Saturday, May 30, 2009

Saturday 5-30 See You At The Farmer's Market

It's a beautiful day in paradise here in Port Townsend. I'm off to the Saturday Farmer's Market. I have lots of new cards and prints for sale. The Market runs from 9:30-1:30. Stop by my vendor's booth which is on the same side as the bakery and just across from Nash's Farm display.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

PND Photo District News Virtual Trade Show

I was working at home editing photos on Thursday and at the same time attending my first Virtual Trade Show sponsored by Photo District News. PDN is a site for professional and amateur photographers.

The show was based on the East coast so I was at my computer bright and early on Thursday only to find I was an hour early not figuring the correct time conversion for the East coast. There were several speakers with four different topics including how to use your camera to record video, fine art printing, creative lighting using flash and the latest in wedding photography. The virtual show also was a perfect opportunity to interact with vendors who were standing by in virtual booths ready to answer any questions on their products. The speakers were also able to answer questions members of the online audience asked during their presentation.

I won a door prize from Silverback Imaging and Design for answering a question on what color space is used on the internet. I also received several coupons for 16x20 canvas wraps which are one of the new products I hope to offer my clients. Canvas wraps are photos printed on canvas texture material and the image looks like a painting. They come in a variety of sizes and depths and usually have a UV coating added for protect from the sun and they don't require a frame. Many photographers are using this time of product to replace the traditional framed image. The all day trade show was a great opportunity to take part in an educational workshop while working at home.

5-23 Deja View at the Port Townsend Farmer's Market

I just wanted to update my clients on my availability at the Port Townsend Farmer's Market this year. As my photography business has grown so has the direction my business has taken.

When I first started at the Farmer's Market five years ago I was mainly selling scenic cards to locals and tourists. Two years ago I started offering different size prints and focused on more portraits with pets. As people saw the quality of portraits I was taking I found them telling me that if I could do that kind of photography with pets would I consider taking a photo of either their children or family. So I began offering clients those types of photos and that has developed into more portraiture work leaving me less time not only to physically create the cards but also to photograph local scenery. So this year I will only be an occasional vendor at the Farmer's Market on Saturdays. Right now my schedule it to attend every other weekend. This Memorial Day weekend I'm here at home editing my last portrait session and preparing for another outdoor session I have this afternoon.

During the last six months I have devoted most of my time to becoming more familiar with my lighting equipment. I'm shooting with a Nikon D-80 and use both speedlights and softboxes for lighting. I have attended several workshops and bought additional equipment all in preparation of setting up a studio here at my home. With the studio now set up, and less time at the market, I now have more time on the weekends to schedule portrait sessions in the studio or on location. The reasonably large studio space allows for sessions with several different backgrounds and lighting options. I mainly do individual or small groups at this time. The studio gives me the ability to capture more than just a snapshot but rather a posed image, a moment in time with beautiful soft lighting that creates a lovely portraiture worthy of framing.

To my many clients who have shopped at my vendor booth at the market please give me a call or send an email and I will still create the cards you request or let you know my next date I will be a vendor at the market. Please also consider giving me a call and we can discuss my fees and perhaps set up an appointment.