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  • Episode 25: My Favorite Photography Editing Software Options

    Episode 25: My Favorite Photography Editing Software Options
    2021/04/01

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    Transcript
    My most used editing software is Adobe Lightroom Classic. Don't get that confused with Adobe Lightroom. Adobe Lightroom Classic is more robust and feature rich compared to Adobe Lightroom, which is catered to mobile users or users looking for a more streamlined approach to photo editing that can sync across multiple devices.

    For photography, it's what i started with when I started editing my photos on a computer. I've grown with it and I've been impressed by how much power and technology Adobe has stuffed into the software.

    ...

    After some time though, i've found software that added to what i can create along with Adobe Lightroom Classic. Two of those is Adobe Photoshop and Luminar.

    I've been using Photoshop for a little less than two decades. I originally started using it to make graphics for my MySpace page, but I got hooked on the possibilities I had with photo manipulation in Photoshop.

    Since then, I found software like Luminar 4, and recently Luminar AI, that allowed me to do some of the things I would do in Photoshop but in a fraction of the time, like sky replacements and beauty retouching. Photoshop is still a huge part of my workflow, but Luminar has allowed me to take some of my time back.

    If a photo calls for some specific, time consuming adjustments, like when I'm shooting beauty campaigns with my partner who's a makeup artist, I'll throw the photos in Luminar AI after my initial edits in Lightroom Classic to add a bit of pop.

    ...

    Another great bit of software I recently implanted in my workflow, suggested by John over at John Branch IV Photography on YouTube, is JPG Mini Pro. It's a simple software that does one thing very well. It compresses JPGs without sacrificing image quality.

    Why I'd implore you to use this software is because you don't want to send your client huge files when it's not necessary. It's an extra bit of convenience you're offering your clients that separates you from the rest of the pack.

    After I'm done with my exports from Lightroom, I'll throw those photos into JPG Mini Pro and let it run. I usually won't need to compress any files because they're already pretty small in storage size by the time I export them, but just in case, I'll still do my thing with JPG Mini Pro.

    ...

    Before we get to the last section of this episode, please follow me on Instagram @rich_photog, that r-i-c-h-underscore-p-h-o-t-o-g

    If you’d like to schedule your next portrait session or give us the honor of photographing your wedding, visit my website www.richardjnphoto.com or email katherine@richardjnphoto.com where my partner will guide you along your journey with us.

    If you're a small business or know someone who is starting their own small business and needs photography or videography, please send them our way so we can best serve them and you.

    ...

    The last software I'd like to share isn't actually photo editing software, but it is integral to the editing process. That software is culling software. I use two of them. I use Optyx and Photo Mechanic.

    These softwares allow me to separate and categorize photos before I get them into Lightroom. I have enjoyed using Optyx since last year because of it's AI software that easily groups photos that are similar to each other. It also has the power to identify faces and make labeling decisions based on parameters I set, such as sharpness and happy faces.

    I use Photo Mechanic because of it's power when it comes to meta data management and quickness in viewing photos.

    Without these two applications, the process in which i select my photos would take hours I could be spending actually editing or working on other projects.
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    6 分
  • Episode 24: How I Make Money As A Photographer in 2021

    Episode 24: How I Make Money As A Photographer in 2021
    2021/03/31

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    Transcript
    The first way I make money as a photographer is by photographing weddings. It's my most lucrative source of income.

    As a new photographer, you can get started photographing weddings by offering your services as an assistant or second shooter for photographers whose style inspires you.

    You can also, during the beginning of your career in order to build a portfolio, offer to photograph weddings of friends for little to no cost. All you require is the rights to use those images for your portfolio. The biggest disclaimer is you definitely have to tell your couple you're just beginning this journey and you may not have as much expertise in wedding photography as a more seasoned photographer. Set the stage so your clients know what to expect. You may even meet or blow past their expectations.

    You can listen to episodes 19 to 22 of this podcast for details on equipment you'd need to photograph your weddings along with lighting tips and suggestions.

    ...

    The second way I make money as a photographer is by offering portraiture and headshot services.

    To build your portfolio, if that's the avenue you'd like to follow, I'd highly recommend finding local facebook groups with other photographers, models, or anybody else who you can collaborate with. Each party involved gets something out of the agreement. Everybody gets photos for their portfolios and connections to some really great people.

    I now have the opportunity to work on short films as a sound technician and director of photography because of someone I met in a facebook group.

    ...

    Before we get to the last section of this show, please follow me on Instagram @rich_photog, that r-i-c-h-underscore-p-h-o-t-o-g

    If you’d like to schedule your next portrait session or give us the honor of photographing your wedding, visit my website www.richardjnphoto.com or email katherine@richardjnphoto.com where my partner will guide you along your journey with us.

    If you're a small business or know someone who is starting their own small business and needs photography or videography, please send them our way so we can best serve them and you.

    Let's get back to the show.

    ...

    The third way I make money as a photographer is by working with other small businesses to fulfill their photography and videography needs.

    In the beginning of 2020, I started offering reoccurring services for small businesses who needed what we at Richard J Nieves Photography provide on a monthly, quarterly, or yearly basis.

    At first, due to the state of the world at the time, i didn't get a-lot of traction, but I have since started working with small businesses I found on instagram and from my own connections.

    If this is something you want to do, the best advice I can offer is to not be afraid to pitch yourself to companies. They may need your services, and if you enter their world at just the right time, you may spark a lucrative relationship. Send an email or find their social media accounts. Instagram has been very useful for contacting companies who may need photography or videography.

    ...

    Lastly, I implore you to say yes to the jobs that come your way that you want to do, but you may fear you're not up to the task. Don't doubt yourself. You've put in the work to learn this craft. You've put in the time to listen to people like me who want you to learn and succeed.

    Take that fear of making a mistake and turn it into the fuel that makes you get the job done. Never refuse work because you feel like you're not good enough. You most certainly are.
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    7 分
  • Episode 23: TTL

    Episode 23: TTL
    2021/03/30

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    Transcript
    TTL stands for "Through The Lens" metering. Like I stated in episode 21, it is a setting that allows your speed light to communicate with your camera and base your exposure off their combined measuring of ambient light. It detracts the work you have to put into exposing your photo.

    TTL has one goal, to light your subject as well as possible. That's fantastic when you're shooting quick moments that need that extra bit of oomph in the exposure.

    It's great for new wedding photographers who's priority is the client's satisfaction with their photos. The need to perfectly light a scene is put in the back pocket when the hug with the best grandma in the world and a bride is lit well enough that it can be delivered and get a reaction.

    Since the priority of TTL is to expose the subject well, the background exposure takes a hit. TTL doesn't care if the background is well exposed. That is something that can be adjusted in post. It's up to you where you set your compromises. If that's an issue, you can always manually set your flash power if you know what you're doing.

    Since there is that bit of control taken away by using TTL, you may feel like part of your artistic pedigree is lessened. I assure you, it is not. You are as much of an artist as you were before you decided to use TTL. You may feel like you are less of a photographer because you use TTL. Again, I assure you, you are as much of a photographer as one who dials in their settings.

    Before we discuss one last bit about TTL flash units, I'd like to ask you to please follow me on Instagram @rich_photog, that r-i-c-h-underscore-p-h-o-t-o-g

    If you’d like to schedule your next portrait session or give us the honor of photographing your wedding, visit my website www.richardjnphoto.com or email katherine@richardjnphoto.com where my partner will guide you along your journey with us.

    ...

    One more thing to consider when using a flash unit with TTL is those units are more expensive than their manual counter parts. Depending on the brand, prices may be drastically different between units. Again, that's your call to make. I would always opt for a unit with TTL because I can always take the reins when I feel the need to.
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    5 分
  • Episode 22: How To Use Natural Light for Weddings

    Episode 22: How To Use Natural Light for Weddings
    2021/03/29

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    Transcript
    Natural light is absolutely my favorite form of light. It can be temperamental, but rewarding when using it correctly and managing the highs and lows of daylight. You even get natural light modifiers in the form of clouds. What more could you ask for?

    The first example is when you're getting your detail shots. Have access to a window or can take the details outside, but not too far from where they need to be? You can get work done!

    Play with the direction of light and see where light falls and where it doesn't.

    One piece of kit I'd suggest you carry if you know you're aiming to use natural light is a small reflector. You can battle deep shadows and lift them. All that light you can bounce off that little reflector could enhance a portrait or detail shot in some pretty magnificent ways.

    When using natural light to illuminate your subjects, whether they're your couple or their family, place them in a spot of shadow in order to protect all the detail you can in your image.

    By having them under direct sunlight, you'll be setting yourself up for disaster. By placing your subjects under direct sunlight, you create harsh, overhead shadows that are unflattering. You can you lose detail in your highlights if done incorrectly. Worst of all, the experience of the guests standing under a hot sun and trying to stand still so you can take a photo is excruciating and disruptive to the enjoyment of the wedding. Please, move your subjects into a shadowed area where they can express their joy for the event while looking good too.

    Remember that reflector I mentioned before? If you have the space and an assistant or second photographer working with you, it may be wise to carry a larger reflector to light your couples when shooting them alone. Like mentioned previously, you can bounce all that amazing light onto your clients if they aren't near a reflective surface like the side of a building.

    ...

    Before we get to the last tip I have for shooting with natural light, I want to ask you for a favor.

    Before we get to our last tip, Please follow me on Instagram @rich_photog, that r-i-c-h-underscore-p-h-o-t-o-g

    If you’d like to schedule your next portrait session or give us the honor of photographing your wedding, visit my website www.richardjnphoto.com or email katherine@richardjnphoto.com where my partner will guide you along your journey with us.

    Lastly, it would mean a lot if you left a 5 star review on Apple Podcasts to support what we're doing here on the podcast and get it out to more photographers who may benefit from this information. Let's get back to the show.

    ...

    The last tip I have for you, which can pretty much be applied to most of the information I share on this podcast, is to learn the different forms of natural light as seen by your camera.

    Natural light comes from one source; the sun, and is typically "modified" by natural occurrences like cloud coverage or clear blue skies. That light can be direct. It can be diffused by clouds. It can be cut by physical objects like trees and buildings. Learn how your camera sees this information and interprets it for you. Eventually, you will learn how well a face looks when faced directly at the light or away from it. You'll learn how to compose a scene to hide or use a natural background to emphasize your subjects.

    Like I tell my daughter and I'll be telling my son, it's all the practice that'll make you a master at whatever you're setting your energy on.

    Thank you so much for listening.

    Don’t forget to keep creating, stay humble, and enjoy the journey. Catch you later.
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    6 分
  • Episode 21: Consider These Tips When Using On and Off Camera Flash At Weddings

    Episode 21: Consider These Tips When Using On and Off Camera Flash At Weddings
    2021/03/26
    PortfolioBlogInstagram20% off your first year of HoneyBookGet 30% Off Your Annual Membership of SkillsharePodcast Episodes on Apple PodcastsMy Photography GearWhere I get my music for the podcastTranscriptOne of the keys to fantastic wedding photography is the ability to use different forms of light to shape your photos in unique ways.Today, we'll be discussing tips and suggestions for using on and off camera flash to make sure you get the shots that'll have your clients singing your praises.Welcome to the 21st episode of The Richard J Nieves Photography Podcast!I’m Richard J Nieves, published portrait and wedding photographer, and owner of Richard J Nieves Photography located in New York City.The first bit of advice I'd like to give is to not aim your on-camera flash directly at your subject, unless it's a stylistic choice.When you aim your on-camera flash without any form of diffusion directly at your subject, you're going to put hard, direct light on them that isn't very flattering to most people. The highlights may get blown out and you'll have an unusable image.Instead, aim your flash at a wall behind you or a ceiling to bounce the light which will evenly spread and diffuse the light source, thus creating a better image.My second tip is to build the wherewithal to know when it’s OK and when it’s not OK to use on and off-camera flash.I recently photographed a birthday where there wasn’t a lot of ambient light to go around. I definitely needed my on-camera flash in order to properly expose the moments that I knew would matter most to my client. However, most of the time I was shooting at a fairly high ISO without flash.Moments when the client was in focus and had all the attention on them or when a performer was working, those are the moments where I decided to use my flash.I made the judgment to not interfere with the experience of the guests by having a flash constantly go off in their faces so that I can get a proper exposure.Knowing my cameras strengths and limitations with ISO, I was able to get photos that mattered to my client without having to use flash. I’d let them know before I sent the gallery that I made this judgment. They appreciated it so much that I was forthright with them and I was still able to provide what they were looking for from my services.As I just mentioned, the next nugget of advice is to know your hardware like the back of your hand.I recently got some side work recording video introductions for therapists to their clients. For this, I had to pickup a field recorder. Besides my Rodecaster Pro which I use to record this, I haven't had much experience with recorders like the Zoom H5 I purchased.As soon as I got home, I tested out the hardware. I made sure I knew exactly how to use the device for my needs.Now if I hadn't practiced with the unit before going on the job, my performance would have been terrible and sloppy. I would have been wasting my client's time while I figured out my new hardware. That's one of the biggest mistakes you can make as a photographer or anybody in the customer service field; wasting your clients time.Next, Don’t overdue it. Know when enough is enough. Setting up too many flashes may end up being a detriment to you. You run the risk of ruining the experience for your clients and their guests by flooding their field of view with flashes. I understand you want to make sure you light the moments that you know matter most to your clients, but their experience trumps a perfectly lit photo of a speaker making a toasting.Before we get to the final tip, please follow me on Instagram @rich_photog, that r-i-c-h-underscore-p-h-o-t-o-gIf you’d like to schedule your next portrait session or give us the honor of photographing your wedding, visit my website www.richardjnphoto.com or email katherine@richardjnphoto.com where my partner, and my soon to be wife, will guide you along your journey with us.I'm so excited about that little tidbit, I just want to tell everyone.Lastly, it would mean a lot if you left a 5 star review on Apple Podcasts to support what we're doing here on the podcast and get it out to more photographers who may benefit from this information. Let's get back to the show....The final tip I’d like to share is it’s okay to use TTL. Most modern speed lights have TTL capabilities.For anyone who is not sure what TTL is, essentially it is a setting that allows your speed light to communicate with your camera and base your exposure off their combined measuring of ambient light. Essentially, it's automating another part of your photography workflow.It is a tool for you to use to quickly get a proper exposure. There should be no shame in using the tools that you have in your kit to get the shot for your client. Just because you don’t want to constantly re-configure your settings doesn’t make you any less of a photographer than someone who does.For this event that I previously mentioned, most of the time, I was shooting with TTL....
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    9 分
  • Episode 20: Gear Suggestions for Weddings

    Episode 20: Gear Suggestions for Weddings
    2021/03/25

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    Items I Discussed In This Episode.
    Links listed are affiliate links and I may receive a payment for each purchase made using these links.
    Holdfast Moneymaker
    Gnarbox 2.0 SSD
    Peak Design Sling V2, 6L

    Transcript
    My first piece of kit I'd like to share is a gift I got last christmas. The Holdfast Moneymaker.

    As a wedding photographer, you'll want to make sure you have a backup camera. In some cases, you'll want a backup for your backup. For me, since I shoot with prime lenses, I'll have one camera body with a wide lens and another with a tighter focal length. The Holdfast Moneymaker is a harness I wear that'll allow me to have those two cameras at my side at all times so i can swap between the two at a moments notice.

    The second is the Gnarbox 2.0 SSD. This portable hard drive is special because I can backup to it while I'm working. It has an integrated SD card slot and a female USB-C slot so I can backup my photos during the wedding day quickly and discreetly, vs. having to pull out a laptop and sit somewhere, meddle with files and miss fleeting moments.

    Next up is the Peak Design sling. I have the first generation in 5L. It is so handy when I need to carry extra lenses, a flash unit, extra batteries or memory cards. It's light weight and fits my frame well. It's easy to get what I need quickly and get back to shooting.
    The last bit I'll share is a small LED light panel. I use the Aputure MC. A small LED which is not only bi-color, but it can also span the color spectrum. I can add a hint of color to my portraits to make them interesting if the moment is suitable for it. I absolutely love how portable and powerful this little light is. When I'm shooting short videos during the wedding day, i may use this for some fill light as needed.

    Thank you so much for listening. I hope you find these suggestions helpful in building your wedding photography kit.

    Don’t forget to keep creating, stay humble, and enjoy the journey. Catch you later.
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    5 分
  • Episode 19: Wedding/Event Lens Suggestions

    Episode 19: Wedding/Event Lens Suggestions
    2021/03/24
    If you're a new photographer, you may be thrown by the choices of lenses out there for you to use. If you're aiming to be a wedding photographer, this episode will be advantageous for you because we'll be discussing lens suggestions for weddings and events.KEHB&H Photo VideoPortfolioBlogInstagram20% off your first year of HoneyBookGet 30% Off Your Annual Membership of SkillsharePodcast Episodes on Apple PodcastsMy Photography GearWhere I get my music for the podcastNikon S Series 20mm 1.8, 24mm 1.8, 35mm 1.8, 50mm 1.8, 85mm 1.8, 24-70mm 2.8, 70-200mm 2.8DP Review’s Mount-Specific Lens Purchasing GuidesPlease follow me on Instagram @rich_photog, that r-i-c-h-underscore-p-h-o-t-o-gIf you’d like to schedule your next portrait session or give us the honor of photographing your wedding, visit my website www.richardjnphoto.com or email katherine@richardjnphoto.com where my partner will guide you along your journey with us.TranscriptWelcome to the 19th episode of The Richard J Nieves Photography Podcast!I’m Richard J Nieves, portrait and wedding photographer, and owner of Richard J Nieves Photography located in The Bronx in New York City.We'll start with the widest focal length, and move into the tightest. I also am an advocate for prime lenses because of the image quality you'll get from a fixed perspective. However, I will also suggest some zooms at the end.Most of my suggestions will have f-stops of 1.8. 1.8 primes tend to be much more affordable than their 1.4 and 1.2 counterparts. The wide open depth of field is also a great creative choice like 1.4 or 1.2. The differences in aperture, to me, are minimal.My first suggestion is a 20mm 1.8. That's wide enough to capture family photos and groups. You'll be able to photograph story and context with wider lenses. Shots of venues and other locations during the wedding day will require a lens this wide. You can also use a 24mm, which will have less distortion, but you'll have to step back if you need the wider view.My next suggestion is a 50mm 1.8. Known in our industry as a "nifty fifty," it is a fantastic focal length for portraits and story telling. With most 50mm lenses having minimal distortion, you can easily use this to photograph scenery, your clients and their guests while still giving them room to breath. A 35mm is also a good choice, but, for me, it's still a little too wide for most portraits i'd like to take and not wide enough for scenery. But again, that's my opinion and it may suit your style of photography.Before we get to my last suggestion, please do me a huge favor by following me on Instagram @rich_photog, that r-i-c-h-underscore-p-h-o-t-o-gIf you’d like to schedule your next portrait session or give us the honor of photographing your wedding, visit my website www.richardjnphoto.com or email katherine@richardjnphoto.com where my partner will guide you along your journey with us.Lastly, it would mean a lot if you left a 5 star review on Apple Podcasts to support what we're doing here on the podcast and get it out to more photographers who may benefit from this information. Let's get back to the show.Alongside those is the 85mm 1.8. My go to for portraits. This lenses focal length compresses and renders photos so beautifully, my clients end up loving the look it provides. You can capture candid moments while giving those moments space to happen.Now if you'd prefer having one lens with which you can have the convenience of zooming in or out, I'd recommend the 24-70 2.8 and 70-200 2.8 lenses. They'll cover the ranges I just discussed while allowing you to not have to worry about constant movement and lens switching.I'm not suggesting you get these to be lazy during your work, but rather to minimize the amount of lenses you're carrying, to save time when having to switch lenses when the moments calls for a wider focal length over a tighter one, and for situations when you can't get very close to your subject like during a ceremony or a speech.I'll leave links to suggested lenses for most camera systems and to some of my favorite lenses for the Nikon Z6 in the show notes.Thank you so much for listening to my wedding photography lens suggestions. I hope you find some value in these suggestions, and if you do get any of these lenses, I hope they serve you well.Don’t forget to keep creating, stay humble, and enjoy the journey. Catch you later.
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    5 分
  • Episode 18: Buying Used Gear

    Episode 18: Buying Used Gear
    2021/01/26

    When you’re just starting your photography business and your funds are limited, you may have to consider buying second hand gear. That’s not always so bad. That may even be one of the best things you can do for your business.
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    Please follow me on Instagram @rich_photog, that r-i-c-h-underscore-p-h-o-t-o-g

    If you’d like to schedule your next portrait session or give us the honor of photographing your wedding, visit my website www.richardjnphoto.com or email katherine@richardjnphoto.com where my partner will guide you along your journey with us.
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    4 分