Q: What is this and why aren’t you responding to me personally?
A: I have setup this page to answer most of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) that I receive on a weekly (and sometimes daily) basis. I’ll be adding more to this as time permits. I truly love hearing from other photographers and chatting about photography, but it does eat into my time to operate my business. As you are reading this, I ask to you please consider that I too have bills to pay and I rely on my photography business to do so. I hope you find my answers to be helpful.
Q: How do I become a sponsored photographer?
A: I get this question quite a bit. My answer is another question; what do you have to offer the sponsor? It’s important to realize that sponsorship is a two-way street.
Q: I’d like to be your assistant. Do you offer any internship or mentorship programs?
A: Not at this time, but I will be doing so in the future. Keep an eye on my blog and my Facebook page for updates.
Q: What do you think of my photos? Do you offer portfolio critiques?
A: Yes. A few times a month I do make a limited amount of time available for portfolio reviews/critiques. I’m more than happy to accept both digital files or actual prints of up to 20 images. If you are sending me a printed portfolio, you will need to include a prepaid return shipping label. Please feel free to contact me for rates, availability and to schedule a consultation.
Q: How do you do your photo editing?
A: I edit using Adobe Lightroom 3 and Adobe Photoshop CS5. All of my initial editing and culling of photos is accomplished in Lightroom. The fine tuning of my fine art images is completed in Photoshop where I perfect my edits through dodging and burning, selective color balance, and the use of Tony Kuyper’s Luminosity and Saturation Masks.
Q: Where did you get your website/blog?
A: My website is the product of several years of research, experimenting with several different photography website solution providers, and a little trial & error. At one time I was actually maintaining three websites to fill all my needs including having a web portfolio, license images for stock, sell fine art prints, market my workshops, and run a blog. Ugh! I needed to streamline my operations. I needed the ability to combine everything under one site.
What I discovered was that a solution to my complex needs does exist. By combining PhotoShelter’s robust photo sales, licensing, and marketing tools with a WordPress site complete with a slick theme from Graph Paper Press, I have a site that fills my needs while being prepared to evolve with rapidly changing world of photography.
If you are interested in PhotoShelter and would like to get a discount on their service, please follow this link: Photoshelter discount.
Q: What equipment do you use and why?
A: I use Canon gear, but with a few exceptions. Having managed a camera shop, and having sold many cameras and lenses, I feel that Canon offers the best value. I have nothing against Nikon and even use their excellent 14-24mm lens adapted to fit Canon, simply because it’s the sharpest piece of glass in the ultra wide-angle zoom category. I’ve used many different lenses, camera bodies, tripods, and bags over the years. Keep in mind that the equipment I use is based entirely on my style of shooting as well as the subjects that I shoot. I have a complete list of all the camera equipment that I use on my “What’s in Adam’s Camera Bag” page. I’d recommend all the equipment on my list, and even a few pieces that aren’t on the list. If it’s not on this list, there’s probably a reason I don’t use it…
Q: What camera (or lens, tripod, bag, etc…) should I buy and why?
A: That’s a tough question to answer, and one that raises many questions itself. What do you like to photograph, landscapes, people, architecture, aircraft, wildlife, adventure sports? How big would you like to print your images? Do you (or do you hope) to make a living with your photos? As you can see there are many questions that need to be answered in order for me to help you.
As I mentioned above, I have managed a camera store. I have helped many people select the right camera, lens, tripod, or bag, many times over. Although I’m no longer behind the counter, I do offer my services to consult with you in your purchase. Please contact me for rates and availability.
Q: Where should I buy my…?
A: I buy most of my equipment from B&H in New York City. They have the best prices on equipment, and an amazing selection. They also have a great return policy on most products. If B&H doesn’t have what i’m looking for I will also buy from Adorama, and Allen’s Camera. Allen’s Camera does not have a great website, but they do have a great service. Allen himself often answers the phone.
If you find this information to be of value, please consider supporting this site by purchasing through this affiliate link to B&H, or by clicking the B&H banner in the sidebar in the Blog.
Q: Do you offer workshops, lessons, or photo tours?
A: Yes! I currently offer private photography workshops, photo tours and lessons for individuals and small groups. Locations include Grand Canyon National Park, the Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness, and Northern New Mexico including the High Road, Santa Fe, and Taos. I’m also available for private lessons providing instruction in Photoshop and Lightroom.
Q: Will you travel to my location for a private lesson?
A: Yes! I’ll go just about anywhere.
Q: Why didn’t you answer my question(s)?
A: Got a question that’s not answered above? Please contact me, I do my best to answer all emails and will get back with you as soon as possible. Thanks for writing me!