Retouched or not? You decide.

 During a shoot, I often show people their images - pointing out little things that can "help" them achieve the final image that they want.  I talk about body position, hair strands, showing teeth, or smiling with their eyes.    But the image, SOC - Straight out of the Camera - is generally a little different than what I'll show you after processing. 

Above photo: no retouching. 

Take a look:
The first image is SOC.  There is no retouching - this is how it was shot.  

This second image has undergone some retouching - but no photoshop. 

Simply, her face was made lighter and brighter, as were her eyes and her teeth.  The slight darkness under her eyes is gone, as is the small blemish near her eyebrow.  A slight silhouetting of the image enhanced it even further, bringing your eyes to her face.

What do you mean by "strobist" and how does that compare to "natural light"?

      Shooting strobist style means using strobes - studio strobes on location.  Some strobists bring umbrellas, others, like me, prefer softboxes.  With a battery powered on-the-go studio, I can go almost anywhere you need me and get great results.  Other strobist use "flashes" that can detach from their cameras and become triggered by a remote.  

     Regarding the photo on the left: I was using one large softbox to diffuse the light on the happy couple, exposing for the background.  Note how the trees are darker, and the couple really stands out due to strobist lighting.   The photo on the right was taken "natural light".  In order to get their ski tones right, the background appears blown out a bit.  If I had exposed for the background, the couple would have been too dark, and their faces barely discernible.
     
     The natural light that day?  These photos were taken in open shade, on the side of a house at approximately 3:30-4pm.  Snow was falling, so the sky was a superb diffuser.

#strobist, #photographer, #parkcity #utah #naturallight #maternity #family #snow #photographer #dekoff

Fundraiser for Zev!

Fund Zev to Israel - Park City Photographers is participating!

Mix and Match Travel for the Holidays

Holiday party photo shoot?  Packing for an event with evening celebrations?

Depending upon the events'  "dress code", here are a few options that rely on the key skirt to bring it together.

1. Casual - Go with the tank.

2. Dinner party - a little bit of a flowing hem on a top helps camouflage an indulgent dinner! Also, avoid strapless tops while dining.  You'll appear "nude" from across the table.

3. Event - This inexpensive lace top is gorgeous!

Jewelry by Lois Hill is sterling silver and coordinates with everything.  I own many Lois Hill pieces and wear them with everything!

When choosing shoes, I chose the light and airy pump that worked with everything.

Have fun! 

Mix and Match Travel for the Holidays by deb-dekoff featuring a full length black skirt

Ralph Lauren top, $165 / Brown t shirt / Lace peplum shirt / Phase Eight full length black skirt, $115 / Carmen Marc Valvo pointy-toe pumps / Lois hill jewelry / Lois Hill sterling silver chain earrings

Sometimes, you only get one chance...

...one chance at capturing those memories.  

Hire a pro. 

Sometimes, I cringe...

    Regarding a wedding that went like this, "We really want to use you, but, we can save money by hiring Uncle Ed." When asked a few weeks later, when I saw Miss Newlywed at the gym, "How did the photos come out?"  It seems uncle Ed shot everything at this outdoor wedding in silhouette. Then he boosted his ISO to the point where everything was "white".  The bride's response, "We are hoping that some of the guests took good photos."  

    Or the Bar Mitzvah where an inexperienced bar mitzvah photographer/videographer was hired, and walked around during the prayers, snapping photos or taking video. And without a zoom, walked up to the bimah to get close-ups.  Not only was this a distraction to the rabbi, but to the whole congregation that came to view this special event in a young man's life.  I don't know how the photos or video came out...I wasn't there.  But, I heard about it.

    Or the Bar Mitzvah, where I was invited as a guest, and thought to talk to the photographer hired by an event company.  He confided, "I've never been to one of these.  In fact, I was called just two hours ago to fill in for someone else."  He further confided that he was not an event photographer at all.  And, it was obvious, in the two hour lead time, based upon our discussion, that he had not done any research regarding a Bar Mitzvah.  (Make sure you get the chair dance! - "Huh?") 

    Do yourself a favor: LOOK at the photographers portfolio.  If you see:
blurry (and not because of bokeh), out of focus, arms and legs cut off in odd places, crooked horizon lines, bad coloring (bluish or green faces) - that photographer has a LOT to learn.  

   

  

The words a photographer loves to hear...

     "You deserve to be compensated fairly." 

     Wow.  Someone gets it.  You see, I've never walked into my dentist or doctor and asked for a break in rates.  I know that I'm paying a professional for professional services.  For years of education, continued education, for insurance, for upkeep of equipment, new equipment, for advertising, for websites,  for cell phone, for space, for...

     So, what is "fair" when "fair" has so many variables?

    But, I hear rate negotiation games often as a photographer, as do my fellow photogs.  
So, how do we set our rates?  There are many factors that play a part.  This, in no means, is a complete list.  But, I hope it gets you thinking...

Experience.  
Enough said.

Education.  
The more we have, the better we become. Doctors, attorneys, teachers - all have to further their education on an annual basis.  Your photographer should, too.  Education is not free.  I have traveled to WPPI and other seminars.  I attend "Live" classes on weekends and weeknights, from my computer. I read publications and websites. All to learn - for you.  And, I get out and practice what I've learned - so I get it right - for you - BEFORE you hire me.

Knowledge.
Know how. If you've got the equipment, you should know how to use it.  If you call on me for a paid shoot, you expect I can deliver.  However, I will tell you, as a pro, if your job is something I cannot do or will not do,  I will suggest someone who can.  (I will not do nude couple shoots.  Nope.)   And since I'm referring out, be assured I've scrutinized the work of photographers I'm suggesting you consider in lieu of me.

Camera Equipment.  
In order to do my job, I have to have awesome equipment.  I buy the BEST lenses Nikon makes.  I have not one full frame pro Nikon camera, but two.  I work on a BIG MAC - and have external drives.  Lots of them. 

Lighting equipment. 
Portable soft boxes, and batteries. Gary Fong. Portable strobes - SB800, SB900...
Not cheap.  But, that's one more reason why my photos stand out a bit more...I like to take my studio on location with me! 

Computer software. 
You know, that stuff we need to edit with.  Picasa won't do. I-Photo? Nope.  But, that company called Adobe?  I should have taken stock.

Other equipment. 
Tripods.  Memory cards. Extra batteries. A double camera vest.  A pelican case. Several Think Tank bags.  Lowe pro bags.  Photographer's gloves. (Hey, it gets cold in Utah!)

Time.  
Time is money.  Time is a valuable commodity.  Once it is gone, we cannot get it back.  Most people only see the time we spend taking the images of you. Let me break time down into the varied segments:

1.) Talking with you. Planning, discussing wants and needs, rates and packages, emails and phone calls.

2.) On the front end, I must spend at least thirty minutes organizing the shoot, packing for it, double checking my list before I head out the door.  Then, I have to drive there...

3.) Shoot time. You got this! 

4.) On the back end, I must upload, organize, tag, name, edit, enhance, crop, remove acne, color correct (darn, those lights!), send to gallery...Often, we take time away from our families to do work in post - often after hours.  Until midnight.  Or two in the morning.  Because YOU have a deadline.  For every hour in front of the camera, I calculate two in post. 

Marketing and websites and a blog site and cell phone.
You've got to find me! 

Insurance.
Just in case.

My eye.
Only I possess it. It is, after all,  what makes my work and  my style. My vision.  It is why several people can take the same "picture", but everyone "gets" something different.  My  "eye" is unique to me.  Always make sure you like your photographer's eye. If not, you'll not be satisfied. 

Pay thyself.
I almost forgot about this!  
I chuckle here, as I've heard, "I'll give you photo credit in our magazine."  Um, Utah Power won't take photo credit to keep my lights on and my Mac running. Or,  "I'll put a link on our (obscure) website."  And Questar Gas will keep my house warm with that?  


Bookkeeping and accountant.
Gotta pay them.

Uncle Sam.  
Yup, he takes a hunk.  I've got to plan for that as well.


Photography is a business like any other.  Those of us who are pros, deserve to be treated as such. 

Discussion with a future bride...

   An ecstatic bride-to-be called me earlier this week, excited, because not only did "he" propose, but, she had narrowed down "THE day".  Her first question to me, "How much do you charge for a wedding?".  Our conversation went something like this...

   She: So, I'm getting married, and I heard you shoot weddings.  How much do you charge?
   Me: Congrats!  It depends upon a lot of things...what are your wants, needs, and desires, photographically?
   She: Well, for someone to take pictures.
   Me: Let's talk about the images you may want: engagements, bridals, groomals, first look, ceremony, party afterwards...
  She: Wow. I didn't think of all of that!
  Me: What are you looking for end result wise:  A book?  Leather bound with your name engraved with copies for your parents?  Pocket sized to show off?  A print for your wall?  Hundreds of images printed and presented in a box? A video montage of the day?
  She: I didn't think of that, either.  But, I spoke to one guy, he said he'd shoot my wedding for $1000, and another guy said $2500.  Are these good prices?
  Me: What are you "getting" for those prices?  
  She: I don't know.
  Me: Before you hire any photographer, take a look at their work.  If you don't like their style, it won't matter what you've spent, you'll be unhappy in the end.  Think of it this way: The ONLY thing you'll have weeks, years, and decades later - will be your photographs of the day.  People will forget the amazingly gorgeous dress that you hunted every bridal shop from here to LA for (but, they'll remember it was amazingly gorgeous); they'll forget the food; they'll forget the band (but remember the genre). But, with the right photographer, all of that will be preserved perfectly in photos. 
  She:  Oh...
  Me: Create a spread sheet of photographers whose work you like.  Call them.  If you are shopping based upon a budgeted amount, let the photographer know.  Say, "I have a budget of $2500 for my wedding.  What can we do?"  You need to like the photographer first, then, discuss what you get for a price.  Will you have one photographer, or will there also be a second shooter?  Is the price for time only, or for prints or a book as well?  
  She: I don't know my budget yet.
  Me: Location matters, too.  For example, if you are getting married in another state, or a distance away, then that will add to the cost. 

  When I left the conversation with her - I asked that she think about the things she wants and desires photographically - after all, the wedding is ten months away.  And, I asked her to promise me that she first look at the photographer's work, because it is not good to hire your photographer based upon dollars alone.  That just doesn't make sense.

#parkcityphotographer #utah #wedding #engagements # bride # fineart #portraiture #dekoff #photographer

   

Hanukkah Style - Park City Style

     A holiday party often calls for a bit of elegance.  For a festive Hanukkah party, this is EXACTLY what I would personally choose to wear:  A deep blue dress that would draw oohs and aahs from across the room.  Gorgeous earrings to match. Shoes that are exquisite. A manicure in silver, and eyeshadow with a silver and grayish hue - not overdone - but simple and elegant.  Finish the Hanukkah Holiday look with the Star of David necklace - hopefully from your Hanukkah Harry.  Tonight, you'll be lucky when you spin the dreidel! 

     Park City Photographers is available to capture holiday celebrations for you.  Whether it is a Hanukkah Party or Christmas Celebration, we can be there - capturing all of the special moments in time.

   

Hanukkah Style - Park City Style by deb-dekoff featuring a silver nail polish

Victoria s Secret cowl dress / Courréges white wool coat / Metallic shoes, $135 / Blue diamond jewelry / Effy Collection blue pendant / Victoria s Secret victoria secret eye makeup / Sally Hansen silver nail polish

Family Photos! What to wear? Or what not to wear...that is the question.

     One question that is posed often for family photos is..."What should we wear?"  Ultimately, the decision is yours, however, here are some suggestions that might help you make choices you'll be pleased with for years to come. 
     
    Creating memories that will last a lifetime is a special event and the key to a happy session starts with prepping the group early.  Begin by talking about colors in clothing, your look and style, and the "no-no's".  By allowing groups members a little bit of choice during an open discussion, you'll have greater buy-in,  they'll be happier during the shoot - and happiness comes across in the photos.

     Next, talk about special locations.  Whether you choose iconic Park City or a great grove of trees that can be "anywhere USA", we'll happily help you select that special place!

     The time of day is very important in a group shot as well.  Although we pack powerful strobes and shoot strobist style, no strobe can "beat" the harsh shadows cast by a noon day sun.  Choose early morning or evening 1.5 hour prior to sunset for best results. 

    For large groups, we'll begin with the full group portrait, then move to the families with the youngest - and antsiest -  children.

     
Clothing:
     Coordinating clothing and colors always looks the best.  That doesn't mean "matchy-matchy" if that's not your style.  It means giving your group a color "trio" to work with.  Plaid on one person makes that person stand out - especially if the rest of the group is wearing solids.  However, if this is "balanced" with one other person wearing a similar toned plaid, that one will not stand out as much.  Plaids can work - if color tones complement each other and the setting is right.  

    Bold patterns will take the eye from the faces in the photo to the clothing instead.  For this reason, I discourage big bold patterns.  

     Also be wary of items deemed very trendy.  If the portrait is to have a "life on the wall", you'll be happier without a trend that shouts the year.

     Be careful of bright colors!  The eye will go directly to the brightest spot in a photo AND those bright yellow, red, or orange pants.  And, if you have teenage boys, watch the shoes!  We are often asked if we can change the color of clothing items in post production.  (See how that red jumped out at you from the top of this page?) 

     Ladies: watch out for plunging necklines, large button holes, and too much jewelry.  Again, bold patterns and wild patterns are attention grabbers - so be wary of this, too.  (I LOVE leopard print!  But, I don't want to look like I'm on safari!  If you must, choose one item with something fun.)

     Be sure to check in with your group making sure EVERYONE is wearing SAME SEASON attire.  For example - everyone is dressed for winter except for cousin Ali - she's wearing her favorite summer sundress.  

RELAX!
    Finally, if you, the organizer of the shoot is feeling stressed, the rest of the group will feel stressed as well.   Talk up the session a few days before.  Tell your group that you are "excited" and that this will be "fun".  Get them thinking of a fun final photo of the family.  It will only take a minute more and give kids something to look forward to!


Sites with great outfit choices:
Pinterest!
Polyvore (individuals)


    #parkcity #photos #family #session #utah #parkcityphotographers #whattowear #choices #portraits 

Look 10 lbs slimmer in your next photo session without going on a diet!

     We've all heard that photos make you look ten pounds heavier than you actually are.  Hence when I modeled, I was at least ten pounds underweight.  However, sans the time to diet, and knowing that photoshop is an extra cost and may not be available, what does one do?  Dress to look lean.

    First, pay attention to your wardrobe choices.  A recent post on a photographers' site was about a client wanting a reshoot of her family portraits because she looked "fat".  We are our own worst critics, but, the reason the woman looked heavy was also due to her wardrobe selection which, I may add, was all about bringing the attention TO her.  Breaking it down:  She wore YELLOW pants. The biggest color swatch in the photo!  (The color theme: navy and yellow.)  A better choice would have been for her to wear jeans or navy pants.  (Her husband was wearing jeans.)  Her choice of top: an unflattering light denim shirt that was tugging too tight and which STOPPED AT HER AT HER BELLY. Light colored. To look slimmer, she needed to go with a darker color, not a light one.  And to draw even more attention to her, ahem, problem area, she had a darker colored shirt peeking out just below her belly, like a dissecting band.  Like candy corn, her color blocks went like this - top to bottom: light denim - dark blue stripe - yellow.   Oh, and the boots further cut her body as they were heavy, clunky, and ankle height.

    So, how does one look slimmer?  Create a long and lean silhouette. Choose a dark denim jean with a flattering cut  - straight leg - or a pair that can be easily tucked into boots.  Select a shoe that adds to the illusion: a bit of a heel - think: if you were two to three inches taller, this "weight distribution illusion" helps.  Go with a top that glides over your "problem area" (or areas), choosing a color that complements - yet blends well with the jeans.  If you choose to layer - think again about where the layers dissect you, and make sure your colors work well together.  Need a pop of color?  Choosing a scarf in the contrast color will bring the attention to your face, not your belly.  

    Days before your shoot, pull together the wardrobe you are considering.  Put it on.  Does it create the silhouette you want?  If not, nix the outfit. Nothing in your closet? Use it as an excuse to go shopping.  Your family photos will be shown around to relatives for years - and are an investment in capturing your family for posterity. An investment in your look may also be needed.

  Park City Photographers wants you to look great in all of your photos.  If you are a client and have wardrobe concerns prior to your photo shoot, let us know.  We're here to help.   

#photographer #utah #parkcity #wardrobe #port"photo"lio #dekoff #photo #photosession
#fashion #fashionforphotos 

Link to one of our sites

Photo Fashion Style by Park City Photographers

Photo Fashion Style by Park City Photographers by deb-dekoff featuring leather handbags

Jane Norman black t shirt, $32 / Leather jacket / R13 skinny jeans / Jessica Simpson brown boots / MICHAEL Michael Kors leather handbag / Sterling silver jewelry, $355 / Sterling silver ring, $315 / Alexander McQueen belt

Dressing For the Future You

    We've all heard, "Dress for Success" and "Dress for the job you want, not the job you have." There is wisdom in these words.  You see, it is that initial meeting of a person that imprints upon us.  How do you want others to perceive you?  A pulled together outfit speaks volumes. It shouts, "Organized!  Pays attention to details!"  The colors you choose say a lot about you, too - a bright and bold color may infer you take more risks and can handle customers vs a pale pastel Polly who may be better suited for data entry.  And the shoes, (I have a tendency to look at shoes), because like a bumper sticker, they tell a lot about a person.  Worn heels, scraped up toes, faded and stained. Practical vs totally impractical (like the starlets walking down Main Street in amazingly gorgeous and expensive open-toed Manolos in the middle of a freezing cold and snowy Main Street).  Toms.  Pseudo Toms.  

   When you are pulling together your outfit for your photo session, think:
1. How do I want to be perceived?
2. Are you dressing for the "now" job or the future position?
3. What "little things" will tell a different story?  (Your nails?) 
4. And finally, what will the bumper sticker of your wardrobe say?

    Park City Photographers can assist you in choosing clothes that speak the language you desire.  We'll send you a pdf with some helpful advice and reminders prior to your session.  After all, when you put your best foot forward, everyone notices. 

    Check out our "2 LOoKs in 1o" minutes outfit choices to get the most out of a short photo session.  You can find it here: <a href="http://deb-dekoff.polyvore.com/"><img width="50" src="http://akwww.polyvorecdn.com/rsrc/img/badges/badge_50x50_000000.png" height="50" /></a>

#photographer # parkcityutah # deborahdekoff #fashion #photoshoot #session #image

My Style - by Park City Photographers

My Style - by Park City Photographers by deb-dekoff featuring a circle scarf

Photo Fashion Style - Park City Photographers Deb DeKoff - "2 LoOkS in 1o"

2 LoOks iN 1o MiNuTes.

My Style - Park City Photographers Deb DeKoff by deb-dekoff featuring nine west booties

My Style: Park City Photographers by Deb DeKoff

My Style: Park City Photographers by Deb DeKoff by deb-dekoff featuring brown jewelry

Photo fashion style by Park City Photographers, Deb DeKoff

Photo fashion style by Park City Photographers, Deb DeKoff by deb-dekoff featuring NSF

Photo shoot style by Park City Photographers

2 LoOks in 1o

Often when I build an outfit, I begin with a great pair of shoes or boots.  Here, the colors in the boot were the building blocks.  

Photoshoot:
1. Look one: Everything but the jacket.  The cream colored top will perfectly frame your face with this beautiful neckline.  

2. Look two: Add the bomber jacket.  Even this elegant rings feels "tough" with a little leather.

3. Try a bright color scarf or necklace -  such as red/orange to add zing!  

Photo shoot style by Park City Photographers by deb-dekoff featuring slim fit jeans

Photo Shoot Style: Park City Photographers by Deb DeKoff

Photo Shoot Style: Park City Photographers by Deb DeKoff by deb-dekoff featuring a round cap

Photo Fashion Style by Park City Photographers, Deb DeKoff

2 LoOks iN 1o

Versatility and several looks with a simple outfit are necessary if you are short on time for a photo shoot.  Here, we build, beginning with the jeans and a simple black tank, something everyone has in their closet.  From there, find a belt that isn't boring - like this pony hair and rhinestone belt.  You've now found your color set.  A tough looking pair of jeans needs a tough boot and jacket within the same color family.  Add a bracelet for a little fun.

Here's the shoot sequence:
Quick look to add to your book! 

Two looks for your photo shoot:
Begin with a great pair of jeans and a simple black tank. No belt. Slouch up against a fence, lean up against a wall and look casual. 

Look 2: Add the belt, tuck in the tank. Bracelet on the wrist. Work some nice head shots - hands near face showing off that gorgeous bracelet.

Look 3: Add the jacket. 

For more quick shoot wardrobes, check out my page on Pinterest or my blog.

Photo fashion style by Park City Photographers, Deb DeKoff by deb-dekoff featuring a buckle belt

Photo Fashion Style: Park City Photographers by Deb DeKoff

My Style: Park City Photographers by Deb DeKoff by deb-dekoff featuring a khaki handbag

YOUR image. Are you putting your best face forward?

      More and more business professionals and entrepreneurs are creating accounts on Linked In every day, and the first image presented on your page is...your head shot.  In a place where one should "put their best face forward", a quick perusal of my hundreds of connections inform me that this is most often not the case.  Approximately 1.5 out of every 10 people have a professional photo.    I read this as image conscious.  I read this as professional.  I read this as organized.

     But what about the others?  Here is a quick rundown of some of the images I've seen today:

-Bathroom mirror beauty. Holding up a cell phone and snapping a photo.  You are gorgeous, darling!  But, I can tell from the background that you are quite disorganized.

-Family on vacation.  Cute kids.  But they won't make me hire you.  But maybe, that little guy?  Adorable!  If I ever need a kid for stock images...

-Dude sucking in stomach on beach.  Wow.  It will be hard for me to go into your office and not recall your hairy chest.

- Bad lighting lady.  If you are cutting corners on your image, what will you do to mine?

- Computer camera to his picture - Not a flattering angle - for anyone.  Especially if you have nose hairs.


     If one is searching for a professional, they want to see a professional.  The image doesn't necessarily need to be a head shot, it can be you, in your work environment.  Here, potential clients get a taste of where you work and what you do.

+Karen Carestia - in her pharmacy
+Rich Wyman - silhouetted w/piano against a large crowd.
(I did not take the above mentioned Linked In photos.  They are, however, great examples!)

     As you look to put your best face forward to improve your business image, consider hiring a professional photographer.  After all, a picture speaks a thousand words.

Contact Park City Photographers today.  435-513-3814

+deb dekoff +Rob Follett

Photo Fashion Style - Park City Photographers Deb DeKoff

What might I bring in my bag to an away shoot?  A versatile wardrobe!  I love traveling iwth solid colors - and mix up tones that work well together often.  Here, I pair a simple pair of green jeans with a grey top (love it!) for a day look (on the right), and add a casual jacket with plenty of pockets for lens caps; or dress up the green jeans with a beautiful feminine top, hot shoes, and an orange jacket that shouts,  for a night out.

My style by Park City Photographers Deb DeKoff by deb-dekoff featuring a cotton military jacket

Photo Fashion Style - Park City Photographers Deb DeKoff

Always take into consideration colors that work well for YOU.  Red head?  These are some of my favorite tones together!  Also, going almost monochromatic with the tee and jeans will make you look leaner!

2 LooKs in 1o:
Look 1: Start again with the basics: jeans, tee, belt, and boot.
Look 2: Add jacket and scarf.

My Style - Park City Photographers Deb DeKoff by deb-dekoff featuring a pendant necklace

What to wear for a photo shoot - two looks - ten minutes - AKA 2 in 10.

What should I wear?  How can I get as many looks as possible in as short a time as possible?

The answer is simple: build your outfit in layers.  Start with a few basics - and swap out items like necklaces for a scarf; heels for boots or flats;  change the earrings and toss on a jacket or cardigan.

Be sure to check out my page on Pinterest to view what I'm talking about!

What to wear for a quick photo shoot.

Here is one outfit that I put together, reflecting a great versatile style:
How would I start the session?
Basics  - jeans, belt, boots, and tee.  Pop on the glasses.  Add scarf.  Add jacket.
Full body - crop in - head shots - and back to full body.

My Style - by Park City Photographers by deb-dekoff featuring skinny jeans

It's been a long time...

It's been a long time seems appropriate for this blog in many respects, one of which includes the fact that it has been a long time since I've blogged; the other, the fact that the images I'm posting are quite "old", even though they were shot recently.

My photography has taken a turn since, gulp, 2007.  It is no longer a part-time hobby, I am no longer a "mom-tographer" - you know, that mom with a camera.  Nope.  I am a full-fledged photographic business.

Enjoy these images.  I'll try to blog more often!  And yes, images are for "sale" on my website.

Perfect car for a photo shoot.  Just wear some denim jeans...