Kari Campos Photography | Chicago, IL

I read a lot of photography forums. A lot. And I’ve noticed one of the most asked questions on those forums come from people similar to me: “What advice do you have for an aspiring photographer who is very new to photography?”

 There are usually two answers:

1. Shoot, shoot, and shoot some more.
2. Learn, learn, and learn some more, whether it be through books, workshops, networking, blogs, etc.

There truly is such an abundance of information out there when it comes to photography. It’s actually rather overwhelming. But one thing that I’ve found over the past year or so is that I’m very much a visual learner, and I like to be able to ask questions in a one-on-one situation.

Well, lucky me. I got to do just that last Friday when I met up with Jenna from Jenna Cole Photography for an Aspirations Session.  In these sessions, Jenna teaches what she knows about anything you want to know about photography, from the basics to more advanced concepts. This session was completely customized to what I wanted to learn (which was primarily centered around composition and lighting, two things I seem to struggle with). She was more than willing to answer any questions I had along the way, which I so appreciated. I even got to take a couple shots with her 5DMkII. Me wants one.

Without going on and on and on, I just thought I’d share what I wrote to Jenna about why I would recommend a session like this to others:

 “There are so many workshops, online tutorials, and other resources out there all claiming to make you a better photographer. However, the majority of these options don’t allow for one-on-one interaction that’s catered to what you want to learn and don’t dedicate time to answer your specific questions. Going into the Aspirations Session, I had a good understanding of the basics of photography, but there were some things, that no matter how much I read or watched online, I just couldn’t grasp. There’s nothing like talking to a pro in person and watching them in action. In my few hours with Jenna, I took away quite a few things, things that I could immediately apply to my next shoot. Just two days later, I had a shoot, and Jenna’s voice was in my head reminding me of things: don’t cut off limbs, do the funny laugh, look for good light not good backgrounds…It was undoubtedly a worthwhile investment. I still have a long ways to go, but I’m definitely closer to where I want to be after the Aspirations Session.”

If you live in the Chicago area and are interested in learning more about photography, definitely get in touch with Jenna. You won’t regret it! If you don’t live in Chicago, check local photographer’s websites to see if they offer something similar. The one-one-one, in-person interaction can’t be beat!

When I started this photography blog, I was much better about sharing what I learned. I even did a “Weekly Wisdom” post to share a new tip, technique, or concept that I learned. And while my learning certainly hasn’t stopped, my blogging and sharing about what I’ve learned has. I’ll try to be better.

So today, per a reader’s request I thought I’d share with you a bit about shooting in RAW versus JPEG. The request couldn’t have come at a more perfect time. I’ve been shooting in RAW + JPEG mode in my camera for the past several months, almost as long as I have had my camera. But my computer has been slow, and I’ve been annoyed with the memory that the RAW files are eating up (and yes, I do transfer files to an external hard drive, but apparently not as often as I should). So I did a bit more researching to decide whether I’m shooting in the “right” mode for me.

Let’s start from the beginning. What are RAW and JPEG? Well, it’s basically the file format that your camera stores the image data from your camera sensor. Most know that RAW files are much, much larger than JPEG files. So what gives? What are the pros and cons behind each? Why do most professional photographers shoot in RAW?

Think of RAW files as “uncooked” or “unprocessed” just as you would think of raw food. A RAW file is an uncompressed file that contains all the information/data from your sensor for each image; that is why many refer to RAW file data as lossless. RAW files require special software to view and process the image on your computer; for example, I use Adobe Camera Raw. On the other hand, when shooting in JPEG mode, files are smaller files because the information/data for the image is processed in your camera which compresses the image data (in other words, you lose some of your image data). JPEG files are readable by any image program because they have been processed, unlike RAW files which have to be processed on the computer using a software program.

The lossless nature of RAW files allows photographers to have more control and flexibility over how an image looks in post-processing. Think of it as raw food again. When you have raw or “uncooked” food, you have much more flexibility with what you can do with it than if it were already cooked. You can change the exposure if needed, many times recovering highlights or shadows if needed. You can also more easily adjust white balance, contrast, saturation, and sharpness with RAW files. JPEG files on the other hand have already been processed (or cooked) losing some of the data.

Because RAW files are unprocessed, they are lower in contrast and not as sharp as JPEGs. RAW files also have a tendency to look “flat”. RAW files must be processed and converted into readable formats (such as JPEG) in order to be printed or suitable for the web. However, keep in mind that each time you manipulate and save a picture as a JPEG on your computer, the image loses data. TIFF files, however, are lossless, so if you plan to do multiple rounds of manipulation on an image, it is recommended to save it as a TIFF until finalized and then save it as a JPEG.

Why would someone want to shoot JPEG? The camera can write the information to your SD card faster with JPEGs because of the smaller file size, thus allowing you to shoot faster. Also because of the smaller size, you can store 2-3 times the number of images than if you were shooting in RAW. If it’s likely that you will not be interested in editing an image, JPEG is likely the way to shoot. Let’s all face it, post-processing takes times. Shooting in JPEG mode is convenient.

So will I change my setting on my camera? Yes, actually! For shoots around the house and on the go, I will use JPEG mode because my likelihood of wanting to edit the photos is slim, and it’s just not worth the space on my SD card, computer or external drive to have the RAW files. For photo sessions though, I will shoot in RAW so that I have the flexibility in post-processing.

Of course, there is no right or wrong—it’s up to everyone’s personal preference.

So that’s a basic overview. For more information on RAW versus JPEG, a simple Internet search will get you much more information (and probably better written) than what I just shared. If anyone else has anything additional to share, feel free to leave a comment!

One would think that I am marketer for CreativeLIVE with all the love I’ve given them since starting this blog. And I’m going to do it again. For fellow photographers starting out and wanting to learn more, you might be interested in two upcoming courses. I’m definitely going to check them out since they both are of HUGE interest to me…

The first one is a Photoshop Elements workshop on Friday, November 5th. Lucky for me, I have that Friday off of work! As I’ve mentioned here before, I use Photoshop Elements rather than the full fledged version. I’m yet to know everything it can do, so I’m hoping this course might be just what I need. It is specifically for PSE9, but I have a feeling that those with earlier versions (I personally have PSE8) will learn a lot too.

The other one I’m excited to watch which they just announced today is a children’s photography workshop that will take place November 19-21. The details aren’t up on their website quite yet, but I’ll link to it when they are.

As is always the case, the CreativeLIVE courses are FREE if you watch them live. Otherwise, you can purchase the recordings and watch at a later time. I’ve had nothing but great experiences with them. It’s a great way to get educated, and the price (or no price if watching live) can’t be beat.

In my recaps of the Jasmine Star CreativeLIVE experience, I had mentioned that one of the biggest things I took away from her (and there were a lot of big things) was to use back button focus.

I remember when she first mentioned it early on in the workshop. I thought to myself, “What the heck is she talking about?!” I had honestly never heard of it, so I was intrigued.

When she mentioned it again later on in the workshop and said that she only shoots with back button focus, I was determined to try. So I did what every other good aspiring photographer does, I Googled it, and within minutes I changed the settings on my camera to give it a try.

From the first time I tried using it later that day, I noticed a HUGE difference in the sharpness of my photos. Wow, what a difference it made in my focusing abilities! It did take a little bit of getting used to, but now I can’t imagine ever going back to using the shutter button.

So, you’re probably wondering what exactly back button focus is (or you already know and can stop reading). Instead of trying to recreate a post that someone else has likely written far better than I ever could on the subject, I’ll let the others do the explaining. Check out these websites that I’ve found useful…

• Canon Digital Learnings’ “Back-Button Auto Focus Explained”
• Melissa Jill’s “F.A.Q.–Back Button Focusing”
• Light Photography Workshop’s “Back Button Focus–Hop Onboard for the Big Win”
• Texas Chics Blogs and Pics’ “Improve Focus, Shoot More Quickly”

There are loads of other articles out there, so if the ones above don’t suit you fancy, I’m sure you can find others.

So, give it a try! Or if you have already, what do you think of it?

While watching the Jasmine Star workshop, I had an Evernote note open on my computer screen to jot down key things, such as phrases she’d say, observations of how she was shooting, quick tips, etc. So, to be completely honest, my notes are a bit of a jumbled mess and sorting through them will take a bit of time. So in this post I’ll just share some of my favorite quotes, tips, and observations…

 Lighting and Exposure:

• J* is a huge fan of the bounce card
• She uses flash most often at receptions and bounces the flash behind her off a wall instead of the flash facing the guests
• When you are confronted with bright, hard light, remove the subject a foot or so from the area with the direct light and you will get a bounce of light on the subject
• Keep away from red brick; pull the subject a foot or two away so their skin won’t look red
• J* doesn’t mind blowing out the skies, as long as the skin on her clients looks good, she doesn’t change her settings
• Don’t reveal your light source (e.g. if ground is bouncing light, don’t shoot the ground)
• Move items so that they are out of hot spots

 Client Relations:

• Under-promise and over-deliver
• Prepare your clients for success (e.g. J* encourages her clients to get their hair and makeup done for engagement photos)
• Be upfront with your clients (e.g. let them know you are a natural light photographer so certain times of the day work better than others; tell clients up front of the importance of being on time and that you won’t extend the session if they’re late)
• Educate your clients about the time you need
• Show your clients how to pose—don’t just tell
• J* sends a list of pictures she wants to take to the bride

 Business and Other:

• Get your bag totally ready the night before a shoot
• J* firmly believes that second shooting is a must before becoming a first shooter at a wedding
• Pre-visualization is important; always have ideas in mind
• Be able to define your style in three words (I’m working on this one)
• “Don’t brand yourself for the person you want to be. Brand for yourself.”
• “Photoshop actions should be salt to a really good meal—not the meal itself.”
• J* never runs actions at 100%

 During the Shoot:

• Stylize, stylize, stylize (especially detail shots); don’t be afraid to move stuff around to get a better shot (just remember to put it back how you found it)
• Never portray how stressed you are
• SMILE
• Do whatever you can to make your clients relaxed
• Get people to laugh
• Tell your clients it’s okay to feel beautiful
• Talk behind the camera, not with the camera pulled away from you; otherwise you chance missing great moments
• Capture natural body action
• Always have your focal point on who is looking at you
• J* focuses (using back button focus) between every frame
• J* shoots 7-8 shots per pose so she can ensure at least one is in focus
• J* shoots formal portraits horizontal at full length and then walks in and gets one just from the waist up
• In group shots, the focal point is always on the bride
• Don’t shoot while people are eating, because their mouths are full of food—take that time to take a break
• Don’t be shy about shooting several angles

These notes are truly just the tip of the iceberg and really do not do justice to capturing all I learned. Obviously, being that Jasmine Star is a wedding photographer, many of these tips are specific to photographing weddings. With no weddings in sight as a second shooter, I still feel like I learned a lot that can be transferred over to portrait sessions. I cannot recommend highly enough purchasing the recordings for yourself if you are a photographer (aspiring like me or a bit more experienced). I promise you’ll learn so much more than you can imagine. I know I did!