So you want to be a photographer: Transform your skills and build a profitable photography business

Latest Episodes:

PHOTO 054: Blue Steel: How to shoot models’ portfolios Dec 30, 2015

Show notes

What’s the best way to shoot models’ portfolios. Even if you don’t have access to a modelling/acting agency, you can still use these tips when you are shooting people from your sporting group, association or corporate department.

In this episode, Gina and Valerie break down what you need to know from the planning you have to do, the best great to bring to the shoot, and the ideal way to run the day in order to get the best shots in the most efficient manner.

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#ginachallenge #bluesteel

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PHOTO 053: Family size hold the cheese: how to take editorial style family photos Dec 23, 2015

Show notes

Family photos are inevitable. And they can sometimes look woeful! Especially if Uncle Buck is still trying to be the funny guy of the family. So how do you take beautiful family photos that don’t look staged and overly posed?

In this episode, Gina and Valerie discuss the steps you need to take to ensure that your family portraits look more like they have stepped out of the pages of a lifestyle magazine. You (or your client) will end up with family photographs that are unique, memorable and treasured. From angles, to locations, to posing, this episode has it all.

#ginachallenge #familysizenocheese

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PHOTO 052: Feel the burn: Mastering fitness and body shots Dec 16, 2015

Show notes

In this “bootcamp” series, Valerie gives Gina a typical client brief – this one centres around taking photos for a gym. Gina walks through her planning, shooting and production process in order to achieve the best results.

In this episode, they discuss practical strategies on what you need to do to shoot fitness models or simply great body shots when you’re at the beach or on holiday. It’s also ideal if you want to achieve artistic pics that don’t look cheesy.

#ginachallenge #fitnessshots

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PHOTO 051: Lost in translation: Gina's adventures in Japan Dec 09, 2015

Show notes

Gina’s adventures in Japan including sneaky shooting, lots of bikes and missing her plane home. In this episode, Gina and Valerie discuss what you need to know about shooting in Japan, iconic locations, how to try out a new photographic style, and how to “set a stage” for your shots. They also cover: how to communicate when you don’t speak the language, what gear to bring, why the light in Tokyo is like nowhere else in the world – and what that means for your photography.

#ginachallenge #newstyle

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PHOTO 050: Putting the “life” into lifestyle photography: How to take lifestyle images Dec 03, 2015

Show notes

These days, lifestyle images abound. They are becoming popular in the world of corporate photography, proliferate on blogs, are common in stock libraries and pervade the advertising industry. But how can you take a great lifestyle shot without it looking contrived or cheesy? This is easier said than done. But Gina and Valerie discuss practical strategies that can transform your lifestyle shots, regardless of whether you are using real people or models.

#ginachallenge #lifestyle

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PHOTO 049: Talking crop: How to crop portraits Nov 19, 2015

Show notes

Great photography is not just about the lighting, posing and technicalities of the camera. It’s also about the cropping. A well cropped photo can make the difference between a good image – and a great one. So what do you need to know about cropping to ensure that your pictures are great?

Gina and Valerie discuss everything you need to know about cropping – including why it’s important to crop “in camera”, when to do so in post-production, Gina’s golden rules of cropping, how to crop with confidence and how to ensure that you get the balance right in all your shots.

#ginachallenge #goodcropbadcrop

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PHOTO 048: How to build your profile as a photographer Nov 12, 2015

Show notes

So now want to get more clients, gain recognition for your work or build your photographic business. Or maybe you just want to increase your profile as a photographer even if it’s just a hobby.

In this episode, the tables are turned and Gina interviews Valerie on how to build your profile as a photographer. Valerie regularly mentors creative entrepreneurs and teaches workshops in how to build your profile and grow your business. You’ll discover what to write in your bio, what kind of website you need at different stages of your photography, how to use social media, what to avoid and much more.

#ginachallenge #profile

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PHOTO 047: Get smart! How to take great shots using your smartphone Nov 05, 2015

Show notes

You don’t need a fancy big camera to take great shots. Sometimes, all you have is your smartphone. How can you take awesome photographs with the little device in your pocket?

In this episode, Gina and Valerie discuss how you can make the most of your smartphone, how to pick the best light, what to avoid, what apps you should check out and much more.

#ginachallenge #smartphoneonly

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PHOTO 046: Taking it to the streets: The Street Photography Show Oct 29, 2015

Show notes

We love the documentary aspect of street photography. Here, nothing is set up and you’re capturing a slice of life just as it happens. Part-journalism part-art, street photography can result in powerful shots that you just couldn’t set up if you tried. But what makes a good street photograph? And how does that differ from a street portrait?

In this episode, Gina and Valerie discuss the elements that make up great street photography, techniques that you can use to achieve those stunning frozen moments and the little hacks that will ensure your street photographs are authentic and awesome.

#ginachallenge #street

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PHOTO 045: Back is the new black: The backlighting show Oct 22, 2015

Show notes

Backlighting is the new black. When you’re backlighting your shots, there are a number of issues at play. So this show is dedicated to the delicate art of backlighting. If you want to create awesome shots with great ambience and atmosphere, then backlighting is for you. But there is a risk that you will underexpose the subject and blow out the background. If you want to master the art of backlighting you need to understand the rules and work them to your advantage.

Gina and Valerie discuss when you want to backlight, how to create great backlight, the best form of natural backlighting, how to deal with different skin tones and hair colour when using backlighting and much more.

#ginachallenge #backlighting

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Connect with Gina, Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook

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