The Black Dog’s PhotoBlog

Cattails in Winter Snow

The Benefits
We can’t have a decision on long-term projects without also including some fun, now can we? After all if there are no benefits, why bother?

One of the most obvious benefits is that you’ve taken on that challenge and accomplished what you’ve set your mind to finish. Also, the motivation that comes from knowing there is a purpose behind what you’re shooting.

Who wouldn’t like seeing their work being displayed at an Art Gallery or in book form? This would also give you that great since of accomplishment besides possibly making some cold hard cash.

It’s good to have something to do when other work is slow. Really helps to keep that photographer in you moving and maybe even trying some new things.

Good luck! I’d love to hear about your long-term photography projects.

Here’s links to the rest of this discussion in case you missed it.
Part 1 – Not for Everyone
Part 2 - A Theme
Part 3 - Your Goals and Message
Part 4 - Funding & Budgeting

Damn it’s cold out there today with a -26° air temperature and -35° for the wind chill as I type. Our high temperature is predicted at a -5° for today. I guess for Minnesota it’s normal this time of year. To me, it’s still damn cold.

From a photographer’s stand it can help produce some outstanding nature photographs. Like those of Icebergs. Something about that crystal clear air.

A few of my tips for shooting in these types of temps.
1. Make sure you’re dressed appropriately. Cover any and all skin that you can. I always keep a scarf over my mouth and nose or ware a ski mask. I’ve found that breathing on my camera produces condensation on the viewfinder. Then I can’t see what I’m trying to make a photograph of – that’s no good.
2. Warm your camera slowly after shooting in the cold so as not to get condensation on the lens and interior parts. What I do is put my camera in my camera bag while I’m still outside. I will then set my camera bag in our unheated garage for about an hour before bringing it inside. Once inside, I let it sit for a few hours (1-3) in the bag before taking it out. Once out of the bag I will let my camera sit for another ½ hour or so before turning it on and uploading any shots to my computer. I’ve also heard but haven’t tried that wrapping your digital camera in a plastic bag while outside and then bringing inside works the same way.
3. Bring extra batteries and keep spare batteries warm in an inside pocket. The batteries don’t last as long in this kind of cold. So I usually bring a few extras.

Feel free to add your helpful tips & tricks for photographing in cold weather.

Ice Covered Black-Eyed Susan

Part 4 - Funding & Budgeting
Everyone has to eat sometime. I know, they say artists are starving but we still have bills to pay.

With that in mind you need to consider financing when thinking about undertaking a long-term project. You first need to look at what resources you have readily available that will help cover costs. Sometimes you’ll even need to look for funding in outside sources such as investors or grants.

Before talking to investors or applying for grants, actually before you begin your project, you’ll want to set a budget for the project. Consider your needs. Equipment, printing, supplies and travel needs. What will it cost to implement this project?

Be flexible and prepared.

Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all.
~ Stanley Horowitz

They say a smile only takes a moment but its memory lasts forever.

This was probably my favorite picture from this session and I’ll tell you all why. See that great smile and if you look, you’ll see his dog is even giving me a smile. You guys are great – thanks for giving me the chance to meet you, your mom, your dog and to take your pictures!

I’m always trying to pull out that “real” smile. For some people it comes easy and others it’s very difficult. For me to capture a real smile on my subject is always so gratifying. Sure I like some serious faces for some types of portraits but a smile is like some kind of reward. You know the old saying, “a smile makes the world go round”. If you’ve got a nice smile, show it off!

Despite not really being thrilled to have his picture taken, this smile was great!

Of course, I love this picture too….(and many more which I’ll have to post more of later for the readers).