Vlogging is one of the best ways to gain traction and build a community on YouTube. Viewers love seeing into another person’s everyday life and enjoying mundane tasks like cleaning, shopping, and organizing.

But in order to lure viewers to your channel with these simple videos, you need a great camera.

How do you find a good camera for YouTube vlogging?

What You Should Know about Vlogging

Before you begin shopping for a good camera for YouTube, it’s important to understand the vlogging process.

Vloggers record their daily lives. They show what they do throughout the day and highlight activities like preparing meals, practicing their morning routines, shopping, showing the items they purchase in hauls, cleaning and organizing their homes, and sharing special events with their families and friends.

Others record videos related to their business to build up an audience for their goods or services.

Think about what you do on a daily basis and for fun and then imagine recording it. The videos are posted, often with minimal editing but this isn’t always the case, and they range from about 10 minutes to 60 minutes in length.

To create a vlog that people enjoy watching, you need a video camera that produces high-quality video and that is small and light enough to carry with you wherever you go.

The quality is sometimes less than a camera you’d use to produce a sit-down “studio” type video, but many compact and lightweight vlogging cameras today offer great quality.

Originally, many vloggers simply used the video camera on their phones to record vlogs. Many still do, and some who’ve made a career of vlogging even use their phones in a pinch.

But if you really want to excel and grow your YouTube following, you must invest in a good camera.

How to Choose the Best Vlogging Camera

There are a few things you’ll want to consider before you settle on what vlog camera you want to invest in.

First, consider your budget. Cameras come in a wide range of prices, so you want to set a budget and try to stick within that budget. You can get a good camera for YouTube regardless of how much you want to spend, so don’t assume you need to shell out thousands of dollars for the right YouTube camera.

Next, you’ll want to assess the following of each of the cameras in your price range:

• Video quality
• Storage
• Sound quality
• Ease of use
• Design

It might help to create a list where you post each of the cameras in your price range and then rank them based on what you learn from research about each of these factors.

Now that you have an idea for how to shop for a vlogging camera and you know what you’re looking for in this type of camera, here are our top 7 picks for a good camera for YouTube:

Canon PowerShot SX730

Click image to view at Amazon.

This camera is one of the most affordable options on the market that has a flip screen. Flip screens work great for vloggers because they are able to see the video they are creating as they create it.

It also has a 40X optical zoom and offers continuous shooting at nearly six frames per second. It also has built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth.

The drawback of this camera for a YouTube blogger is that you can’t shoot in in 4k, only HD. There’s also no viewfinder or electronic level and no touch-sensitive LCD. But we think it’s great for vloggers who need a high-power zoom, such as someone vlogging crafting or cooking.

Check the price of the PowerShot SX730 at Amazon.

GoPro HERO 7

Click image to view at Amazon.

This camera is for the most active vloggers. It has time warp video capture, great control features, and smooth video stabilization.

The only drawback of this camera is that you aren’t able to livestream in 4k, which is something most people who are new to vlogging aren’t that concerned about. If you are planning to create videos that feature outdoor adventures or sports activities, this is a fantastic option.

Panasonic GH5

Click image to view at Amazon.

This is one of the most durable vlogging cameras out there. It offers a 4k mirrorless camera, Venus engine processor, and is dust-, splash-, and freeze-proof to negative 10 degrees F. We’d say it’s a fantastic camera for outdoor vlogging thanks to these features.

It also offers 4k smooth quality video, advanced panning control, and no recording duration limit.

As great as this camera is, there are still a few things it could improve on. For example, the Bluetooth capability is outdated and over time the features haven’t improved all that much with each new iteration of the camera. It’s an ideal photography camera, but it’s still great for active, outdoor vlogging.

Canon VIXIA HF G40

Click image to view at Amazon.

This camera boasts a lot of space and can save you if you are someone who isn’t backing up data as often as possible. It has two SD card slots, which means you can use to cards simultaneously, doubling the memory.

It also has high-battery capacity which is great for vloggers because you are out and about so much and recording so much footage. It doesn’t have the best autofocus, but we still think it’s a great camera for those who are just getting started with vlogging.

Sony DSC-RX100 MkIII

Click image to view at Amazon.

This is a great value camera for YouTube vlogging and offers a tiltable LCD screen and a pop-up viewfinder. You aren’t going to find a better camera at this price point.

Panasonic Lumix G7KS

Click image to view at Amazon.

This camera was designed with vloggers in mind. It offers 4k video capture and a high-resolution viewfinder.

It’s also incredibly easy to use.

The wi-fi function is complicated, but we still think it’s a top-notch camera for both new and experienced vloggers.

Check the price of the Lumix G7KS at Amazon.

Sony Alpha a6400

Click image to view at Amazon.

This camera is great for capture details. It features a tiltable LCD screen and creates clear, crisp images. It also has a Real-Time Eye Auto Focus feature that is great for vloggers.

There’s no built-in image stabilization, so if you’re replacing a camera that had it you’ll need to adjust until you get used to not having the feature.

There you have it.

Our list of seven great vlogging cameras to get you started or up your game on YouTube.

Most professional photographers already know about macro photography but If you’re an amateur, you might not be.

Macro photography is a close-up image of everyday objects where you can see every little detail. It’s photography with a 1:1 magnification and cannot be captured with a normal lens.

To get into macro work, you need the right lens to capture the image. Macro lenses make it possible for you to capture every single detail.

So, we made a list of the best macro lenses for Nikons in 2022. Here, we’ll review our favorite macro lenses so you can make the best choice for your Nikon camera.

Nikon AF-S 105mm f/2.8G VR IF-ED Micro-NIKKOR Lens

Check the price at Amazon. 

Maximum aperture: f/2.8

Minimum focus distance: 31cm

Filter size: 62mm

Image stabilization: Yes

The Nikon AF-S 105mm Micro-NIKKOR is the perfect lens for focusing on macro photography. It’s our favorite one and we recommend it if you can fit it into your budget.

Nikon uses their nano-crystal coat and ED glass on this lens to cut down on glare and chromatic aberration that can show up in your shot. This gives you the perfect images when you go out and shoot.

This lens is also equipped with the brand’s Super Integrated Coating (SIC) to improve light transmission.

The VR in the name represents their Vibration Reduction technology. This technology ensures vibrating has zero effects on your images. The high-speed autofocus that’s amazing and almost always accurate and it uses the Silent Wave Motor (SWM) to change traveling waves into rotational energy.

With the high aperture of the lens, the background blur will impress you. Plus, it works just as well for taking portraits and other images as it does for macro photography. 

Check the price and read reviews of the Nikon AF-S 105mm f/2.8G at Amazon.

Nikon AF FX Micro-NIKKOR 200mm f/4.0D IF-ED Lens

Check the price at Amazon.

Maximum aperture: f/4

Minimum focus distance: 48cm

Filter size: 62mm

Image stabilization: No

This Nikon lens is one of the top lenses out there. It’s been around since 1993 though they’ve updated the model in recent years.

This lens is designed for a full-frame with a larger sensor though it also works well with small DX-format digital SLR cameras.

One downside to this lens is that is doesn’t have an auto-focus motor. So, if your camera doesn’t have auto-focus, the lens won’t be able to compensate on its own.

That said, It does have a manual focus ring and an internal focusing mechanism that promises constant barrel length when you focus on the subject.

The lens aperture diaphragm has nine diaphragm blades. This helps produce depth and capture those tiny images, making them sharp and beautiful. This lens is perfect for macro photography.

Nikon AF FX Micro-NIKKOR 200mm f/4D IF-ED Fixed Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras at Amazon.

Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro VC USD Lens

Check the price at Amazon.

Maximum aperture: f/2.8

Minimum focus distance: 30cm

Filter size: 62mm

Image stabilization: Yes

Tamron is a great substitute for buying a Nikon macro lens. Tamron lenses are high-quality and produce beautiful images.

This lens is dust-resistant, moisture-proof, and has a fluorine coating so you don’t have to worry as much when the weather turns bad when capturing shots outdoors in the natural light. The coating helps repel water and prevents fingerprints from building up.

This lens also uses advanced coating technology to reduce flares, glares, and ghosting and an XY-Shift compensation to reinforce VC functionality which creates image stabilization and vibration reduction.

Check the price and Read Reviews of the Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 at Amazon.

Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP AF/MF 1:1 Macro Lens

Check the price at Amazon.

Maximum aperture: f/2.8

Minimum focus distance: 30cm

Filter size: 62mm

Image stabilization: No

This Tamron lens is designed for both SLR and digital SLR cameras. Like the model above, it’s a great lens choice for your Nikon. It’s often referred to as the “portrait macro” lens.

This is an update from the original 90mm lens from Tamron. It’s one of their Super Performance (SP) lens created to match what professionals and buyers wanted.

The Tamron AF 90mm is lightweight compared to most lenses, light enough to carry around and pull out whenever you need it.

Unlike the previous Tamron lens, this one doesn’t offer image stabilization. You have to be careful of vibration while shooting.

That said, it does have a focus ring. Thanks to this ring, you can switch between auto-focus and manual focus with little delay. It takes a little slide motion to choose between options.

The lens is made of nine diaphragm blades that give you a great background blur that’s not at all messy or unattractive.

You can also use this lens for videos and still get beautiful resolution and detail. The contrast is superb.

Check the price and Read Reviews of the Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 at Amazon.

Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens for Nikon DSLR Camera

Check the price at Amazon.

Maximum aperture: f/2.8

Minimum focus distance: 31cm

Filter size: 62mm

Image stabilization: Yes

This Sigma macro lens is one of the more affordable choices out there and the cheaper price doesn’t affect the quality and ability of the lens.

It’s designed for full-frame digital SLR Nikon cameras but can also fit smaller ASP-c size sensors.

The lens takes images at 1:1 magnification and greater. It uses its Optical Stabilizer to ensure there’s image stabilization so most vibration won’t impact your images whatsoever.

The floating inner focus system makes it so there’s high rendering throughout the focus range and it has a rounded nine-blade diaphragm. The diaphragm creates the blur to the out of focus areas that makes it look better.

This lens has a Super Multi-Layer Coating that makes glare practically disappear. It also reduces ghosting in your images.

Check the price and Read Reviews of the Sigma 105mm F2.8 at Amazon.

The Bottom Line 

Macro photography isn’t just for professional photographers. Macro shots are fun sub-type of photography to try out that gives you a different and unique perspective on the world.

We know how much time and effort you put into establishing your photography business, and how hard it can sometimes be to handle a new client. You can put hours of work into your portfolio and mastering your photography skills, but then break it with one unplanned photo session.

So here we have put together seven proven tips which will help you make a lasting impression on your clients on a photoshoot. You can use these tips as a step-by-step guide to outline your next photo session.

1. Develop a photoshoot concept

The very first and the most important step in a photo shoot is to develop a theme. Don’t think only about cute props or nice location. Think beyond all that – what emotions you are going to cause with these photos?

– How old is your client?

– What is her/his personality?

– What is he or she wearing?

– What story do these images tell?

– What is he or she holding in the hands?

– Should these shots be dark or light?

– What weather conditions are there in your images?

You can ask your client to share photo ideas from the web or even your portfolio. Consider having a clear idea of the client’s needs. It’ll not be superfluous to find photo ideas on Pinterest and prepare poses for the shoot. Create a mood board on Pinterest which you will share for photo ideas, poses, and more.

You can create a checklist of images you want to take. Take a moment to visualize the scene and everything you put into a frame. A client will notice your attention to details and will enjoy working with you.

Make sure you work on improving your photography skills all the time to show the best results every time, here are eight things you can do today to become a better photographer.

2. Find the perfect location

Scouting for the perfect location can be a difficult and time-consuming job. Yet it is worth the effort. Even in a small town or village, no matter where you live, there are lots of beautiful locations. Learn to see them.

Collect the best photogenic locations in your city: it could be a park, forest, place near a pond, garden, rooftop, or cafe. It depends on the type of photo session you are going to realize.

You can acquire perfect locations from local photographers or find them yourself when you go for a walk. In fact, even a simple place with nothing special at first glance may look amazing in a photo.

Turn on the imagination and play with the location and props. If you are going to shoot indoors, you need to have a list of studios with different readymade scenes.

3. Come earlier

Another great way to leave a lasting impression on a photo shoot is to come to the location earlier. Arrive 20 minutes before clients to make sure that everything looks exactly how you expect, prepare pros and accessories, and set up your gear.

You won’t waste clients’ time when they get there. Show them that you respect their time and won’t bill them for the time spent on preparation. A client may not remember that you came earlier, but they will remember if you are late. And this is definitely not the first impression you want to make.

Remember that things will not always go as planned, and if you are to shoot a picnic in a sunny park and it starts to rain, the best option is to reschedule the shoot.

4. Select the props

From color smoke bombs through balloons and ribbons to bubbles, there are many props you can choose. The market is full of unique handcrafted things. You can search for photoshoot accessories on Amazon and Etsy.

However, keep in mind that photo sessions are not about accessories, but about people. So make these props to help you enhance your vision, but don’t overuse them.

Also, think about the colors in your future frames. Think whether the accessories are suitable for a certain concept. Obviously, if you are shooting a couple in the rain, balloons will not be the best props. In this case, an umbrella will be the best fit.

5. Remember styling

The styling of a photo shoot is an essential step that gets skipped on some occasions. Talk to your client about their expectations and what images they want to get.

When you have a concept, props, and location, offer your client suggestions about what to wear and what makeup and hairstyle will be suitable.

Photographers often work with makeup artists and hairstylists. If you have not, give it a try! I have shared the seven must-have contacts of any photographer that will help you create quality photo sessions and impress your clients.

You can easily call a local makeup artist and ask if they are available for selected dates. Offer your images for their services, tell them that they can use your images in their advertising or on Instagram. You can contact wardrobe stylists, hair stylists, and other professionals in a similar way.

6. Deliver your work earlier than expected

There are numerous ways to deliver your selected and edited photos to a client. Photo delivery is a part of your brand and communication with clients. Impress them at this stage too.

One of the best ways to surprise your clients is to deliver photos at least a few days before the agreed term. You can always give them an estimated delivery date with a margin of several days.

In order to deliver your photos earlier, you can use Photoshop actions or Lightroom presets which reflect your unique style and suit the photo session mood. They allow you to edit every photo in one click with a little adjustment, but they are real time savers.

When it comes to the method of delivery, it depends on what is convenient for you. Some photographers deliver images on branded flash drives along with a few printed photos and a thank you card in a nice box.

If you deliver photos digitally, you can upload them on your website and share a link with clients. It is a very suitable option if you shoot groups or events, such as weddings.

After people download all the images you can remove them from your server. But give clients at least 14 days to get the shots. Make the delivery as smooth and quick as possible to make the perfect last impression on your client.

7. Ask for feedback

Of course, it can be difficult to ask for feedback, especially if a person points out shortcomings. But every critic will help you improve interaction with clients and grow as a photographer and business owner.

There are numerous ways to ask for feedback. You can ask for clients’ opinions right after the shoot, and again when you deliver their images. You can ask for feedback in a messenger or in person.

The best way to get truly honest feedback about your work is to use anonymous forms on your website. When a client knows that you would not know it is him or her, it’s way easier to share negative points. And it’s important to hear your clients and try to make your communication better.

Over to you

Let me know if you finished reading the article in the comment field below. What methods to make a lasting impression on a photo shoot do you use? If I missed something, be confident to share it with us.

Every year I like to honor the top digital products photographers can use to grow their businesses. Below are 13 go-to items for this year ranging from software to presets to training. This post includes affiliate links.

Best Photo Editor

Luminar 4

Luminar 4 is a program that you can tailor to multiple photographic styles. Available for both Windows and Mac, the software supports cleaner gradients and automatic lens distortion corrections.

It comes with new camera profiles like vivid, Adobe standard, landscape, portrait, and more. The most recent update of Luminar promises improvements in speed across both Windows and Mac.

Learn More about Luminar

Best Lightroom Presets

Contrastly

The Contrastly complete preset bundle comes with over 1,000 presets with 26 different themes like Long Exposure, Portrait Retouch, Infrared Sims, and many more. From recovering shadows and highlights to adjusting exposure, this set of presets will help you create the final product you envision.

Most photographers realize that taking the photos is only the beginning and that editing is an art form in itself.

With this Contrastly Lightroom preset bundle, you can bleach your images a bit, adjust the foreground exposure, and enhance group photos.

Learn More about the Lightroom Preset Bundle

Contrastly also offers Lightroom Training.  Learn more about the Lightroom Mastery Video Course.

Best Contracts

The Law Tog

Ultimate Portrait Photography Contract Bundle by TheLawTog

The Ultimate Portrait Photography Contract Bundle helps you protect your business with lawyer/photographer-created contracts. This includes legal forms you’ll need to cover expectations for clients and safeguard your business.

The Ultimate Bundle has a Print Release form, Limited Model Release, General Model Release, General Portrait Contract, Permission to Sell to a Third Party and a Payment Plan Bundle. TheLawTog also offers the Basic Contract and the Essentials Bundle for people who need a little less.

Start Protecting Your Business

Best Album Software

Fundy Designer

Fundy Designer was created by Andrew Funderburg and runs on both Mac OS and Windows. To use it, just go to fundydesigner.com, download the trial and install it. If you get stuck at any point, there are multiple online tutorials to help you get the process started.

As soon as you’re ready to go, buy a license that fits your needs, such as Studio Suite Pro, Suite Pro, or Suite Lite. This software is well-designed and allows you to begin designing in one out of four modules: Gallery, Album, Image Brander, or Collage. In order to use photos in your project, just drag them from your computer’s images bar. This program is super intuitive and easy to use.

Start Using Fundy Designer

Best Logo Design

99 Designs

Launch a logo design contest with 99Designs

While there are a lot of free options on the web for graphic design, you’ll want something a bit more specialized for logo design. This can mean the difference between being lost in the sea of competitors online and truly standing out. 99Designs is a creative platform that allows you to hire talented designers to make your logo.

You can also start a design contest to get your graphic designs needs met, including custom WordPress themes or even book covers. You get to set your budget, receive ideas for a couple of days, and then make your selection.

Hire Someone to Create Your Logo at 99Designs

Best Training

Creative Live

Fundamentals of Photography

To be truly successful with photography, you’ll need a full understanding of the equipment needed and the technical aspects of your camera. The Fundamentals of Digital Photography will even show you how to make your creative vision a reality. Taught by John Greengo, a seasoned photographer, this training course emphasizes high-quality visuals and learning through experience.

The course will show you how to choose gear, how to properly utilize natural light, and how to make the most of composition, aperture, and shutter speed. With the Fundamentals of Digital Photography, you’ll learn to consider your ultimate goals and motivations with photography.

Learn more about this course.

Other Courses Offered at CreativeLive

CreativeLive offers classes on photo and video, money and life, art and design, and more. Here are a couple of other courses available:

Workflow, Time Management, and Productivity for Creatives

There’s a stereotype that says creative types are inherently disorganized, which can hold you back from getting into a good workflow. With the Workflow, Time Management, and Productivity for Creatives course, you can tackle your to-do lists, learn how to block out time, and beat your distractions.

Conquering Crappy Light

Working with subpar lighting can be frustrating. Since you can’t always control the light where you are, it’s helpful to learn how to work with it. In the Conquering Crappy Light course, you’ll learn how to capture beautiful photos regardless of the lighting conditions.

Free Courses at CreativeLive

CreativeLive also offers free courses like this Make Great Images with the Gear You’ve Got course.

Check out more free courses from CreativeLive

Best Deal Site

PhotoWhoa

If you want to become a better photographer, the products offered by PhotoWhoa can help. This online curation site gives you access to courses, books, and more, whether you’re a fashion blogger, food photographer, or a complete newbie.

A few examples of what they offer are 2665 Light Leak Overlays, a Photoshop Compositing Bundle, and software for easy image refocusing.

PhotoWhoa offers discounted photography products, with some eBooks or video courses marked down as much as 50 percent. Whatever your photography goals are, you’re sure to find something that will help on this site.

Start Using PhotoWhoa Today

Best Image Enhancement

Photolemur

Photolemur is a completely automatic enhancer for your photos and uses Artificial Intelligence to fix your pictures on its own.

Just import the image and the enhancer does the rest.

You can then define how your photos will look when they’re done and control the applied enhancement opacity using the smart slider feature in the program.

Photolemur 3 has a Facial Retouch tool that can improve the look of faces and six unique styles for perfecting your photos. While there is a free version of Photolemur available, it doesn’t offer batch processing and adds a Photolemur watermark to processed photos.

Check out Photolemur

Best Used Gear

KEH Camera

While you’re collecting your photography gear, don’t forget that you can buy used gear and also trade your used equipment.

Sources like KEH Camera, the largest used camera dealer in the world, are invaluable to creative professionals.

They have lenses and cameras from 60 years ago and have been serving photographers for over three decades.

They also have a full-line equipment repair department.

Check Out the Selection at KEH Camera

Best Podcast

ProPhotographerJourney Podcast

Chamira Young is a photographer who is obsessed with creativity and productivity. She uses podcasting and online teaching to help others learn how to reach their goals effectively. The ProPhotographerJourney Podcast lets you learn the craft from professionals as they explain what worked for them and what didn’t. Through this platform, you get access to tricks and tips from award-winning and successful photographers.

You can also check out the Portrait Party Success Kit offered by ProPhotographerJourney.com. Through this kit, you’ll learn how to gain clients, income, credibility, and testimonials for your business.

Check out our article about hosting your own portrait party.

Learn more about the Portrait Party Success Kit at prophotographerjourney.com.

Best Planner and Workflow

Although we often start out with the most productive of intentions, it’s easy to lose track of time. If you need help with time management, workflow, and planning, consider one of these tools.

Design Aglow Organization Help

The Big Picture Planner

The Big Picture Essential Planner will help you reach your larger creative goals by prioritizing your daily and weekly goals. This planner comes with more than 40 printable PDF pages, a 16-page guide for achieving your goals, cover options, planning worksheets, and much more. You’ll also get social and blog trackers, section cover pages, and planner sections for finances, inspiration, marketing, and more.

Essential Workflow & Organization Bundle

Every photographer has to deal with paperwork and scheduling, even though they really want to be out there snapping photos. You can automate these administrative processes using the Essential Workflow & Organization Bundle by Design Aglow. This comes with a Studio Workflow Assistant for systematizing your routine. It also has the Studio Email Assistant for communications and a process to simplify your invoicing process, the Studio Order Form.

Best Photography Business Book

Photography Business Secrets

Photography Business Secrets: The Savvy Photographer's Guide to Sales, Marketing, and More

Photography is undoubtedly a competitive field with over 150,000 professionals already in business in America. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned photographer, staying relevant in a sea of competitors is worth thinking about.

In Photography Business Secrets, Lara White has gathered some of the best advice from Photomint.com, her popular photography site. The book will help you with defining policies, establishing your name, marketing, networking, setting prices, and more.

Learn more about Photography Business Secrets

Best Photography Website Hosting

Imagely

If you’re looking for a turnkey solution, Imagely offers a fully managed system that’s easy to change and manage. You can set up a new website in mere minutes with a free initial account that includes pre-configured and pre-loaded themes and plugins.

Note that there is limited storage space on free accounts but that you may upgrade to get access to extra storage and a custom domain.

Check Out Imagely

As you can see, there’s no shortage of resources to make good photographers better and transform great photographers into seasoned professionals.

Although success in the photography field does depend on creativity, the business choices you make matter just as much. You already have a lot on your mind when it comes to organizing shoots, meeting your clients, and snapping photos. And it’s no secret to you that performing your work comes with a lot of unpredictable factors.

Photographer’s Insurance is a reliable way to not only protect yourself and your property but to ease your mind. In fact, in your line of work, it’s a must! 

Let’s look at 5 important types of insurance every photographer should have.

The Importance of Insurance for Photographers

Some of the risks involved with a photography business can be big – especially when it comes to the equipment you are using. A photographer needs to have insurance in order to protect their assets. General liability insurance is needed in case they are sued over an injury, or some kind of property damage and property insurance is needed for the very valuable equipment that is used.

This brings us to the three most important reasons a photographer needs to have the right insurance for his business:

Medical Costs. If there is an accident during a photo shoot and it turns out to be your fault, then you may have to be responsible for the medical costs. For example, someone may trip over your bag or equipment or hurt themselves on a light you are using. Even when you take every precaution you can think of; accidents do still happen.

Equipment Damage and Loss. As a photographer, your gear is a vital component of your business. If something were to happen to this expensive equipment, it may be hard coming up with the money to repair or replace it. Equipment insurance is an inexpensive way to protect your gear.

Lawsuits. This is a common reason for a professional photographer to purchase insurance for his photography business. Lawsuits between friends, for example, can put you out of business – even if you are not liable and didn’t show negligence. As a photographer you may run into a situation where you agree to photograph a wedding for a friend or family member and that friend or family member decides to sue you. A professional liability insurance policy can help you.

For all these reasons and more we will outline below, insurance for photographers is essential.

Keep in mind that the following is for informational purposes only. For answers to specific questions, or to find the best option for you, consult with an insurance agent and attorney.

#1 Professional Liability – Errors and Omissions

Professional Liability insurance, also known as indemnity or Errors and Omissions insurance, protects your company if you’re sued because a client is dissatisfied. It also protects your business in the event of a client making a claim that you failed to deliver agreed-upon services. This applies whether the error is real or perceived.

This coverage could benefit your business if you regularly provide services or give clients advice. In some cases, a client might even request that you have this coverage to fulfill a contract.

What does Professional Liability Insurance Cover?

A client can claim that you failed to complete services for any number of reasons, from forgetting a detail they specified before the shoot, to a fire destroying wedding film before you can develop it. Unforeseen events can be costly when a lawsuit is involved. And it’s not always possible to predict how a client will respond to your work, whether you made a legitimate mistake or not. Professional Liability coverage can protect you in a situation like this, even helping you recover some of the income you lost in court fees.

#2 General Liability Insurance

In many cases, it’s not enough for a photographer to have only Professional Liability insurance. General Liability insurance coverage can protect your company if another business or individual claims physical injury, resulting in medical costs, or property damages. Here are some example situations that this type of coverage would help in:

Physical Injuries:

The photography profession involves setting up equipment quite often. This can increase the risk of trips and falls, and the odds that they might make a claim against you for that. General liability coverage could protect you against third party claims of injuries and medical costs for these types of situations.

Defamation, Slander, or Libel:

Being a photographer can sometimes mean working with high-profile clients. If you have employees who will also be around said high-profile clients, gossip can occur, which can lead to lawsuits from the celebrity against your business. General Liability insurance may help you with a settlement and defense costs in case of this type of scenario.

Client Property Damage Costs:

Setting up equipment and working with employees can mean that accidents happen. If you’re at a client’s house to do a portrait shoot and something of theirs is damaged, General Liability coverage may help with covering the associated costs.

#3 Business Property Insurance

Many business owners think that general liability coverage is enough to cover both their own losses and their customers’ losses. But in most cases, general liability insurance policies don’t protect you in terms of your own property. A Business Owner’s Policy is one way to make sure your own property is protected.

Business Owner’s Policy

This is a combination of business property insurance and general liability insurance. It’s a great choice for professional photographers who are concerned with protecting both themselves and their businesses. A Business Owner’s Policy can be used to cover small businesses that also need business equipment protection.

Photography equipment, in particular, requires special care and protection because, as you and all other photographers know well, it’s not cheap. Here are a couple of scenarios that a Business Owner’s Policy could help cover the costs of:

Data Recovery

Photography equipment can get damaged. If you were to accidentally drop your equipment bag, damaging your portable hard drive in the process, you would be unable to get your photos from it. In such an event, your Business Owner’s Policy could help you cover the expenses of recovering this last data. It could also help you pay to repair any other damages you may have sustained from dropping the bag.

Business Equipment Damage

Videos and pictures require proper cameras and other professional items. You wouldn’t photograph a wedding without top-notch equipment, right? With Business Owner’s coverage, you will get general liability and photography equipment protection. Let’s say you’re in the studio and one of your lights is knocked over and broken. A Business Owner’s Policy could help you cover the costs of this damage.

#4 Electronic Data Loss Insurance

In our modern age, your electronic data is crucial for the success of your business. Electric Data Loss protection coverage helps protect your business in case your important company information is lost. This covers damaged or lost electronic information and data, E-commerce coverage, and computer operation interruptions.

It’s impossible to know when your important data could be lost because computers and related devices can be unpredictable. There are also unfortunate events such as fires or floods that can cause electrical damage and data loss. This is why protection is absolutely necessary for any professional business owner.

For example, while the Hiscox standard Business Owner’s Policy described above does cover up to $10,000 for some restoration or replacement costs, it might not be enough.

Upgrading to Electronic Data Loss protection increases your loss limit to $25,000. However, this upgrade doesn’t cover employee actions, your personal mistakes, or your liability from data loss.

#5 Commercial Automobile Insurance

If you own a small business and frequently use vehicles in your work, you need Commercial Auto Insurance. This protects your company from everyday driving-related risks. Even if you’re one of the many photographers who rely on your personal vehicle for work, your personal insurance coverage will only apply to your drive to and from work.

Many business owners mistakenly assume that commercial auto insurance coverage isn’t necessary and that only people with company vans need it. But if you have employees who are driving to take care of business matters with their own cards, on company time, commercial insurance is necessary. If any of your employees are driving other workers or materials to a job site, a commercial insurance policy is necessary.

Without protection specifically designed for business vehicle usage, your company is at risk each day. Don’t leave this to chance; give yourself the peace of mind of a Commercial Automobile Insurance policy from Hiscox.

Hired/Non-owned Automobile Liability

Hiscox offers hired/non-owned automobile liability insurance. This optional upgrade will protect your company in the event that it’s liable for damages an employee caused with a rented or personal vehicle. To apply, the damages must have occurred when the employee used the vehicle for a business-related task. Note that this is protection for your business, not necessarily those who work for or with you.

This upgrade covers:

-Liability claims
-Employee Actions
-Defense costs.

It doesn’t cover:

-Property transportation
-Physical damages

Learn more about photography business insurance from Hiscox.

This resource from Pixpa has some great information about the different types of photography insurance coverage as well.

What About Cyber Liability Insurance?

Cyber liability insurance is something many photographers and videographers consider because it offers them protection against data breaches and hacking incidents. It is an insurance policy that pays for recovery expenses. Some policies also cover customer notifications, credit monitoring, legal fees, and any fines there may be.

If you are a photographer that accepts credit cards, stores customer information digitally, or conducts any of your business online or in the cloud, then cyber liability insurance is definitely something you will want to consider.

Can Business Insurance Help with Copyright Infringement?

Businesses have the right to protect their copyrights and their trademarks. However, mistakes can happen. If you are facing a claim of infringement, it is critical that you act. If you have business insurance, you need to let your agent know right away.

Some business insurance policies will help with copyright infringement. If the claim is small, your insurance company may pay the settlement for the material. However, you need to make sure you have the right kind of insurance policy in place for this kind of coverage. A basic general liability insurance plan may help only a little but might not help at all.

Where can I get coverage?

Hiscox offers insurance policies tailored to the needs of small businesses, such as your photography business.  

With the scenarios mentioned above, and the benefits offered by Hiscox, it’s clear why they are a top choice for professional photographers. The policies are easy to set up, leaving you extra time to focus on your creative work. Below are some common benefits to choosing Hiscox for your business insurance coverage:

You can buy direct

You can get immediately insurance coverage with Hiscox. Simply go online and buy it and you’re covered.

Competitive, affordable rates

In some states, business insurance with Hiscox can cost under $25 per month.

Read more about photography business insurance from Hiscox.

Conclusion

Not only does photography insurance protect you, but it can also protect your clients and help you pay for unexpected legal expenses or attorney fees. Items got lost or damaged all the time and working with people can be very unpredictable. You’ve worked hard to build your business, so don’t let these unexpected events put you at financial risk.

Get in touch with an insurance company today for an insurance quote to start protecting yourself and your photography business.

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

Here’s Your Permission Slip – Conquer your Fear

Remember those things? The little slips of paper that you got from a teacher or authority figure that said that you could do something special. Maybe it was a trip to the bathroom, to head to the nurse or the front office, or something else. That little slip of paper had POWER. It meant that you didn’t have to be afraid of getting in trouble for doing something you weren’t supposed to be doing, that you were ALLOWED to be somewhere, or do something.

As a mother of two, I understand the concept – there are things that we don’t want our children to do without help or guidance. But I’m also concerned that the permission slips, or needing PERMISSION to do something, is teaching us that for some reason, we need permission to do the things we want and need to do as adults as well. Because what happens if you do NOT have permission?

You live in FEAR.

Hey there, I’m Brooke. We may have met in this incredible industry that we’re a part of, but just in case we haven’t, I’d love to tell you a little about me. I’m a wife and mother, and a successful boudoir photographer based in Denver, CO, but shooting worldwide.

Why does any of this matter when it comes to permission and fear?

Because I was a female entrepreneur and single mother when I started my own business, without permission. It was my side hustle. And not only did I start my own business, but I specialize in BOUDOIR – a genre that by its very definition breaks the rules and goes beyond the boundaries of permission and fear.

Let’s talk about FEAR and what it can do in your life.

Fear is a part of our brains for a reason – it keeps us safe. Back in the day, when a major predator was going to eat us because we lived in caves, our fear kept us alive. We had REASON to be afraid; our lives were centered around survival.

Fear isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it can stop you from making some big mistakes. As parents, we WANT our children to be afraid of some things. But as they grow, as WE grow, how can we look at fear differently? More importantly, how can we not let it keep us from doing the things that we need and want to do in our lives and businesses?

What is fear doing to you in your brain, what are the stories you are telling yourself that stop you? I know what my own fears do to me in my own head, but I asked in my Facebook group for examples of fear and what it is causing in my students’ photography businesses.

Fear of charging too much.
Fear of setting boundaries to avoid being taken advantage of as a small business owner.
Fear of going full time.
Fear of not being good enough.
Fear that clients won’t see the value in what we do as photographers.
Fear clients won’t like the final product.
Fear of outsourcing and letting someone else handle things.
Fear clients will object to pricing.
Fear of failure.
Fear of success.

Conquering Fear in your Photography Business

I know that each of these statements could really be their own article – because really, there are so many things to discuss and address. But let’s look at the big picture here, and some actionable steps to move past these fears!

First – Acknowledge and feel it.

So many people advise to ignore the fears, but I would dare to say that I don’t think that is a solution.

Ignoring fear doesn’t make it go away.

That tiny voice in the back of your head isn’t just going to quiet down because you’re ignoring it. Chances are it will get louder and louder and take over even more of your attention – undeservedly. Acknowledge the fear. Feel it. Listen to it. Then tell it that while you appreciate the input, you are going in a different direction.

Second – Ask yourself and really give yourself some time to consider: how does this fear serve you?

Chances are, it doesn’t. Let that one sink in for a minute. I would bet that this fear, the voice that is terrifying you into not doing something you know you need to do, isn’t serving you at all. It’s probably coming from some other deeply rooted stories in self-worth, money blocks, or other issues. Either way, it’s not serving you. It’s not helping you reach your goals, it’s not helping you kick ass so that you can reach the next mark in your business that you KNOW you are capable of.

A mentor asked me this question once, and it was a really difficult thing to hear: Why is holding onto this fear MORE IMPORTANT to you than the accomplishment or goal that is on the other side?

When you give into fear and let it stop you from doing something, you are letting that fear be MORE IMPORTANT than the goal or accomplishment that is so possible.

It has more VALUE than your goals.

Than your dreams.

When you focus on that and allow it to change your actions, you are giving it far more value than it deserves. Sit down and think about this fear, and really ask yourself how this fear is serving you, what makes it so important or valuable.

And when you discover that it is NOT serving you, and it doesn’t deserve that value in your life, change your attention.

Third – Ask yourself, what is the worst thing that can happen?

Years ago, I was at a wedding networking event with a friend of mine and casually mentioned that I was afraid of doing something even though I had always wanted to. She asked me why? I told her I wasn’t really sure, it was just scary.

She kept pushing and asked “What’s the worst that could happen? Will you die?” I laughed – of course not – this wasn’t a life or death situation.

So then WHY was I letting the fear keep me from doing something I had always wanted to do? Ask yourself over and over again – what is REALLY the worst thing that could happen?

So you decide to write a blog post that you know will polarize people and may not be popular. Are you going to die? Is your family going to have to live life without you? 

Definitely not. 

You decide to set a boundary and will no longer do engagement sessions on Sundays. Are you going to die? Are you going to lose your home? 

Definitely not!

Fourth and Finally – Ask yourself, if I move past this fear and actually DO this, what COULD happen?

This can be a real eye-opener. If you write the blog post that you know some people won’t be happy about – are you going to really excite others that will then book you as their photographer because they’re so excited to work with you?

If you decide to charge more even though you’re afraid to – what could that really MEAN for your business? For your workload? For your family, and the time that you can spend with them because you don’t have to take on as many clients as you did previously. 

If you decide to KNOW and charge accordingly for the value that you offer your clients, and some clients don’t see the value, do you really want them to continue as your clients? Or do you want to start attracting the clients that love and value what you do, creating a business that is not only profitable and sustainable but ENJOYABLE as well?

This final step is CRUCIAL to really get a higher level perspective on your fear. Yes, fear is important. From an evolutionary standpoint, it was absolutely vital for survival. However, it does not deserve a vote in our businesses, and our lives.

So my challenge to you is this:

What is one thing that you wanted to do in 2018 that you have let fear talk you out of?

Maybe it’s a goal that is on your list. Maybe it is a connection that you’d like to make with an influencer. Maybe it’s raising your prices. Maybe it’s moving out of an area of photography that you really hate so that you have more time to spend on what you really love to do.

What is something that you want to change, that fear has kept you from doing?

Because here it is – your permission slip. On an obnoxious pink post-it note, with an official signature too.

You officially have permission to DO that thing that you have wanted to try, to work on, to DO, but fear has been holding you back.

Little secret? 

You don’t really NEED a permission slip, but just in case that’s what you’ve been waiting for, here it is. Save it, print it out, stick it on your arm so you see it all day – do whatever you need to do, but it’s yours.

I would love to hear your feedback – what have you been waiting to do, what has fear told you that you CAN’T do? 

What are you going to conquer this year, and tell fear that it doesn’t get a vote in this situation? 

Click here to let me know what you’re going to make happen!

Welcome to the exciting world of wildlife photography. Wildlife photography can be rewarding but it is also challenging. Animals won’t pose for selfies; you have to seek them out. They also tend to be off the beaten path in a variety of adverse conditions, including mud, dust, rain, and snow.

You can’t always get as close as you might like. They also don’t like you getting too close, so, in addition to helping you select an affordable camera body, we will also spend a bit of time selecting ideal long telephoto lenses.

You Will Need a Good Telephoto

The cameras I am going to recommend all use the Advanced Photo System Type-C, generally known as APS-C (Nikon calls it the DX system), which is slightly smaller than that used by 35 mm film cameras and advanced digitals that use that same size screen. The good news is that this system enables you to get a nice long effective lens focal length for a reasonable price.

A lens’ reach, its ability bring in a distant subject is measured by its focal length in millimeters. I’m going to recommend that you will need a lens with a maximum focal length of at least 300 mm. It won’t be cheap but anything less than that will result in frustration. But both Nikon and Canon offer body plus lens bundles that can save you a bit.

System Considerations

Since we’re working on putting together a system for wildlife photography, we need to consider a variety of factors. First off, you may be shooting in a variety of adverse conditions – rain, snow, tropical heat – so we’ll stick with cameras that have a reputation for ruggedness. My suggested purchases below are from Nikon and Canon, two brands that are known for reliability and durability.

Second, wildlife tends to stay off the beaten path, so weight may be a factor. (Weight may also be a factor in your tripod or monopod purchase: see my prior blog post on light-weight tripods.) APS-C systems tend to be lighter than systems that retain the 35 mm format.

There will also be times when you to fire off multiple bursts of shots (what we used a motor drive for in the old 35 mm era). All the cameras I am recommending can fire off multiple images at high speed.

Do You Have Enough memory?

Keep in mind that a fast-firing camera requires an equally fast memory card. A slow memory card will force the camera to slow down.

For example, if your camera is capable of shooting 4.5 fps (frames per second) it might slow down to 2 fps because the memory chip can’t memorize the images and they back up in the camera’s buffer system, causing a slowdown. The images will eventually download, but meanwhile, that wildebeest has galloped across the Serengeti. (This is doubly important if you shoot video, which these cameras all can do.)

Keep in mind that your camera body shipped with a memory card but it may not be fast enough or big enough. Sandisk makes a wide variety of quality memory cards. Here’s a nice one, the SanDisk 128GB Ultra UHS-I Class 10 SDXC Memory Card (available on Amazon).

Many cameras have two memory card slots, and if yours does it is a good idea to buy two cards. If you use two cards you have three options: record every shot on both cards so that if, in the unlikely event that one fails, you have a back-up; set the second card as an overflow card if the first card fills up, or, third and my recommendation, set the two cards up so that every shot you take is recorded in JPEG on one and RAW on the other.

Affordable Cameras for Wildlife Photography

Buy two memory cards if your camera supports 2 slots. Consider setting the camera up to store every shot in JPEG on one card, and RAW on the other.

Nikon D500

The Nikon D500 body, which Nikon describes as the “flagship” of the DX line, is the best Nikon using the DX system. It captures images at 20.9 megapixels and has all the bells and whistles you would expect in an upgraded Nikon, including the rapid autofocus wildlife photographers need. It can fire off multiple images at 10 fps. It can also deliver high-resolution video.

It also has Bluetooth and WiFi capability so you get can get your images onto social media as fast as those snapshots you take on your smartphone. (Note that if your camera body does not have WiFi capability, such as with an older D7000 series Nikon, you can purchase an inexpensive adapter that plugs into one of your camera’s ports and updates your camera.)

Nikon sells the D500 with a superb lens as the Sports and Wildlife bundle. The lens is a gem:  AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR lens. On the D500’s DX image sensor, this results in a 300-750mm length. That is all the reach you will need.   The lens also includes Nikon’s image stabilization and autofocus.

Note that, even with vibration reduction, the rule of thumb is the longer the lens the more likely you will want a tripod or monopod to avoid blur.

This lens comes with a feature I recommend: a tripod mount on the lens itself. Every camera has a tripod mount, but when you have a long, heavy lens attached to the camera the balance shifts forward and by mounting the lens on the tripod you restore a better balance.

A minor drawback of the bundle is that you are purchasing an extra battery pack which is very helpful in sports photography but might not be necessary for wildlife photography.

Second, the 200-500mm is a very specialized lens, which is not particularly useful for everyday use. You might need a second lens such as the Nikkor 18-55, which is sold paired with many Nikon bodies and is perfect for everyday use. This lens can be found for a reasonable price. Many Nikons are sold with this lens, so you may already have it if you have a DSLR body.

The D500 is a solid choice in the Nikon range but will stretch the budget a bit.

Check Price at Amazon.

The D500 is also available as a camera body only. on Amazon. The 200-500 mm telephoto lens is also available separately.

Nikon 7500

If the D500 gave you a bit of sticker shock, how about a nice Nikon bundle available at a more affordable price? The D7500 is another DX format Nikon and is also high quality. The body has a high resolution of 20.9 megapixels. It would be unfair to describe the D7500 as a step down from the D500. In fact, it shares many internal features with the top-of-the-line D500. It has a very fast autofocus system, which you can override as needed, shoots up to 8 fps for that fast-moving subject and can be used to record high-quality video.

But the lens is what seals the deal for the bundle. The zoom’s focal range goes from 18 mm to 300 mm. That takes you from a mid-range wide angle to a very impressive zoom. That means you can use it as an everyday lens and still have the power you need for wildlife shooting. It has image stabilization and is fairly compact for its reach.

The D7500 is also available as a camera body only at Amazon. The 200-500 mm telephoto lens is also available separately.

The D7500 is a great value for a Nikon camera setup, especially when purchased as a bundle.

Check Price at Amazon.

 Other Nikon Lenses

In addition to the lenses mentioned above, we also published a roundup of some budget telephoto lens options for Nikon which would work for wildlife photography.

Canon EOS Rebel T7

Canon offers a number of nice alternatives in its popular EOS Rebel series. The EOS Rebel T7 is a 24.1 megapixel platform with built-in W-Fi that allows you to immediately send your latest wildlife pictures to your nearby devices.

It also comes with a two-lens bundle. The first lens is an 18-55 lens ideal for day-to-day use, which also comes with Canon’s vibration reduction technology. But for your wildlife shooting, you will want to switch to the 75 to 300 mm. This compact telephoto also has vibration reduction technology. The system can rapidly autofocus with either lens in place.

If you just need the lens, the The 55-250 mm is available separately.

The T7 is a good mid range choice from Canon.  The two lens bundle gives you versatility to capture every shot.

Check Price at Amazon.

Canon EOS Rebel T6

The Canon EOS Rebel T6 has been updated and is no longer available. It is available refurbished at Amazon:

The Rebel T6 is Canon’s entry-level DSLR.   It’s an 18 MP APS-C  sensor which shoots at 3 frames per second.  Video recording is limited to 1080p.  Available as a bundle with a Canon  EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Autofocus Lens and an EF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 telephoto lens it has everything you need to get started in wildlife photography.

Canon EOS M50

There are a wide variety of Canon bodies to consider. One example is the Canon EOS 7D is a professional cropped sensor DSLR. If you want to go in the mirrorless direction, a new entry is the M50, which features 24.1 megapixels and is just a bit more pricey than the T6S we just looked at. It can shoot bursts at 10 fps, comes equipped with WiFi and has a fast autofocus system.

It’s available as a kit with an EF-M15-45mm and EF-M 18-50 mm Lenses.  The 18-150 mm has slightly less reach than other options we covered.  Since it’s a mirrorless camera, the body is more compact than typical DSLR’s, which is an advantage if you value portability.  

View the Canon EOS M6 (Black) 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 is STM Kit, 100 on Amazon.

What I Didn’t Cover

Mirrorless cameras are getting better all the time, but the DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) format is still your best option. In addition, I stuck with the APS-C format, although full-frame cameras, i.e. images the same size as 35 mm, are available.

I avoided these for two reasons.

First is the fact that these cameras, aimed at professionals, cost a great deal more than their APS-C counterparts. For example, the Nikon D5 significantly more expensive than any of the cameras we discussed, and that’s for the body alone.

Second, with the full frame cameras, you don’t get the bonus of 1.5x effective increase in focal length with lenses that the APS-C/DX format provides. Thus you will be paying more for the same amount of reach in addition to the increase in the cost of the body. They also tend to weigh a bit more, which, as I mentioned, is a negative when you are carrying your gear on a long hike into the wilderness.

A Few Final Words

As you can see, you are faced with a lot of options when trying to assemble a wildlife shooting set-up. Because a long focal length telephoto is the heart of your system, you need to focus on your go-to lens when determining your set-up.

High-end options start with Canon or Nikon glass but there are other ways to go, such as keeping an eye out for used and reconditioned lenses from KEH Camera. Another way to save is with body-lens bundles or quality off-brand lenses. Happy shooting!

The bad news is 20% of photography businesses that start this year won’t make it to next year.

Half of all photography businesses will close shop by their fifth year and only 30% of photographers make it to their tenth year in business.

The single highest predictor of success in the photography business is a focus on smart marketing.

Here are five ways you can not only keep your business from becoming a statistic but thrive in 2018.

Take Image SEO Seriously

The thing that I keep hearing from most photographers is “I know I need to do SEO, but I just don’t have time.”

With Google acquiring startups like Moodstocks and Eyefluence (who were built to recognize elements in images and videos), we may see a vast improvement in the way Google looks at images.  This could prove to be huge for photographers who have put in the time to build up text and visual content on their website.

Even if you aren’t looking to rank for important keywords that will drive business for you, remember that every potential client is going to google you before they commit to working together.  Will you be proud of what they find?

Investing in SEO (how you show up in search engines) is going to put you way ahead in the future.

Get Comfortable with Video

Video has gone from something that photographers should consider adding to their repertoire to something photographers have no excuse for not using.  It’s too easy to create and distribution is easier than ever.  Plus, you’re holding a device that doubles as a video camera in your hand all day.  

Although anecdotal, I’d argue that the majority of your potential clients want to work with a photographer that they can see work via video.  Not only that, but you can leverage the video you have into YouTube content, Instagram content, and Facebook content (effectively covering all of your bases).

While you don’t need to become an expert wedding videographer, video will cover you as a sort of personal branding. Without ever meeting you, potential clients can see your personality and already think “wow, I’d love to work with her/him.”

Relationship marketing matters more than ever and using video builds relationships more quickly than any other medium.  Just turn the camera on yourself, talk one-on-one with your potential client and give them an idea of what it’s like to work with you.  For example, here’s one from Michael Williams:

Dominate SEO with Better (Not More) Content

Let’s swing back around to SEO for a second here.  Maybe you read the first section and mentally checked off the “SEO box” because you’ve been doing it.

But this year isn’t the year to take your foot off the gas pedal. It’s the year to put it down even further: content marketing is still trending upward.

Rather than come up with new blog posts and new strategies, refine the ones you already have.  Go to ahrefs.com and see your top articles and build them out even more: adding more relevant text, more images, better header tags, etc.

It’s not about more content anymore, but better content. Instead of writing five separate blog posts about the many times he’s photographed at the same location, photographer Vincent Van den Berg of Pixan Photography pulled all of his knowledge about one of his favorite venues into an ultimate guide for getting married at Azul Fives in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

You’ll see more traffic, more conversions, and more sales when you properly execute this strategy.

Personalize Your Website’s Experience

For quite a while, websites have delivered custom experiences depending on who visits the site.  But previously, this was only available to extremely large companies (often e-commerce, travel, and financial services).

Recently, lower cost options like RightMessage have entered the market and who, although not cheap,  are allowing for photographers to personalize their website depending on who is visiting the site.

Whenever I’m advising a photographer on how to implement website personalization, I walk them through three specific “tiers”:

1. Optimization
2. Segmentation
3. Personalization

Optimization

Think of optimization like split testing (also known as “A/B” testing) where we see which of two elements performs better and continue running the test to optimize the website for conversions and leads.

For this, I like to use tools like Sumo (see screenshot below), Google Optimize, and Optimizely.

For example, here’s how I’m running split-tests on my own website with Sumo:

Segmentation

Segmentation is often confused with personalization because it does offer a more custom experience than just with split-testing.  Segmentation means using the demographic data of the user to customize the experience on your website.

For example, if the person visiting your wedding photography website is male, it will show different photos, lead magnets, calls to action, etc.

Another example would be to segment based on geographic area (I’ve had a few clients having a lot of success with this lately) where we deliver specific calls to action based on their location.  Imagine living in London and considering getting married at Azul Fives in Mexico.  You see a call to action that says “Thinking about bringing your entire bridal party from England all the way to Mexico? Get our guide before you book tickets.”

They’d think you were reading their mind and conversion rates would be through the roof.

Personalization

Personalization takes this to an entirely new level where the experience on a website is completely unique to each visitor.  Some elements may be the same from user to user, but because true personalization scales using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine-learning, there are no limits to what it can do.

Go Bigger with Facebook Groups

Having a personalized website is great for getting in leads that come to your site, but what about bringing in all of those people who do most of their searching on Facebook?

I remember getting an email from a wedding photographer once that said:

“Brendan, why would I want to make a community around my business? People just want to book me once and then never hear from me again.”

That guy’s business is going to fail. I guarantee it.

Unless he changes his mindset about what a photographer really represents to a bride or family: you’re so much more than just the photos you take.

Henry Ford was a big believer in service. Not “customer service” as we think about it now, but service as in serving others: helping them get what they wanted out of life.

Right now, one of the best ways photographers can serve their potential clients in by creating a community that helps them get what they want.

Right now, groups are one of the best parts of Facebook (in terms of reach, but also now with group analytics) and it makes the most sense to build a community there.

For example, if you’re a wedding photographer in Pittsburgh, create a group around brides planning weddings in Pittsburgh.  In the group, you can chat about the best venues, answer questions, provide tips on weather and recommend other local vendors you know and trust.

Sure, some of them might book you, but that’s not the point.  It’s about being of service to them and believing in the process that if you serve them enough, the bookings will follow.

What’s Next?

So which one of these strategies is going to be a game-changer for you this year?  Which one are you going to implement right away and avoid becoming part of that 70% failure rate?

If you’re reading this post, there’s a good chance you’re a brand new wedding photographer! Congratulations! I remember my first wedding 10 years ago and how excited and nervous I was.

Before you shoot your first wedding, there are a few things you will want to do.  Here are my 7 tips to help make your first wedding photo shoot a success.

Gain Second Shooting Experience

If you have never second shot a wedding with another photographer, you may not be ready to photograph a wedding on your own. Unlike portrait sessions, there is no room for error on a wedding day. You don’t want to be learning for the first time, on the job.

Find a local photographer to second shoot with to improve your skill.

When reaching out to experienced photographers in your area, it’s important to remember: you are taking time out of their schedule and they do not have an obligation to help you.

The best chance to score a great relationship with a photographer is to follow what they do online extremely closely!  Comment regularly on their blog posts, Instagrams and Facebook posts. Don’t be creepy, but be kind and encouraging.  This will help your name to become more familiar to them.

After a few weeks or months of this encouragement, send them an introductory email.  Share why you love what they do, who you are, and what you would like.

Keep your email short – nobody wants to read multiple paragraphs.

In the email, offer something to them – perhaps that’s your assistant or second shooting skills for free, maybe that’s lunch at their favorite restaurant at a time convenient for them.  Show them you’ve done your research, you respect your time and you’d be cool to work with.

Keep at it, and eventually, you’ll find you’re ‘in’ with another photographer and gain valuable experience and possibly, a great friendship.  Some of my favorite photographers have reached out to me this way! I’m still connected to them!

Decide On Your Pricing Structure

Before you can set prices for your photography, you need to know your costs. The first step is to make a list of all of the costs associated with your photography business.  Think about any current costs you have, monthly or yearly.  When you know those costs, you can calculate how much money you need to bring in to break even in your business!

Next, you can set goals for how many weddings you want to shoot per year, and how many portrait sessions.  By looking at your costs involved in offering each wedding or portrait collection, you can multiply your profit per job by the number of jobs.

For example:

• If it costs me $400 to deliver a wedding to a client (after accounting for my second shooter fees and any products related to the job), if I charge $2000 for that wedding, I will make $1600 from that wedding.
• If I shoot 10 weddings per year at $2000, I’m making $1600 per wedding. $1600 x 10 weddings = $16,000 in revenue. Depending on what my overhead costs are (those monthly and yearly costs we talked about earlier!) I may not be profiting at all, even with 10 weddings!
• Find the sweet spot with your calculations until you have a good feeling for what you need to charge per wedding to make a profit.

Set Expectations With the Bride And Groom

Before the wedding day, sit down and discuss exactly what is involved in your photography collection.  Set expectations for delivery of images (how and when) as well as image usage rights.

Are you allowed to use the images online?  (I would recommend always having this in your contract!) Do you require a meal at the reception?  Write it all down and review with the client so there are no surprises.  The LawTog offers lawyer drafted contracts by photographers, for photographers.  Learn more about wedding contract bundles from the LawTog.

Scout Locations in Advance

Until you gain a better understanding of the locations and venues in your local market, travel to the locations in advance.  Learning to ‘think on your feet’ requires experience; so take the pressure off of yourself. Visit locations in advance!

Walk around the venue or location and brainstorm possible poses for a) bride and groom, b) wedding party and c) family photos.  Look for interesting backgrounds, textures and even shade.  Visit the locations at the same time of day you’ll be photographing portraits.  This way, you’ll know you’re dealing with the same light you will on the day of the wedding.

Create a Shot List & Get Inspired

Shooting weddings is like any other skill, with practice, it gets easier and more natural! But as a beginner, you’re going to want to write down an exact list of shots you want to capture and do your best to memorize the list.  With experience, you’ll know when you’re ready to step away from using the list, but it’s so helpful in the beginning.

This is a great place to start, but take time to brainstorm your own:

Bride’s Getting Ready

• dress, shoes, rings, other details
• photo of bride + girls in robes
• bride putting on dress (wide and close)
• putting on shoes

Groom’s Getting Ready

• individual detail shots
• groom tying his own tie
• putting on shoes

Ceremony

• decor (wide shot and details)
• each attendant walking down aisle
• bride walking down aisle
• groom’s face as she walks in
• each set of parents during the vows
• vows from each side (up close)
• vows from straight on
• ring exchange
• first kiss
• signing of the legal documents
• bridesmaids at front of church
• groomsmen at front of church
• super wide shot of the ceremony space
• reactions of guests
• recessional

Portraits

• bride and groom (variety of full length and close up)
• bride with bridesmaids
• bride with each individual bridesmaid
• groom with groomsmen
• groom with each individual groomsmen
• wedding party together (guys on one side, girls on other)
• wedding party together (girl and guy alternating)

Reception

• table décor (wide shots and up close)
• couple’s entrance
• photo of each person who gives a speech
• reactions of the bride and groom
• reactions of the parents
• any other guest reactions from each table
• first dance

Gain inspiration from other photo blogs, Pinterest, and magazines.  Take note of how couples pose or relax in movie scenes.  If you have a significant other, practice poses with them in your home, see if it feel natural, if not, make adjustments.  If you’re artistically inclined, you can sketch poses in a notebook for visual examples.

There’s no shame in jotting down a list on your phone.  Don’t necessarily look at your phone during the portrait time, but as you’re walking to a new location you can sneak a peek.

Here’s an example:

• groom facing me, hands in pockets, bride on his left side, her right hand on his arm, right side of her face on his shoulder
• bride and groom walking hand in hand towards me, looking at each other
• bride in front of groom, his arms around her collarbones
• bride and groom standing a few feet apart, both looking at camera
• bride and groom walking, he stops to spin her halfway through
• bride and groom walking away, bride looks over shoulder at me 

Stock Your Gear Bag

Backup equipment is very important on a wedding day – it’s not worth the risk to show up with only one camera!  I recommend photographers pack the following items in their gear bag:

• 2 full-frame camera bodies
• 2 or 3 lenses
• 2 camera flashes
• AA batteries for your flash
• batteries for your camera
• memory cards

If you’re starting out, you may not have the finances to invest in all of the above equipment right away but there are many local and online companies you can rent gear from.  As you shoot more weddings and your income grows, upgrade your gear as you can.

When it comes to lens choices, I recommend shooting with prime lenses.

They often shoot as low as f/1.2 or f/1.4 in aperture, making them wonderful for low light situations: ceremonies, receptions, getting ready spaces, etc. My 3 lens recommendations would be the 35mm f/1.4, the 50mm f/1.2mm (or f/1.4 for a more affordable option!) and finally, the 135mm f/2—helpful for ceremonies and receptions.

However, if your funds are limited and you can only afford to purchase or rent 2 lenses, I would recommend the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L lens.  It’s a versatile lens that’s a great starting point, paired with the 135mm f/2 for the closer ceremony shots!

Once you’ve gathered all the gear necessary for the wedding day, are you comfortable using it?  Do you know how to change lenses quickly on the day-of?  Do you know how to bounce flash for a natural look?  Practice shooting with the actual gear you plan to use before the wedding.

In addition to the gear items in your bag, I always pack the following items:

• water bottle
• snacks for the day
• business cards
• clear or black umbrellas
• change of shoes and a sweater
• coins/change for parking in the city
• printed wedding timeline
• printed family photo list (3 copies, to hand out)

Craft An Efficient Timeline

When a client first books their wedding day with you, ask for a rough idea of their timeline. What time is their ceremony and reception?  Do they want to have a First Look before the ceremony?  Do they have any idea of where they want to take wedding portraits?  I would draft a sample timeline based on the details provided.

It’s key to ask early in the process before they’ve sent out invitations or finalized too many details.  Sometimes brides won’t know how much time is required for images!  Once those invitations are sent out noting the ceremony at 5 pm and the reception at 6 pm… and she’s against a First Look, you’re in trouble.

Even if you didn’t originally include an engagement session in the collection, offer a complimentary session for your clients.  Your bride and groom will be thrilled at the added (and unexpected!) value and it’s also a great time to chat timeline details in a natural way.  If the client doesn’t live locally, arrange a Skype or FaceTime call to chat about details and sort out any questions they may have.

As you begin to work with higher-end clients, you will have a wedding coordinator working with you on the timeline.  However, it’s important to be involved as a photographer. You will be able to advise exactly how much time needed to create the best portraits.

Sample Timeline for a Typical Wedding Day

Not sure where to start?  Here’s a sample timeline for a 9 hour wedding day:

• 12:00 PM       Bride’s Getting Ready
• 1:30 PM          First Look
• 1:45 PM          Wedding Party Portraits
• 2:30 PM          Bride and Groom Portraits
• 3:30 PM          Arrive at Ceremony
• 4:00 PM          Ceremony
• 4:30 PM          Family Photos
• 5:00 PM          Cocktail Hour
• 6:00 PM          Reception Begins
• 8:45 PM          First Dance 
• 9:00 PM          Coverage Ends

When planning the timeline, consider and build driving times right into the document.  How long will it take to drive there, including traffic?  Will the wedding party need to walk about 10 minutes?  Write everything down and buffer in extra time so there are no surprises.

I hope these tips will help you successfully shoot that first wedding!

photo credit: andrewmalone Stockings via photopin (license)

Stocking Stuffer Gift Ideas for Every Photographer on Your List

Looking for some photography stocking stuffer ideas?  Here are some small and inexpensive items that any photographer would appreciate in their Christmas stocking.

iPhone Photo Academy Course

This virtual stocking stuffer is great for beginners and experienced DSLR photographers alike. Learn how to go beyond the default settings and take stunning photos with your iPhone with this easy to follow online course.

Learn more about the iPhone Photo Academy

BlackRapid Curve Breathe Camera Strap

Carrying a camera around all day can be tiring, especially a DSLR.  The BlackRapid Curve Breath Strap provides a comfortable carrying solution that spreads the weight of the camera out over your shoulder while providing quick access to your camera to capture those great shots.

Black Rapid Curve Breathe Classic Strap, Black, One Size

• The BlackRapid Curve Breathe camera sling incorporates a unique and ergonomically designed pad that hugs your left shoulder to provide the utmost stability and comfort
• Click in with the integrated underarm stabilizer to keep the shoulder pad in place as you move about, and while shooting at varying angles and perspectives

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Have a smaller camera or a point and shoot?  The The Blackrapid Street Sling is a perfect alternative.

Lightscoop Deluxe Flash Bounce

Avoid the harsh light that flash photography can sometimes cause.  The Lightscoop flash bounce mounts to the flash hot shoe of most DSLR cameras and provides indirect lighting for a more natural look to your pictures.

Lightscoop Deluxe Flash Bounce Use with The Pop-up Flash on Most DSLR Models

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Moto Photo Pop-Up Flash Diffuser

Similar to the flash bounce this diffuser softens the flash to provide even illumination and reduces harsh shadows.  Perfect for group photos in larger spaces or outdoors, where a flash bounce does not work.

Movo SB4 Universal On Camera Flash Diffuser for DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras (White Screen)

• Softens the light output from the pop-up flash on SLR cameras
• Softens harsh shadows, reduces hot spots, and produces soft, even illumination

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Lenspen Pro DSLR Lens Cleaner Kit

Dirty lenses spoil your photos.  Don’t risk scratching your lenses by using any old cleaning cloth.  The Lenspen uses a dry carbon cleaner to safely clean your lenses, filters or eyepieces without the mess.

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LensPen New DSLR Pro Camera Cleaning Kit, NDSLRK-1

• Everything you need to clean your lens, viewfinder & filter
• The Original LensPen for DSLR lenses

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Neewer Photo 10×7 ft Background Stand Kit

A versatile photography backdrop kit which includes the frame, 3 backdrops, and a carrying case.  Great for the portrait photographers on your list.

Neewer Photo Studio Backdrop Support System, 10ft/3m Wide 7ft/2.1m High Adjustable Background Stand

• Backdrop Support System: Comes with 2 backdrop stands, 4 crossbars, and other accessories to ensure a stable support for your backdrop. Ideal for photo studio, parties, weddings, and other events
• Adjustable Height & Width: With adjustable height (27.56”–7’ / 70cm–2.1m) and width (5’–10’ / 1.5-3m), the backdrop support system holds your backdrop in place and helps you create different backgrounds for photography work

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PammyJ Miniature Camera Pendant

Show your love for photography with this elegantly styled camera pendant necklace.  The camera has a crystal lens and is mounted on an 18” chain.

PammyJ Gift For Photographer Camera Necklace for Women, 18″

• Women photographers can show off with this classy photographer necklace that will sparkle on the neckline and make a great statement about who you are
• This black camera pendant with large clear crystal as the lens measures 1 inch wide by 1 inch tall and comes on an 18 inch snake chain inside a pouch and box perfect for gift giving

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Atmosphere Aerosol

Add a bit of fog to your scene for dramatic effect without toting around a fog machine.  A fun way to experiment and inject some creativity into your photographs.

6 Pack Atmosphere Aerosol Haze/Fog Spray for Photography – Safe & Portable Mini Fog Machine Alternative – Smoke and Light Ray Effects Maker for Indoor and Outdoor, No Battery – Made in The USA

• Create Atmosphere: Create visually stunning effects with our fog spray and hazer for photographers & filmmakers. Instantly adds haze to your scenes, enhancing depth & dimension in your shots. Perfect for creating a dreamy or dramatic atmosphere in indoor & outdoor photography & video projects.
• Easy To Use: Quickly and easily spray in a room or still area to add haze or fog to your photos or films. Cans are perfect for on the go and easily fit in your camera bag. No need to carry a mini smoke machine with you. Perfect for weddings, sports photography, toy photographers, senior photos, and portraits.

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Looking for a 2 pack to try?  Check out 2 Pack Atmosphere Aerosol Haze/Fog Spray for Photography - Safe & Portable Mini Fog Machine Alternative - Smoke and Light Ray Effects Maker for Indoor and Outdoor, No Battery - Made in The USA

Peak Design Cuff Camera Wrist Strap

Secure your DSLR or point and shoot while keeping it ready for action.  Also great for binoculars, GoPros and more.  Anchor Link connection system secures your camera and easily attaches and detaches.

Peak Design Cuff Camera Wrist Strap, Black, Compatible with DSLR, Compact and Point-and-Shoot Cameras, Low Profile, Quick Release and Connection, 200 lb Capacity, Camera Straps for Photographers

• CUFF CAMERA STRAP: The most elegant, unobtrusive way to protect your camera from accidental drops, Cuff offers ultra-strong camera drop protection in a low-profile, minimalist design that won’t get in the way of your shoot.
• LOW PROFILE DESIGN: This Peak Design camera strap is ultralight, compact, and features slimmer hardware with refined aesthetics, making it unobtrusive and easy to wear or store. When not in use, Cuff wraps comfortably around your wrist as a bracelet.

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Fotosnow Hot Shoe Level

If you’re like me, you sometimes neglect to level your photos when framing the shot.  Sure you can always fix it in post-production, but attaching this simple tool to your camera’s hot shoe will help you get it right every time.

Fotosnow Hot Shoe Level Three Axis Hot Shoe Bubble Level

• WIDELY COMPATIBILITIES- Universal Hot Shoe Cover with Bubble Spirit Level fits for virtually ALL DSLR camera hot shoes like Sony A6000 Nikon D5 D200 D300 D500 D810 D610 D700 D750 D810 D800 D800E D5000 D5600 D5500 D5300 D600 D610 D7200 D7100 D3400 D3300 D3200 D5200 D5100 D7000 D60 D80 D90 D600 Coolpix P7800 8800 Canon EOS Rebel T3 Canon t5 Olympus C7070
• PROTECT YOUR HOT/COLD SHOE- Avoid expensive camera repairs by using the hot shoe bubble level to cover your cold and hot shoe when not in use, while simultaneously keeping all your photos and videos level.Help protect your camera hot shoe, prevent scratches, hits, moisture, dust

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Rainproof Camera Cover by Mudder

Protect your expensive DSLR’s and Lenses from the elements when shooting outdoors with this rain cover.  Works on both handheld and tripod-mounted cameras.  Includes drawstring arm protectors to keep your hands dry while shooting.

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OP/TEC USA Fold-over Lens Pouch

A small waterproof pouch for small lenses and other accessories.  The lid is attached so nothing can get lost. 

OP/TECH USA Fold-Over Neoprene Lens Pouch – Camera Lens Case for safe Lens Cover storage, Great for Photography & outdoor shoot, Keeps your Lens secure with No-Lose Lid-251 (Black) – Made in USA

• Style 251: Fits lenses with a diameter of 2–2.5 inches and a length of 1–2 inches. This size is ideal for compact mirrorless lenses and other small accessories. Perfect for lenses like the Sony 16mm f/2.8, Canon EF-M 22mm f/2, and similar-sized lenses.
• Durable Neoprene Protection:Crafted from high-quality neoprene pouch material, this camera lens case shields against dust, scratches, and moisture. It’s a top pick for any photo lens case or lens case photography setup. Designed to last, it easily fits in your camera lens bags & cases, making it a smart choice for long-term camera lens storage and reliable protection.

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Need something a little bigger?  The OP/TECH USA D-Midsize Soft Pouch is great for most cameras.

64 GB High-Speed Flash Memory Card

This high-speed SD memory card will be appreciated by almost any photographer and fits most cameras.  Stores thousands of photos for those long days of shooting.

PNY 64GB Elite Performance Class 10 U3 SDXC Flash Memory Card – 95MB/s, Class 10, U3, 4K UHD, Full HD, UHS-I, Full Size SD

• Sequential read speed of up to 95MB/s
• Class 10, U3 rating delivers speed and performance for burst mode HD photography and 4K Ultra HD videography

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Looking for a smartphone card? The SanDisk 64GB MicroSD Card is a great performer and is ideal for most Android-based smartphones and tablets.