March 2022 Q & A

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Q: I was wondering if you ever use software to correct if a subject is a little out of focus? With a shallow depth of field, it’s easy to have a horse or rider a little out of focus if not in the same plane. I’ve tried Topaz and it seems to help, but maybe there are times when a little softness helps the effect of the photo!

A: Aside from the ‘sharpen’ tool within Adobe Photoshop, I have not tried any software to correct focus. I’ve seen incredible advertisements for products that sharpen in post-production, but I’ve never tried them myself.

Q: Do you use flash very often? 

A: I never use flash! I only use natural light in my portraiture.

Q: Do you use external lighting in portrait shoots or something like this picture? I’d like to know how to get the real-life colour tones without over-contrast or blur.

A: I do not use external lighting, or even reflectors, in any of my work. I achieve this look through how I shoot and how I edit. I am very particular in how I position my subject in relation to the available light (whether it be full sun, open shade, back or side-lit, or overcast conditions) so that I achieve flattering lighting in-camera. I also edit in a specific way to enhance skin tones. I teach all of this in detail in my “Shadow a Session” bundle, which includes both my “Working with Natural Light” course and “Editing” course.

Q: How do you get the horse to do something specific like look in a certain direction?

A: I bring an assistant with me to EVERY shoot! It is their job to set feet and get the attention of the horse in the direction I want them to look. You can see me editing out my assistant in this Instagram post here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CbitY3CLzzJ/

Q: How do you get bright, correct, skin tones?

A: As I look at my subject with my eye, I want to make sure they are illuminated evenly by the natural light. I am very intentional about where I place them in relation to the light source and also to their other surroundings. Green grass underneath them can cast color back onto them, dark trees or walls can cast dark shadows, etc. I love to use natural reflectors like gravel driveways or sand. I teach all of this in detail in my “Shadow a Session” bundle, which includes both my “Working with Natural Light” course and “Editing” course.

Q: What is one piece of advice you could give yourself now when you were starting out?

A: Your best differentiating factor will always be the way that you love your clients. Keep your number one priority how you can love and serve them better.

Q: What focus mode do you shoot on?

A: Most of the time I am shooting AF-C d9, with AE-L AF-L locked (back button focus).

Q: If I have a D70s camera that is in need of a body replacement. Is it worth spending more money and getting a better camera?

A: If your current camera is in need of repair, and you feel like you are ready to step up in camera bodies anyways, I would suggest upgrading to a “new” body (it can still be used – just new to you!)

Q: How do you store raw images and for how long?

A: My RAW images are on an external harddrive that is backed up to BackBlaze. I like to keep the RAW files, so I have them back from when I started!

Q: I’d love to know your export settings to keep the beautiful clarity. Settings for each category; website, commercial and social media usage.

A: I export client work from Lightroom at 300 dpi 12″ on the short side and commercial work at the original size. I don’t resize for social media. I just upload the high resolution! I use BlogStomp to resize my images for my blog.

Q: Tips and tricks for getting ears pricked?

A: A fantastic assistant! I try to keep the same assistants because the more they work with me the better they understand what I need the horse to do in each pose. In general, my assistants will start to get attention with motion (waving a rag, moving a broom, opening a gate), and then use sounds (like the All Ears app), and lastly resort to food (crinkle peppermint wrappers, shake a grain bin, etc).

Q: Do you ever let someone shadow shoot your sessions?

A: I bring my paid assistants to all of my client shoots and do not let anyone shadow. If you want to work together I offer 4-hour in-person mentoring sessions near me in Aubrey, Texas!

Q: How did you get your first clients?

A: I wrote a blog post about that here!