Buffaloz Photography Training

Film Vs. Digital: Which is Better?

2013-05-19T06:54:00.001-06:00

Film Vs. Digital: Which is better?

We all have our opinions right? Yeah, we do. And this is totally my opinion. Really it's like trying to have a discussion about wether Canon or Nikon is better. We all know that Leica is the best anyway!! Haha!

O.K. Well, here is the question, Which is better, Film or digital? I'm not going to go into the whole talk about the advantages and disadvantages of them. You all know them. People say with digital you get instant feedback and it's easy to learn. That is true. With Film you have to wait and it's a bit nerve racking for those who are unsure of getting the shot. Really, there are lots of advantages to both. So I would rather focus on the look and feel of the shot.

I wanted to know what the difference was when you compared them side to side.
So, I went out and took a few shots. I took the same shot with my digital camera and them the same shot seconds later with film. I will say that I prefer the film. The digital shots seem flat and lifeless. The film is just nicer to look at. I could say a lot more but I really want to know what you think.
I do need to mention that all the shots were touched up in Photoshop. But I should also mention that I did almost nothing to the Film shots. The most I did was maybe dodge and burn a bit and then throw a bit of softness on them. The digital were a lot more time cosuming and it's sad because I like the film shots a lot more!

Here are a few shots. Which ones do you prefer?

Brian Johnson is the owner of Missoula Photography School, Buffaloz Photography Training and Ayres Photography. He pretty much almost always has a camera on him. Actually, he usually has at least 4. He likes to teach and shoot and loves to learn. Yeah, even after 25 years of learning he is still trying to figure stuff out! Aren't we all?

Buffaloz Photography Training: Free Online Photography Tips, Training and Tutorials

Powered my lack of sleep and the will to get things done.

Photography Tips:How to Be More Creative in Your Photography

2013-04-04T13:44:00.000-06:00

Photography Tips:How to Be More Creative in Your Photography

I have to confess something. I am behind the times. See, when I first started out in photography we had this thing called film. Remember that you oldtimers? Yeah, that is when I had teeth too. Haha! I'm kidding, well at least about some of it. I really am behind the time. I still love film and even though I shoot digital a lot I don't know much about photoshop.
That has been changing recently. I realized that to get where I want my work to go I have to know photoshop. I have now embarked on a journey to be more creative. Yeah, I'll still shoot portrait and the bread and butter stuff I need to make a living, but it doesn't excite me so I'm gonna get creative.
The question I had to resolve a few months ago when I realized I wasn't excited about my work was how do I go about being creative and being proud of my work again. I really haven't answered that question totally yet. I am still figuring things out. I'm still working on the look and feel I want. I'm searching.
In the quest for creativity I have a few ideas that might help you if you are in a similar situation or even just wondering out to be more creative in your photography.
1st- Don't be afraid to take risks. This is probably the most important thing. You have to be fearless. Others might not like your work, you might not like it, but you will learn from it and if you don't try you will never do. Try new things. I bought this program for about 5 dollars and used it to make this two images. It was really easy and if I hadn't taken a risk these two shots would not be here. Sometimes it's go to be impulsive.
2nd- Look at other photographers work. Analyze it, research them, study them, find out everything you can about how they do it. And don't be a stalker. It's wrong. Really, If you like a certain photographer just find out how they do it. Don't copy them, but use what and how they do it to make your own look. I have to say though that I think almost every shot has been done before so there is really no originality of anything anymore. But be yourself.
3rd-Go really big or really small. I think if you want to be a great photographer you either need to keep it really simple or really complex. In between doesn't work. Big productions and lots of photoshop and make amazing images. Simple one light film shots can be beautiful and stunning. If you decide to do it half way, it won't work. It's always best to pre-visualize and plan ahead. Draw your shot out on a piece of paper. Decided how you want to light it. Decide what the model will be wearing if you are shooting a model. If you are shooting landscape plan on the best time of day for the light.
4th- Be different- Don't be afraid to do something that no one else is doing or maybe your friends think is weird. I have always said that if you want to make it in the photography world your work shouldn't look like the everyone else's.

Be innovative. be fearless, be creative and see where it takes you!

Brian Johnson is the owner of Buffaloz Photography Training. He does a lot of other stuff too. He doesn't sleep an lot and is no a quest to be more creative. And just so you know he doesn't do drugs, promise.

Photography Tips: How to start out a Photography Session the Right Way.

2013-03-24T21:28:00.000-06:00

Photography Tips: How to start out a Photography Session the Right Way

Have you ever noticed that when shooting a portrait session with a family or model or almost anyone your first shots are usually the worst ones out of the bunch? I have. I will even tell the client this. They say "Ha! No, they will be fine." I know they won't.

The reason is because at first they are neither comfortable with you nor you with them. As a professional photographer it is your job to make them feel comfortable. That is why you get paid. They want results, you want money. If you can get them to like and trust you they will buy more and you will make more. Everyone gets what they want! Everyone is happy.

So the question is how to you get them to relax? I do several things that work well. I joke, I smile, I talk to them and if they have kids I might give them nicknames like "Miss Taylor Swift" or "Stinky" for a boy who stepped in dog poo. They laughed and we had fun. We made great photos.

You can also start the shoot out with a fun shot. I like to have people jump up as a family. This is fun for them and you will also get a great shot most of the time. This is even something you can sell.
in the end everyone is happy and when your customers are happy they tell their friends and people they work with. If you want to grow a business fast make sure the people you photograph like you. Any good salesman know that people buy more from people they like!

Brian Johnson is the owner and writer for Buffaloz Photography Training. He also owns and runs Missoula Photogrpahy School and Ayres Photography. He did something stupid the other day and promised his followers one post for 30 straight days. He is now regretting it but doing his best to keep his promise! Wish him luck. He has three more weeks then he will pass out!

Photography Training:New Work

2013-03-23T21:55:00.001-06:00

Photography Training:New Work

If you follow me on facebook you know that I have a goal of writing one post for 3o days in a row. I am going to do my best to keep this promise. But tonight I am so tired that I think I'm gonna crash so I hope you don't mind if I just post some shots from my photoshoot I had today with the Lovely Esther. She is a mother of two about to be a mother of three. I Think she will be happy with the shots and I would love to hear what you think about time too. Anyhow, tonight I am just going to post some of my newer work!

Buffaloz Photography Training is run and written by the extra smart and very tired Brian Johnson. He wants to crash but still have a bit of work to do!

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Photography Training: It's Good to Shoot with Friends!

2013-03-22T22:24:00.001-06:00

Photography Training: It's good to shoot with friends.

A lot of times when learning photography you are sitting in front of a computer look at a blog or website watching a video or reading a post. Does this sound familiar? Haha!! Your doing it right now! There is nothing wrong with it and I it is a great way to learn. I recommend it! But, to really learn you

need to practice. You need to read and learn and then go out and shoot! I love to go out and shoot! I do it a lot. I will go downtown at night and just shoot for an hour or two at night sometime. Sometimes I get up early in the morning and go out for a drive and take shots for an hour or two.
You know what is better than going out alone? Going out with friends or other photographers. You can learn so much quicker when you are helping each other out!
I run a photography school in Montana and we did this tonight. We went out with a few of us and took shots for a few hours. It was so much fun! We got a ton of good shots!
So If you want to learn quicker, join a local group, hang out with other photographers and read this blog!

Brian Johnson is a Professional photographer who owns Missoula Photography School and also Runs Buffaloz Photography Training. Brian doesn't sleep a lot!

Buffaloz Photography Training: Free Online Photography Training, Tips, and Tutorials

PhotographyTraining: Understanding Depth of Field

2013-03-21T23:38:00.001-06:00

PhotographyTraining: Understanding Depth of Field

When you start out in photography you usually just pick up a camera and start shooting. Then after a while you decide to learn more. You want to get better. One of the first things you need to understand is Depth of Field. It will really help improve your photography.
Basically, depth of field refers to the section of a photograph, from the nearest to the furthermost points from the camera, which appears to be in sharp focus.
Here are some examples of Depth of field.

When I took this shot I was using an f/stop of f/16. The thing that controls your Depth of Field the most is Aperture. Aperture is the opening in your lens. Bigger apertures let more light into your camera and smaller Apertures let less light in. This Shot was taken with a small Aperture. A small aperture will give you more depth of field. When I shoot landscapes I will usually use a small aperture. That way I know that all of the shot will be in focus.

This is an example of Shallow depth of field. This was taken with a large Aperture. It was taken at F/1.4. You can see that a lot of the background and foreground are out of focus. When shooting portraits it is a good time to use a large aperture. That way your subject stands out from the background

When you learn the basic of photography and how to set your controls you will improve and photography will become much more enjoyable!

Buffaloz Photography Training is owned by me, Brian Johnson. I do everything right now but soon Things will change!

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Photography Training: Conflicting Thoughts on How to Photograph

2013-03-20T06:38:00.002-06:00

Photography Training: Conflicting Thoughts on How to Photograph

As some of you know, and most of you don't, besides running this blog by myself, right now, and running and portrait business, I also have a photography school. Yes, I teach photography locally too. I will post a link to the schools site if you are interested in learning more about it.
Anyway, an interesting question came up in class last week and I have heard this particular question a lot. Here is the basic version of the question. "I was told by a professional photographer to shoot this particular way. Why?" The exact question I was asked was "A professional photographer told me to always just shoot in Auto light balance mode. Why?" It was interesting to hear the answers especially because I had two serious professional photographers sitting in there watching.
One of the professional photographers questioned the "sanity" of this so called pro. If you have a backlit subject in sunlight and have your camera set to auto light balace you shot will turn out blue. She is right. When shooting with mixed lighting this can issues can also arise. She was right again.
So, this guy was a pro right? He was teaching a class to future portrait professionals and he told them to shoot in auto light balance? What the?? He's got to be crazy!
Well, maybe. but I have to say that I almost always use Auto. However there is the thing. I know not when to you use it and when to use it. I know the reasons. I know how it will affect my shot, and I know the results of not getting it right. Do you? You need to know the basics. The most important part of any trade is to learn the basics. You need to know about aperture, shutter speed, ISO, depth of field, RAW and jpeg, and light balance.
Here is the other point I would like to make. Everyone has a different opinion. I know photographers that will only shoot in RAW. I know photographers who always shoot in Aperture Priority Mode. I don't, but they do. That is what works for them. There are professionals who shoot portraits at f/22. Everyone of their shots are done this way and they look amazing! I shoot wide open most of the time(do you know what that means?). It doesn't make them wrong, it's just their opinion. Part of growth as a photographer and developing a style is learning how you like to shoot. So you need to learn what you like. Then you will form your own opinions! Learn the basics!

Do you know these things? If you don't your photos will never improve and you will be stuck in a rut. You are here reading this so I know you don't want that. Seek out your answers. You can search this blog for these questions. You can search online. You can take class. Hey, you should take one of my classes! Haha!

Here is the link I promised you to my photography school. Thanks for visiting!
Missoula Photography School Link

Brian Johnson is the owner and writer and pretty much everything right now for Buffaloz Photography Training. He also owns Ayres Photography and Missoula Photography School.

Photography Training: Finding Your Style

2013-03-19T06:52:00.000-06:00

Photography Training: Finding Your Style

I must say that when I started out I thought I was ok. And I was. I was 14 and shooting my first wedding. I was using a Yashica FX-D with on camera flash. The wedding turned out pretty good and I made 300 Dollars. Not bad for a 14 year old. That was 1987.

Even though I was proud of those shots and they were good, if I was shooting the same way now I would not be happy with myself. A lot of photographers get stuck in the one mode the learned to shoot in. They don't challenge themselves. They don't learn. They don't look. They become stagnant.

I could not do that. A few months ago I looked at my work. I do good work and my clients love it. I loved it. But then I looked around at what inspired me. I realized I was not shooting what I wanted. I was not taking the images that I admired. I was taking shots that I knew I could get.

I decided it was time for a change. So. I changed. I have decided to change my business model. I have decided to shoot the type of shots that inspire me.

So, if you are not shooting the type of shots that inspire you maybe you should ask yourself why? I went looking for a new style. I found it on Tumblr. There were other places too but I was inspired by a specific look and a specific blog. My work does not look the same but this woman's blog was my inspiration.

These shots are some of my new work. I have gone with a more intimate idea of work and portaits. I am looking forward to this weekend. I have my first client to shoot in my new style. I will let you know how it turns out!

Brian Johnson is a professional photographer and the owner of Buffaloz Photography Training. Missoula Photography School and Ayres Photography

If you are interested in being a guest writer for this site please contact me at ayresphotography@yahoo.com

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Photography Tips: The Most Important Thing When Starting a Business in Not Nice Equipment.

2013-03-18T07:11:00.000-06:00

Photography Tips

The Most Important Thing When Starting a Business in Not Nice Equipment.

So, your starting out and you have limited funds. You want to buy the nice shiny new camera that all the professionals have right? You want to have all the nice lenses that make every other photographer on the planet envy you right? We all do. Showing off is fun. But you have a business to run. You want to make money at photography so you need to understand something really important. Photography equipment is not the most important thing you need when you are a start up business.

So, what is the most important thing to spend money on when you are starting a business? I mean there are a ton of things you need and if money is tight there can be a lot of pressure to get things right.

The answer is Self Promotion. You need to let others know you are out there. Yeah, you can do a lot of free promotion these days. There are a ton of sites that can help with it but spending money on to promote yourself can be one of the best thing you can do for your business.

I learned the hard way. I spent years just doing everything for free. I didn't think I needed to spend money on marketing so I spent all my time on social media(which wasn't a bad thing) and what I had left I spent on equipment. The thing is I couldn't buy that much equipment because I wasn't making money.

Then after about a year of this I started to market myself and spend a bit of money. I was surprised at the response I got! I started to make more money than I ever had before! So, I put it back into more marketing, and more marketing. Now I can afford to spend money on equipment and now when I want a lens or camera I buy the one I want, not the one I can afford.

Too many photographers starting out spend their money on the wrong things. I know a lot of successful photographers that started out shooting with crappy cameras. They started out with one lens or maybe a basic digital camera with no bells and whistles. That's what I did. It's o.k. You don't have to have the nicest gear to make you a great photographer! Now, go out and spend some time and money marketing so you can get the nice camera you have always wanted!!

I will be doing more posts very soon on how to market you photography business for free and where to spend your hard earned cash to get the most out of it!

Brian Johnson

Owner of Buffaloz Photography School

Missoula Photography School

Ayres Photography

If you are interested in being a guest writer for Buffaloz Photography Training please shoot me a message at ayresphotography@yahoo.com

Buffaloz Photography Training- Free Online Photography Tips Training and Tutorials.

Photography Training: How to Choose the Correct Exposure.

2013-02-03T21:53:00.001-07:00

Photography Training: How to Choose the Correct Exposure.

Hey should you even worry about the "Correct Exposure"
Who said everything has to be correct? Wait, Don't tell my Mom I said that!

When I was in college studying photography I could never figure out to my satisfaction how to determine the correct exposure. On day after class I asked one of my professors how to get the most correct exposure. His answer surprised me. He said "The correct exposure is up to you". So what did he mean? Well, the correct exposure is the one you choose. Images that are overexposed or underexposed and be correct, or they can be wrong too. Exposure has to be determined on every shot you take and adjusted to get the response you want. You probably think I am crazy right now, right?

Here is an example of what I mean. On almost all of my portraits I overexpose by at least 2 stops. If I didn't the people I photograph would have very dark faces and perfectly exposed background. Are you confused? don't worry. Everyone is at this point.

There are 4 things that determine a correct exposure

Exposure consists of four factors:

how much light is in front of you.
how sensitive the film is to light or ISO
the amount of light going through a lens or the Aperture
how long the film is exposed or also called Shutter Speed

The trick is to balance all of these to get the best shot. Is it safe to say if your photo is too dark it is underexposed or if it is too light it is overexposed. I don't think so. But that's what you have to decided. Does your image look best if it is lighter or darker. It will determine the mood and feeling of your shot. When I take a shot I think about how it will look after I print it. When it comes to portraits I usually overexpose my subjects. Sometimes I also underexpose my images to get the shot I want. It has to be determined on an individual basis.

If you have a camera that has AE or Exposure Compensation fiddle around with it. You can create lots of interesting images by messing around with exposure.

On one of my film cameras there is no light meter. I guess on the exposure and some of those shots are my most popular images. Most of the shots is way underexposed, but it has the perfect exposure for the look I wanted.

What I am saying is that when it comes to taking an image with perfect exposure, I usually don't worry about it. Perfect exposed images usually equals a boring image. So have fun and experiment.

Here is a great video and below I have some shots taken with my film camera where I don't use a light meter.

To learn more about digital photography check out this great ebook!

Click Here!

Take your photography to the next level!

This shot was underexposed quite a bit.

Another underexposed shot.

And another underexposed shot!

And Another underexposed shot!

This one is overexposed! Haha, bet you were wondering when that would end!!

If you have questions please leave a comment. I do read everyone and I answer back!

Please let your friends know were here!

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Photography Training: One Tip on How to Take Better Portraits

2012-12-30T00:07:00.000-07:00

Photography Training: One Tip on How to Take Better Portraits

This post will help you if you are a beginner or even a professional.

In the past I have said that it is good to reinvent yourself as a photographer every few years. I even went as far to say that a great example if reinvention is Madonna. Love her or hate her, she was very successful at reinventing herself and that is why is was popular in the 80's, 90's and is still successful after 30 plus years of being a musician. If you can reinvent yourself every few years and you are running a photography business there is a good chance that you won't be out of business in 10 years from now. I reinvented myself, and I will do it again and again and again.

One way that I reinvented myself was I made one simple change in how I photograph. I don't always do this but a large portion of my images have this in common. So, you are wondering what I am doing different? I use depth of field to the max!! I must say that I am not the only photographer out there that does this but I have a certain look to my images that sets me apart. Some can look at an image of mine and say, "yep that was shot my Brian".

You might wonder how I do this....?? Well, the main thing I do is I shoot almost all portraits wide open!! What I mean by this is I have lenses that have large apertures. They have apretures like f/1.1 and f/1.4. These apertures allow me to create very shallow Depth of Field. Basically the backgrounds go out of focus. I have invested in lenses that help me get this look. If you buy a camera and it comes with a kit lens you probably can't get this look. So, you really need to invest in some good quality lenses with fast apertures.

I spent over a thousand dollars on my Voigtlander Nokton 50mm. I got my 85mm f/1.4 for a lot less. It's a Rokinon. The Rokinon is not as sharp as the Nokton, but it does a great job. Next I will get a 35mm f/1.4 Voigtlander and then I am not sure were I will go after that. Anyhow, fast lenses are very important to the look and style that I want my images to have.

To take advantage of these wonderful lenses I have I need to make sure when I take the picture I have space behind the subject. If you have lenses like mine and you put your subject right up against a wall it kind of defeats the purpose.

If you want to learn more about how to pose people click here and check out this ebook! It's a great resource on how to creatively pose!

These are examples of what I mean.

See how I do not put them up against a wall? I almost always use f/1.4 for the Aperture and adjust the Shutter speed to allow the correct exposure.

Notice the leading lines in the image above? Do you notice the Shallow Depth of Field in this shot also?

Again, I have very shallow depth of field. When you have shallow depth of field it will separate your subject from the background and make the subject stand out.

Again, this lovely lady stands apart from the background because I used a wide aperture of f/1.4.

If you have questions or need clarification on any of this please leave a comment and will answer you back!!

Thanks! -Brian

Is my goal if working as a full time photographer something you want to do? If so check out this ebook and learn how to get started!

Buffaloz Photography Training: One Tip on How to Take Better Portraits

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Photography Training-How to Build your Photography Business Quickly

2012-12-29T08:20:00.002-07:00

Photography Training-How to Build your Photography Business Quickly

In the past I have said that one if the quickest ways to build your business is to photograph others for free. Friends and family are great for this but to get a bit more help attractive people and models are great for this. Handing out cards for free photo sessions and connecting with people on line is one of the best ways of jump starting your business. I use Model Mayhem, Instagram, Facebook, and sometimes Craigslist to find people to photograph,

When you are shooting an model that has experience, even a little experience, this helps you in other ways too. I am sure you know that when you get a picture you are proud of your confidence goes up. When shooting models you will usually get better shots, and sometimes you will get amazing results. This can be a real confidence booster! I have a few models that I work with a lot. There is one in particular that does an amazing job and I love working with her. Jaci, (photos below) is such an amazing person. We try to get a shoot in every week or two as long as we have time.

Most of the time, at least for me, it takes a few shots to get comfortable with the model. I usually plan on the first few shots to be "not so good" and then after a few minutes of shooting and talking the model and I will relax. That's when I get the shots that I want. With Jaci, almost all of your shots are good because we feel comfortable shooting together.

However, you do need to shoot more than one model. If you just shoot one and don't expand then you will not have acomplish your goal of growing your business, which is what this is really about.

One thing you need to be aware of is people and models canceling. When shooting models, or others for free, there will be times when you have people that will stand you up. Yes, this is very rude and unprofessional of them but the fact is that it happens quite a bit. I used to get really upset and frustrated when a model cancelled on me. I took it personally. I kept wondering if something was wrong with me. Maybe the didn't like my work or maybe someone else was saying bad things about me.

Then I found statistics online. The stats say that when shooting someone for free, especially a model, you will have about 50-70 percent of no shows. Yes, they will stand you up. Some will call and have an excuse, others will just not even call. I have sat and waited for a model to show up for 45 minutes, then called and left a message and they never show up. This is very inconsiderate, and I still get a bit ticked off by it, but knowing the statistic makes me feel a lot better.

Anyhow, I do feel that even with the the issues of working with models and giving away free sessions is still one of the fastest ways of growing your business. You are not gonna get tons of business right away, and keep in mind that it still takes time to grow your business, but if you keep plugging away and don't give up, you will succeed where others fail.

The main reason photographers fail to make it is because they don't market and advertise. I look at shooting sessions for free as advertising. I get my name out there and others talk about me.

There are other reasons for a photography business to fail, like charging too little, not having a look that others like, and simply not knowing how to manage money, but the main reason is photographers don't know how to market.

Take some time to write down some goals and the just work on them a little everyday. Try to do something that helps you grow every day, and keep shooting, shooting, shooting! If you have questions please leave a comment below.

Thanks for being part of this community are reading my blog!

If you are interested in growing your business and learning how to make money with photography please check out this other post I wrote! Click here to learn more!

Here are a few photos of my lovely friend Jaci. She is simply amazing. You can visit her vintage clothing shop on Esty by clicking here.

Buffaloz Photography Training: Free Online Photography Tips, Training and Tutorials

Photography Training: Why it is Important to Touch Up Your Photographs.

2012-12-08T22:01:00.002-07:00

Photography Training: Why it is Important to Touch Up Your Photographs.

I have worked for over 20 years as a professional photographer. Everyday that I have taken photos I have learned something new Even though I write this blog and I shoot almost every day I still get a big surprise once in a while.

I have touched up my images myself since the beginning of my career. I used to develop and print my own film and now I use computer programs which make it a lot easier.

The other day I had an awakening. I wouldn't say it was rude because it came from a good friend. I had photographed her son a few weeks ago for his senior portrait. As most boys his age do, he had a small problem with acne. I did not remove them and sent her and gave her the images. Well, she called me yesterday and asked me if I could take care if it.

It was at that moment that I had a paradigm shift. I had become lazy. I was putting my name out into the public and I wasn't putting my best foot forward. When she got off the phone with me I will have to admit I was kind of embarrassed. I have made to new promise to myself that I will only sell, and post( on my various sites) my best work. This principle is the same with any job. Always do your best and don't do half @%#@# work.

Here is an example of an image that is touched up correctly and one that is does half @#$^.

The Image below is good(at least I think it is. I took it)

This Image is better. It took me 5 minutes to do this.

Not touched up but still nice right?

Much better don't you think?

So, if you don't have programs to touch up your images then you are missing out. The program that I used to touch up these images cost me $50. That's it. Anyone can afford it.

Also, you should check out this e-book.

The Easiest Way to Start a Photography Business Book Click Here! Only $97 dollars!
-If you are interested in starting a photography business, this is a great resource!
All kinds of great info to get you started!!

AND

Portrait Photography Guide Click Here! Only $47 dollars!
Any excellent resource if you are interested in learning the art of Portrait Photography!

If you want to make money at photography they will really help you out. I recommend them.

As Always thanks for reading this blog and if you have questions please get hold of me or leave a comment.

Buffaloz Photography Training: Free Online Photography Tips, Training and Tutorials.

I Don't Expect Anything For Free but I Need Your Help!

2012-12-01T21:20:00.000-07:00

This is a request for help..Please read the whole post as it is important.

It's funny how things can change so quickly, and it sad how most of us don't realize how good things really are. We take so many simple things for granted. I have a hard time when it comes to being grateful for the blessings I have been given.

I'm going to tell you a story about me. In 1999 I was 27 years old and was not really looking for much. I was totally happy with my life the way it was .The truth was I didn't know what "happy" was. I was dating a lot of girls and since I looked young I was always dating younger girls. I had set a rule for myself that I would not date anyone who was under 24. It was just that girls younger than 24 seemed too immature. I wasn't that grown up either, at that time it just seemed to make sense. Then I met Amber. Amber was 19. We would see each other around town and I was always nice to her as she was to me. She had a boyfriend who was not so nice to her and after a year of dating he left town and they broke up. She found a new guy pretty quick, I think because she was so beautiful(she still is). Truthfully, her new guy was great and a lot of fun to be around. He had a classic Cherry Red Mustang. With my girlfriend at the time, and Amber's boyfriend, we would go on double dates. A few months went by and my girlfriend broke up with me and Amber broke up with her guy. Bummer I thought, no more rides the Mustang. Haha. Then my old girlfriend and her old boyfriend started dating(they got married about a week before we did). Amber and I were both lonely so we started hanging out. I remember her coming over to my house and having dinner with my father and I. After she left my dad told me that I would marry "that girl". I told him no way. I wasn't interested in Amber. She wasn't my type, plus she was way too young. Well, my dad was right. It took a while for me to fall in love with Amber but when I did I know it was right. We got married on July 14,2000. There was ash falling from the sky and Hell's angels were in town!( because of forest fires near our home and the Hell's Angels Anual meet-up, pretty funny huh!!)

That was the start of our adventure. We went to Lake Powell and all over Arizona and southern Utah for our honeymoon. We camped out on the beach and got sand in our hair(actually everywhere). Our jeeps battery blew up at a gas station and then our bank account was screwed up and we ran out of money while getting gas in a small town in Utah! That was just the beginning of our great adventures!!

We moved a few times and lived in a few different states and then four years later, while camping near Yellowstone things got really interesting. We got pregnant! We were really excited! 9 months later we had the most adorable little baby girl. The night she was born I changed. I knew I had to grow up. I knew that I had people other than me that depended on me. I knew I had to become a better man. Getting married did not change me, but becoming a father did. Fast forward to two years later and I was in the hospital in Ketchum, Idaho. This time a little boy popped out. My lovely little boy is so beautiful. He is my best bud. He turns 6 in a few days!! If you don't have kids you probably don't know what I mean. My father told me once that there is a difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is temporary and joy is eternal. If you want to feel joy in life have children.

Even though we were so happy to have a little boy join the family, there were some serious issues that arose after his birth. My wife had to go back to the hospital. She was having issues with shortness of breath and dizziness. The hospital admitted her. Her pulse went down to 37 beats per minute. There were other scary issues going on too. Luckily she got better and after about 4 days later she was feeling fine and they let her go. Now let's fast forward to now. My wife is pregnant again and we were trying for a while so we are really happy about another little boy. His name is Jasper. My wife had been seeing a Midwife and about two weeks ago at an office visit the midwife sent Amber over to the hospital for some tests. We got the results right before thanksgiving. It turns out that Amber has some very serious heart conditions

The most serious is called Long QT Syndrome. There is also Mitrol Valve Regurgitation. People who have these conditions can die suddenly without any warning. I was floored when I found out. My wife called me and was crying. I left work and met her at the hospital. There have been more tests, and we have more tests on monday. We have to wait a few more days to see the Cardiologist again and find out about surgery and pacemakers and all kinds of other stuff. We have been crying a lot and our friends are helping us cope with this. It's really scary to think that my amazing wife of 13 years might die. It also seems as though every time we see a specialist we get more bad news. We always hope for good news but every time we go into meet with a doctor it seems we find out more is wrong. I never thought that I would lose the love of my life. The most important thing to me in this world is my wife and family. I can't image life without her.

So now we get to the point of this post. I need your help, I have to find a way to get us through these few next weeks and somehow figure a way to pay all of our bills. The doctors are talking about procedures and surgeries that I don't know about. They are expensive and I don't know how we will pay for them yet. I just don't know how all this works. I have missed work and so that means a lower pay check. I am behind on touching up images for clients and am having a hard time sleeping. If you know me you know that I only sleep about 4 or 5 hours a night anyway. I wake up in the morning with a sore jaw from grinding my teeth. I am stressed out. I can't image how my lovely wife feels.

I have never wanted anything for free, and I will never expect anything for free. I need your help. I sell my prints on etsy and in my shop above. If you are able and can afford to help us please buy a Fine Art Landscape print or a Fine Art Portrait Print or something from this website. Please take a look and chose one you like. The prints on Etsy are a bit more expensive but they are signed and number and I will only ever sell one of them. So if you buy one of those you will have the only print in the world. You can also buy the ebooks I offer on this site if you want. Please take a look at everything that is available on this site. Anything helps.

I know there are some who can't afford to help us and that is o.k. I would then ask for you to keep us in your thoughts. If you are religions, please pray for us. It doesn't matter which religion you are, God listens to everyone, it doesn't even matter which God you pray to.

We are scared but we still have hope. Please help us if you can.

Thank you so much for all that you have already given me and my family.

Brian Johnson

Blogger, Photographer, and most important of all, husband and father.

P.S. I will be adding more images to this Site and to my Etsy Site in the next few days so if you don't see anything you like come back and visit later and see what I have uploaded.Click here to visit my etsy shop!

I will also be posting updates on this blog post as the days go by.

If you have thoughts our questions please leave a comment below or you can email me at buffalozphotog@yahoo.com

Please share this post with whoever you can.

Ebook on How to Make Money with Photography online. this is a great ebook! You get great advice on making money with photography and you are helping me and my family get through a tough time! Thanks So Much!! Click here to learn more about it!

Quick note: My ditigal download company was having issues and so I am trying to allow payment through paypal, but I haven't set it up right yet. It will not work. I will fix this issue later today. Thank you so much and please check back this evening to help us out! Until this issue is fixed you can purchase images at my 500px site. They are only $2.99 for a digital download so please purchase a few! If you can, purchasing a Canvas print will really really help! Thank you so much! This is the link!

http://500px.com/ayres

For more ebooks to look at click here!!

Future updates will be posted here:
We will know more tomorrow.(Monday December 3rd)

Photography Training: Why Quality Lenses are so Important

2012-11-18T22:01:00.000-07:00

Photography Training: Why Quality Lenses are so Important

I get asked all the time "which camera should I buy?". Well, truthfully, but the cheapest camera body you can and spend the rest on quality lenses. You're probably thinking that I am crazy right now. I mean, everyone knows that you need to newest Canon or Nikon digital camera body to look cool, right? Wrong! I totally disagree. For example, I have a friend that has a $4,000 Nikon body and she has a cheap lens for it. Well, Hmmm, how do I say this nicely? She messed up. I did it the other way. I have a Lumix G1 camera. It cost me $250. I have spent around $4,000 on my current lens selection. I can take the same shot as her with my cheap camera body and my quality lenses and get an amazing shot that she is so jealous of. She sure looks cool with that big heavy digital monster of a camera though. No one looks at my camera. Is it really important to look cool or is it more important to get the amazing shot that can sell and make you money? I would say the latter. I make money with my little digital camera. My clients love my photos. So, if you don't believe me, I will just add some photos below. They were taken with the same camera, but different lenses. One is a Canon FD 50mm lens and the other is a Leica lens.

This one was taken with the Canon Lens. not a great shot but I'm trying to prove a point

This one was taken with the leica lens

They were taken within seconds of each other.

The second one is much sharper and you can tell it is a quality lens.

Here are some other examples:

Cheap lens, not a bad photo though...

Quality lens.. Can you see the difference? Haha.. I hope you can!

Ask yourself which image you would buy? They are both nice shots. I took them. I think the bottom shot is way better. It was taken with a quality lens.

So, if you are going to purchase a new camera soon, think about this before you go out and but the expensive high megapixel camera with the kit lens. I would say do it the other way around. Buy expensive lenses and not as expensive camera body. In a few years your gonna get a new camera body anyway. If you have lenses you can keep them forever. Quality lenses are an investment. All brands of cameras have quality lenses available. They all have cheap lenses available too. Make sure you do your due diligence before you buy lenses and get the best one you can! Not the most expensive, but the best!

If you have questions please leave a comment and I will answer.

Also, If you want to learn how to make money with photography check out this post I did earlier.

Click here!

And we would love for you to follow us on facebook!!

Buffaloz Photography Training: Free Online Photography Tips, Tutorial, and Training!

Photography Tips: A Simple Model Shoot at Sunset

2012-11-18T20:33:00.001-07:00

Photography Tips: A Simple Model Shoot at Sunset

I have to say that this is an amazing video. You can learn a lot from watching it. If you have questions leave a comment and I will do my best to answer it. Enjoy!!!

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Buffaloz Photography Training: Free Online Photography Tips, Tutorials and Training

Photography Training: Ebook for Beginner Photographers

2012-11-14T00:11:00.000-07:00

Photography Training-Digital Photography For The Creative Eye ebook!

Digital Photography For The Creative Eye Click Here! Only $14 dollars!
Another great book that everyone should have

This is a great ebook to get started with learning photography.

Here are some of the things you will learn about

DSLR Photography Essentials

Learn How Digital Camera Works
What is Digital Image & Digital Color
Understand Photography Light
Creative Photography Techniques
Composition
Digital Image Editing

If you are starting out in photography and just need help with the basics this ebook will really help.

Learn how to take better portraits

Learn about the different types of lighting

And learn the basics of Composition

Become a better photographer and all it costs is 14 dollars. It costs less than a trip with my kids to Mcdonalds.

I look at books as an investment. I read a lot and I have become a better photographer because of continual learning. If you want to be a great photographer you need to keep learning and learning. This book is simple to understand and fun to read.

Digital Photography For The Creative Eye Click Here! Only $14 dollars!

Just so you know, I do make a little money when you purchase an ebook from this site. I need to pay the bills and support my family of 4, soon to me 5. Here's the thing though, I only recommend products that I have used myself and I feel are of the highest quality. So help support this blog and my family and become a better photographer at the same time!! If you have questions or concerns you can shoot me an email at ayresphotography@yahoo.com

Thanks, Brian

Owner of Buffaloz Photography Training and Professional Photographer

Photography Training: Learn about TLR Cameras!

2012-11-13T23:37:00.000-07:00

Photography Training

Photography Training: Learn about TLR Cameras!

A great video on Twin Lens Reflex Cameras!! Yes, It's film. Don't be afraid. There pretty easy to use and a lot of fun!!

Photography Training: Learn about TLR Cameras!

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Buffaloz Photography Training: Free Online Photography Training, Tips and Tutorials!

Photography Training: How to Make Money with Photography Online.

2012-11-11T09:03:00.003-07:00

Photography Training: How to Make Money with Photography Online.

I get asked all the time how I make money with photography online. In fact, I get asked how much too.

Here is the thing, I married and I have a family to support. I have to make money with photography if I want to buy new equipment(photography can get expensive). If I don't make money, I don't do photography.My wife would lay down the hammer. Haha!!

Because I love taking photos and buying cameras I have learned how to make money with my camera. Here is the thing, It's exciting to make money with photography. I mean, how many people really do what they want and love and get paid for it? I'm in San Francisco right now on vacation and I'm still making $$!

I have also learned that if I can do it, so can you. It's not rocket science. I learned by reading books and asking questions. I build a network( I am still building it) so that others would know what I do. This last few months things have really blown up. I am so busy that I can hardly keep going. I have tons of portrait sessions, and I am shooting commercial photography and now I am getting into fashion and fine art portraiture. I've been asked to do a year long photography project too! I have a full time job that I will be leaving it soon! YAY!

It all started online. I learned about stock photography and other places to show my work and how to market myself online. I remember last Christmas when an ad agency from NYC got hold of me and asked me to shoot for Chevy.com! It was fun and I got paid good too!

You can do it too! Imagine you could live where ever you want and make money online by selling your work. If you sold your photography online where would you live? What kinds of things would you do when you didn't have to punch a clock and work a 9 to 5 shift? Actually, you could probably do what ever you want to do and live where ever you want too.

You don't have to be the best photographer(I'm not), and you don't have to be the smartest person around. You just need to learn how to make money online. It has taken me about 9 months of serious work to get to where I am at. It might take you longer or maybe not, but if I don't try you will never know. If you could see yourself 9 months from know making 30 dollars a day selling photography online, what would you think? Now image seeing yourself in 3 years making 150 dollars a day and probably way more! Now image 5 years....
How would your life be different? What kind of car would you drive? What would your schedule look like? Would your commute to work be gone? Could you afford that dream vacation? You get the point.

Click here to learn how to make money online. This ebook will tell you how!!

It will be a good start. One thing I realized a while ago is that books are an investments. I have spend a ton of money of books. I have read self help books, montivational books, photography books, business books, investment books. I read a lot. My wife says I'm a nerd. She's right. I still tuck my t-shirt into my jeans. LOL

This is one of the images that I sell online. Nothing fancy. Actually, images like this are easier to sell online than artsy stuff! I know, Who would have thought?

Now, don't expect to make money overnight. It will take some time. The trick to becoming successful with selling your work on line it to never give up. Be committed. If you have the knowledge and are keep at it, it will happen! Plus as you go along, you will get better and smarter about it and then BAM!! Your making money!

This ebook has really helped me and I am sure it will do the same for you!!

Are you interested in learning how to make money with photography Check out this ebook and learn how to make money with photography!!

There are other ebooks in the shoppe page of this site but I would start with this one. It is easy to understand and will give you the knowledge to get started. I will warn you that after reading this ebook you will need to take action. You can't read it and then decide that you will do it later. If you are gonna do that please don't buy it. It will be a waste of money. But if you really want to make money with photography online, and you really want to change your life, get this ebook. It's the starting point! I want you to succeed and I am here to help you. It was one if the best investments I ever paid for! For me it has paid for itself at least 100 times over and will continue to do more.

Where will you be in 9 months? Making money with photography, or sitting on your couch thinking you should have invested in your education 9 months ago? You decide. You know the path I chose.

I need to tell you that I do make a few dollars if you buy this ebook. I need to feed my family and pay for expensive photography equipment, but I only recommend books and products that I believe in and have tried. So help me support my family and learn how to support yours at the same time!! If you have questions feel free to send me a message at buffalozphotog@yahoo.com

Thanks, Brian!

Photography Training: Help us out!!

2012-11-10T09:53:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone, I need your help. We have a lot of promotional events coming up in the next few weeks and like most others we need some moola (AKA money) to get these things going. So, I don't believe in getting something for nothing. So, here is what I am proposing. I know a lot of you have said that you would love to hang my art on your wall Here is your chance. I am offering something I have never offered before. I am going to offer digital downloads for 12 Dollars a piece.Take a look at my images on Facebook and Flickr . All the images are available for download. That is the first way. The second option is to order a print. I am gonna almost give these away. 50 Dollars will get a you an 11x14! here's the kicker, you need to order in the next 4 days!! On November 13th at 11:59pm it ends. So, help support me and get a beautiful piece of art to hang on your wall or a download that you can do what you want with. The prints will be signed!! If you know someone who loves art, these photographs would make a beautiful Christmas present too!

So, how do you order? Send me a message through facebook and I will give send you the instructions!! Thanks everyone! I really appreciate all the love you have shown my family and I.

A link to my Flickr Page!!

A Link to my Facebook Page!

Examples of two of the prints that are available to own!

Photography Training: A Few Shots From Our Vacation So Far!

2012-11-07T23:29:00.000-07:00

Photography Training: A Few Shots From Our Vacation So Far!

I thought I would share a few shots from my families vacation so far. We are staying in Oakland but we are going into San Francisco for most of the days. Anyhow, Here are a few shots I took today! Hopefully I will have more for tomorrow. Hope you enjoy!

Buffaloz Photography Training: Free Online Photography Tips, Tutorials and Training!

Photography Training: How to Protect your Gear from Being Stolen

2012-11-07T09:23:00.001-07:00

Buffaloz Photography Training: How to Protect your Gear from Being Stolen

I am on vacation right now and I am really having fun. I was going to wait back to do a post but after yesterday I decided I should just do a quick post. Anyhow, I am in a big city with my family and I never thought I would need to be concerned about someone robing me and taking my gear till yesterday. I was on a local transit system and saw three fights yesterday. I grew up in Kansas City and was not too worried about my safety, but I have now lived in a small town in Montana for over 20 years.
I have been carrying three cameras on this trip, My Leica M3, my Contax G1, and my Lumix G1. I am carrying several expensive lenses. I know that Leica has the MP version which is mostly unmarked, thus safer to carry when in a dangerous area, but I really thought it was kinda stupid till yesterday. I mean, why wouldn't you want others to know you shoot a Leica(I'm a bit of a camera snob). I now understand. Anyhow here are a few tips on how to be safe in a dangerous area. I must note that I am not even in a bad area, I am just in an area that I feel uncomfortable with. I am pretty sure when I was 16 and in areas of Kansas City I did not worry at all. Living in a small town has changed me a bit.

Leica MP

1. Use an old bag. This way you do not draw attention to yourself and your gear.

2. Try to fit in and not look out of place. This way others will not notice you as much

3. Pay attention to your surroundings. Look around and know where the danger is. If someone is making you uncomfortable get away from them. Large crowds are good. Don't go somewhere where you will be by yourself.

4. Use the buddy system and if at all possible stay with a group of people. One thing that is really nice is that I have children. People have actually apologized for bad language and smoking weed in front of them several times since we have been here. I am not saying that you should use your children for protection, I would never put my children in harms way but I know from past experience that others are careful what they do around children. But be careful and NEVER put your children in danger. In fact, if you do get in trouble and your children are with you, your first responsibility should be to protect them. I would give my life to protect mine.

5. Switch out your memory card every once in a while. That way if you camera is stolen, at least you won't lose all of your images.

6. Carry your bag in front and keep it zipped up. It might look weird but are you concerned more about your appearance or not losing your gear. For me, my gear is worth more than my two cars combined. It would be devastating to lose it.

7. Make sure your gear is insured. This way if it is gone at least you will be able to replace it.

8. If you are carrying expensive gear use tape to cover the logos and anything that might attract attention.
Leica owners do this all the time.

9. Be careful and trust your instincts. If you are unsure about something don't do it or go there. Is it really worth losing your life, or gear? I think not.

That's about it. There are a lot more things you can do. I have just named a few and you are welcome to add some more of your own. Leave a comment and I am sure that others will appreciate it.!!

Thanks!

Buffaloz Photography Training: Free Online Photography Tips, Tutorials, and Training

First Photo Submission!

2012-11-03T11:35:00.001-06:00

About a week ago I added a submit tab to the top of this website. I then went to my Facebook group and let them know that they could submit images and I would post them on my site every few weeks. Well, thank you Jerry Nelson Photography! You were the first one and your photograph is amazing!! To all of my other readers out there, if you would like your images promoted on our site, click on the submit button above!
Again, Thank you Jerry!
Oh, click her to follow us on facebook!!

Here is Jerry's Image!!

Ohanapecosh River, Mt.Rainier National Park. Shot with a Sony NEX 7 by Jerry Nelson Photography

Photography Training: Improve your photos with two simple rules

2012-10-24T06:47:00.000-06:00

Photography Training

Great video on how to improve you photography by doing a few simple things!

Great video!

Buffaloz Photography Training: Free Online Photography Training, Tips, and Tutorials

Photography Training:Lightroom 4: Create Stunning Images

2012-10-22T06:45:00.001-06:00

Photography Training:Lightroom 4: Create Stunning Images!

Great video on Lightroom 4 basics!

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Buffaloz Photography Training: Free Online Photography Training, Tips and Tutorials!