This year has been full of great surprises and I can't believe that I've been published again!  Earlier this year, in July, I photographed my cousin's destination wedding in Cancun.  Aside from the fact that this particular wedding was close to my heart, seeing it published makes it all that more special!  I am a mixture of emotions but mostly I want to jump up and down holding the magazine in my hands and play it back in slow motion. 

At the beginning of this year, I wrote down my goals for 2012.  Both my personal and business.  Among them, I wrote down "Get Published".  It was more of a dream than an actual goal.  Until my client, Jessica, submitted a photo into a contest that was being held by a local paper.  The grand prize: Front cover of the Bridal Guide at the biggest bridal show in her town.  Voting commenced and I voted every day, as did her family and friends.  I saw the numbers climb and sure enough, she won!  

I couldn't believe my eyes when I read her email letting her family and friends know that she had won with their support.  

"Shut. Up.  I'm going to be published?!"  That was my initial reaction, of course.  She later mailed me a copy of the bridal guide and I was in awe of it.  I still couldn't believe it, even though it was in my hands.

I can't thank her enough for submitting the photo and her family and friends for voting as much as they did.  It was incredible to be able to that dream off my goals list.   2012 is proving to be a remarkable year, thank you God! 

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Facebook is a fantastic machine.  It has allowed us to connect on such an incredible level.  Connect with family and friends.  Connect with collegues and past classmates.  Connect with complete strangers we admire and those who we'd love to get to know.  It's these connections that sometimes lead to great discoveries and relationships.  And I absotelutely love it.

Over a year ago, I created a photography group.  The main reason was because I wanted to find more photographer friends.  People who would never tire talking about aperture and lighting.  Connect with people who just get me.  On a photography level.  And we could learn, grow, and connect.  That was the sole reason.  

This year, I made it my goal to begin organizing group shoots.  So we could connect face to face.  Learn and really be a community.  

Each and every Group Shoot we've had I have met so many great people.  Have been able to connect with new members, members who I've only seen through FB, and members I personally know.   However, what is greater is that all those who attend connect with each other as well!  It feels all pay-it-forward-ish.   And I love it.  

So if you're interested in being a part of the group, please go to the

GROUP PAGE

and ask to join.  It's a public group and everyone is welcome.  From novice to advanced to professional, everyone is welcome.  

Here are some photos from May Group Shoot we had in LA.  I never got around to posting them :).  

Models: Elahyna, Rosey, Desmon, & Cynthia

Senior session have to be one of my favorite kind of sessions.  Being ready to leave all the childish things behind and move on to bigger steps, larger buildings, and a whole new life.  When I graduated high school, I stayed home for a couple of years before moving out, I commuted and made little connections with Cal State.  However, those little connections have grown into life changing ones.

From meeting the girls that would be my best friends for life to the invaluable experiences of having to grow up and learning just how the real world really is.  All of it while studying before exams, working a full time job, and learning that sometimes, the 91 freeway hates everyone.  If you live in Riverside, then you know what I'm talking about.  

Wide eyed and ready for the newness of what was to come.  Ready to throw my cap in the air and leave it where it fell.  What I didn't realize was that being a senior is a pivotal moment in one's life.  A right of passage that shouldn't be over looked and left so quickly.  Instead, it should

preserved

.  Because as it stands, it's the last time you get to feel like a senior.  And the first time you take that step towards the unknown.   

This should be a time to preserve you, just as you are, right now.  

I have heard many times from different photographers, of all levels, that posing is the one thing they find the most difficult, after mastering their camera.  My answer: It is!  Posing is hard.  I've had a hard time with it and over the years have learned different techniques from different sources that have made it a bit easier.  

I am writing the lessons I've learned about posing.  These are my first hand experiences and I've also linked the sources from which I've learned from.  They work for me and it's always important to find what works for you :).

1. It takes practice.

You're probably rolling your eyes and saying "duh Jackie".  But don't turn away just yet.  Because as simple and obvious this answer is, it is the most true and tried technique to get your posing down.  Practice directing.  I am constantly directing.  During my first few shoots, I was very aware of personal space.  I didn't fix the hair, I didn't touch my clients or get close because I didn't want to give off a weird vibe.  However, after that failed, well, not failed, that's a strong word... after that didn't work out too well I began looking for other ways to help.

I found that showing clients is the best way to get them to do what you want them to do.   Verbalizing sometimes gets difficult when you're running after a 2 year old or during a time crunch at a wedding.  However, showing the client what you want is the fastest and easiest way to pose someone.  

A couple months ago, I watched on Creative Live the Bambi Cantrell Master Posing workshop and it CHANGED MY LIFE!  If you have the funds to buy this workshop, I recommend it.  She doesn't only show you how to verbalize posing but gives you tips on how to get clients into flattering poses.  How to get them to get to poses just by having them shadow you.  It's comprehensive and I completely recommend it.  I'm by no means being paid to say this, it's just a must watch posing workshop.  

2.  The poses I put my clients sometimes look awkward and I don't know what to do!

This happens all the time to me.  I will pose a client and it just looks... awkward.  Don't fret.  I used to get stuck and the pose would get worse.  After sessions, I would try and think what I could have done differently.  I scoured the Internet to look for fool-proof poses.  Choose 3-5 poses that are just stellar and work every time.  From there build and mold the poses.  Have a base will help you keep going and keep the session from becoming stagnant.  Which brings me to #3.

3.  Change it up!

That's the great thing about photography is that you can move around.  Keep it fun, and moving.  I used to get stuck, fret, and then the session would lose momentum.  I learned that it is good to change it up.  During family shoots, if I feel it losing some oomph, I will switch to shooting individuals.  Give myself a little break before moving on with the group.  During the wedding day, if I feel like I'm using all the same poses, I try and remember what I've seen on other sites, Pinterest, blogs, etc. and recreate it.  Also, and very important, if the pose isn't working, change it up.  Do something different.  Just keep moving.  Keep the session going.  

4.  Ask your clients for poses

I know you may be thinking, "Wait, I'm the pro, I should know the posing."  Don't let that deter you.  I've used this before and sometimes it makes for the fun photos.  The ones where the families are interacting naturally.  Where I get the natural expressions.  The true nature of my clients, which is priceless.  I'll ask them if they have any requests for photos, for example, of the sisters alone, of just the mom, etc.  This helps keep the session moving and it gives you the in on what they would like to have photographed.    This allows you to involve your clients in the experience and trust me, they love being able to participate.  It also makes them less nervous when they are able to be a part of the process rather than the subject the whole time.  

5.  Don't give up because it should be fun!

This one trumps all the other points.  Posing takes time to perfect and even then, it's always a learning process since you'll have different clients.  Clients who won't sit on grass, clients who will.  Clients who don't want to hug to close so they don't mess up their make up, some who don't mind.  Each session has their own unique circumstances and being able to be flexible and keep it moving along is what counts.  Your client leaves with confidence that you got great shots and you'll leave being able to learn from these experiences. It is always good measure to just have fun!  And when in doubt just try it all. If one pose doesn't work, move on.  Try something else, shoot it and move on.  The more you get the more you'll have to choose from.  

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Posing isn't easy.  And there are a lot of photographers that offer great posing guides.  Pinterest is full of images that help with posing and infographics that break them down.  Practicing will be your best way to learn what works and what doesn't.  Remember to be confident and keep it moving along.  And... have fun!!! That's what it's all about: having a great experience and giving your clients the best experience possible.  

I hope this helps you and gives you great pointers!  If you have questions, leave a comment and I will answer them :).  

Normally, I don't enter in contests but this one caught my eye.  Living Social has been so good to me with the promotion and their excellent customer service.  So when they sent out an email about teaming up with Chase in giving a business a $250,000 grant, I was all in!

This is where you come in.  Help and support me by voting for Jackie Lamas Photography!  We need 250 votes to be entered into the final drawing.  From there a panel will choose the winner.  Help me get in there!  Click on the photo below and it will take you to the voting page.  Make sure you share the link with your friends on fb or twitter :).

Thank you all! And wish me good luck!  (Voting ends June 30th).

I am a huge believer in sharing what I have learned so that others don't struggle as much as I have since I've started my business.  I want this community of photographers to grow which is why I share and pass on my experience.  So here are 5 tips for wedding photographers who are just starting out.

1.  Make sure you've got experience, or things could end badly.

I was on Google+ recently and found this link to an article about a photographer duo who gave their clients blurry and out of focus photos.  All of the photos were the same.  And it destroyed the memory of the couple's wedding.  Which completely proves why this point is number one in this series.  You have to know what you are doing and have experience doing it. 

Know your camera.  Know your settings.  Know that you will get in focus, non blurry, and beautiful photos of the wedding and couple.  Make sure that you've had some experience being a photographer at a wedding.  When I first started, I was deathly afraid of photographing a wedding, why?  Because I didn't know what I was doing.  After interning for a year and continuing to second shoot for three years, I learned how to conduct myself at a wedding as a professional, vendor, and making sure that I get the shots that are important.  

When I made the leap to photograph weddings, I used the blueprint I had learned from other photographers that I had second shot for.  What to do and what not to do.  I did research online of what to expect.  I bought two wedding books from Barnes & Noble and highlighted almost every sentence.  But no matter how many books you read or wedding photography blogs you follow, you need to second shoot and get some experience under your belt.  

Get in there and begin second shooting and learning first hand how and what to do.  I still second shoot and I always learn something new.

2.  Never say no.

This statement can save you and your reputation.  Never say no to requests, unless the bride wants to hang off a cliff.  Otherwise this word shouldn't be said. I know that sometimes as photographers we get requests that causes us to raise an eyebrows, but never say no.  Instead say, " We can do that however it might cut into your time..." or, "I think it would be better if we..." Find alternative ways to suggest something else that will work for you and for the couple.  At my October wedding, the groomsmen wanted to do a fun shot of them and we were running out of time. I shot it in two seconds and it made their day.  Later, one groomsmen told me that usually other photographers would have said no and been rude about it, and that it was nice I got the shot they wanted.  What does this mean?  By giving in to the requests (when able) makes those who are a part of the bride and groom's day makes you be more than a photographer.  It makes you someone who is helpful and listens to their clients.

This kind of professionalism can resonate a lot with the couple, bridal party, and guests.  They see you conduct and handle situations with professionalism and knowing alternatives that will make the experience even better.  And not saying "No, we can't do that."

3.  You will be the coordinator, dress bustle-er, flower holder, and family wrangler.

If your couple does not have a coordinator, be sure that you will assume one of the many roles (or derivative of) listed above.  Because you are the one documenting the day for the time you're there, you become the time keeper.  You are in charge and as nerve wracking as it sounds, this is a good thing.  Mainly because you become the one to guide the couple throughout the day.  I have bustled a dress or two because I can do it faster and therefore, stay on time.  I have pinned the boutonnières because I can do it faster and know how (even though they're tricky sometimes).  I work with my bride before hand to create a timeline that covers the most important moments of the day.  It is my job to stick to it and make sure everything runs smoothly.  It's part of the job.  Just make sure that you do it with professionalism and keep the day light, fun, and happy.  

Which brings me to my next point....

4.  ALWAYS HAVE FUN.

I love weddings.  I love being at weddings, watching weddings in movies, and I cry at weddings.  I like to dance and have fun at weddings.  And I love to create long lasting images for my clients as they embark on a new journey together.  If you aren't having fun, then I suggest you find something you do have fun photographing.   When you're not having fun, it will show.  And you never want your clients to feel like you're not as excited as they are on their big day.

5.  Make sure your contract covers your butt.

Make sure that you have a solid contract.  One that helps you convey the specifics of your wedding services.  Not all contracts are the same.  My contracts have changed over time and I have added and taken away things that apply to me now.  After some experience, I learned that contracts are important when dealing with such an important events. 

Many photography companies now offer contracts for you to buy.  I know Design Aglow has one for weddings as portraits.  You can also make a solid one by consulting a lawyer and making sure you don't get sued or otherwise because you made an over sight on your contract.

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So there you have it!  5 Tips for Wedding Photographers Starting Out.  What did you think? Do you have any tips to share?  Write them in the comment section below! Share this post with others 

Happy Friday!

When I make purchases, let me rephrase that.  When I make BIG purchases, I mull over the decision for weeks, sometimes longer.  When it was time to get my new computer, I weighed the options between laptop or desktop.  Screen size.  I even looked on Craig's List to see if there was anything cheaper than what Apple was selling them for.  I ended up saving money and buying it new.  Then, buyer's remorse kicks in.  Did I make the right choice?  Was it too soon?  Maybe I could have gone with out it a little longer... and well, you get the idea.  I get buyer's remorse baaaad.  Like, let me take it back and get the green cash back.  Luckily, I needed the computer and it's been a godsend these past two years.

Recently, over the last 4 months or so, I couldn't decided whether to get the 70-200 or the 85.  I normally rent the 70-200 because that lens is like $2k!  To be fair, all of the lenses are usually around that much.  But then, I read an article reviewing the more cost effective alternative of the 85mm.

The 85mm 1.8 USM.  Sure it's not an L series, which for me isn't a deal breaker.  Nor was the 1.4 because I hardly ever shoot completely wide open.  Unless it's low light or a detail shot.  Trying to get two people in focus at 1.4, good luck!  The $2k version also has image stabilizer and really, I NEVER use that.  One because it doesn't make the image look any better and at 1.8, I wouldn't even need it.  So that wasn't a deal breaker either.  After reading a couple more reviews, I learned that it was a pretty sharp lens for more than half the price.

Finally, last week, I went for it.  And I can't wait to start using it at my portrait sessions!  Just look at that bokeh!  This was shot at 1.8 and at 100% it is tack sharp.  Of course I had to test it on my favorite model :).

Both of these were shot at 1.8 and at a very high ISO because by this time it was 7 o'clock at night.  Even with the grain, they're both 100% sharp.

So if you're looking for a more cost effective lens that is guaranteed to be your power portrait lens, get this one.  I can't wait until I get to use it this weekend!

Happy Wednesday!

Recently, my cousin gave me a small crate full of film cameras.  I acquired three new sx-70 cameras, a few land cameras, one Canon automatic 35mm camera, and a few more that I have no idea what brand they are.  Some look like they're from before 1960 and some a a little newer.

What I love most about shooting with these cameras is seeing how different each one develops.  And film is just so beautiful.  Sometimes I contemplate ditching the digital and using these cameras instead.  But being that photography is now my job, I think keeping film my hobby :).

This is an Ansco 35 with a fixed "color corrected" lens.  Photo taken on my phone.

And here are some of the photos it produced.  I have to remember it's a rangefinder camera which means that I have to compensate for the offset of the viewfinder and lens.  Which is why some of the photos have funky composition.  But I gotta say, I love this little camera!  The film that came out looks amazing!

My mother getting ready to garden.  See how it cut off half her face.  That's the rangefinder issue.

I took a trip to Disneyland and thought it'd be a great place to test out the camera.

My favorite photo of the day!  A little jazz band was parading through New Orleans Square and look who happened to be there with them!

Happy Wednesday!

So now that the year is winding down a bit and the holidays bring us onto a slower pace, I thought it'd be a good idea to make this Inside Scoop more specific. Specifically for portraits. 

When I began developing my technical skills in photography, I was set on photographing still life. I was afraid of having people in front of my camera because, well, because of a myriad of reasons. Mainly one reason. That they would notice that I had no idea what I was doing. And quite frankly, I didn't know what I was doing. This did not mean that I couldn't learn. Being that my major was geared more towards photojournalism, people became an important element in creating compelling photos. A story with in a story. This forced me to flex my skills and now, portraits are one of my favorite type of session.

 There is still a story with a story. My client's story. So this leads to this installment of Inside Scoop: The Portrait Series.

1. Ask questions and don't stop asking questions. 

 This is possibly the best advice I've ever received. It is what made me less nervous. And in turn also relaxes my subjects. It helps alleviate the silence and awkwardness of the session. I ask them how the drive was, if they have ever been to that location before, how their day was and if they feel nervous. Yes, you read right. I ask this question because it helps me pinpoint why they are nervous. This in turn, allows me to make the experience less stressful and more fun. I learned early on that talking and asking questions keeps the sessions light and fun. Plus, when you are first starting out and all wrecked with nerves talking helps to relax yourself. Try it. I bet you'll see a difference in how fun your sessions can be.

2. Keep moving. Keep the energy positive. 

 This is also something that I've learned to keep the nerves in check. Clients don't know angles or if something is just not working. All they know is that they're trusting you to know. So, when you keep moving on, with out making it apparent that somethings not jiving, be it the light or location, they just experience a fluid session. The client will feel like you really worked it. And in conjunction to keeping the fluidity of the session, keeping the energy positive will give your client a positive experience. Because lets face it, getting photographed professionally is intimate. And when your client walks away with a positive and excited energy, then it's a win-win. 

 3. SMILE 

 Photography is one of those things that if you do not love it, then seriously, why do it? When you show up to a portrait session, and any interaction with a client for that matter, it is so important that you keep smiling. No matter what. On the phone, smile. When you meet for a consultation, smile. When you are behind the camera, smile. Trust me, your client can see you. A smile goes a long way. It's the energy you create that your clients walk away with. And you want the, smiling after a session, right? Right.

 4. Be a big kid. It's fun! 

 A couple years a go, I had the privilege to attend Sandy Puc's seminar on photographing children. The biggest piece of information I walked away with was to be a big kid. To not worry about being silly and getting kids to really trust and respond to you. To tap into your inner child and play hi-five. To say "weeeee". To jump and play. Parents will thank you and appreciate that you were fun and made their family portraits such a great experience, rather than a stressful-the-kids-are-crying-what-a-mess experience. 

 5. Prep yourself. 

 This really applies to anything you're about to shoot. Prepare yourself. Go to a location and scope it out if you have to. Send clients wardrobe recommendations. Give yourself enough travel time. Prep yourself with poses. Preparation will allow you to show up with your A game and rock the session. 

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 So that's all for this installment. Next month will be the Wedding Series! And if you'd like to sub,it questions, leave a comment and I'll add it to future Inside Scoops! 

 Happy Monday!