RE-BLOG | The Top 8 Essentials for a Successful 2015!

ATTENTION

This is a RE-BLOG - and by no means MY work.  It is great to share their great work with other photographers. All Materials belong to Zack & Jody © 2014-2015

______________________________________________________

The Top 8 Essentials for a Successful 2015!

BY ZACH & JODY | DEC 30, 2014 | BUSINESS, MARKETING, MISC | 10 COMMENTS

“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we create them.“

- Einstein

A friend of ours had the best year ever in his business, ever.

The reason for it was talked about on this blog by the Business Insider. That post is about the top tips Andrew Carnegie used to become one of the wealthiest men of all time and was documented in the book by Napoleon Hill “Think and Grow Rich.”

We used the exact same tips back in 2007 and it completely rocked our business and set us up for an amazing 2008!

We want to share with you our top 8 tips that took us from making $4,000 profit in 2007, to making 100 grand in 2008! These are the same tips that we now use each and every year that have helped us continually build our business and make it better time and again.

If you choose to use these simple tips, you will have a better business in 2015, so only read on if that is what you want!

1. Define your purpose.

Hill says to, “Create a plan of action and start working toward it immediately.” The way we did that was to create a vision statement for our business. We wanted to “impact couple’s marriages through photography that is relationally based, with a focus on marriage, not just their wedding day.”

Having a defined purpose (or vision) gives you a reason to get up and work at it every day. When you are working toward something that is bigger than yourself, you have purpose in your life. Now you need a Mission, or a “how” and that is where you start to create an action plan and start working toward it NOW!


2. CREATE A “MASTER-MIND ALLIANCE.”

Contact and work with people “who have what you haven’t,” Hill says.

Create a small, tight network of people that are doing what you want to do is what catapulted our business just when we needed it. We found wedding planners, photographers and a few brides that were doing the gigs we wanted (not the ones we had at the time), and demonstrated value to them.

We gave them every reason to refer us and our business exploded and we were booking like crazy. Someone already has a network, and YOU need that network.


3. GO THE EXTRA MILE


“Doing more than you have to do is the only thing that justifies raises or promotions, and puts people under an obligation to you,” writes Hill.

Use this in every aspect of every single thing you do for anyone, ever. When you do, those people will feel reciprocity and will want to do something in return for you. They will want to refer you, help you, or buy your products and services.

4. INDULGE YOUR IMAGINATION.

Dare to think beyond what’s already been done.



When we changed our business model in late 2007, I remember looking at the top 5 wedding photographers in the country and deciding we would do what they were doing, only better.

You have to allow yourself to think big, and believe big if you want big things to happen. You are what you believe so don’t think small.

5. EXERT ENTHUSIASM.

A positive attitude sets you up for success and wins the respect of others.

The more positive we thought about situations, the more those situations worked out for our good. The way you choose to think will determine the outcome of your circumstances. (Tweet this out!)


6. Concentrate your effort.

Don’t become distracted from the most important task you are currently facing.



Focus + Intensity + Time creates Momentum according to best-selling author Dave Ramsey. You need to concentrate your business, your effort, and your time into to doing what matters most and close out all other distractions.When we did this in 2007 it gave us powerful momentum that took our small city by storm. It gave the perception that we were everywhere and that made us more valuable. You can’t do that if you are not concentrating your efforts in one direction.


7. PROFIT FROM ADVERSITY.

Remember that “there is an equivalent benefit for every setback,” Hill writes.



We all fail, and we have had plenty of set-backs in our career. Use those set-backs and as opportunity to learn, adjust and more forward with more knowledge than you had before.


8. PRACTICE “APPLIED FAITH.”

Believe in yourself and your purpose so fully that you act with complete confidence.



If you don’t believe yourself, than your clients won’t either. A lack of confidence is very apparent to everyone around you and when you don’t think you are good enough, then everyone starts to believe it. Guess what? You ARE good enough. Hear that from us. Hear that you are good enough and that you CAN do this. Don’t listen to anyone else that says otherwise.



Your Chance To Respond!

Which one of these 8 Tips do you need to do the most? Start the Conversation by making a comment and let us know!We know that you are going to have an amazing 2015 and we will see you after the first of the year!!!

This is a RE-BLOG - and by no means MY work.  It is great to share their great work with other photographers. All Materials belong to Zack & Jody © 2014-2015

Our Family Sessions 2013

Mahoney-Phipps Family Session 2013 | <<< CLICK ON LINK!



Nothing compares to that feeling and emotion… The #love of #family and of parents for their babies.I love the #HolidaySeason I get to capture moments that last a #LIFETIME and I get to witness these changes. Blessed to have such dear clients who have trusted me year after year with their family yearly portraits, they know the value of an essential investment and as time passes, children grow up and life moves on.. It is#inspiring to have the power to freeze these moments for them!


For BOOKINGS - www.amillerfoto.com

Product reviews and recommendations - For beginners {FIVE Budget DSLR’s To Grab }

*This article is shared for the benefits of readers | not intended to express opinions of amillerfoto photography | All rights are reserved to http://121clicks.com/ and their associated partners.

My Blog for the day!

I read, review and write - and love sharing some of the stuff I come across... And I wanted to share this great article by 121clicks.com | As many photography curious and beginners fans ask me what kind of equipment to get - and want my opinion and I always go for NIKON after all,  I what I have known for almost 25 years, but in here are certain reviews that really take that doubt and let you choose for yourself.

Go out and shoot - capture memories and live life - share with others and never keep anything to yourself... In years to come, others will be doing what you did one day and the legacy will continue!!!

Enjoy!

allie miller | amillerfoto photography

5 Budget DSLR’s To Grab For Beginners

Going by our standards, and when you already know that the great pictures could not be done with a simple point and shoot. Its high time you jump to a DSLR(Digital single lens reflex). Considering you have already made yourself ready to fetch one, what should one expect from it?

• Better picture quality – a way better sensor than your old point and shoot

• Higher Image Resolution which really tends to count

• More frames per second

• Higher ISO – low light sensitivity

and above all you tend feel professional when you have one!So what so ever, here we bring you a fantastic list of 5 Cameras every beginner would love to get his/her hands on! Easily affordable, with great professional feautures making you to get into the likes of Professional Photographer!Canon EOS Rebel T3 Digital Camera and 18-55mm IS II Lens Kit

• 12.2 MP CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4 Image Processor for high image quality and speed.

• ISO 100 – 6400 for shooting from bright to dim light.

• Improved EOS HD Movie mode with expanded recording and with in-camera video editing options.

• High speed, reliable 9-point AF system utilizing a high precision, f/5.6 cross-type center point.

• Enhanced metering with a 63-zone, Dual-layer metering system for accurate metering between exposures.

Canon EOS Rebel T3 12.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR with 18-55mm IS II Lens and EOS HD Movie Mode (Black)
 Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm NIKKOR VR Lens

• 14.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor; 3-inch monitor with One-Touch Live View shooting and movie capture

• Includes 3x 18-55mm Zoom-NIKKOR VR Image Stabilization lens

• Full 1080p HD Cinematic Video with full-time autofocus and sound

• Easy-To-Use Nikon Guide Mode with intuitive controls and on-board assistance

Nikon D3100 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens



Sony Alpha SLT-A37 DSLR Digital Camera

• 16.1 megapixels with Sony’s Exmor HD APS sensor

• Translucent Mirror Technology accelerates AF performance

• 1080/60i/24p Full AVCHD or 1080/30p MP4 movies

Sony Alpha SLT-A37K 16.1 MP Exmor APS HD CMOS Sensor DSLR with Translucent Mirror Technology and 18-55mm Lens (Black) Panasonic 16 MP Digital SLR with Touchscreen

• 16-megapixel compact mirrorless system; Micro Four Thirds format camera

• Kit includes 14-42mm Lumix f/3.5-5.6 lens; capture high-quality photos in 3D with optional lens

• 3.0-inch free-angle LCD with touch control; new Pinpoint AF feature

• 1080/60i HD video capability in AVCHD format; Venus Engine FHD enables Intelligent Resolution technology

• Intelligent Auto and Intelligent Auto Plus (iA, iA+); more burst shooting options; new Photo Style Mode

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G3 16 MP Micro Four-Thirds Interchangeable Lens Camera with 3-Inch Free-Angle Touch-Screen LCD and 14-42mm Lumix G VARIO f/3.5-5.6 Lens
Olympus PEN Mini E-PM1 12.3 MP Digital Camera kit with 14-42mm II Lens

• 12.3 MP with 3.0″ LCD Screen

• Fast Shutter Response. Never miss a shot again with the E-PM1′s Fast Shutter Response time of less than 60 milliseconds. The TruePic VI feature allows for reduced shot-to-shot time by shortening the black-out time between shots.

• Professional Audio Sound Capture. Take Videos that are able to capture uncompressed CD-quality 16bit/44.1kHz Linear PCM stereo recording or AC3 Dolby Digital audio.

• Face Detection with Eye Detect

• Full 1080 HD Video Shoot up to 29 minutes of 1080 60i HD Video and stereo sound in either AVCHD or AVI formats. A Direct HD Movie Button switches you from still to movie mode with just the press of a button.

Olympus PEN Mini E-PM1 12.3 MP Digital Camera kit with 14-42mm II Lens (Pink) + Olympus M.zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 R Camera Lens (Silver) + LEXSpeed 32GB SDHC Memory Card + Extra PS-BLS1 Battery + Lowepro Deluxe Camera Bag + 2pc Multi-Coated Essential Filter Kit + FlexpodOnce you have bought a DSLR, one year from then you will spend twice the amount of it into lenses. You carry it wherever you go – yes you are already addicted!

Every Passing Minute -

Subject: Me

Photographer: Peter Hurley | NY 

Every passing minute....

Funny thing! I find that at 2:25 am I am writing about ME... And the magnificent moment in which the struggle of self-consciousness suddenly vanished...Those who know me, are aware - I do not get in-front of the camera often and not just because I am always behind it, but in reality it is more because, my being overly conscious of my looks and flaws...

Although, some pictures have been taken candidly and I have been okay with that... I still had fears and hesitations... And, the last time I had a head-shot of me professionally made was in HS... Many moons ago...

In my world there always have been things such as: "not now, not ready, I don't look good today.. and blah, blah, blah".. Every time, someone would want a pic of me and these are the same words from clients when I do their portraits...

Well, been too long on this trail... And my respect and admiration for this talented and inspiring NY photographer Mr. Peter Hurley ... Has lead me to develop my skills in studio portraiture....And today, he saw me in my vulnerable state... In which I had no control, other than to follow his lead and suddenly, I had the valor to jump in-front of his Hasselblad and decided NOT to care what his lens picked, I made peace with ALL my imperfections and, well after all he photographs... some of the most amazing faces, so I figured: "why not?" But also, his words made me realize... That how I think I look.. Other's perception is different...And proved to be right.

I decided these two days at WPPI Online in LV were about more than professional growth, these were definitely talks in relations to self growth and incredible inspiration to let go of some things and embrace others...

And, so here... Courtesy of Mr. ‪#‎Shabang‬ himself... Mr.Peter Hurley I stood on the other side... And, one word... ‪#‎liberated‬

allie miller | amillerfoto photography

Re-Blog | NIGHT SKY PHOTOGRAPHY - Original [Photo Concentrate]

Per - http://photographyconcentrate.com/ Please Subscribe - to receive all great articles - Here is one - not to be missed ....

My TAKE!

I do not mind re-blogging - because after all

it is useful information that I know some have asked for... 

and everyone interested can really use.

Enjoy!!!

Allie Miller | AMillerFoto - PHOTOGRAPHY

www.amillerfoto.com

READ ON~

Photography Concentrate: Night Sky Photography: Tips to Get You Started

---

Night Sky Photography: Tips to Get You Started Posted: 16 Jul 2013 03:00 AM PDT If you’ve ever pointed your camera at the night sky and taken a shot, you’ll know that there’s more to getting a good star photo than simply being in the right place at the right time. For someone new to night photography, sorting out the seemingly technical process can be overwhelming. But don’t panic! With a few simple tips, great shots of the stars are easily within your reach. Get Your Settings Right When you’re shooting at night, just as when you’re shooting during the day, getting your settings right is important for creating a successful shot. Here’s what you need to know. Aperture Even though each star in the sky is miles away from the next, because they’re all so far away from us your camera will do a good job of registering them sharply even at a relatively low aperture value, like f/2.8. A low aperture value will also allow more light into your camera, meaning you can keep your ISO a little lower and avoid getting unwanted noise (the grainy specks that show up in your photo when you use a high ISO). Shutter Speed Given that you’re asking your camera to register tiny pinpricks of light amidst a dark sky, a slow shutter speed is necessary. But the slower your shutter speed, the more susceptible your camera’s sensor is to registering movement, like a satellite moving across the sky and even the rotation of the Earth relative to your stars. Less than 20.0 seconds is a good bet if you want your stars to look crisp, while longer shutter speeds will make for stars that look slightly oblong due to the rotation of the Earth. Shutter speeds that are minutes long will turn stars themselves into trails of light across the sky. Settings: f/3.2, 20.0 sec., ISO 400. At the slow shutter speed, a satellite appears as a streak of light. This close crop of a larger shot shows that the stars are starting to look a little oblong. ISO While a higher ISO will let you more easily register the light of the stars, it will also increase the noise in your shot. And when you’re shooting things like the Milky Way, which registers as thousands of tiny dots of light, post-processing geared towards noise reduction can have the effect of wiping out your fainter stars. In short, do your best to adjust your aperture and your shutter speed so that you don’t have to climb too high with your ISO. Focusing Even though you’re essentially pointing your camera at infinity, it’s best to play it safe and manually focus your shot. If your camera has a live view setting, switch to live view and zoom in on your scene so that you can make extra-fine focusing adjustments. If you’re without live view, find a particularly bright star and adjust the focus until it looks sharp. Be prepared to play around with your settings a bit once you’re out there shooting, and don’t be afraid to experiment as you go to see whether you can achieve some interesting effects. Stay Still Because you’re using a slow shutter speed, your shots are particularly susceptible to motion blur, so staying still is key. Mount your camera on a sturdy tripod and, once you’ve chosen the scene you want to shoot, lock the camera in place. Be as still as you can when you press the shutter release. Better yet, use a wireless remote shutter release, if you’ve got one, so you don’t even have to touch the camera! Wait for a Clear, Crisp, Moonless Night If your goal is a crisp shot of bright stars against an inky sky, keep an eye on the forecast for a night with low humidity (and no clouds, obviously!). Dryness and low humidity make for clear skies, as there’s less moisture – and thus less stuff – in the air between you and the stars. The light of the moon is surprisingly bright, especially when your shutter speed is low. Wait for a new moon (that is, one that isn’t illuminated) or at least a crescent moon so that its light is less likely to overpower the light of the stars. That being said, if you’re just looking to practice or experiment, a bright moon can create some cool effects. Settings: f/3.2, 20.0 sec., 400 ISO The same story goes for the sun – if it hasn’t fully set, expect to see its residual light showing up in your shots. If you want to avoid that light, start shooting well after the sun has set, when there’s no longer light on horizon. Get Out of Town If you’ve tried star gazing in a big city, you’ll know that the amount of ambient light – from street lights, office buildings and homes – makes it nearly impossible for your eyes to register the dim light of the stars. In such an environment, your camera will struggle too. Save your star shots for an environment that has very little or no ambient light at night (say a campground, a field, or the yard of a cabin or house in the country). If your eyes can easily register layers upon layers of stars, your camera is likely to be more successful registering them too. Add A Foreground Shots of a night sky can be made extra interesting when you add something to the foreground. This not only gives extra visual interest, but helps to give perspective and anchor the viewer so they don’t feel like they’re just floating in space (although that sounds kinda fun!). A house, a line of trees, or a mountain can all add some variety to your shot. Experiment with including different objects – just make sure it’s not too bright or it will overwhelm your pretty stars. Be Smart and Safe Being outside in the pitch black can honestly be a bit unsettling. But there are things you can do to help make it as safe, and fun, as possible. Give some thought to the type of critters you’re likely to run into in the night. If you’re near the breeding grounds of some immensely dangerous nocturnal creature, you may want to stay close to your vehicle or skip the shoot altogether. There’s safety in numbers, so consider shooting with a friend or letting someone know where you’re going and when they should expect you back. Take the right gear. Alongside your camera and your tripod, bring spare batteries and memory cards. Pack warm clothes in case the temperature dips (don’t forget gloves to keep your fingers warm!) and bug spray. There’s no need to stumble around in the dark the whole time you’re out and about. Bring a flashlight along to help you as you scout a shooting location and as you adjust your settings. A red filter flashlight (as in, a flashlight with a red light) won’t mess up your night vision the way a regular flashlight will, so try to get your hands on one of those! Once you’re good to go, turn the flashlight off so that the camera doesn’t pick up its light. Shooting the night sky is one of those photography bucket-list kind of moments. And it’s not hard to do! Pick a great spot, wait for a beautiful night, get your settings and then enjoy capturing the universe in your camera! http://photographyconcentrate.com/ <<<<<<<< SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW - :) {A.Miller}

The AMAZING power of Knowledge!

The AMAZING Power of Knowledge and the RESOURCES behind IT!

I always blog about relevant information and stuff that actually {in my opinion} can make an impact to anyone... Even if they are just following or they are looking for a read that will enhance their day! Sometimes, I do feature some of my favorite people who are amazing in sharing their skills and want others to improve in every way possible!

Well, Ed Verosky is one of my favorites and he is a a professional photographer based in New York City. he loves to share his knowledge and experience with aspiring photographers.
I have been following him a while and YES! I do bother him from time to time, there has not been a time he is not responded or answered a question I may have... I admire him incredibly and YES, I do own many of his E-books {And YES, they have helped me realize many of the images that you all have seen and loved!}

So, Mr. Ed... has a free goodie for you from Michael Zelbel of SmokingStrobes.com.  

With an offer in which the next issue of Good Light Magazine is for free to Ed Verosky subscribers {Click here to subscribe}. 


It's an app that can be downloaded onto your iPad. {how easier can it get???} 

Follow these steps to claim 3 months of free access, which allows you to download the current issue free of charge. This free subscription does NOT turn into a paid subscription or obligation of any kind.

Please note that in order to download the app, you must do so on your iPad or your computer (not on your smartphone):
 

1. Go to iTunes App Store
2. Install the free magazine's App
3. Open up the magazine in your iPad Newsstand, & click on 'Subscribe'
4. Tap on 'Current Subscribers' & type in this current subscriber code:glmag856

The free subscription terminates after 3 months, so if you are fast and you do it right now, then you can download the current and also the next issue of the magazine for free.
I wanted to extend this chance and also the opportunity to get to know him. He has a wealth of information, and his teachings are incredible.

So, whether an aspiring photographer or perhaps, looking for refreshers... Ed is the man! Subscribe to his blog... and be delighted to new opportunities for learning and enlightenment.... Enjoy... I sure do enjoy every e-mail I receive... and I want everyone to enjoy it as well!

Happy Holidays...

Allie
www.amillerfoto.com

Be diverse and increase your options!

Be diverse and increase your options!

Lifestyle Portraits

Fashion

Places

Weddings

Boudoir

Talent Portfolio Portraiture

Product/Catalog

Be diverse and increase your options!

By Allie Miller {AMillerFoto –Photography}

So, many times I am approached if I shoot a certain kind of photography and to my client's surprise, I am not what you consider a specialty photographer.

I have had a relationship with the lens since I fell in love with my photography class in my early day in high school twenty-six years ago.

I started with the projects given by my instructor while in my Senior year and randomly took my 35mm film- PENTAX out to many different spots where I grew up, Miami. While started with landscapes and random captures of structures and similar elements, was not until in 2008 that I turned digital and started to transcend into portraiture, becoming more “adventurous” with my Nikon.

Although, I do not consider myself to be a “professional” – a term that is loosely used by many, I have always abide by the technical aspects when I approach a shoot. Since launching my business in the Port City merely eighteen months ago and by being diverse, I have increased my options that not only benefited my business, but also my growth as a photographer.

With over 170 thousand residents in the New Hanover Area,{North Carolina} being diverse has allowed my creativity benefit my business, not only in profitability but in the manner photographic services are being handled by my studio. One thing I have learned throughout the years is that education is the key, and that just not by grabbing and shooting with a great camera makes you a “photographer”

Our area is loaded with unbelievable resources that are not limited to its environmental beauty, but also its wealth of knowledge by incredible photographers that have been in the field for over 30 years and who are willing to help others learn and preserve photography aspects that makes it a real delight to share images captured the way they were intended. This process offers many photo enthusiast discover that they have an affinity for something they become really good at.

Education, diversity and style have allowed AMillerFoto Photography to substantially fulfill the needs of the great clients that seek my photo services. My approach to style has developed into documenting what happens every day in what people experience. Even, as it seems that portraiture needs to be somewhat choreographed, my sessions conduce to that mix of the perfect image combined with the elements of lifestyle as they happen in the moment by applying widely learned concepts which lead the direction of my shoots, while keeping a general context of the environment when I am holding my camera .

My primary goal not only as an artist and photographer, but as an individual who is passionate about what the capture is creating and not to compete to what others may or may not be doing in the business. 

There is still so much room for growth and although I have a 20 years of healthcare experience and some incredible degrees hanging in my home office, I think that I could have never made a better choice in career change that to have become a photographer and to have continued my early passion and to follow the link between motion, emotion and the elements of light in order to fill the gap in the needs of the market, nowadays. 

Bottom line: “education, passion and diversity’ are the key!