airbnb 3. Hearst Castle - San Simeon Hearst Castle, which closed during COVID, then stayed closed after storm waters forced major road repairs, will reopen May 11 with slightly lowered admission prices. This boujee castle was built in 1919 and boasts a magnificent 115-room main house plus guesthouses, pools, and 8 acres of cultivated gardens. The main house itself, "La Casa Grande," is a grand setting for some of Hearst's art collection. Tip: Photography is encouraged but flash photography is not allowed inside the buildings. Tripods are not permitted on the hilltop, but monopods are allowed. Please see more on Hearst Castle On-Site Photography I should note Commercial photography is not normally permitted (e.g., fashion, T.V. commercials and stock photography) however you should visit Museum Guidelines for Film Crews for more information.  Credit: townandcountrymag.com  Credit: flickr.com/jillclardy  Credit: foundationathearstcastle.com  Credit: gnohz/Shutterstock.com 4. Pirate Tower - Laguna Beach Pirate Tower was built in 1926 as an enclosed staircase to the beach for William E. Brown and unlike many castles on this list it's free to visit and open to the public for photos at no charge. But be ready for a walk over rocks and keep up to date on tides. Safety first!  Credit: Craig Colbert  Credit: Alice Madruga 5. Vikingsholm - Lake Tahoe You may not know this but Located in Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe, there sits a magical "castle" that looks like something straight out of a Disney movie. Vikingsholm is a unique blend of nature's spectacular beauty and man's architectural ingenuity. Although the smallest castle on our list it is one of the most stunning but there's a catch, it can only be accessed by foot or boat.  Credit: beautifultahoe.com  Credit: parks.ca.gov  Credit: parks.ca.gov Must see Castles in Colorado 6. Bishop Castle - Rye This has to be the quirkiest castle on our list by far. For nearly 60 years, Jim Bishop has been constructing one of the most impressive monuments to perseverance in Colorado. Bishop Castle features three full stories of interior rooms complete with a Grand Ballroom, soaring towers and bridges with vistas of a hundred miles, and a Fire-Breathing Dragon! I've never been but Bishop Castle seems like an unforgettable experience! The best part, visitors are always welcome free of charge, and much like 711 the castle may not always be doing business but it's always open.  Credit: @Hustvedt  Credit: Google Must see Castles in DC 7. Smithsonian Castle - Washington How do you sum up the Smithsonian? It is 19 museums, ranging across everything from the National Zoo to the Air and Space Museum, from the Natural History Museum to the American History Museum. There was a time though, when it was just one building - the Smithsonian Castle. Built in 1849 this beautiful castle will inspire anyone who has a love for Gothic Revival architecture, Romanesque Revival architecture, Victorian architecture, or Norman architecture.  Credit: Robert Lyle Bolton  Credit: flickr.com/aaronkphoto  Credit: si.edu Must see Castles in Idaho8. Schweitzer Castle - Sandpoint Located less than 5 minutes away from Schweitzer mountain resort, Schweitzer Castle’s Château de Melusine is the best place for you and your family to stay and enjoy a unique experience. They are a close distance away from Schweitzer mountain resort which allows you all the amenities of staying at the hotel while remaining independent in the best place to stay in Northern Idaho. Whether you need a stunning castle for your next photoshoot in Idaho, summer time lake adventure or winter time fun on the slopes don’t miss out on the best stay of your life! This place looks magical, I just added it to my photography bucket list.  Credit: gotoschweitzer.com Must see Castles in Massachusetts 9. Hammond Castle - Gloucester Hammond Castle is a Sprawling medieval-style complex built in the 1920s by inventor John Hays Hammond & open for tours. Professional photoshoots require approval from the Museum and requests must be submitted no later than one month before your desired date. The rental fee is $350 per hour before 5 pm, and $450 per hour after 5 pm. The fee grants you access to both the interior and exterior of the Museum. Photography dates and times must be approved by the museum before your arrival. Nestled on Gloucester’s rocky Atlantic coast, the Hammond Castle Museum is the perfect setting for your photoshoot, wedding, or other memorable event. Full Wedding Rental Structure is as follows:
 Credit: Carin MacNamara  Credit: @herecomestheguide on IG The rental fee includes 20-minute educational tours for your guests, specific pieces of furniture and décor for your use, and separate rooms for the Bride and Groom throughout the event. The Bridal party is welcome to arrive at our Seasonal closing time (4:00 pm) for Pre-Ceremony photographs. A one and a half-hour set up and a half-hour break down is provided free of charge to your vendors and a half-hour ceremony rehearsal is offered if the wedding takes place on-site. A $1,500.00 deposit is required to secure your desired date. Deposits are non-refundable but are transferrable to another date and are deducted from the total rental cost. Full payment is due one month prior to your event. Payment plans are available. Online payments can be made here.  Credit: @herecomestheguide on IG  Credit: @herecomestheguide on IG Must see Castles in Michigan 10. Meadow Brook Hall - Rochester Visitors of Meadow Brook Hall are invited to learn more about the estate and the people who lived and worked here in the twentieth century through our two guided tours:
 Credit: meadowbrookhall.org   Credit: Allison Fields Must see Castles in New Hampshire 11. Castle in the Clouds - Moultonborough Castle in the Clouds is a Mountaintop estate with a 1913 mansion on 5,500 acres with lake views, hiking & a restaurant. A popular destination for wedding photography in New Hampshire.   12. Searles Castle - Windham Searles Castle is an authentic English Tudor castle nestled on a 175-acre estate. Specializing in full-service, elegant, tented weddings within their gated, granite-walled courtyard, they host only one wedding per day. They are located only 30 minutes north of Boston. Corporate and other social events are accommodated. Photography here is welcome but at a price.  Credit: @searlescastleevents on IG  Credit: @emilytebbetts on IG Must see Castles in New York 13. Bannerman Castle - Beacon 50 miles north of New York City sits a run down castle on an island, it's known as Bannerman Castle. While the island looks “abandoned” it's owned by a Trust that gives tours of the castle from May through October. Tours leave from either Newburgh or Beacon and are $37.50 for adults and $32.50 for children. You can also visit Bannerman on a variety of kayak tours and through a special Metro North package leaving from Grand Central. Beyond tour opportunities, the Trust also hosts movie nights, lectures, special dinners and theatrical performances in the shadows of the castle and of course photos are encouraged making it a great location for abandoned photography.  Credit: photorator.com  Credit: flickr.com/H.L.I.T.  Credit: flickr.com/garrettziegler 14. Belvedere Castle - New York One of the most iconic features in Central Park, this miniature castle built in 1872 is located atop the huge rock outcrop known as Vista Rock, the second highest natural point in Central Park and has become a hot spot for photographs by travelers and photographers.  Credit: centralparknyc.org 15. Boldt Castle - Alexandria Bay The magnificent Boldt Castle & Boldt Yacht House features six stories, 120-rooms, complete with tunnels, a powerhouse, Italian gardens, a drawbridge and a dovecote. This castle has been on my places to visit in New York list for years.  Credit: reddit.com  Credit: Allan Watt 16. Lyndhurst Mansion - Tarrytown Lyndhurst Castle is a 19th-century Gothic Revival mansion set on a 67-acre estate with self-guided audio tours available and of course photography welcome. Lyndhurst also welcomes film, television, fashion, and editorial photography and has a long and successful history of working with productions of all sizes on the 67-acre property. Film and Television Location Managers can schedule appointments in advance or drop in when in the area to see our landscaped grounds and 15 historic buildings. Lyndhurst has many different aesthetics, both outside and in, and multiple support spaces suitable for your project.  Credit: John Greim / Getty Images  Credit: thehudsonvalley.com  Photo courtesy of Lyndhurst 17. Singer Castle - Chippewa Bay The stunning Singer Castle is a century-old, 28-room castle with guided tours exploring its artifacts & secret passageways. It includes a five-story clock tower, four-story boat house, heated squash court, pergola and rose garden, as well as hidden passageways into almost every room and outbuilding. Located on a seven-acre island in the St. Lawrence River. It's the perfect setting for wedding photography or editorial photography. One bedroom suites are available for visitors to stay overnight.  Credit: singercastle.com  Credit: allthatsinteresting.com  Credit: Gary Walts | [email protected] Must see Castles in North Carolina 18. Biltmore Estate - Asheville Elegance and grandeur abound at Biltmore, America’s largest home since 1895. This French Renaissance castle in the heart of Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains is an architectural jewel. This castle boasts 250 rooms, 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms and 65 fireplaces. In addition to the house, the 8,000-acre estate is home to forested trails and beautiful gardens, which include one of the country’s most complete collections of azaleas. Biltmore is also where you’ll find the nation’s most-visited winery. As you explore the estate, enjoy shopping, dining and luxury accommodations.  Credit: biltmore.com  Credit: ourescapeclause.com  Credit: The Biltmore Company Must see Castles in Ohio 19. Loveland Castle - Loveland Château Laroche, also known as the Loveland Castle, is a museum on the banks of the Little Miami River north of Loveland, Ohio. This stunning European style castle was built in the 1920s.  Credit: John Miklasz 20. Squire's Castle - Willoughby Hills This beautiful old castle from the 1890s is modeled after German and English baronial castles and is a unique feature of North Chagrin that is a popular destination for people of all ages. Squire’s Castle should be on every photographers “must photograph” list for North Chagrin Reservation. The open expanses in front of the castle are great for games, photography, and picnics, and the castle itself is a popular spot for wedding and engagement photography or an opportunity to explore the past.  Credit: At Lands End Photography  Credit: Sara Foss  Credit: @malloryandjustin on IG Must see Castles & Villas in Oregon 21. Del Mar Villa - Dundee My home away from home, Del Mar Villa, a 26,000+ sq ft luxury ‘Italian Chateau inspired’ Villa on 46 acres in the heart of Oregon Wine County (less than 1 hour southwest of Portland, Oregon). Sprawling out behind hundreds of acres of hazelnut and blueberry groves, Del Mar Villa encompasses acres of impeccably maintained lawn, patio areas, sports courts, walking paths, an arbor, and much more.  Credit: LanceReis.com  Credit: delmarvillaoregon.com Perched above the Willamette River, the Villa features 11 bedrooms (8 luxury suites and a 3-bedroom family suite), 10+ bathrooms, private and gathering spaces, ballroom, chefs’ kitchen, 3 kitchenettes, pool table with entertainment area, 3+ dining spaces and endless outdoor spaces! Del Mar Villa is available for Vacation Rental stays year-round, and on occasion, Bed & Breakfast stays. Del Mar rents out their space for all kinds of photography and I have personally hosted many photo shoot here from Portraits to fashion to boudoir to head shots. I can't recommend them enough.  Credit: delmarvillaoregon.com  Credit: LanceReis.com 22. Villa Catalana Cellars - Oregon City Okay so, much like Del Mar Villa, technically Villa Catalana Cellars is clearly not a "Castle" but I'm putting it on the list because it's the closest thing we have to one in Oregon. Plus they have amazing wine and I want to support one of my favorite local vineyards. It's actually the only winery where I'm a wine club member. I go here all the time and I have to say it's my happy place. I can't think of a better place for some wine and photography.  Credit: @sightglass_photography on IG  Credit: @yasminkhajaviphotography on IG 23. Witch's Castle - Portland The Stone House, also known as the Macleay Park Shelter also known as the Witch's Castle or Witches Castle was built in 1929 as a storage room and it's rumored to be one of the most haunted places in Oregon. It also happens to be one of the most popular locations in Portland for photo shoots. Just keep in mind it's a slightly difficult, half-mile hike from the Upper Macleay Parking lot near the Portland Audubon Society.  Credit: Don Schwartz  Credit: Anna Calvert Must see Castles in Pennsylvania 24. Fonthill Castle - Doylestown Built in 1908, Fonthill Castle serves as an early example of reinforced concrete and features forty-four rooms, over two hundred windows, and eighteen fireplaces. Fonthill Castle’s interior features Mercer’s renowned, hand crafted ceramic tiles designed at the height of the Arts and Crafts movement. This location looks like a photographers dream, I'd love to photograph this castle someday. Looks like a beautiful place for photography in Pennsylvania.  Photo credit: Courtesy Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle, photography by Kevin Crawford  Photo credit: Courtesy Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle, photography by Kevin Crawford  Photo credit: Courtesy Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle, photography by Kevin Crawford 25. Glencairn Castle - Bryn Athyn Glencairn Castle is a Museum of Eastern & Western religious history housed in a medieval-style castle, with daily tours.  Credit: suburbangirl.net    26. Grey Towers Castle - Glenside Grey Towers Castle, located on Arcadia University’s idyllic campus just outside Philadelphia, Pa., is an elegant and luxurious wedding venue where guests feel like royalty on their special day. Making it the perfect location for Wedding Photography, Engagement Photography, portraits, headshots, or fashion photography.   Must see Castles in Texas 27. Falkenstein Castle - Burnet No event is too big, or too small for the grounds of the epic Falkenstein Castle. Look no further if you'd like to insure that your wedding or event is the true fairytale you have always dreamt of. Falkenstein Castle is also available for short term rental via AirBNB. The Castle and grounds can be yours for a couple days, a week, or even a month! It's the perfect place to host a photography retreat.  Credit: @fluffyshotme on IG   28. Newman’s Castle - Bellville I have to admit Texas is the last place I'd expect to find a castle but here we are. Experience the old world charm of Newman’s Castle, a one-of-a-kind custom creation hidden just outside of Bellville in the rolling countryside. The castle features a moat (watch out for gators!), a massive working 3,000 lb. drawbridge with an accompanying portcullis, a chapel, five round corner turrets, a courtyard, and a central keep with a dramatic view of the surrounding lands, perfect for Texas photography.  Credit: kid101.com  Credit: @happygoabi on IG Newman’s Castle is available for day tours 6 days a week and special events and photography. Reservations are required. The castle hosts weddings, wine tastings, birthday parties, and any other special occasion so Texas photographers, add this to your tool kit.  Credit: @happygoabi on IG  Credit: @aprincessinspired on IG Must see Castles in Utah 29. Wadley Farms - Lindon Nestled in the middle of Lindon Utah sits a beautiful Castle and family farm named Wadley Farms, which has been around and farming for more than 150 years. They take pride in caring for the land and sharing their fresh produce with their visitors and community. Go to their History Page to learn about the history of Wadley Farms.  Credit: WadleyFarms.com  Credit: @jessieandDallin on IG Must see Castles in Virginia 30. Virginia House - Richmond Virginia House, a romantic English Tudor manor house, was relocated to Richmond's Windsor Farms neighborhood in 1925. Nestled on a hillside overlooking the James River and surrounded by nearly eight acres of grounds and gardens designed by Charles Freeman Gillette, it is the perfect backdrop for portrait photography, wedding photography, engagement photos, headshots, fashion photography, retreats, dinners, ceremonies, receptions, and so much more. I'm super jealous of Virginia photographers right now.  Credit: Nick Davis Photography  Credit: @rvaweddings on IG Must see Castles in Washington 31. Graystone Castle - Arlington Graystone Castle is a luxury Castle completed in 2018 with all the amenities you want in a modern castle; just 1 hour from Seattle or the Canadian border. Located in a private gated neighborhood, Graystone Castle sits on 5+ mature acres of lawn, overlooking the Stillaguamish River and the Stilly Valley. This epic 20,000+ sq ft castle features 7 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, movie theater, spa inspired master bath, ballroom, chefs’ kitchen, pool table room, poker room, 4+ dining spaces, 4+ living/lounging rooms, many terraces and outdoor spaces, life-sized chess, arcade games, outdoor fire pit, and MUCH MORE!  Credit: graystonecastle.com Graystone castle offers the perfect blend of gathering places and private spaces for groups of all sizes! If you're a photographer in Washington you have to check this place out for portraits, editorial, or fashion photography! Book with confidence; this property is managed to a high standard.  Credit: graystonecastle.com  Credit: graystonecastle.com 32. Thornewood Castle - Lakewood Set in a 500-year-old Tudor Gothic-style Thornewood Castle sits on 3 lakefront acres. This upscale B&B is 4.6 miles from McChord Air Force Base and 11.9 miles from Tacoma. As one of the few genuine private castles in the United States, Thornewood is not only a world-class historic site – it's also their home, a magnificent location for Seattle/Tacoma weddings and receptions, and the most romantic getaway in Washington State. Weddings at the Castle are breathtaking. With both outdoor and indoor venue options, stunning scenery, and gorgeous architecture this is the perfect place for photos, plus on-site staff to assist you. Washington photographers, you must add this location to your tool kit.  Credit: thornewoodcastle.com  Credit: jerometsophotography.com  Credit: thornewoodcastle.com  Credit: jerometsophotography.com  Credit: jerometsophotography.com 33. Sleeping Beauty Castle - Orlando, FL Okay this one was just a bonus because I love Disney World and technically it is a castle :)  You made it to the end, but your journey has only just begun. There you have it my friends! You made it to the end. But your adventures are just about to begin. Save this list and hit up as many castles in the US as you can. How many have you been to on this list? Have any to add? I'd love to hear from you in the comments. Connect with me on Instagram, and please remember to always do your research before traveling to any of the locations on this list, some of them are only open seasonally and some of them only allow photography for a price so "know before you go" and please treat every location you visit off this list with the respect they deserve.
 How to make engaging Reels on instagram with still photosThis will be a quick and easy step by step tutorial on how to make an engaging reel on Instagram from your mobile phone just like the example below, perfect for any photographer, artist, or creator who wants to show off their work on Instagram. No getting on camera required. We've all seen them, flipping through reels on instagram and BOOM, an epic 10 second slideshow of beautiful photos with quick and unique transitions synced to the beat of whatever hip new song is trending that week. And if you're like me you think to yourself "how do they sync the photos to the music!?" Well I'm about to tell you. If you haven't used Reels on instagram and you're a creator you are missing out on the biggest source of new traffic there is on Instagram. Period. The unfortunate truth for photographers is that still photos don't even get half the engagement as video. Instagram's algorithm is built that way. They saw the huge success with TikTok and have decided to do the same thing. So think of Reels as the TikTok of Instagram and where all the attention is. If you want new followers, Reels is the best way to get in front of users who aren't already following you. 1. Download CapCutBefore we start you'll need these 2 free mobile apps. (Assuming you already have Instagram) and 13 photos you'd like to use. First app you'll need is CapCut. This is the App you'll use to create your video & no this article is not sponsored.  2. Download RepostRepost is an App you'll use to save my video from instagram. Once the video is saved on your phone you can extract the music in CapCut.  3. Save the song on InstagramNow that you have those apps we can get started. First step is saving the audio on Instagram so it's easy to find later when we upload our Reel on Instagram. You always want to make sure you use the audio via instagram because it links that song to your video when you upload it and the algorithm will show your video to more people rather than uploading as original audio. I'll explain. For this specific video we will be using the audio Hipinozze by Counterparty. 1. Type Hipinozze in your search bar on Instagram and tap "See All Results" 2. Under the search bar you will then see "Top" "Accounts" "audio" "Tags" and "Places" You want to click "Audio" 3. Tap "Counterparty" 4. Tap "Save Audio" You'll see why we did this later.   4. Save the videoNow that the song is saved for later you have to save the video so you can open it in CapCut and extract the audio to help you sync your photos. To save a video (in this case we will use mine) 1. Open my Reel HERE 2. Tap the 3 dots in the top right hand corner. 3. Tap "Copy Link" 4. Open the Repost App I had you download 5. The App should open that link automatically. Tap the video. 6. Tap the square and arrow in the top right corner. 7. Tap "Save Video"   5. Open CapCutFinally we can start creating. 1. Open the CapCut app. 2. Tap "New Project" 3. You'll see "Videos" "Photos" and "Live Photos" Tap "Photos" 4. Select the 13 photos you'd like to use and then tap "Add" 5. Tap "add audio" 6. Tap "Extracted" 7. Select the video you just saved from Instagram using Repost. Should be 9 seconds. 8. Tap "Import Sound Only" & Just like that you have your 13 photos & audio all ready to go. 6. Set the length of each photoNow that we have the photos and audio we need to set the length of time each photo is shown so it syncs with the beat of the music. Luckily for you I've already figured out the timing to make this very simple. Tap the first photo and in the left hand corner you'll see how many seconds it's pre set too. I want to say the preset is 3 seconds. Tap and hold the right handle of the photo and drag to the left until you see 2.4s then tap the 12 other photos and do the same till each photo is 0.5s The last photo should line up perfectly with the end of the song. First photo 2.4s 12 other photos 0.5s 7. Add the animationGreat news! You're almost done! Now that all the photos are synced to the music it's time to add animation to each photo. To add animation: 1. Tap the photo 2. Tap "Animation" 3. Tap "Combo" 4. Tap the corresponding animation I detail below. 5. Make sure the "Duration" is all the way up and you're good to go. Below I will detail what "animation" you should choose for each photo to make it super easy. 1st Photo - Combo - Sway in 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 9th and 13th Photos - Combo - Wobble 5th, 7th and 11th Photos - Combo - Pendulum 2 6th, 8th, 10th and 12th Combo - Pendulum 1 8. Change the format to 9:16This part is totally up to you. If you want your photos full screen you'll need to change the format to 9:16 by tapping "Format" and then tapping "9:16" then tap each photo and using both fingers push your fingers apart and expand the photo to full screen and adjust all pics to the size you’d like. And Just like that you're all done! Now you can export your video as 1080p x 30fps. 9. Upload your video to Instagram as a ReelNow that your video is done and ready to post, open Instagram: 1. Tap the plus sign as you normally would to post. 2. Tap "Reel" 3. Select the video you just made. 4. Tap "Add" 5. Tap "Audio" 6. Tap "Saved" (this is where you'll find the audio I had you save on step one) 7. Tap "Counterparty" 8. Tap "Done" 9. Tap "Preview" 10. Tap the music icon at the top 11. Under Audio Controls you'll see camera audio at zero and Effects is at 100. 12. Under effects you can tap "edit" to line up the song perfectly but you shouldn't have to. Then tap the video. 13. Tap the "Aa" in the top right corner if you'd like to add any text over your video. If not just tap "Next". 14. Tap "Cover" to choose the cover image. 15. Make sure Also Share to Feed is selected. 16. Tap "Crop Profile Image" to choose how it will look on your page. 17. Add the Location 18. Write an engaging caption and throw in 3-5 corresponding hashtags. 19. SHARE and that's it!! You did it! Yay! Say hi on Instagram and let me know if this article helped :) If so I can make more with other songs. Find more Free Resources and tips here. Enjoy your new reel 🔥   NFTs and Photography. Is it worth it? From blockchain and cryptocurrency to Ethereum and bitcoin... how do NFTs fit into this relatively new world of digital transactions & Photography? To understand how NFTs (non-fungible tokens) are impacting the world of digital photography and other forms of art, we first need to understand exactly what an NFT is within a wider context. An NFT is a non-fungible token. Already, things might be getting a little confusing, since ‘fungible’ is likely not part of your standard daily lexicon. Essentially, ‘non-fungible’ means that it cannot be swapped for anything else. Each of these tokens is completely unique, so NFTs do not work in the same way that regular cash works. You would easily be able to swap a one-dollar bill for another dollar bill, and have exactly the same item at the end of the transaction. Its value and appearance will remain constant. So, NFTs are digital tokens that comprise unique pieces of information. This could be anything from artwork to photos or a piece of music you have created. How do NFTs work? A non-fungible token usually belongs to the Ethereum blockchain. Again, if you are unfamiliar with this topic, you may need to take a few hefty steps back in order to understand what this means. A blockchain, at its core, is a digital database that stores records of transactions in chronological order. It is a verified record book of digital transactions that is permanently viewable to anyone, and not centrally owned by any organization. Blockchain is an extremely secure way of storing digital information and transactions. Since each ‘block’ of information is ‘locked away’ when it is full, it will usually not need to be touched again. If a hacker were to try and steal data from a blockchain, they would need to make noticeable changes to a past ‘block’ of information. Others would be alerted to these changes. Cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin make use of a blockchain to record all transactions and store the currency securely - away from a central bank or other organization. So, as stated before, many NFTs belong to a blockchain called Ethereum. As well as being a cryptocurrency, Ethereum is a blockchain that supports NFT transactions. Almost anything can be turned into an NFT and sold, one example of something you wouldn't expect that has been made into an NFT would be Twitter founder Jack Dorsey’s first-ever tweet. The tweet has fetched over $2.5 million after being sold on a platform called ‘Valuables’.  Although this tweet will remain publicly viewable on Twitter, there was a bidding war that resulted in this NFT going to Sina Estavi - a blockchain founder from Malaysia. He received a signed digital certificate and all metadata related to the tweet. Interestingly, Estavi compared the tweet to classic pieces of art: “I think years later people will realize the true value of this tweet, like the Mona Lisa painting”. Dorsey’s first tweet is certainly a landmark moment in the history of the human digital age, and could even be considered a work of art in its own right. But, how can NFTs integrate with other artwork, including digital photography? Can digital photography benefit from the rise of NFTs? As a digital photographer, the increasing use of NFTs to trade artwork could certainly be arousing your interest. There are definitely some benefits to consider when it comes to selling your photos in NFT form:
Even better, you get to maintain your copyrights over the image. This changed the way artists and creators make money from their work. There’s no longer the need for agencies, intermediaries, or other parties. NFTs are designed to give the buyer ownership of the work, but the photographer retains copyright and reproduction rights. So, even if someone else owns the original art piece (NFT), you still maintain copyrights to the image. It’s a win-win. Also, NFTs have an interesting feature for photographers. Just like trading sports cards you can trade NFTs for more bitcoin in the future. This means someone can buy an NFT of your work for let's say $200 and then sell it later for more if it becomes more valuable in the future. This isn't necessarily a bad thing because you can add a royalty fee to your selling price. This way you get paid a percentage every time the NFT of your photo is sold or changes hands. This means, if your NFT goes “viral” and balloons in value, you’ll still see some of that value and benefit from it. Another great example is Bryan Minear, a landscape photographer based in Michigan, who did an NFT drop with Bitski featuring five photographs ranging from $200 to $2,500. Within 10 minutes, he sold out of nearly everything! Bryan has also sold a photo for 3 ETH...... That's $7,033.89!!
There are some drawbacks to consider when it comes to selling digital photography in the form of NFTs, however:
 How Photographers Benefit from NFTs Time to bust out all of those dusty hard drives you have photos saved on and turn them into cash. You know what I'm talking about, every photographer has hard drives full of amazing photos we've taken that haven't made us any money... Until now. Unless you’ve been living under a rock these past few months, you have heard about NFTs. A form of digital certificate that somehow can sell for thousands of dollars. Artists, graphic designers, celebrities, influencers, and yes even photographers are among the ones creating these forms of digital certificates that become highly valuable overnight and can turn a profit in a relatively short time. But, if the idea of NFTs still bugs your mind, keep reading to learn more about the question on everyones mind right now: What’s an NFT? and how does it benefit my photography? What Are NFTs? NFT stands for “non-fungible token.” This means each one is unique and cannot be replaced with something else. These are one-of-a-kind images or digital images that cannot be exchanged for something of similar value. Each NFT is verified using the blockchain, a transparent ledger of ownership, purchases, and trades that no one can edit or see. Most NFTs are in the Ethereum blockchain, which is a cryptocurrency. However, there are different marketplaces and blockchains where NFTs are becoming more and more available. While it’s hard to wrap your head around the value of NFTs, most people recommend you compare it to buying one-of-a-kind art pieces. Say, a unique Picasso someone found in an old garage in the middle of nowhere. It’s like the digital evolution of fine art collecting. You could also compare it to trading rare baseball cards.  Benefits of Creating NFTs The most significant benefit for photographers making NFTs is money. Some photographers have earned over $25,000 from selling a single NFT photograph. Take Kate Woodman for example. Kate is a the Portland based conceptual photographer and NFT artist. Her cinematic style is centered around narrative storytelling, nostalgia, vernacular architecture, and a strong use of emotive color. She is also the creator of thebackdropstudio providing immersive backdrops for Photographers. Kate sold a NFT for one of her photos for 11.888 ETH...... That equals $27,854.30!!!  Even better, you get to maintain your copyrights over the image. This changed the way artists and creators make money from their work. There’s no longer the need for agencies, intermediaries, or other parties. NFTs are designed to give the buyer ownership of the work, but the photographer retains copyright and reproduction rights. So, even if someone else owns the original art piece (NFT), you still maintain copyrights to the image. It’s a win-win. Also, NFTs have an interesting feature for photographers. Just like trading sports cards you can trade NFTs for more bitcoin in the future. This means someone can buy an NFT of your work for let's say $200 and then sell it later for more if it becomes more valuable in the future. This isn't necessarily a bad thing because you can add a royalty fee to your selling price. This way you get paid a percentage every time the NFT of your photo is sold or changes hands. This means, if your NFT goes “viral” and balloons in value, you’ll still see some of that value and benefit from it. Another great example is Bryan Minear, a landscape photographer based in Michigan, who did an NFT drop with Bitski featuring five photographs ranging from $200 to $2,500. Within 10 minutes, he sold out of nearly everything!  According to PetaPixel Bryan said “I was crying by the end of the day,” “It’s not like a life-changing money, but at the same time, when you go so long just creating for the love of it, and then you finally have that moment of validation, like somebody loves your work that much they’re willing to spend some money on it, it’s kind of incredible.” Minear said the reason he chose to embrace NFTs was when he realized crypto was “here to stay” — despite speculation that the NFT market is a bubble at risk of popping.  However, he doesn’t see NFTs as a way to eliminate the potential of copyright, or the blockchain as a way to control the dissemination of his work online, but as a new opportunity to reach an audience that is passionate about digital art and willing to pay for it. “I think that the biggest reason is that you can monetize yourself easier,” Dinch said. “There’s a market for photography, but with the proliferation of things like Instagram, where a lot of photographers are putting out incredible content and getting tons of likes, but haven’t been able to convert that into paying rent.” Bryan sold this photo below for 3 ETH...... That's $7,033.89!!  Are There Any Risks Involved? To be honest, NFTs have been around for a while, but people still don’t understand them fully. All new technology comes with risks and growing pains. For example, anyone can create an NFT. When someone makes an NFT from works they didn’t personally create, this brings up another set of issues. There aren’t many specific laws explaining who’s liable for copyright infringement, what’s considered copyright infringement in the digital world, and how you can prove ownership of an NFT in the first place. Then, there’s the tax issue. Like cryptocurrencies, NFTs require buyers to pay sales tax and pain tax gain when selling one. This is all new ground for most governments, so adjustments are being made yearly. Finally, the marketplace itself has its risks. While rare, there are some reports of NFT collections vanishing from marketplaces without notice. How to Make Your Own Creating and selling an NFT is relatively easy, but setting the initial value and listing it in the marketplace can get tricky. Here’s a straightforward process to making and selling your first NFT as a photographer:
1. Create It: first, you have to create your photograph, GIF, video, or graphic. Alternatively, you can choose an image from your archives like I have to turn into an NFT. 2. Find Your Platform: there are different marketplaces for NFTs, including Nifty Gateway or SuperRare, but Foundation & Opensea are the most popular. I like Opensea because after the first gas fee you don't have to pay any more gas fees and Foundation is by invite only. 3. Decide Your Value: Pricing your work is perhaps the most challenging part. You decide the price of NFTs, but there’s no framework to work from. You could set the price at $10 or $1,000; you have the final call on how much you think someone will pay for your art. But you also have the option to set a price and let users bid on your work at auction. 4. Think of Editions: you can choose how many editions of your work you want to sell. It doesn’t have to be a single one. You could sell different NFTs of the same artwork. However, if you’re going to bid on higher prices, a one-of-a-kind piece will likely go for higher. 5. Decide your Royalties: not to quote Mr. Wonderful from Shark Tank, but royalty fees will be your best friend. A royalty fee is a percentage you’ll get paid every time your NFT changes hands or gets sold. 6. Mint Your NFT: it’s time to mark your photo available for sale. Minting is the process of creating an NFT certificate and publishing it to the blockchain. This is what makes your photograph essentially non-fungible. 7. Get eyes on your new NFT: Learn from me, it's not as easy as throwing your work up setting a price and waiting for the bids to role in. Literally no one will see your NFTs unless you send people to your gallery in my experience, at least with Opensea. So use social media to promote the hell out of your NFT gallery and maybe one of your fans will drop 20K like Kates fan did. There’s a lot of moving parts with creating, selling, and minting NFTs and lets be honest, cryptocurrencies are ever evolving but ideally, if you’re a photographer looking to benefit from NFTs and make some extra cash on epic photos you've taken that are just sitting on your computer, you should start learning and reading more about cryptocurrencies, which is the closest thing to a non-fungible token.  Cosplay For Beginners 11 Tips Good cosplay tips for beginners are hard to come by these days. So as an experienced cosplay photographer in Portland I'm going to give away my best advice for those of you wanting to dip your toes into the cosplay world. I've been shooting cosplay for years and have been featured in multiple publications, articles, and even on the news. Every Comic-Con I've been to I always see beginner cosplayers. I can always tell the level of cosplay experience from someone by how worried they are about how they look. Some look great, others look..... awful if we're being honest. Ever wonder why some look amazing, while others look...... less than great? In this article I break down how you can avoid common cosplay mistakes so you don't come off as a newb, look your best, and actually enjoy con to the max! Make sure to connect with me on Instagram HERE 1. Don't get Intimidated If you're only getting your inspiration from major cosplay sites or curated Instagram accounts like badasscosplay, it's easy to get intimidated by the amazing "Hollywood Quality" costumes people make especially when prosthetics are involved as shown below.  Photo by Lance Reis With many professional cosplayers, costumers end up helping them make those costumes via free collabs. Not everyone has the money, time, or skill to create massive works of art. Now granted I don't typically photograph people in cheap Halloween costumes they got from Spirit Halloween but if you need a simple low budget costume to wear to Con, Spirit or Amazon works great, you'll still have a blast, and you'll still get compliments and photos taken :) However, if you want to spend a little bit more to get a better quality costume like the one shown below plus many more options I made a list of my top ten websites to get cosplay costumes and props.  Photo by Lance Reis 2. Ask Questions Whether you go to con as a participant or just a spectator never be afraid to talk to others at conventions. If you see someone who made an epic costume it's okay to approach them, compliment them, and ask them how they made it. I've been to many cons and never seen anyone that wasn't thrilled to talk about their costume, especially if they made it them selves. Most cosplayers are pumped to share some guidance. Take Downen Creative Studios for example. Beverly is always sharing tips on how she creates her epic costumes (as seen below) on her Instagram. Like I said before, cosplay is without a doubt one of the most welcoming communities you can join.  Photo by Lance Reis 3. Do it for the right reasons "Professional" Cosplayers are few and far between. Meaning, those who make a living from their cosplay. But they're out there. It's absolutely possible. Just look at cosplayers like, Myrtle Sarrosa, Marie-Claude Bourbonnais, Meagan Marie, Alodia Gosiengfiao, Linda Le, D-Piddy, Lisa Lou Who, Spiral Cats, or Yaya Han. Just keep in mind Professional cosplay is very competitive, and it's a community that takes its craft very seriously.  There's a lot of drama involving cosplayers these days, primarily because there are a lot of people who get into cosplay because they want to get rich, have millions of fans, and get endless attention. Like Jessica Nigri for example who has over 4 million followers on Instagram alone. The "business" of cosplay can get dirty. So never start cosplay with any goal other than having fun and expressing yourself. Otherwise, you're setting yourself up for failure. People can always tell if you're not dressing as characters you actually like and only doing it for the money.  4. Choose the right character for your build One of the most common questions from beginners is "who should I be?" I always tell them to choose a character/costume that would naturally complement their looks and build and obviously a character they connect with and like. Luckily, the nerd universe is filled with characters of every shape and size. For example, someone who has a thin build would make a great spider man or black panther. As shown below.  Photo by Lance Reis  Photo by Lance Reis Where as someone with a bulkier more muscular build would be better off as Batman, Thor, a Spartan, or Adam Hunter as shown below.  Photo by Lance Reis  Photo by Lance Reis 5. Know your skill level When it comes to a custom costume, know your skill level. If you don't have the time or money to make props and accessories I suggest a full body suit like spider man. That's as easy as it gets. On the other hand, bigger, bulkier cosplay costumes can easily get torn, crushed, or dirty in transit. So, if you have a lot of gear, make sure that it can be packed easily.. Once again, this is why fully body spandex and cat suites are so popular among beginners as seen below.  Photo by Lance Reis 6. Keep transit in mind When making a custom costume keep transit to con in mind. How do you plan on getting to con? Uber, bus, walk, plane, or driving yourself? Larger or bulky pieces might need to be foldable or reduced in size in order to make it work. Armor, for example, should be able to be pulled apart into pieces so that it doesn't end up getting broken while in transit to your next con. Example below. Many newbies have learned this the hard way so please heed my warning.  Photo by Lance Reis 7. Keep the season in mind Some of my favorite cosplay costumes I've ever seen were massive creations involving bulky materials or thick costume material. At first I was envious until I learned they wanted to pass out from heat stroke after a few hours at con. Conventions tend to be very warm, you don't want to be the person who makes the mistake of wearing a thick heavy non breathable cosplay costume in the middle of summer. I don't care how epic it is, you'll hate wearing it. 8. Use the right face and body paint Alot of cosplayers use face and body paint to complete their look and although it can look really good when they show up, I've seen far too many look like crap after a few hours in a warm convention center. When buying makeup for your face and body make sure it wont run or get streaky when you sweat. A great hack you can use to get out of full body paint is by using painted nylon stockings or a full body spandex suit as a base for your body, then all you have to do is paint your hands and face to match as seen below.  Photo by Lance Reis 9. Don't be a creep Obviously every con is full of beautiful people, some in more reveling costumes than others. But just because someone is showing more skin that doesn't give you or anyone the right to be inappropriate. Show everyone at con the same level of respect you'd show your family. You can admire and compliment but never touch a cosplayer unless requested to. Never cat call and if you have a photo taken with a cosplayer you should still avoid touching them.  Photo by Lance Reis 10. Ask before taking photos look, there are countless opportunities to take photos at con but it's always best practice to ask before taking a photo that way the cosplayer can strike a pose before you take the photo. There's nothing cosplayers hate more than random shitty photos online of themselves half dressed in costume on a break shoveling food in their face. As long as you ask they will always be happy and willing to strike a pose or take a photo with you. 11. Know your limits If you are at a con in costume and someone snaps a photo of you half dressed on a break or you simply weren't ready for a photo don't hesitate to say "hey man, I'm glad you like the costume but I wasn't ready, can we retake it and I'll put the rest of my costume on and pose for you?" And if someone is being inappropriate don't hesitate to say something to them and or security. The best advice I can give you is stop worrying about what others think, Cons are extremely welcoming to all nerds at every level, just show your true self and have fun with it. :)
 Portland Photographer empowers kids by transforming them into iconic movie characters. Must See! Hello my friends, my name is Lance and I am that photographer based in Portland Oregon. Because I am known for my cinematic cosplay & horror photography I wanted to share some of my fan favorites I've done with kids. Some of these projects have even been shared on local and international news. From a very young age I always loved Halloween and scary movies. My goal is to become a big Hollywood Photographer someday. I think my favorite thing about being a photographer is that I get to pretend it's Halloween 365 days a year. I love my clients because they share that love for Halloween & so do their kids. Do not be fooled, some of the photos below may look scary but I promise you the kids are always having a blast. That's my number 1 rule. The family is always there and I always make sure everyone is comfortable. All photos below were taken by me on my SonyA7iii and couldn't have happened without an amazing team around me. I work with amazing designers for custom made outfits and as you'll see insanely talented makeup artists like Taelorfx & Jordan DuPont. Let me know your favorite set in the comments below and Connect with me on Instagram HERE or get a quote HERE. Disclaimer!! All blood is obviously fake. I use "Vampire blood" I get on Amazon. Works great! 1. Edward Scissorhands 2. Wolverine / X23 3. Zombies 4. Sweeney Todd 5. Ghost 6. Trick 'r Treat 7. Georgie / IT 8. The Joker 9. Peter Pan and Wendy 10. Cinderella 11. The Omen 12. Alice in Wonderland  13. Ghost  As you'll see below sometimes the kids aren't always playing a specific iconic character but rather having fun playing a part as a side character in a themed photoshoot. Slender Man The Tooth Fairy Hocus Pocus Krampus Viking  How to get into Modeling. 11 Tips you should know As a fashion photographer in Portland I'm often asked by my clients how they can get into modeling. Modeling is easily one of the most popular career paths among the youth today. Along with a high salary, there is a laundry list of perks that make a career in modeling appealing—glitz and glam, fame, travel, and, of course, freebies from sponsors! However, there are many less glamorous aspects of being a model you should know. Modeling can be a full-time grind, requiring you to put in long hours of shooting and promotion, you are required to take good care of your body and skin, be mindful of predators, and more. Having said that, these “rough” aspects seem trivial in comparison to the glitz and glory models like Kate Moss & Naomi Campbell enjoy. Not to mention the indescribable feeling of seeing yourself on the big screen and billboards. If you are ready to become a model, I am here to help with some expert advice I've gained by photographing and working with signed models over the years. I hope the following tips will help you take the necessary steps in your modeling career. 1. Hire an Agent Modeling agencies are a great option for you if you don't want to wait to be scouted. These agencies are readily available to represent you and help you land your first modeling gig. In fact, some have said not using an agency to represent yourself is akin to going to a trial without a lawyer! These agencies will provide you with much-needed exposure, help you get paid what you deserve, and boost your overall identity and value as a professional model. With that said, you must ensure that you only work with reputable modeling agencies. Unless you have a lot of time and money to spend, do your homework before reaching out to any agency. Make sure that you only partner with approved agencies that have a solid reputation in the modeling industry and follow these 10 safety tips every model should know.  Photo by Lance Reis 2. Don’t Contact Professional Photographers Just Yet If you are just starting out, you do not need to blow a hole in your wallet by hiring a professional photographer like myself and stay away from heavily Photoshopped photos. Scouts and agencies want to see the “real” you, and they are not expecting you to look like David Gandy or Gigi Hadid. They just need some simple snapshots—even pictures taken from your phone’s camera would probably do the trick, however if you want to show you can do multiple looks and styles of editorial hiring a photographer might be a good idea. Better your portfolio better your odds of getting hired. Only after the agencies are convinced of your potential and talent would you need to spend a decent amount of cash on professional photography. They will advise you on investing in photos that are right for the market in which you want to work. 3. The industry has Evolved The good news is that the modeling industry’s attitude has changed dramatically over the years. Models no longer have to be size 0 (case in point: Ashley Graham) or super tall (case in point: Emily Ratajkowski) to make it big. This means that if you *think* your body is preventing you from pursuing this career, you must rid yourself of negative thoughts... the industry has done it as well! The modeling industry is much more inclusive today, which was certainly not the case ten years ago. Everyone has a chance—no matter their skin color or BMI.  Photo by Lance Reis 4. Let the Market Choose You Modeling and travel are inextricably linked. If you have limitations on the places you want to work, this might not be the best career path for you. That's not to say it can't be done. Keep in mind that you can get work from anywhere in the world. Learn the industry’s cardinal rule: the market chooses you, not the other way around. So, even though you want to work in Paris, Milan, New York, or London, just go with the flow and seize opportunities regardless of where they are on the map. Prepare to go wherever the job takes you. 5. Have a Friendly Personality Modeling is about more than just your face and body; it is also about your attitude and personality. No matter how talented you are, people will dislike you if you have a condescending or unpleasant personality. This would have a tangible effect on your career. You wont get many job offers and miss out on many golden opportunities that would have catapulted your modeling career if you're unprofessional, entitled, and not on time. However, if you have a pleasant and friendly personality, most sponsors will be delighted to work with you, and you will continue to receive exciting modeling gigs. The takeaway? If you want to be a successful model, learn to be a decent human being first. Seems like a no brainer but you'd be surprised.  Photo by Lance Reis 6. Worship Your Body This advice cannot be overstated! You must respect and care for your body. Maintain good hygiene and stick to a regular workout regimen. Maintain your hair, nails, and skin. Yes, modeling requires you to go the extra mile. Above all, do not be afraid or embarrassed to seek professional help. After all, you are a human, and that makes you imperfect. Are you facing acne issues? Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist near you and get it treated. Want to reach a weight loss goal? Hire a personal trainer or sign up for a fitness center. 7. Don’t Let Rejection Impact Your Self-Esteem This tip is the most important. You will face many rejections along the way—perhaps you may not be picked for an audition, or you may not walk the runway at a major fashion show or even a local fashion show anytime soon. However, you should never let these rejections affect your self-worth. I can't begin to tell you how many brands have rejected me as a photographer. I get it. Not everybody is fortunate enough to be picked on the 1st attempt, or 2nd, or even 3rd, 4th, or 5th. So, take rejections and critiques with a healthy dose of optimism. Allow them to serve as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks. Remember that after you have tasted the bitterness of failure, the fruit of success will taste sweeter. 8. Attract Model Scouts Think of model scouts as your non-virtual job portals. They are always on the lookout for young people with promise, such as yourself. Modeling scouts can be found in a variety of settings, from malls to concerts, to Instagram, to TikTok. In fact, they travel all over the world looking for aspiring models like you so always dress fashionable. That being said in the age of social media, your chances of being scouted are much greater than they were 20 years ago. This means that you no longer have to rely on being found while out and about, you can now attract scouts on social networks like Instagram and Facebook or TikTok by posting consistent content. High quality photos will get you noticed and this is where a professional photographer can come in handy. Just make sure, and I cant stress this enough, if you're scouted in person or online that you vet the person and agency they work for before having a meeting with them in person.  Photo by Lance Reis 9. Do Not send nudes Should any "model scout" or agency tell you they need photos of you nude in order to hire you, or further your career they are lying and should be avoided at all cost. No legit professional agency will ask this of you. Remember that. 10. Decide what kind of model you want to be It is your job to research and decide what kind of model you'd like to be. There's many different options so narrow down what interests you the most and what your body and features are best suited for. Runway, swimsuit, commercial, fitness, glamour, lingerie, or editorial?  Photo by Lance Reis 11. Study If you're serious about becoming a model you have to study, study, study! Don't expect to just show up to a shoot and look pretty. You may have to model under water, in the rain, in the cold, in the heat, or in the wind. All these scenarios present their own challenges you'll have to overcome. So if you show up prepared with the knowledge your competition is lacking you'll have an edge. Do the research, listen to the podcasts, go to seminars, learn from the professionals on Youtube and TikTok. Hire and learn from photographers in the industry. Practice in your room. It is not easy to become a model, but it is highly gratifying for those who put in the time and work to make it happen. I hope that the tips listed above will help you achieve your dreams to be in the spotlight someday. Bonus Tip To really stand out, create a Media Kit. A media kit is a 1 or 2 page digital or physical document containing information about you and all your accolades much like a modern resume. Were you featured on the cover of bridal magazine? Put it on there. The point of a media kit is to catch the eye of a modeling scout or agency that already has a stack of wanna be models photos to go through. Fact is if you want to become a model and already have a massive following on social media you have an edge over your competition, agencies will be very attracted to that so make sure to show off your followers in your media kit. Your kit should be a one-stop shop for all of the information a agency or scout might need. Have your height, weight, and body measurements in your kit as well as 2 of your best photos. I'll show you my media kit below to give you an idea. Read more at: https://publicrelationssydney.com.au/media-kits-what-is-a-media-kit/  Average salary for a modelAccording to Indeed.com the average salary for a model in the U.S. is $23.10 per hour. and female models tend to make more money than male models. How much you make as a model depends a lot on your experience and your reputation as a quality model. You also need to work with a good agent who will find you well-paying jobs.   Photo by Trevor Brown 4 Times You'll Regret Not Hiring a Professional Photographer Photography has been a unique blend of art and science ever since the first photograph was taken in 1826. From lighting to set design to helping people feel at ease, photography is a skill that can be fun to dabble in but takes a great deal of time and training to perfect. Hiring a professional photographer is an exceptional way to capture life’s greatest moments with grace and beauty. Here are some of the ways a professional photographer can help your most cherished memories live on forever. Capture the Love Photo by Lance Reis Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life. Whether in an intimate church, a grand celebration, or a fairy-tale Paris elopement, wedding photos are something you will revisit over and over again. That’s why it’s important you have a photographer who can capture your wedding day memories without intruding on the moment. Aside from taking photos of the look of love at your first wedded kiss and your bridesmaids celebrating your big day, a professional wedding day photographer can:
Stage a Home Photo by Lance Reis Selling a home is one of life’s biggest changes — and challenges! In order to make sure your home is appealing enough to elicit offers at first glance, you’ll want to start setting the stage by clearing the clutter. Staging may feel intimidating at first, but staging your home can be a simple, yet powerful way to create beautiful photos and engaging virtual tours and open houses. That’s where your photographer comes in! A pro will:
Launch a Business Photo by Lance Reis Your company is more than a logo, just like you are more than your Linkedin profile. But both need to convey who you are. A professional photographer can help you launch your business and connect with customers by:
 Photo by Lance Reis Memorialize a Milestone Photo by Lance Reis When it comes to children, the days are long but the years are short. It’s easy to lose track of the time in between school, work, dinner, and bath time. But it’s those sweet moments that we often hold on to the most. While a cell phone snapshot can capture the moment, a professional photographer can document the milestone. You can hire one to preserve life’s biggest blessings like:
 The best part is for moms, wives, or girlfriends to actually be in the photos as they so rarely get to be in many of them.
A professional photographer can capture a first smile a first kiss, or the first dance. Skilled photographer Lance Reis offers unforgettable and empowering brand photography services in Portland. Call (541) 760-7293 to book a private session!  Best Free Website Builders Guest Author: Jack Vale With more people launching businesses or otherwise wanting to communicate a message to others, free website builders have seen growing popularity in recent years. They reduce the reliance on coders in website creation, helping to encourage those without technical skills to assemble attractive websites. Not all free website builders are created equally. Some are gems that help you design beautiful websites with simple drag-and-drop interfaces, or other equally-simple solutions. Others can be less useful, either offering a more complex user experience or incessantly promoting a paid plan. This quick guide is to help guide you towards some of the better free website builders on the market. We have taken a look at their benefits and drawbacks, creating a list of the ones we believe can help you design a functioning website with the least headache. 1. Wix As one of the biggest global names in website builders, it is logical that it should feature on this list of the best free website builders. Wix does offer paid plans, but you can still get a lot done with its free version. Unlike other free website building services, you can edit your Wix domain to better reflect your business. This, alongside other customization features like the ability to actually drag content to exact positions, makes Wix a clear favorite for building a free website. Wix is very intuitive and flexible, offering simple functions like ‘Ctrl + Z’ to undo actions and organized templates. 2. SITE123 This is a great option for beginners to learn how to create a website. There is a walkthrough feature with plenty of explanations to make the experience as painless as possible. If you are looking to build a serious website for your business or otherwise, this might compare unfavorably to Wix because of the inability to edit your domain name. SITE123 provides you with a website address full of random numbers and letters. However, it is really easy for beginners to use with live chat support and intuitive website building. 3. Strikingly Strikingly is a great way to make a personal website for free. Perhaps best reserved for those wanting to design a simple website with limited call-to-action buttons, this is user-friendly and makes it very easy to change your design. While not as detailed as some of its competitors, Strikingly is focused on helping you to set up a simple, personal website as quickly as possible. 4. WordPress Take this recommendation with a word of warning: WordPress is built with blogging in mind. If you want to set up your own blog, this could be the free website builder for you. WordPress offers a great way to categorize blog posts, add a comments section and publish new content. If you are looking to build an eCommerce website or something more visual, this might not be the free website builder for you. 5. Weebly Weebly is another great option for building a free website. If you just want to get online as quickly as possible, they offer a quick Q+A to get to know your needs before they give you a brand new website.
Alternatively, you can get hands-on with the standard Editor. You can still pick between attractive templates and access live chat, so this option remains suitable for beginners. -- Jack Vale is a writer from Happy Writers, Co. in partnership with Checkworks, a classic personal checks retailer.  Best Modeling Agencies in Portland, OregonAs a prominent and well connected photographer in Portland Oregon, I have worked with many models over the years. Some signed and well established and some just starting out. For those just starting out I'm often asked for any advice on finding a local modeling agency and who I'd recommend. I'll go into detail on how to get into modeling and what to expect in a future article but for now this article will focus on the 5 talent agencies in Portland, Oregon that I recommend. 10 safety tips every model should know. My recommendations are strictly based off opinions from models, designers, and stylists I've worked with in the past that I trust, testimonials, and personal interaction with these agencies. I am not a photographer for any of these agencies nor am I affiliated with them in any way.  Photo by Lance Reis Questions to Ask Before Signing with a Modeling Agency Before I get into my 5 recommendations let's identify what you should look for in an agency and red flags to avoid on your quest to becoming the next Kendall Jenner or Gigi Hadid. Once you've selected an agency and schedule an interview be prepared to answer questions like, "Why are you interested in becoming a model?" What type of modeling are you interested in?" "What made you choose their agency?" and "What value do you bring to their agency?" 27 posing ideas for women Just as important as the questions they have for you are the questions you have for them. If you want to stand out among the countless other beautiful faces you need to show the agency you’re professional, engaged, dedicated, and take your modeling career seriously. Keeping in mind you can find the answer to some of these questions yourself online here are some important things to discuss during your interview with the modeling agency to make sure they are the right fit for you:
15 fashion designers you need to follow on Insta  Photo by Lance Reis On your quest to find a reputable modeling agency It’s imperative that you do your homework first. If you're looking for a reputable modeling agency in Portland this article is where your research will begin but not where it will end. Red Flags I tell new models to lookout for include:
Truth is, most modeling agencies are legitimate and safe, but you can never be too careful. I suggest when you find a modeling agency that looks like a good fit go through their Instagram feed and contact some models they have featured and ask them about their experience with the agency. You'd be shocked at how open people can be to sharing. Now, let's get into my recommendations.  Photo by Lance Reis 1. The Option Agency  The Option Agency is searching for a whole range of shapes, sizes, and colors to help fuel the narrative that being active is a lifestyle, not a look. Option is an elite collective of veteran agents that has honed its sights and skills on the freshest, most focused talent. Option seeks a balance between offering boutique, white-glove service and bold, gloves-off representation. I appreciate the variety in their portfolio. The Option Agency represents influencers such as: Hailee Lautenbach, Angelina Yasmeen, Chad White, Nic Palladino, and Nick Kent. Who they are Accepting :
What you will submit: • 1 smile headshot • 1 no-smile shoulder up • 1 full-length body shot • 2 two-piece swimwear full-length body shots, one with hair up, one with hair down (teen/adult females only) • 1 shorts-only full-length body shot (teen/adult males only) @theoptionagency on Instagram 2. Muse Model Management  MUSE Model Management is a fashion and athletic modeling agency based in Portland, Oregon that represents models to clients in Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco. Some of these clients include: Nordstrom, Hollister, Abercrombie, Macy’s, Nike, Adidas, Jordan, Fred Meyer, Columbia Sportswear, Reebok, Converse, Microsoft, Apple, Boeing, Starbucks, Hewlett Packard, Nintendo, Levi’s, Eddie Bauer, Norm Thompson, Pendleton, Sahalie, Hanna Andersson, Dakine, Portland Monthly, Oregon Bride, Seattle Metropolitan Magazine, Nautilus, Sony, Footlocker, New Balance, Brooks Running, Saucony, Precor and REI. Just to name a few. In addition to regional bookings, MUSE places and manages international careers and has sent dozens of models around the world collaborating with top international agencies such as IMG, The Society, Next, DNA, Elite, Ford, VNY, Soul, NY Models. As a result, their models have worked for Vogue, Bazaar, W, GQ, Details, Elle, Glamour, Marie Claire, Prada, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Marc Jacobs, Abercrombie, Hollister, American Eagle, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Bulgari, Chanel, Versace, and L’Uomo Vogue. Some MUSE discoveries include: Kerry Degman, Julia Dunstall, Terron Wood, Nick Clark, Brandi Brechbiel, Kate Nauta, Amanda Jensen, Darla Baker, Aaron Bernards, Noa Thomas, Mariah Morrison, Samantha Bondurant, Alesha Cubitt, Wellington Grant, Mercedes Hurzeler, Cristal Chavez and Phil Blank. If you want to model for MUSE they have 2 options Option 1 They will require two photos of yourself. (One head shot clearly showing your face and one body shot in a swimsuit or athletic wear) They will want something current that shows them what you look like right now. Quick snapshots are fine. Option 2 Come in and see them. Even if you send them a photo, they're going to need to see you in person anyways. They have an open call every Thursday @ 5pm, and the first Saturday of every month @ 12pm (Noon), at their office in downtown Portland. They request you do not come in at any other time without an appointment. Height Requirement For their market, a specific height range is generally required. For girls, this is 5’7” to 6’. For guys it’s 5’11” to 6’3”. There are exceptions, but please keep this in mind. @musemanagement on Instagram 3. Q6 Model and Artist Management  Q6 Model Management is more than just an agency, they're a home base. Helping talent develop their skills in an ever evolving industry. Q6 strives for people to feel welcome and seen for their unique identities. For over 3 decades, they've been a leader in the Model and Acting industry of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. The Team: Jonny Shultz: Co-Owner Jonny prides himself on building relationships with the Models of Q6. Starting his career as a junior booker almost 20 years ago, Jonny rose the ranks of the industry becoming a Scout for one of the world’s top agency networks, Ford Models. He’s an expert in model development and seeks out talent whose personality shines. Dorianne Palmer: Co-Owner With over 25 years’ experience at all levels of agency life, Dori helps keep the culture of Q6's history alive and thriving. Crystal Walen: Agency Director of TV / Film For 15 years Crystal has been embedded in the TV / Film community. With experience in casting as a Casting Associate (Portlandia, Green Room, Restless), and in production and contract management Crystal brings clear communication to each project she works on. Adam Rosko: Junior Booking Agent Began his career in 2009 as artistic director of Atomic Arts (which produced the wildly popular, Trek in the Park), before moving on becoming a Casting Associate and Background Casting Director for dozens of tv/film projects. Q6 Talent is Not currently hosting open calls. Thier Code of Conduct goes as follows: "Q6 is committed to maintaining ethical and social values in the workplace. We have and will continue to uphold the highest standards of integrity and respect for others and expect that same from those with whom we work. All Models and Actors must be treated with respect and professionalism and we will continue to communicate that requirement to all parties with whom our Talent interact with. We require that all Models and Actors should be provided with a safe, drug and alcohol free work environment, sufficient privacy while dressing, and be provided with all breaks and meals as required by State Law. Should we learn of any violation of these requirements or discover that any of our Talent have been subject to inappropriate conduct or conditions of any kind including, sexual advances or propositions, inappropriate physical contact, emotional or sexual coercion, offensive or derogatory comments or language, or invasion of privacy we will ensure that all necessary steps are taken to remove the Talent from harm’s way and to remedy the situation. We will work with our clients to ensure that the physical and mental health, safety, wellbeing and dignity of our Talent are protected and maintained while they are on assignment. We will advise clients they may not insist or request that a model perform any activity that may be degrading, unprofessional or demeaning, or to request that a talent perform any activity that may be dangerous, without having first raised the risk with Q6 and with the model, and having obtained the talents' written consent. Any nudity, semi-nudity or sexualized content or situations must be pre-approved in writing by the talent. We believe in transparency, Models and Actors are provided with rate, usages, and client expectations at the time of casting, and again during the booking process." @q6models on Instagram 4. Sports & Lifestyle Unlimited  Slu agency represents a leading roster of professional fitting/fit models. Their fit models span the major size sets and are engaged by a wide range of major athletic and lifestyle apparel brands to independent designers and pattern makers. Today's consumers are increasingly making active healthy lifestyle choices towards products and services related to sports, fitness, health, and wellness. These consumers are more educated and savvier than ever. So, it's crucial that brands and their creative/production partners hiring talent as part of their efforts to reach this audience, select talent that are authentic and credible to these consumers. Slu is proud to represent the strongest roster of professional models and talent that support the varied production and branding needs of these brands and their creative partners from across the advertising, marketing and entertainment industries. An industry leader for almost 30 years, Slu takes great pride in their commitment to the core company values of integrity, honesty, respect and professional service that drives their company culture. They place high value in their relationships with their industry partners and the models and talent that have trusted Slu to represent them. What Slu Agency is Looking for: Prior industry experience is not required but can be an advantage. For thier sports/fitness division, they represent talent with advanced level athletic skills and experience that would support the credibility and authenticity sought by advertisers. For their lifestyle division, they are primarily interested in representing women (5'7" to 5'11"), men (5'11" to 6'3"), and teens/kids who represent a healthy active lifestyle with strong potential marketability as commercial models. Slu is open to all sizes and ages but sign only a limited number of kids each year. A recruitmint warning from Slu: We consider the safety and well-being of aspiring models to be a top priority. We pride ourselves on our professionalism and authenticity and want to advise models about unscrupulous people who prey on their ambitions. Please be aware there are individuals on the internet falsely claiming to be representatives or scouts of SLU or other organizations. If you are contacted by anyone claiming to be a representative of SLU, do not respond without first verifying their identity by promptly calling us directly at (503) 227-3449 and we’ll be happy to assist you. Please note that SLU never requests photos in the nude or in lingerie and never requires monetary payment to review your materials or consider you for representation. If you are under 18 years of age and are contacted by someone claiming to represent an agency, always alert your parents or a responsible adult. @sluagency on Instagram 5. Reaction Models and Talent  Reaction Model Management is a Pacific Northwest modeling agency focused on developing and helping talent in Portland, Oregon. They act both as a booking and mother agency, finding interesting people, and providing the tools for them to develop into dependable and compelling models. They are inclusive and represent a wide variety of talent. As a husband and wife team, Jeff and Brittney McChristy Shanes are fully invested in the service they supply to their clients and models. They pride themselves on their availability, dependability, and ethical standards. Their personal goal is to help their models and actors achieve their goals, and to be a resource for projects to run smoothly and efficiently for their clients. Some Clients of Reaction Model Management are - Columbia Sportswear / Nike / Adidas / Intel / Google / Microsoft / Unilever / Reebok / Starbucks / Kroger / Sony Currently they are looking for people who meet the following requirements: Women We are especially interested in beautiful ethnic women! We strive to be very inclusive. Pacific Northwest types with individual style/tattoos are welcome to apply.
@reactionmodels on Instagram Do you have a personal experince with one of the agencies I mentioned? Or have one to add to the list? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below. If you're in need of a photographer in Portland to help build your portfolio contact me for a quote today!  How to grow your following with Facebook Groups Facebook Groups has to be one of the most overlooked and under valued free ways to multiply your following and double your business among photographers and content creators. As soon as I started using Facebook groups to show off my work my following on Facebook & Instagram tripled and so did my business. In this article I will give you actionable steps on how to grow your Instagram following as well as your Facebook following using Facebook groups. Of course there are countless great ways to grow your following using YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest but I will just be discussing Facebook groups in this article. How to Triple your website traffic with Pinterest Do followers really matter? Before I explain how to get more followers on Instagram and Facebook you first need to understand why you want followers in the first place. I know to myself and many of you reading this it may seem like a no brainer if your trying to build a brand. But you would be shocked if I told you how many photographers and creators don't even use Facebook or Instagram. Maybe you've tried the social media game and you never saw results so you deleted your account. Well I'm hear to tell you, if your work is good, and you're consistent you should be getting new clients via social media. No question. If you aren't using Facebook to grow your brand YOU ARE LEAVING MONEY ON THE TABLE. Let's look beyond the superficial reason we all want a large following on social media shall we? and instead look at the practical reasons we want more followers and how they correlate with our business. With every new follower comes more opportunity and more potential. I'll explain. 1. Every follower is a possible client. Maybe not today, maybe not a week from now but at some point they will convert. I've had new clients contact me on Instagram and say "I've been following your work for 8 months and I have to work with you! I've been waiting for the right time and I'm finally ready to hire you" Even though that client (like many of my clients) followed me for months they rarely engaged with my posts. This is important to note because it shows me that people are always watching. Don't be discouraged if you're not getting alot of engagement. As long as your consistently posting quality content and not posting drama I promise you someone is planning on booking you as we speak. 2. Followers = free advertising. Think about it, a certain percentage of your followers will always share your content. That's FREE ADVERTISING! It's like having your own little sales team out there constantly promoting you and your work for free! It's really simple, the more followers you have the larger your "sales team" will be. So why wouldn't you want to grow your following? People buy from those they know, like, and trust. Word of mouth will always be the best form of advertising. 3. Brands want creators with a large following. If you're wanting to work with brands the hard truth is they wont even look at your work these days if you don't have a following. Big brands today look at following first and then quality of work. Sadly if it's between you and another content creator of equal skill the one with the larger following will always get the job. I mean it makes sense from a marketing stand point. As a brand I want to go with the photographer with the biggest following because that means my products will be seen by the most people. And that means more sales. 4. Free Stuff. Who doesn't like free stuff? I'm what is considered a "micro influencer." Someone with 5,000 to 40,000 followers and over the years I've leveraged my following for free massages, studio rentals, discounts on hotels, free coffee, free sun glasses, free jewelry, free float tank therapy, free acupuncture, free liqueur, free laser treatment, and the list goes on. Even if you only have 4,000 followers you can leverage your following for free stuff as long as you have good engagement. Fact is influencer marketing is the future of advertising. Brands know they can pay you far less than they would on traditional adverting and still get more value. It's a win win for everyone. How to use Facebook groups. Now that you hopefully understand the value in building a following on social media and why it's important, let's talk about how you do it using Facebook groups. It's actually very simple. This works best for photographers and content creators. I will use myself as an example and tell you exactly what I do. Every time you post a new photo or photos on Facebook like you should be doing from your personal page (That's important) I want you to share that post in every Facebook group you can find that is related in any way to that post. For example: If I posted a really stunning photo of a humming bird I would then search Facebook groups for any group that is not only related to photography, but also birds, hummingbirds, wildlife, or location specific. For example, when I shared my humming bird photos to the Facebook groups: Oregon City Chit Chat (a local group), Photoshop and Lightroom, Northwest Creative Collective, The Hummingbird Whisperer, Birds, PNW Photographers, Fstoppers, Hummingbirds Anonymous, and Birding Oregon. Example shown below.  As you can see just in the group alone my post got 343 likes, 49 comments, and 17 shares. and that's not counting the engagement from the group members who clicked the post and engaged with it directly from my page. I know those aren't crazy numbers but this is a small example of how a post can lead to many new followers on Facebook and Instagram. What you don't see in that screenshot is the link I posted to my Instagram on the original post. And that's how I convert Facebook followers to Instagram followers. Before I move on to another example there are a few important things to note: 1st. Make sure your account is public. You can't share your post in groups if your account is private. I'll save the details for a future post but I can assure you without question a post on your personal page will always get far more engagement than if you post on your business page. If you take anything from this article it's this: You will be far more successful putting all your effort into growing your personal page instead of a business page. Free engagement on a business page is absolutely awful and not worth your time. The goal after all is to get the most eyes on your work as possible so MAKE YOUR ACCOUNT PUBLIC. 2nd. Read and follow the rules of the group. Every group is different. Rules to lookout for are as follows: Rule #1 Some groups don't allow you to share a post in the group from your page. They might require you to post straight into the group. No biggie, just make sure and check if they have a limit on how many photos you can post at one time. Some only allow 1-4 in one post. Rule #2 Some groups don't allow links. So if you share a post from your personal page and you linked to your Instagram they may delete the post. For groups that don't allow links just say something like "@kickassdesigns on insta" in the caption. It is your job to read and follow the rules of each group! 3rd. Don't waste your time with groups that have little to no engagement. As shown below when searching for a relevant group to join only join groups that have 40K members and up. So out of the options below when I searched birding I would only join "Birds" and "Hummingbird Anonymous". After joining a group and being approved immediately check the engagement of the group. If there is alot of posts but no one is engaging with the posts leave the group and don't bother.  With all that in mind here's an example of how a post can go viral when a post is shared in the right facebook groups. The below post did good on my personal page but only hovered around 500 likes, 150 comments, and 300 shares until I shared it in the following groups: Oregon City Chit Chat (a local group), Photoshop and Lightroom, Northwest Creative Collective, PNW Photographers, Fstoppers, Art of Portrait Photography, Crisp nights & Halloween frights, I love Halloween, Extreme Halloween, Autumn fall and Halloween, This is Halloween, Cosplay, Spooky weird and cool, Amazing Cosplayers, Bette Midler Fans, Cosplayer Nation, and Mommy Needs a Vodka. I really want you to think outside of the box. Notice how I didn't just share the below post in a cosplay group and a photography group and call it good. The key is joining and sharing in any group that's relevant. So What's relevant to my Hocus Pocus photos? Cosplay, Halloween, Autumn, Spooky, Photography, Portraits, Fall, Family, kids, Etc. So I searched all those key words in Facebook groups and joined all the ones I found that had good engagement. Needless to say that post alone got me countless new followers on Facebook and many converted to Instagram.  I have gone semi viral a few times thanks to this method and I promise you can too if your work is good and you follow the steps above. Another example: Let's say you're a landscape photographer and you shot a stunning photo of Mount Hood. Keywords I might search for in facebook groups are: Landscapes, PNW, Oregon, Photography, Hiking, Explore, Travel, Mountains, still life, nature, adventure, vagabond, Etc. Another reason to share in Facebook groups, you never know who's in them looking for exactly what you have to offer. I shared a Photoshoot I did of a kid as Joker with batman in a group and the owner of Boredpanda saw it and wrote an article about the shoot and shared it to their massive audience which led to another article written by a Canadian news channel CTV and my local news. My last tip: To keep your post showing up in the feed reply to every comment. But leave at least 45 minutes between each reply. and when you hit reply, type your comment and then click cancel, you'll then see a message that says "you're no longer replying to blank if you continue what you write will appear as a comment on your post." then click continue and post the comment. Facebook views this as a new comment each time and thus repopulates your post in the feed each time. ;) I hope this article has helped. I'd love to hear from you in the comments below. More information on how to grow your Instagram Following HERE.  25 Common Photography Terms New Photographers Need to Know If you're anything like me, the first thing you'll do as a new photographer is watch countless YouTube videos to learn how to take that perfect shot, and although that's great, you'll hear words like “shutter speed,” “aperture,” and “ISO” thrown around and it can get really confusing really fast. If you have ever found yourself feeling confused among your fellow photographers you have come to the right place. Today I will be defining all the most common photography terms that you need to know before you can grab your camera and head out to capture some kickass photos. Now before you get overwhelmed just remember rules are meant to be broken and you can absolutely still be a great and successful photographer without knowing all of these terms. Hell, I didn't know half of these terms for the first 3 years of my photography journey.  1. Aperture or f-stop Considered one of the three pillars of photography—shutter speed and ISO being the other two—aperture refers to the opening in a lens through which light enters the camera. Meaning, if you want to capture a brighter photo, you will have to increase the aperture. And if you are aiming for a picture with less amount of light, you can use a smaller aperture. Aperture not only affects the amount of light in the photos, but it also controls the depth of field (we will discuss this in detail later). While a wide aperture gives you a blurred background and shallow focus, smaller apertures work well for sharper images. Additionally, an aperture is measured in “f-stop” or “f-number”—the letter “f” appears before the number. The small numbers represent a wider aperture, and the large numbers represent smaller apertures. So, f/2.8 will give you brighter photos and a blurrier background than f/11. For example f/2.8 is shown below.  Photo by Lance Reis 2. Aspect Ratio Simply put, the aspect ratio is the relationship between your image’s width and height. This is how aspect ratios are written: x:y (‘x’ stands for the width and ‘y’ for the height). While the aspect ratio might not seem important, it can immensely impact your photographs. If you change the aspect ratio, it will affect your subject’s position in relation to the sides of the frame. Most of the cameras can capture images in 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, and 16:9 aspect ratio. While 1:1 is perfect for capturing square photos that you can post on social media platforms like Instagram, 16:9 is commonly used to capture videos. Pro Tip: Don't use a 1:1 crop on Instagram, instead crop your photos to 5:4 for Instagram. Perfect for vertical portraits. This will take up the most space on your Instagram viewers feed and thus will standout more. :) More on How to grow your Instagram following HERE 3. BokehBokeh refers to those out-of-focus orbs of light in the background of an image with a subject in the foreground. Like the image below. That is called the bokeh effect, which is also the most used in camera effect in portrait photography. Bokeh comes from a Japanese word meaning “blur.” This blurred background shifts the focus of the viewers towards the subject—the background blur results from the shallow depth of field, which is created using a wide aperture.  Photo by Lance Reis 4. Burst Mode or Machine gunningYou might be aware of this feature as it is present in iPhones too. Burst mode or "machine gunning" as it is known around my condo is a camera function where you can capture a series of photos in quick succession. All you need to do is hold the shutter button down, and the camera will shoot continuously until it can’t process images anymore. If you've ever used this feature you'll understand the name. This function is useful when you are trying to capture a fast-moving subject or short-lived candid moments. Photographers who cover sports events or wildlife commonly use this setting to get the perfect shot. This is how I achieved the below image.  Photo by Lance Reis 5. Depth of Field (DoF)Depth of Field is the range of distance that appears sharp or the area in the image that is in focus. While the shallow depth of field is best for portrait photography, where we do not want the background to be in focus, landscapes look better with a larger depth of field as the entire scene is in focus. Like the image below. But remember that the transition from in-focus to out-of-focus is gradual.  Photo by Lance Reis 6. Digital Vs. Optical ZoomDigital and optical zooms are the two primary ways of zooming in photography. Optical zoom requires changing the camera’s lens to get a closer view of the far-away object. Digital zoom, on the other hand, leverages magnification technology that enlarges a specific area of the image. In optical zoom, the focal length increases; thus, the apparent proximity of the image changes. In other words, the lens moves away from the image sensor, enlarging the desired section of the image. Whereas digital zoom enlarges the pixels and crops out the rest of the image, thereby magnifying the subject. 7. ExposureExposure refers to the overall brightness and darkness in your photograph. The three elements that determine the exposure value are ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. An image can either be overexposed (usually due to harsh sun and natural light) or underexposed. (Usually due to low light situations.) A picture is overexposed when its highlighted area is unreadable or washed out, and it is underexposed when the information in the shadows is missing—the concept is pretty much the same. 8. Exposure CompensationEvery modern camera and cell phone can automatically control the exposure settings. When in a low-lighting area, the camera increases the brightness on its own, and vice versa, so you get a decent picture. However, cameras can be a little aggressive while doing this, which results in an overexposed or underexposed image. This is where exposure compensation comes into play. This means the photographer takes control and overrides the camera’s automatic settings. It is for this reason why I always shoot in manual mode. I prefer to manually maneuver the brightness to achieve my desired result.  9. File FormatIn digital photography, pictures are stored as digital files. The three main types of files are TIFF, JPEG, and RAW. The choice of file format can impact the quality of your image. Besides, the file format should be decided based on the kind of post-processing you require. I recommended always shooting in RAW as this will give you the most control over your photos when editing. 10. Focal Length The focal length can be defined as the distance between the optical center of the camera’s lens and its sensor. The camera lens mentions the information about its focal length. As a photographer you need to know the focal length as it determines how much space in front of you can be captured. Example: A 15-30mm lens is considered a wide angle lens and will be able to capture more of what's in front of you. Great for tight spaces like indoor photography. On the flip side a 85-100mm + lens will capture far less of whats in front of you and far better for outdoor shooting.  Photos by Lance Reis 11. Prime A prime lens has a fixed focal length, such as 30mm, 50mm, or 85mm. This is different from a zoom lens, which can move between different focal lengths such as a 50-200mm. A prime lens will always be more expensive but that's because in most cases a prime lens will produce a sharper image than a zoom lens. 12. Flash Sync Flash sync is used to synchronize your flash and the shutter release to illuminate the subject at a specific time. Usually, the flash fires at the beginning of the photo but with flash sync, you can manipulate that and adjust it to whenever you want the flash to fire. 13. Hot ShoeA hot-shoe, or an accessory shoe, is simply a metal bracket on the top of your DSLR where you can connect external devices, such as off-camera flash units, a mic, or a bigger screen . A hot shoe is only found on advanced compact digital cameras and Digital Single Lens Reflex cameras. 14. ISOUsing ISO, International Organization for Standardization, you can adjust the brightness and darkness of your images. The higher your ISO, the brighter your pictures will be. That said, if you increase the ISO, it will have some other consequences on your image—too high ISO can result in a grainy image. Therefore, I advise you only to use ISO to brighten your images when you cannot do so using shutter speed or aperture.  Photo by Lance Reis 15. Long ExposureLong exposure photography leverages the low shutter speeds to capture unique-looking images. When the shutter speed is decreased, the moving elements in the image are artistically blurred to create a fascinating picture. The path that the moving elements take becomes visible in long exposure photography— Anything producing light will leave a trail, and waterfalls appear magically smoother like the image below.  Photos by Lance Reis 16. ManualIn the “auto” mode, your camera adjusts all the settings, and all you have to do is press the button to capture the image. But in manual mode, you get full control of all the settings on your camera— for example you can modify the ISO, shutter speed, and aperture. Don't be intimidated by this. Learning how to shoot in manual mode from the get go will set you up for success and give you a leg up on your competition. 17. Full-frame / crop sensor There are two types of cameras: full-frame and crop sensor. The sensor of a full-frame camera is equivalent to a 35mm film camera. A simple way to determine whether a DSLR camera is full-frame is by using the same 50mm lens on both a film camera and on the DSLR. Look through the viewfinder: does the focal length appear the same through both cameras? If so, the DSLR is full-frame. Best camera for beginners on a budget. A crop sensor is smaller than a full-frame, which means that the sensor is actually cropping the edges of the frame. The same 50mm lens on a crop sensor will show a more zoomed in version of the same scene. This means that wide-angle lenses will be slightly less wide when used on a crop sensor camera as opposed to a full-frame. Because full-frame cameras have larger sensors, they often perform better in low-light conditions. On the other hand, crop sensor cameras are often less bulky and less expensive than their larger counterparts. 18. NoiseContrary to what a commoner would think, noise refers to a veil of grains in the photograph that obscures the details in a picture. It is similar to the noise or a “hiss” sound in audio recordings even when there is no background noise in the empty room. Though there is some noise in every image, pictures with higher ISO speeds have a considerable amount of noise or grain. To much noise or grain can destroy a photo but try adding a little bit in post for a more grungy look. 19. RAW RAW is a digital image file that you store either on your camera or memory card. It is the file type that is entirely unprocessed and uncompressed. RAW images have a higher quality which makes them ideal for editing. But RAW files are very large, require special software to open, and take up a lot of space on your hard drive. As I said above, I always shoot in RAW because it gives me far more control editing the shadows and highlights in post. 20. Shutter SpeedShutter speed is the amount of time the camera’s shutter opens and exposes light onto its sensor. So, when your shutter speed is slow, your camera is spending more time taking the picture, which results in the motion blur effect as I pictured above. Alternatively, if you increase the shutter speed, you can freeze motion as pictured below. Shutter speed is measured in fractions of a second—¼ would mean a quarter of a second.  Photo by Lance Reis 21. Shutter Release The shutter release is simply the button of the camera that you press to take a picture. When the button is pressed, the camera’s shutter opens to capture the image and then closes. 22. Mirrorless A mirrorless camera is a type of camera that works without a reflex mirror. Unlike traditional cameras Light passes through the lens directly to the digital sensor, which then displays your image on the camera’s LCD screen, allowing you to adjust settings and preview your image before its shot. Benefits of going mirrorless include: More compact and lightweight, Electronic viewfinder (EVF), Image stabilization, Silent, and a Higher shooting speed. 23. Time Lapse Time-lapse photography refers to a sequence of photos captured over some time. The images are later compressed into a video and allow us to see the beautiful changing of the scene faster. For best results, the camera is mounted on a tripod so that it can remain undisturbed for a longer period. 24. Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) When the light passes through the lens of a mirrorless camera, it appears directly onto the image sensor, offering a live view which then displays on the rear LCD screen. This image preview allows you to adjust settings like exposure, brightness, saturation, and contrast before snapping your photo. 25. White BalanceWhite balance is used to balance the color temperature in the image so that it does not appear unrealistic. In the process, an opposite color is added to the image to make it look natural. With the correct white balance, the white areas of your image will appear white rather than looking blue or orange. I however prefer a warm tone to my images so I adjust my white balance to be warmer in camera with that in mind. As shown in the image below. How you want your tones is totally up to you. Once you have thoroughly learned these terms, you will not feel lost when someone uses them and as soon as you put them into practice you will be well on your way to becoming a professional photographer! Photo by Lance Reis  Preparing for a Photoshoot 101 As much as photo shoots can be exhilarating and fun, they also require preparations in advance for the perfect outcome. I don't suggest nonchalantly heading to a studio or location with your photographer you paid good money for, to have your pictures taken, and expect them to be perfect, as there is only so much that can be done in post-production. When you hire a personal branding photographer, having these tips on preparation in your back pocket will help assure you feel ready to go and fabulous on the day of your shoot. All these tips apply to the men also! Have a healthy skincare routine Photo by Lance Reis You’re beautiful. You’re perfect. You’re fabulous. Don’t feel pressured to stray too far (or at all) from your typical beauty/grooming routine. A gentle exfoliation for your face and lips the night before your shoot, followed by your favorite moisturizer will go a long way in helping your skin look it’s best. Check that your hair, skin, brows, and nails are all clean, tidy, and groomed to your liking, and Voilá! You’re photo shoot ready! Book ALL the Things (with a buffer)
Giving yourself that buffer allows your skin time to normalize and recuperate. It also provides a ‘woopsie’ window in case one of said services doesn’t quite turn out how you expected. More on this HERE Don’t forget your teeth  Photo by Lance Reis If you have teeth staining do not worry, it's perfectly normal. Most people do. I suggest using white strips to whiten teeth in a week. This will give them that little boost just before the shoot but if you can't afford them all is not lost. Any professional photographer can whiten your teeth in post per your request :) Pay special attention to your hair  Photo by Lance Reis Don't neglect those beautiful locks. Preparing your hair for a photoshoot is just as important as your skin. Plan your next haircut for the week leading up to the shoot, even if just a trim to keep your hair looking fresh and on point. Opting for hair colouring is also a great idea if you have roots showing. Talk to your hairdresser about what hair style will best suit your face for your upcoming photoshoot. I always recommend the week before your photo shoot use a nourishing, deep conditioning treatment on your hair. This will ensure it is healthy, strong and fabulous for your shoot. If a hair stylist was booked with your photo shoot make sure to arrive with clean, dry hair. If a stylist is provided, simply ensure your hair is clean and dry when you arrive and they will style it for you upon arrival. Take care of your hands and legs Photo by Lance Reis Remember, photoshoots are not only about faces. Go for a manicure and a pedicure a day before your shoot, so that you can flaunt your legs and hands in your sleeveless/side slit dress. And if you wear a wedding ring, make sure to clean it to enhance the beauty of your hands. Most of my clients like to show up with a fresh tan, if you want to get a spray tan rather than use a tanning bed before your photo shoot, I recommended you do this 2-3 days beforehand. This will allow time for the spray tan to settle and look natural on camera. A spray tan or gradual self-tanner is certainly not necessary, but I find my clients love that warm and glowy skin tone in photos. But again you don’t need to do this – I totally advocate and encourage you to rock the skin you are in! If you do choose to tan, just be super careful that it is even – otherwise it can look underwhelming on camera. Lastly, if you choose to, you can also go the waxing route for a cleaner smoother look but only if you've waxed before. If you haven't there is always a chance you could breakout and no one wants that right before a shoot. Plan what to wear, bring options Photo by Lance Reis Clothes are another essential element to pay heed to. Strategically putting complementary pieces of clothes together will enhance your looks, resulting in a good looking photo. It's also a good idea to bring along 5-6 outfits that you love. You can even select those dresses which you might not wear because of their impracticality. More on what to wear HERE Just relax and seize your day  Photo by Lance Reis Most importantly remember to stay hydrated and get a good night’s sleep to look fresh in your pictures. A photo shoot should be like a reward for yourself so go all out and pamper yourself the whole week leading up to the shoot. Not required but you deserve it. Finally, take on as little stress as you can the week leading up to the shoot. That means a week long news and media detox. Acknowledge everything in your life that brings you stress and negative feelings and avoid them at all cost. I always want my clients showing up to our shoot feeling fabulous, strong and sexy. Have fun!
 As an average white male in his 20s I never really had any interest in fashion but as a photographer I have learned over the years not only how powerful and thought provoking fashion can be but how much impact it can have on a photo. As a photographer my model and I decide what look we want to convey before a shoot and choose wardrobe accordingly. Whether you're going for sexy, playful, vintage, gothic, fierce, professional, or regal, there's a fashion designer out there for everyone. We all know the big names in fashion design like Calvin Klein, Giorgio Armani, Coco Chanel, Ralph Lauren, Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs, Valentino Garavani, and of course Donatella Versace, but in this article I'd like to feature 15 fashion designers you may not know. I would categorize each of these designers as gothic Couture, dark, and regal. 1. @squirrelvscoyoteSquirrel Vs Coyote & Squirrel Vs Coyote Jewelry are by an amazing designer out of Seattle Washington. Think Gorgeous Armor with a twist of Couture. It's unlike anything else you'll see on the market. I also love how high quality and durable her designs are. Most elaborate designs like theses are so delicate you're afraid to touch them but I've found from experience Squirrel Vs Coyotes designs are just as durable as they are beautiful. Check her website to see what's new.  Designer: @squirrelvscoyote Model: @ezenwailabor Photographer: @kickassdesigns 2. @royalblack_couture Royal Black Couture & Corsetry is a brilliant Corset & Costume Designer out of Vienna / Austria. Barbara is known for her gorgeous tops and corset vests made in her signature style. If you love couture, costumes, corsetry and the craftsmanship behind it, chances are you already have seen some of her creations floating around Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. Look for Royal Black on Patreon for more!  Designer: @royalblack_couture Photography: @josefienhoekstra Model: @leilaaigbedion 3. @lorysunartistryLory Sun is a self taught artist out of Romania who is best known for her Avant Garde headpieces and corsets. Her luxury styled pieces have been featured on numerous A-list celebrities & in numerous magazines including Vogue and Elle. She has been interviewed by Cosmopolitan, Vice, and Cabinet Art Magazine, and also mentioned by Narcity in the article "30 Women With Badass Jobs In Boston". Her signature metal gloves are internationally adored and published by multiple magazines and fashion blogs such as Brilistyle, Actitud, Nuus, Doniso Punk, De Ulima, Biba and many more. Checkout her website to see what's available now.  Designer: @lorysunartistry Photographer: @chrisknightphoto Model: @ninadapper 4. @feraldecayyFeral Decay is a Headdress Designer out of Seattle. Nicole specializes in horns, crowns, tiara's, fascinators, jewelry, and accessories. She's an amazing designer and even better friend. I'm honored to add her to this list. Don't miss her Etsy shop for more.  Designer: @feraldecayy Photographer: @kickassdesigns Model: @alyxandriamodel 5. @alicecorsetsAlisa Perova is the Designer behind the Dark Couture Gothic Brand: Alice Corsets out of Kiev, Ukraine. She specializes in: Couture corsets, Alternative wedding gowns, Gothic, Wiccan, & Pagan wedding dresses, Dark Fairytale fashion, Haute Gothic, High Fashion Goth & Costumes for WGT, Masquerade Balls and Vampire Balls, etc. Her Gothic Victorian bustle dresses are epic. Don't miss her website for more.  Dress: @alicecorsets Photographer: @lena.berkas_photo Model: @katrin_lanfire 6. @christinaserranodesignsChris Serrano is the brilliant designer behind @christinaserranodesigns. She specializes in Handmade edgy designs and one of a kind accessories. Don't miss her Etsy Shop for more.  Design: @christinaserranodesigns Photography: @beautifuldamages Model: @lucie.halajova 7. @memoria_obscura Memoria Obscura based out of Basel, Switzerland Specializes in Macabre & Fantasy Luxury Couture. This extremely talented designer has a big penchant for dark art. Memoria is not only a photographer, but a model, designer, metal head, & mother of cats. Don't miss her website and Etsy for more :)  Crown: @memoria_obscura Photography: @piamariarautio 8. @_fairytasJolien Rosanne is the Uber Talented Designer behind Fairytas. Jolien takes international commissions for complete costumes, individual accessories and bridal. She does not replicate existing designs by other artists or costumes from shows/anime/etc. but she will create a unique Fairytas design inspired by a character or costume of your choice! Her work is some of the best you'll find.  Designer: @_fairytas Photographer: @gemmy.woudbinnendijk Model: @tinotendamushore 9. @nigel_crowNigel Crow is a very gifted Crown, Headdress, & Wearable Art Designer out of Vegas. His work can be found in multiple large publications and on numerous A-list celebrities. Nigel is amazing and we've been talking about doing a Queen of the Damned concept with his designs but I still need to get him to Portland.  Designer: @nigel_crow Model: @mahafsoun Photographer: @lillianliuphotography 10. @lindafriesen.couture Linda Friesen is the legendary designer behind @lindafriesen.couture out of the Netherlands. She specializes in creating stunning custom designed gowns and dresses for private clients. If you'd like to have your fairytale gown brought to life contact her on her website.  Designer: @lindafriesen.couture Model: @theresafractale Photographer: @lillianliuphotography 11. @wonderlandmc98Audrey Le Guyader is the remarkable Gothic Fashion Designer behind Wonderlandmc out of Paris France. I have used her designs on multiple shoots and will continue to use her crowns and jewelry in the future. Her work is dark yet elegant. I love it. If you're looking for afordable handmade goth Jewlery look no further than her very popular Etsy shop.  Crown & Necklace: @wonderlandmc98 Model: @thehannahhawkins Photographer: @kickassDesigns 12. @hysteriamachine Designer: @hysteriamachine Photographer: @newo_imagery Model: @kikamacabre 13. @videnoircoutureVidenoir Couture just might be the hottest handmade Vampire Couture and Gothic Lingerie you will find in Italy, or perhaps the world. This Husband and Wife team of fashion designers creates the coolest Gothic Lingerie Iv'e ever seen. Check out their website for more.  Designer: @videnoircouture 14. @_ivy.design_IVY-Design is the brilliant work of design student Janina from Germany. In 2011 she founded the label, which is known worldwide for its special creations. As a professionally trained seamstress, she loves to design entire costumes, in particular she loves to make claws and headpieces from filigree metal parts. IVY-Design tells fairytale stories through every creation and its creator Janina never ceases to dream of future pieces. Mostly inspired by nature and Chinese Hanfu crowns, the headpieces are reminiscent of spring-like walks in the forest, blooming meadows or enchanted castles. In addition to the creations that you can buy on her shop, Janina is always open to custom-made items. If you are looking for a very special piece, please do not hesitate to contact her on her website.  Designer: @_ivy.design_ Photo: @kelevarphotography Model: @thedanishlupin 15. @missgdesignsMiss G Designs is one of my favorite headdress companies based in California. Caley is the sole designer and maker of her one-of-a-kind creations. Miss G Designs came to life in San Francisco in 2010. Caley fell in love with the process of creating headdresses, excited by the idea that anyone could wear her designs no matter their age, sex, body type or style. She draws inspiration from nature, history, art, festival culture, fairytales and the creative humans in her life. Her headdresses reflect the beauty and diversity of humanity, covering a huge range of styles to ensure there is something for everyone! Headdresses by Miss G Designs have been featured in numerous publications, music videos, short films, art galleries and museum exhibits.  Headdress: @missgdesigns Model: @jesdru Photographer: @bellakotak Hope you enjoyed 15 of my favoite fashion designers on Instagram. If you like this article you might enoy my 8 Horror Photographers to Follow on Instagram or 10 of the Best Makeup Artists on Instagram. Have a Designer I need to add to this list? Let me know in the comments below.   As a photographer, makeup plays an absolutely crucial role in how a photo turns out. Makeup can make or break a good photo. Luckily for me I work with some of the best makeup artists in the world. I work with MUA's who specialize in glamour, beauty, lifestyle, fashion, theater, and film but the focus of today's article will be on special effects makeup. Below are 10 of the best special effects makeup artists on Instagram you need to follow for mind blowing inspiration. 1. @taelorfx @taelorfx is my go to SFX makeup artist here in Portland for all my horror and heavy prosthetic concepts. Taelor should be doing makeup for Hollywood movies but currently does makeup for me, the local Portland haunted houses, random gigs and her killer TikTok feed under @taelorfxx. Follow her to see behind the scenes and watch her journey to Hollywood because I guarantee that's where she will end up.  Makeup by @taelorfx 2. @artbybmazz @artbybmazz does amazing work. Not only is she an amazing makeup artist but she does it all on herself and takes her own photos. She creates something new and exciting almost every day like and it's always creative, fun, and beautiful. She does a great job at recreating a lot of well known characters you will be sure to love. Don't miss her amazing before and after transitions.  Makeup by @artbybmazz 3. @phonyghost@phonyghost is not only an amazing makeup artist but an amazing model. I've worked with her here in Portland numerous times and she always blows my mind with not only her makeup ability but the costumes she makes from scratch. She is as talented and creative as they come.  Makeup by @phonyghost 4. @kosmickatie@kosmickatie does beautiful, vibrant, colorful work. I love her use of neon colors. Most of her work is more body paint and less prosthetic but stunning none the less. She's also a stunning model and does all of her looks on herself. Check her out.  Makeup by @kosmickatie 5. @ry_fx@ry_fx is an extremely talented self taught SFX makeup artist and Body Painter. Not to mention one of the best makeup accounts on Instagram. Nothing but raw talent and creativity. If you're looking for badass makeup inspiration look no further.  Makeup by @ry_fx 6. @khaleesiisaa@khaleesiisaa is a magician with a makeup brush. Her work is as beautiful as it is terrifying. Her SFX work is some of the best I've seen on Instagram and TikTok. I literally can't get enough.  Makeup by @khaleesiisaa 7. @fx_freakAt only 21 @fx_freak is already one of the best special effects makeup artists you'll find on Instagram. She's one badass Monster Creator, Face/Body Painter, and Halloween enthusiast. She has a perfect blend of scary and pretty concepts on her page.  Makeup by @fx_freak 8. @ellie35x@ellie35x out of Scotland has over 356K followers on Instagram and you can see why. I mean her talent is undeniable. Notice the difference just a crown and jewels make in addition to the makeup. I love how she uses backdrops and jewelry to match her looks. All these elements combined make a beautiful piece of art. You will not find better makeup inspiration than this.  Makeup by @ellie35x 9. @zorinblitzz@zorinblitzz does some of the coolest makeup you will find on Instagram out of the UK. It's Gothic, it's beautiful, it's dark, it's twisted, it's inspiring, and it's down right kickass! Don't skip over this page if you're looking for inspiration.  Makeup by @zorinblitzz 10. @shaulrivas@shaulrivas is a legendary makeup artist outside of the US. This page is a MUST follow for all your makeup inspiration needs.  Makeup by @shaulrivas I hope you enjoyed these amazingly talented artists and find the inspiration you're looking for. Make sure to check them all out on Instagram and connect with me there as well. @kickassdesigns And checkout 8 Horror Photographers you need to follow.  What exactly is Horror photography? I view it as a sub genre of fantasy photography and surreal photography. It's art you want to see, but at the same time, wish you didn't. We have all experienced nightmares that feel real enough to leave us in a cold sweat. That's what a good horror photo should do. Most horror photography I've seen looks amateur, cheesy, and over the top gory but these artists I've listed below are as talented and creative as they come. Besides film, these artists are my biggest inspiration when it comes to horror & cosplay photography. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. If you like these don't miss The 10 best SFX makeup artists on Instagram. 1. Rick Jones @horrifymeuk Rick Jones is not only an award winning horror makeup and portrait photographer based in the UK but also my biggest inspiration in horror photography. This dude is a legend in this niche. If it's fear, shock, disgust, or simply sheer bloody delight you're after look no further. Also don't miss his amazing Horrify Me Art Book. It will take your breath away.  Photo by @horrifymeuk on Instagram 2. Lance Reis @kickassDesigns Oh he it's me :) I couldn't not put myself on this list, I mean it is my blog after all. But seriously, if you love horror photography I would love to connect with you on Instagram. Only about half my work is horror, the rest is Fashion, lifestyle, boudoir, and cosplay. I am blessed to work with some of the best special effects makeup artists in the US. My work isn't quite as gory as Ricks work so if you're looking for something slightly more PG13 My work might be for you.  Photo by @kickassDesigns on Instagram 3. jannike @jannikeviveka What I love about Jannike is she takes her own photos, styles her own photos, and edits her own photos. I love her dark Gothic style. Check her out on Instagram and don't miss her gorgeous prints on Etsy.  Photo by @jannikeviveka on Instagram 4. Joshua Hoffine @joshuahoffine Joshua Hoffine is one of my favorite horror photographers just from a creative standpoint. He's also one of the most recognized photographers in the world. He is a pioneer in Horror photography niche. Joshua stages his photo-shoots like small movies, with sets, costumes, elaborate props, fog machines, and SPFX make-up. Everything is acted out live in front of the camera. Beyond his amazing skills behind the camera I appreciate the time and effort that goes into his elaborate sets and costumes. Don't miss his best work on his website.  Photo by @joshuahoffine on Instagram 5. Ashley Nicole @ashleyvonhelsing Ashley Nicole is a Director, Photographer, & Designer out of Los Angeles. Most of her work is less horror and more dark & Gothic but deserves to be on this list all the same. Her Photoshop work is inspiring. Check her out on Instagram and find even more on her website. You wont be sorry.  Photo by @ashleyvonhelsing on Instagram 6. Jeff @seventh.voyage Jeff is more of a Digital artist than a photographer but does both. He's a Photoshop and Blender wizard. He just might be my favorite digital artist and not all of his work is horror. A lot of his work is beautiful with brilliant use of famous Hollywood characters we know and love. Don't miss his Prints & Photoshop Course on his website.  Photo by @seventh.voyage on Instagram 7. Stefan Koidl @stefankoidlOkay so what if Stefan isn't a photographer and this is a list for photography. He's an amazing artist in the horror space out of AT, Salzburg and a lot of his work actually looks like photos. Most importantly though he's a huge inspiration to myself and other horror photographers. His work is terrifying without being creepy. Don't miss out on his beautiful Prints.  Illustration by @stefankoidl on Instagram 8. @eyesoflamia eyesoflamia is another one of my favorite digital artists that's both horrifying and beautiful.  Art by @eyesoflamia on Instagram |
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