A Eulogy for Picnik

Pin It

Picnik

2005-2012

We are here today to honor a great friend of many. Picnik was born in Fall 2005 to beloved fathers Mike, Darrin and Jonathan.  Picnik started quiet, shy and illusive but soon grew to be incredibly popular amongst people wishing to make the most of cheesy photo edits.

I feel a deeper connection to you already wild bill

Picnik was taken under Google’s wing in 2010. His hopes and dreams seeming to come to fruition. For more than a year Picnik flourished under his new ownership and it seemed nothing could stop him from reaching the stars.
In Jan 2012 those dreams were ripped from him when his mentor and new father figure, Google announced they will be killing him in April.  This imminent doom has not dampened his spirit. Picnik continues to bring joy to millions through text and image overlay

the walrus died of shame 1 week later

Picnik is survived by Picasa, Flickr, Yahoo, and API partners across the country.  You will be greatly missed Picnik.  I challenge all people everywhere: do not forget what Picnik brought to you.  The joy, the magic, the ability to feel like a professional photographer for a day.

just like the pros

How will the world survive without your wisdom and knowledge the the art of face-paintery?

RIP Picnik

Friend Counselor Professional

Thinking of Becoming a Wedding Photographer? Step Away From the Red Button!!!

Pin It

It's Photography Friday again here at the Sarah Linnea Photography blog.  Today we will be talking about weddings.  To you, well informed photographer, you can dismiss the following as surely you are keenly aware of these situations:

So you are considering becoming a wedding photographer? The idea of capturing that special day for someone in a wonderfully artistic fashion makes you practically giddy, and the thought of a shallow depth of field shot of the wedding rings makes the right side of your brain quiver with anticipation.

originality!!!

You may be thinking "Yeah! Weddings! That's where the money is!!"
Although it is true most people will earn more monetary income from a wedding than a single portrait session, reading this article will explain how little money there is in wedding photography.  But that is not the subject of this blog.

Before you make that WeDJ account and post your services on Craigslist you should consider some challenges you face when taking on this blending of portrait and event photography.

doing anything to get the shot

Here is a short list of things to consider:

Did you know that many churches do not allow photographers to use flash photography and sometimes do not even allow the photographer to move from the back of the sanctuary? No?

consider a zoom lens....

You just ruined their Wedding. Congratulations.

Did you know that most brides prefer a darker often candle lit atmosphere to create a more intimate ceremony making it incredibly difficult to capture action without a Very high ISO which many lower end camera bodies cannot handle without a tremendous amount of grain? No?

the blur is an artistic choice

You just ruined their wedding. Congratulations.

Did you know that most wedding ceremony's take place in mixed lighting conditions making it difficult for the in camera white balance to properly adjust? Are you staring at the previous sentence in confusion?

it's uh......a warming filter?

You just ruined their wedding. Congratulations?

Did you know that the Bride's parents are divorced and this will be the first time they have seen each other in 10 years and have no desire whatsoever to be in photograph together? No?

family love...

You just ruined their wedding. Congratulations.

Did you know that cameras break, or stop working randomly?  Do you have a back-up incase that happens? No?

 ...stupid destination weddings!

You just ruined their wedding. Congratulations.

Did you know that the Bride told everyone to arrive at the church 30 minutes prior to ceremony and the reception immediately followed? No? You now have no time to take any photos and the bride is irate.

get what you can...

You just ruined their wedding. Congratulations.

Did you know that the Bride spent countless hours individually sorting through a bag of m&ms to find the colors to fill her gift boxes she left at each table-inside of which was a special handwritten note with their wedding date explaining the importance of m&ms to their relationship and the over arching metaphor of the melty chocolate-y goodness to their wedding night…..No? You didn't get a picture of the m&ms?

please join us in eating our face...

You just ruined their wedding. Congratulations.

Did you know you could be sued for not delivering photos of key moments throughout the day? No? You just ruined your business. Congratulations.

There is nothing stopping the well informed photographer from doing a bang up job.  These warnings are not for you, well informed photographer.  These warnings are for those eager to dive into the pool because it "looks like it could be fun" and "I've been to a lot of weddings".

How confident are you in shooting events? Do you know how to quickly adjust your camera for varying lighting conditions and different focus needs?  During the ceremony, if you miss the exchanging of the rings, or the kiss, you cannot request a do over and posing the shot after the ceremony will not be the same.  Everytime the bride looks at that photo she will remember how annoyed she was at you for missing the real thing.  

happy shooting

Are you "well informed photographer?" feel free to leave more advice in the comments below and help the less fortunate who have not seen what you have seen.

The Dangers of Infant and Toddler Photography

Pin It

Thank you for all those who have come back for another entry of my blog. Today we will be discussing the joy and wonder of photographing infants and toddlers.

I know you said “awwww”

Oh yes. Adorable aren’t they?
Well hidden beneath that beautiful face, baby soft skin, and diaper full of poo, is a mini-photographer-saboteur. Little do you know looking at all the beautiful smiling faces that it took about 200 photos to happen upon that gem of a photograph. It should be noted the child is very annoyed at his or her slip of cuteness during the session.
In most photos they tend to look like this:

Mommy wants a 30x40 canvas of This

I should note this does not generally apply to newborns. I am not one of them as of yet, but there are baby whisperers out there who have a magical ability to put newborns to sleep so that they will be free to fire away with their camera.

Not Me

I have only had one opportunity to work with a newborn and fortunately the parents were very helpful. The trick with newborns is just that...put them to sleep. Once they are out you can manipulate them into any outfit and adorable pose you want.

got to hide their no no parts

Toddlers, on the other hand. They are a different breed. I imagine after a year of cameras being thrust in their faces they are going quite tired of the whole thing and have decided the best course of action would be to cause as much problems as possible so as to ensure the parents will not bring them their again.

There are some facts about children that age that can help guarantee a fun-filled day of boo-hoos from the child and pulling out of hair by the photographer. About the time parents are wanting one year pictures of their darling little bumkin sweet heart lovey cakes shnookums; many children have begun teething. It is inevitable that little brittany or robby will have their molars and bicuspids coming in together at the exact moment your are set up and ready to shoot.

someone get this kid a popsicle

Another important facet about children around the toddler age that can lend itself to a whole Host of problems especially in a studio setting...Little Janie has just learned to Walk!! *gleeful smile from proud mom*
What does this mean for the unsuspecting photographer. Chasing Janie away from all the wires, softboxes, and props she manages to find in the moment it takes you to take your settings down a stop.

Lawsuit

If possible, stick to available lights and on location photography. Unless your studio is baby-proof (and unless you specialize in infant photography it surely is not) ask the parents if they would like you to come to them. The Pros far out way the Cons. yes you have to pack up your equipment and haul it-but your studio remains intact and no parents are suing you for the flash bulb that inexplicably ended up in little Janie’s nose.
If the parents are unsure about this arrangement, talk to them about the sentimental moments it can create with professional photos in such a familiar environment.

*sigh* the fond memories

Perhaps the toddler won’t know what is going on until you have procured a number of satisfying images. Rest assured Bobby, Janie and little Susie have every intention of making you look like a fool. Perhaps now you (parents and photographers alike) can be a little better prepared.

Next Week: Christmas and family expectations of the new photographer.

There are still a few openings for the Blog Contest from last week. Check it Out!