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The OKC SMUG learns “photography according to Shevaun”!
The OKC-SMUG meeting was held in Norman, OK at the studio of Shevaun Williams and Associates. Everyone enjoyed meandering through the studio, checking out the amazing space before the meeting began. Our fearless leader, Holly, introduced Shevaun to the group, and she got started on her presentation.
Shevaun started by giving us a little history of how she got into the business. Shevaun likes to be more of a generalist, not specializing in any one area such as wedding or architecture photography. Vanessa, Shevaun’s assistant, discussed the benefits of going to photography school. She mentioned that, as a student, professional photogs and others are very willing to help you. Vanessa also recommends working as an assistant if you do not feel you are quite ready to go out on your own.
Next, we were fortunate to have Shevaun’s husband talk to us about his participation in the business. He came from a family of photographers, so he completely understands his wife’s passion for photography. It’s always nice to have someone appreciate, or at least understand, photography.
After the presentation, we geared up for some shooting in Shevaun’s studio. As we were getting ready, Shevaun gave us some tips she called “Photography according to Shevaun.”
- On commercial work, don’t make the customer wait more than 48-72 hours for their images
- Always send a thank you. It is an honor for them to choose you.
- “Behind the camera puts you in the moment” -Shevaun’s new philosophy
The evening wrapped up with shooting some pictures in the studio while Shevaun gave us a run down on adjusting our lighting. It was great to see how Shevaun interacted with her subjects to get them to pose. Shevaun did a wonderful job and we appreciate her allowing us to join her at her studio and share some of her passion. I certainly hope we can all have the passion for photography that she has!
If you are interested in photography, please join us at one of our monthly OKC-SMUG meetings. You will find a great group of folks that all share a passion for photography. We would love to see you.
Check out Sherri Smith’s fantastic photos.
The Kansas City SMUG goes ‘Back to the Basics’!
Last night was a really fun time meeting up with 13 other local photographers at our monthly Kansas City SmugMug meeting! We met at Layne Haley Photography’s studio in Strawberry Hill, Kansas. Our featured speaker was a local talent, Alea Lovely of Alea Lovely Videography + Photography. She is one seriously talented woman, and you can follow her on her blog at http://alealovely.tumblr.com.
Her theme was “Back to the Basics” and she spoke about branding, videography with DSLRs, and how to set yourself apart in the market. She is an excellent speaker and you could just tell everyone was eager to hear more.
She began by sharing stories about her journey in the photography business and how, in the beginning, she got so caught up in trying to emulate what everyone else was doing. “I forgot what I wanted to do… I lost myself,” she says. At that point in her life, she was fortunate to have the opportunity to move to England, where she had a chance to get away and start shooting for herself.
She took this chance to really get to know her camera and figure out her own personal style. It was there that she started experimenting with videography with her DSLR and really fell in love with it. She also spoke about social media and how much it has revolutionized her business and her ability to connect with future clients. Alea encouraged us to start crafting our style and who we are and what we want our business to become.
One of the most inspiring things I took away from last night was how a photograph should be beautiful, because you intentionally took it that way. How you compose the shot and finding the perfect light to shoot the picture the way we want it to look the first time, in camera and without a lot of post-processing, is key to a great photo.
Join our Kansas City SMUG Meetup Group at http://www.meetup.com/Kansas-City-SMUG/ to get notifications of future meetings.
Tina Kraemer of Pure in Art Photography (www.pureinart.com) is a wedding and portrait photographer based in the greater Kansas City metro area. Her favorite camera is my 5DMII, and she loves shooting people in the beautiful sunlight during autumn evenings! She also loves her Kansas City SMUG, because they have talented and inspiring speakers, and the photographers who attend are always willing to share and learn from each other.
The Vancouver Island SMUG learns about lighting!
The Nanaimo, Vancouver Island SMUG was thrilled that local photographer, Nelly Hernandez, offered to host a Glamour Shoot in her home. Being a somewhat non-traditional SMUG group, with approximately 20 members, we don’t have regular monthly speakers. Typically, we get together every other week in a new location and shoot our hearts out.
Nelly hosted a fashion shoot with models, demonstrating how she sets up a shoot and how to use indoor lighting. Many of our members are natural light photographers, so it was very educational for those of us without indoor lighting experience. Nelly talked in depth about using Soft Boxes, Umbrellas, a Beauty Dish, Reflectors, and Blockers. She provided a remote flash for everyone to take turns using on numerous shots with the different lighting techniques.
With only 7 of us in attendance, we had a great time playing and experiencing something different. Although this was also new for Nelly to give a presentation, she offered a great amount of knowledge regarding strobe lighting and flash. A huge thank you goes out to Nelly for walking us through a typical indoor photo shoot!
To learn more about Nelly, check her out at: nellyhernandezphotography.com.
What’s a SMUG?
A SMUG is a place where you can learn, teach and meet up with other photographers who share your passion. Learn More!
Want to be a SMUG leader?
If you enjoy bringing people together and are stoked about sharing your know-how, we'd love to have you on our side to charter new and upcoming groups. Learn More!
SMUGs Podcasts
- SmugMug Podcast Series - Social Media: Getting started and best practices with Aaron Hockley April 17, 2013
- Capturing Love - A Guide to Gay and Lesbian Weddings March 1, 2013
- SMUGs Podcast Series Becoming a PRO - Podcast 3 - Jason Grubb from Jason + Gina Photography October 27, 2012
- SMUGs Podcast Series on Becoming a PRO - Podcast 2 - Gustavo Fernandez September 19, 2012
- SMUGs Podcast Series on becoming a PRO - Podcast 1 - Hanssie Trainor August 8, 2012
