Tips & Tools

Photographer tips & tools | Mastering Mini sessions magazine by Pamela Salai photography

Photographer tips & tools | Mastering Mini sessions magazine by Pamela Salai photography

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I get a countless number of emails on a monthly basis about my mini sessions. I have always done my best to answer everyone as best as I could.

I wanted to be as helpful as possible – However, it was getting to the point that I was spending so much time giving away free advise and taking my time away from editing and answering clients emails that I decided that it was time I offering something to the public.

I really couldn’t be more excited about my new “Mastering Mini’s by Pamela Salai Photography”

What’s it about ???

I have been offering mini sessions for 4+ years each year I have been able to grow my clientele & profit – let me share with you my secrets that have helped me !!!
This is tangible magazine that will deliver right to your 📪 mailbox
You can take notes in it , flag pages & more. Read it over & over right in your hands with out having to worry about how much space it will take on on your computer or external drive.
Get insight on how to make profit, get new inspiration, how to flourish your business with mini sessions. A sneak peek into one of my magical mini sessions and more … 20 pages of loaded with information to help you grow your mini sessions.

Tips & Tools

Pittsburgh Child, Family and Maternity photographer | You booked! Now what ?

Pittsburgh Child, Family and Maternity photographer | You booked! Now what ?

Yay ! You booked – now what ?

For starters congratulations on booking a professional photographer.

If this is your first time or if this is your 5th time with me I will make sure to make it memorable and fun ( fun-is not an option 😉 it just happens )

There probably was so much going on when choosing the right photographer. Now that you have chosen me. Let’s get to some of the fun stuff.

I am here to break down some fun extra’s for you to think about.

If you chose my Signature collection these are the questions I want you to look over 

*One: Do you want to add on a stylist ?

A stylist is a great way to get your family looking clean, put together and blending nicely. Oh, did I mention less work for you to think about. 75% of my clients go with this option. It’s very affordable too!

( I have clients use my stylist for Maternity, Children and Family sessions -it’s not limited to just family)

*This option is included in the Daydream collection

 

 

*Two: Do you want to add on a makeup and/or hair artist

I have 3 children. I know that anytime I get my photos done the last thing I want to worry about is doing my makeup. I want to make sure to look my best – not my hair thrown into some mess because I didn’t have time to do it …or have car makeup done because I was getting everyone else dressed ( you know what I am taking about 😉 )

*This option is included in the Daydream collection

 

 

Three: Would you like to rent a large prop – such as a settee ?

Included in your creative fee | collection is already is a few props that are included – these typically are smaller things .

However, sometimes you don’t need/want all those props and a simple beautiful settee set in a field is all your need ( example above) . If that is the case I work closely with a rental company that we can pick out the perfect settee or couch or even chair for your set for you to rent.

Four: Animals … I LOVE animals , I LOVE working with animals. Do you know I have accesses to Farm and Exotic animals ( like a zebra or camel ) If you want to add on an animal of some sorts please let me know and we can arrange one for you to rent.

Who doesn’t love puppies 😀

>> Click here <<

to review my client magazine that I designed especially for you.
It takes you through my unique experience I provide, the portrait process and more ! 

Last but not least ! Thank you again for booking !

Tips & Tools

Creating magical memories | Finding the light

Creating magical memories | Finding the light 

(my continued series for artist and clients)

I just had a wonderful mentor session this weekend with a client that came to me from Raleigh, NC.

When we were location scouting I had asked her…What questions do you have for me and she said “How do I find the light ?”

I thought this brings up a great point and thought it would be useful to a lot of photographers !

Here are some pointers on what to do for a future where you are in search of the light.

These tips are based off of outdoor shooting . It can be applied to indoor – you would just be looking for light source through windows and such.

Look for catch light (a light source that causes a specular highlight in a subject’s eye in an image) in the eyes of your subject. You may have to move your subject around .I find having them turn slowly until you see beautiful light in their eyes works great. I often wear white or cream or ivory at my sessions . I also bring a reflector & scrim ( that is another point though – i will go over in a moment ) . You can get great catch light from your subject looking towards the sky too.

Reflector ( a reflector is an improvised or specialised reflective surface used to redirect light towards a given subject or scene) This is like my BFF ( i mean not in the super literal sense 😉 ) I have a 5 in 1 from amazon that does a great job and was very affordable . I typically will find a way to hold this and shoot. Lucky for me I hired an assistant now and she does a great job holding it for me ( I also trained her in how it works so she is knowledgable on site). I also own a 4×6 scrim jim . I have been using this almost every session – it’s great for family sessions.

Open Shade (a spot that is shaded, however have a light source around- avoid putting your subject in those hot spots if under a tree ) For me personally midday , bright sun is not my go to look. I prefer open shade and often use this in the beginning of my session before “golden hour” ( when I do a bulk of my shooting) This is wonderful for capturing that catch light in your subjects eyes. By placing your subject in shade facing the light it can create a dramatic look with the diffused light. Also, bring that reflector with you so you can bring some light onto your subject if needed.

Over Cast ( The state of the sky when it is covered by clouds) Natures natural diffuser 😉 (wish I could say I made that up …I heard that somewhere ) . You wouldn’t know it from most of my photography. However I LOVE a overcast day. I will start about 30 minutes or so earlier than usually just because at golden hour ( when I typically shoot ) you loose light a lot faster with the clouds . I love how the sun illuminates the clouds . During those evenings when the sunset is that beautiful orange color it will light the area with this beautiful pink cast – oh I just LOVE it when that happens .

Back light ( is the process of illuminating the subject from the back) – I typically do this again around golden hour and this is what gives my subjects that beautiful rim lighting & glow through their hair and clothes.

Twilight or last light : ( This is the time before sunrise and after sunset where it is still light outside, but the sun is not in the sky ) almost acts the same as overcast. Depending on when you live (here it’s very hilly) you will get a beautiful cast of light from sunset through last light

These are some of the  most natural ways of “finding the light” I hope this helps !

Are you are interested in one on one mentoring ?

View my client magazine on page 15 for details (click zoom to view it at it’s best )

or of course please contact me direct and I would be happy to chat with you 🙂

To find more on my continued series “Creating magical memories “ please search my blog and check back often for more tips & tools meant for photographers and clients!

xox

Pamela Salai photography | Finding the light

7:22 p.m. / September 7

1/500 , 3.5, 200 mm , iso 500

( I always intentionally under expose)

Published, Styled, Tips & Tools

Pittsburgh Photographer | Mentoring ! When, Why, & How to find one that fits .

Pittsburgh Photographer | Mentoring ! When, Why, & How to find one that fits .

Hey y’all !

So talking to a few friends in the community I noticed that some people are not sure when to get a mentor, why they need a mentor or how to find one.

So I am here to give my own “personal” view on it. I will start by saying I am NOT perfect ( GASP! I know ! ) LOL. I know I thought the same thing … JUST KIDDING !! 

It wasn’t long along that I submitted to Clickin moms & was turned down by 7 points 🙁 I was devastated ( like REALLY  devastated! )I reached out to the community & to a couple of my favorite photographers & said HELP ME PLEASE!  One that I admired was unable to assist this year , another was way out of my price range ( < < < which I will come back to this ). And another was not even in my state & the cost of traveling & the time (<<most importantly) were just not doable this year. 

I didn’t understand-I thought I knew what I was doing ? I thought I was good? I was published in Momazine magazine 4 times – didn’t that mean something ??? I was pretty sure I had a small community of photographers that admired me? I mean … isn’t that all you need ?

NO – this isn’t enough! (<<<<I will explain why shortly)

 After speaking to a couple good friends who talk me off me down from throwing my camera out the window while driving down a dirt windy road sunlit by the glow of the sun as it set on our side of earth & in my heart (<<< I am being a LITTLE dramatic ... I mean HEY it’s how I felt !)   … oh yea .. I was totally there! I was told 1. this was just “1” place that tried out for. This was just their opinion  of  my work. I mean …yes… However, to me THIS WAS THE PLACE – THIS IS THE PLACE I want to be a part of ( and I will !). It just wasn’t my time. Maybe the photos I selected weren’t my best or maybe I selected some that I shouldn’t have … However, despite all these thoughts & feelings it sounds so cliché … I had an aha moment. I realized that I do need to step back & reevaluate myself & work on things that I “thought” were good. I took my son out that week. I went to spot that I knew the sun casted a beautiful golden hour ( that is my favorite time a day. I feel like it’s the most magical)  & a spot that I thought my son would enjoy “sitting” at for a bit while I played with my camera.

I ended up with this (see below)

I was so excited ! When I posted it I had gotten so many nice compliments & a couple photographers I admired reached out to me & said some really nice things that made me feel relevant again. Than, it came to me. OF COURSE I still am learning. I hope to ALWAYS learn & grow & become better & better. Yes, I was sad. I will submit again & I hope you will follow me in that journey.

This photo became symbolic to me. When I looked at it I knew that all my wishes, positive vibes, praying & hard work were finally starting to matter & click.

I have since than. Met with Heather with weddings by heather who offers mentoring, workshops & training ( <<< some in which I still plan to take) . She help me design my website. ( which I LOVE) She mentored me in a few things about life, job & I have turned to her for advice on editing. Which if you do not follow her I really suggest it. She has a group on Facebook & can Skype or talk on the phone so you do not have to be local. Make sure to come back to this post & let me know how much you love her when you are all done with your mentoring …because you will 🙂 She is a jesus loving, beautiful soul & is so much fun. She even has a youtube channel – I mean … really! Check it out! She won’t disappoint.

I have also since than “soul shoot” ( I think I made that up ?) I go out & shoot with no purpose other than I love it & I am hoping to teach myself something new or practice something I just learned. Wow ! It has really taught me a lot. I am still not prefect ( SHOCKER I know! LOL! ) However, I have become comfortable enough to start to share my knowledge. Now, my knowledge as far as styling a session, how I plan for it, how I shoot, the lighting etc… Not business ( Go to Heather for that 🙂 or someone that is better at that stuff than me )

I am also very lucky to have 2 really great friends Lisa & Sarah that are local photographers that we are constantly helping each other. Bouncing ideas off one another, asking for CC (constructive criticism) . Having friends ( <<< I mean real friends) in the community is so important. So this actually leads me into the juice (<<< um you know the stuff that this post was meant to written for : Mentoring ! When, Why, & How to find one that fits .)

BE INVOLVED! Meet people, make friends  . Found out who is who in the community. How ? There are so many local groups in your area. You need to get on social media & ask around. Found groups that “fit you”. What is awesome for me …might not be your awesome. Go find your awesome! When ? NOW what are you waiting for -them to find you ? No, go find them. Go to meet ups once a month or as often as you can.  Reach out to photographers you follow. They might be involved in groups that they are willing to share with you.

Why? um, because this is how you will find people that are like you. Maybe, you will even find someone that will take you under their wing or is willing to help or lead you in the right direction.

Ok, so… it might cost you some money. Good! (<<< Yes ! GOOD I said) . INVEST IN YOURSELF! If you don’t invest in yourself. Who is going to invest in you ?

So remember I said one mentor was out of my price range. Well, I am saving up to take a mentor session with her. I might even actually hire her to take my family photos instead just to see her magic unfold with my own family. It might not happen tomorrow. It will happen though because I want it to & I honestly am not someone that gives up easy.

So why wasn’t it good enough that I was published, had followers & likes on my page. Because I didn’t believe in myself. I wasn’t shooting with a purpose & an end in sight. Now, I make sure to take my time. Make sure my lighting is on point, my composition. I have my highlights & blacks in my post processing… these things made a HUGE difference in my shooting.

So do I want you all to call me & hire me for mentoring. NO! I want you to find someone that you admire & love & feel that they can teach you what you need to learn. It might be me. It might be my best friend. It might be someone I don’t know. Whoever it is -reach out to them. Let them know you admire them. Ask if they offer mentoring services ( some do not).

Don’t wait ! Why wait ?

So because I am hyping up this mentoring thing so much … I am offering 50% the whole month of August! That is correct my pixie dust collection is 50% off. Contact me pamelasalaiphoto@gmail.com  for full details!

(*Mentoring must be held in 2016)

P.S. Just a reminder that the Fall into magic | Pittsburgh styled shootout  dates are released & details are coming soon ( PROMISE!)

Do you shoot newborns ? If so you might want to check out this limited exclusive   watch & learn * with an option to shoot . This is happening August 10th & 14th so don’t delay!

THANK YOU ALL !

xox

~ Comment with any positive vibes or feedback ~

Children, Family, Maternity, Mini, Published, Styled

Creating magical memories: DIY boho teepee

branch stars logo twinkle twinkle

Creating magical memories: DIY boho teepee

Anyone that knows me or my style knows that deep inside I am a boho mermaid 😀 ha ha.

I love styling sessions. It’s kinda my thing…If you don’t know that already. I love the planning of it & sketching out ideas & I also love shooting from the hip with ideas. For this partial session I styled the little girl in a Joyfolie dress in cream & a joyfolie flower crown. The cream dress was made of chiffon so I knew I wanted to carry that look through out the session. It inspired me to create this teepee using chiffon fabric instead of your standard teepee cover ( which I do have from other sessions …just didn’t want to use for this session). I also knew that this session was going to be outside in grass & back lit so all these factors played into my fabric selection.

What do you need ?

Dail rods or birch branches <–That is what I used

Fabric <– I used Chiffon to match the dress (experiment try different fabrics ) I had about 2 1/2 years cut

Flowers: I used fake flowers that I had from a ton of other sessions. I save everything ( well until I have used it so many times it’s time to move on …than I sell it). I bought my flowers at a local craft store. For the most part I didn’t need anything to secure them . I did end up using a few zip ties .

Rope /hemp

Wire cutters

Than … from her it’s pretty simple. Use rope (to tie the top of the 3 branches) I fanned the branches out until I was happy with how big the space was ( this is to taste or desired look)

Than I took the fabric & tied it to the bottom of the outside 2 branches. At the top I actually just tucked it in to give it that flowy – blow in the wind look & feel.

As for the flowers … you can do this to taste too. You can add more or less or experiment with different items ( it doesn’t have to be flowers) . There was no real science here. I just played around until I liked the look ( cutting the stems as needed). I did have my friend Soozie on hand to tell me how it looked & help with adjustments. She also let me borrow her awesome vintage blanket that you see as the base.

And … that’s it ! You now have yourself a teepee as well as materials that you can use over & over again for other projects ;-D

ENJOY !

oxo

teepee topperDIY teepee