Playing for KhePs

11 things I did to get started in photography

noreply@blogger.com (Kikomo.p) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 05:13:00 +0000

11 ways to get started into digital photography. not necessarily in order but some happen after each other

1.Gobble it up. Start shooting

Shoot any and everything, equipment doesn't count here. This way you can begin learning your eye and find your style. When you're shooting everything its like getting eating at a buffet. You get a taste of everything and then you come back for seconds to the dishes you like. By doing this you can find what you like to shoot and develop a niche.

I shot behind the scenes on films sets, sports, products, events, babies, music artist, nature and fashion.

2. "Keep it tight" Find your niche

What did you find you liked to shoot? When you decide this you can begin building your portfolio with a consistency. This is a great way to define yourself as a photographer, and market yourself to clients.

I found that I liked music and fashion the best. It was a personal preference of mine and now that's the majority of what I shoot. Now, don't get me wrong if someones asks me to shoot their wedding and they're willing to pay I'm not going to reject them. Wedding photography is a service I offer, its just not a service I advertise. Now, it sounds as if I'm just doing it for the money and I'm compromising my love for a check, but that's not true. If I shoot a wedding I would add my fashion flare to it and stick to my style. Now there's no way you can make mountains and landscapes "fashiony" so I wouldn't shoot that, unless it was for fun.

It looks better when you can say "I shoot this style" instead of "I shoot everything", you'll be taken more seriously.

3. Be open to sub categories

Music and fashion is very broad within itself, so always do the research to find whats deeper within these categories. For instance, with music photography I shoot promotional materials like album covers, posters, photos for websites, magazine spreads things of that nature. This would be for musical acts like a solo artists/groups, bands, or DJs. I don't do much of live performance shooting for concerts but I offer those services too. I'm also open to all genres of music.

For fashion's sub categories I shoot commercial, high fashion, beauty, and glamour. I also shoot promotional materials for clothing companies or boutiques like ad campaigns, fashion spreads for magazines, or for the company's personal website and flyers.

4. Now, that you're serious get some serious gear.

Your point-and-shoot isn't going to get you where you need to be. It may be great to start out with for learning composition, but it's not going to give you depth of field and the controls you'll get with a DSLR. I would suggest you invest in a 10 megapixel or higher dslr. Choose your glass wisely.

Personally when I purchased my camera body I didn't buy the kit lens. By this time I knew I wanted to shoot fashion and music. I also knew that I wanted to use my camera to shoot video so I wanted fast lenses for shallow depth of field. So, what I bought was a new 50mm f1/8 and a used 75-300mm f4-5.6 . I wanted a long lens for the fashion and beauty close ups and the 50mm was better for group shots for bands. Now a little over a year later, I know what I'm doing and I have a style I want to go wider with my focal length.

If you want to shoot landscapes initially go wider with your focal length. But if you really still don't know by this point stick with the kit lens. But ALWAYS do your research before purchasing. Ask people who own the camera what they think of it, what they're using it for. Go on discussion boards and read reviews. If you want to test it out 1st hand then rent one. I'll get to renting later in this post but keep it in mind.

5. Play with your food. Learn your equipment

Read that manual but mostly and play around with it! Find out what this button does and how to change your settings with that switch.

I'm a kinesthetic learner so I have to touch things to learn about them [insert inappropriate joke here] but what-eves. Its the best way to learn. Plus a lot of happy accident happen this way.

6. Read, shoot, discuss, ask questions

There are tons of great resources on the web to learn about photography if you didn't go to school for it.

I went to film school so we learned the basics of black and white photography, developing film in the dark room and the logistics of focal length, ISO, apertures, shutters etc. Like I said we learned the basics, but I learned the majority of what I know from the web. I read discussion boards, asked questions on them and a lot of times you'll find people have the same questions as you do and the answers are already there. I also shot a lot of random stuff to figure out how to use my camera and the difference one setting made in a photo.

But one of my favorite websites to get started with is DPS (digital photography school). You can sign up for their newsletter and each week they have an assignment for you to challenge yourself with. It's not a real school as in you have to enroll and pay its just a really good resource for photographers of all genres and all levels of expertise.

7.Rentals

If you can't afford to spend $800 or more on a camera then rent one. There are many websites that rent DSLRs and lenses. You can rent for fixed periods of time like 1 week up to 4 weeks. But this gives you chance to try before you buy. Also, if you did purchase a camera but you want to experiment with different lenses this is a great way to do it. Lets face it lenses are CRAZY EXPENSIVE so rent them. There are two website that I found that rent lenses. I haven't tried them but they seem legit. They are www.thelensdepot.com and www.rentglass.com

On these website you can also rent to test out accessories like flashes and other equipment. If you want to rent other materials like strobes then search for rental houses in your area.

8. Build portfolio and network

Now that you have equipment and a niche begin shooting for it. You're going to be working for free in the beginning and you may also get some paid gigs. But you want to get some practice in before you commit to delivering high quality product to a client. Shoot some of your pretty friends or friends that want to model if you want to do fashion. Go out into nature and shoot animals and plants if nature photography is your thing. Ask people with cool looking cars to shoot their cars is automobile photography is your niche. Work towards defining your niche and style.

Social networks - Nowadays there's a social network for any and everything. So join a social network for your photography genre. For fashion there is Model Mayhem . Research the ones that fit you. On these networks you can network with people who have the same interests as you. You can potentially gain a crew to work with and build great relationships. Also, use facebook and twitter to your advantage. Once you have a good amount of really good pictures make a fan page, get people to see what you're doing. On Twitter you can search keywords to see what people are talking about on that subject and build connections.

Also, on these networking sites you can have your own portfolio page if you can't afford a website. But there are some really good portfolio sites for really good prices like www.viewbook.com

9. Editing

Always shoot RAW if you can. You have more editing power with RAW files. You don't need to be a photoshop wizard but I believe every photographer should know how to do the basics. Learn to color correct, readjust exposure, fix little blemishes here and there. You'll be amazed of what you can learn from You Tube. They have free tutorials on there all the time. Some, I've used myself.

You don't have to know everything, that's where your crew comes in. Surround yourself with people that are smarter than you and have skills that you lack. Offer trade offs for people when you can't pay them. TFP (time for print) TFCD (time for CD)are ways to offer people their time in exchange for using the work in their portfolios (either in print form or on a CD). Make win-win situations whenever possible.

Great editing software is Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.

10. Eatin'good. Make money

Make money from your work. You can either solicit yourself to clients like magazines or sell your photos on stock photography sites like iStock photo . This would be a great place to sell those random photos you took when you were trying to figure yourself out. If the quality is good enough they'll take them and you can receive royalties from your work. CHA CHING!

11. Wear a bib to protect yourself. Law

Now that your intellectual property is floating around cyber space you want to protect it. Actually you want to protect your photos before you publish them on the web. Learn about copyright laws and how to protect yourself. You can even register your works yourself at the US copyright office's website www.copyright.gov

Try to invest in a lawyer of you can. Caroline Wright, Photo Attorney®, is a photography attorney that has a blog with lots of great articles about copyright law and issues facing photographers.

These are the 11 ways I got started I hope they help.
To see some of my work please visit. www.KikomoP.com

-Khe

Hi there, I'm still alive

noreply@blogger.com (Kikomo.p) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 05:58:00 +0000

Don't call it a come back.......ok you can. I've slacked on the blogging, I'll take that L. But listen new and great things have been happening. Even better things are coming up including the launch of my new website on May 1, 2010. So look out for that. I'm going full hard body boys and girls watch out.

Radiating positivity, absorb my light

-Kikomo.p

Spec Versace Ad

noreply@blogger.com (Kikomo.p) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:56:00 +0000

Here's the ad I told you guys I made. Let me know what you think. It would really be dope if Versace picked this up.

I shot, edited and made the tagline for this sunglass ad

Sending some Versace love
-Kikomo

Mike Jaggerr on Shade45 w/ Angela Yee

noreply@blogger.com (Kikomo.p) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:36:00 +0000

Mike Jaggerr debuted two of his singles Rainy Days and Away today on The Morning After with Angela Yee radio show on Sirius radio station Shade45. On the segment "Don't Quit Your Day Job", Mike Jaggerr came out on top with a 5 out of 5 stars. With what seem to be mixed reviews on twitter and phone calls, the final out come was a positive reception by all. You can follow on Mike Jagger on twitter or his myspace . This dude is totally Playing for KhePs. Keep up the excellent work homes.

By the way photo to the left is by yours truly. I also made a spec Versace print ad with the same photo, I'll post it today.

Sending love to the universe

-Kikomo

my twitter

Catch a Slice music video

noreply@blogger.com (Kikomo.p) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:14:00 +0000

Let me know what you think.

Song Producer - Jamison Albritton
Lyrics - Jamison Albritton and Randall 'Lil Ran' Collins
Video Producers and Directors - Kikomo.p & Mike Jaggerr
Video Editor - Kikomo.p
Color Correction - Mike Jaggerr
Vocal performances - Jamison Albritton, Randall 'Lil Ran' Collins, NiQuole, and Kheirra 'Kikomo.p' Peggs

©2009

THANK YOU TO ALL CREW

Update, I'll promise to get better at this

noreply@blogger.com (Kikomo.p) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:12:00 +0000

My apologies for not staying updated but plenty of good news has come.

1st
I'm on my ascend to moving from my apartment this month. Its very exciting because I'm really gonna be living on my own. My boyfriend is staying for a while then he's gonna be gone on his music venture.

2nd
I began my Master's Degree program last week. I'm currently earning my Entertainment Business Master of Science degree. Its a really good program I like it alot so far. I'm ready for this challenge, we have to maintain a GPA of a 3.0 or better which is quite I challenge but I think I can, I know I can, I know I can! LOL. Estimated graduation date 10/01/2010.

3rd

Remember that magazine I talked about. Well I made it to the October issue!!!!!!! OMG it felt so good, I feel that much closer to my dream. Orlando's premier fashion and luxury lifestyle magazine- Orlando Style Magazine. This is my first stepping stone and greatness will follow. I'm keeping at it. Can't stop, won't stop!

4th
I'm a godmother!!!! Well, the baby isn't here yet but Noriah Marshe, pronounced (Mar-shay). Will be here sooner than later. And Quita, my cuzo and baby momma, we GOT to change that ghetto as middle name I'm not having it. I personally liked Malia as a 1st name, like Obama's daughter. But if shes not gonna change the 1st name, by the way she got from the 'octomom', shes definitely gotta change Marshe or I'm not gonna accept the child as family. JUST KIDDING.

5th
Just did a music video for my friends Jamison and Lil Ran. They had a class project for a class called Session Recording, came up with a group, recorded a song, and needed a video. That's where Mike and I stepped in. We co-produced and directed the music video. I edited, he color corrected. We've gotten a lot of support, kudos, and even potential clients from it. I'll post it next.

Soon I'll be working on Lil Ran 'Everything Fye' music video and some pieces for Mike including the much anticipated full length 'Rainy Days' music video. And I'm still shooting!

Its gonna be fashion week soon here in Orlando at the Mall at Millenia- October 19-25. I will make my best efforts to be there everyday or the majority of those days. Being an up and coming fashion photographer for me this is good opp to network. Paulina Porizkova, former supermodel and ANTM judge, is going to be there so I'm stoked!

Money is low but spirits are high.

Continuously playing for KhePs and sending love to the universe,

Kikomo

On a good note

noreply@blogger.com (Kikomo.p) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 21:46:00 +0000

Remember that lifestyle/fashion magazine I told you about like 2 posts ago? Well I got the gig, that along with a modeling agency gig that they sponsor! So, with the magazine I start off doing event photography going to VIP events shooting and rubbing elbows with important people. AMAZING opp. only down fall is that its not directly paid. If I start my own biz w/website then people can but their pictures from ME on MY site. So, that's number one on my to-do list get that site up. But that's been really really, awesome.

I also have a potential internship with the newspaper down here as photographer, and I got another job lead as an amusement park photographer. So, I'm thanking God that all this good news has been pouring in. It's mainly whats making me stay here in Orlando. I was going to phrase that last sentence "stay behind" but I don't feel I'm being "behind" I'm staying and building my talent an name in a smaller market, so it can travel faster than in a big market like NYC.

Philly and Chicago are still a possible places, but since everyone wants me and are throwing things to me left and right then it looks like its meant for me to stay. At least for now. People I graduated with felt that it was essential to move to LA to make it. I really don't feel that way. I read a quote that said "The cream ALWAYS rises to the top, no matter where the cup is" and I hold that true to my heart. Because if you're gonna make things happen, then you're gonna make them happen where ever you go. Its gonna be plenty of people who go out to LA and get burned out and discouraged and, ya know LA isn't for everybody and they don't have a ton of jobs I hear. It takes a certain type of monster in my opinion. But the few "cream" have gotten jobs and quite quickly too.

So, I've been trying to keep my positivity up as much as possible. And I thanks God for a guy like Mike who is absolutely amazing. The greatest guy I've ever dated. He keeps me encouraged and motivates me, and is always looking out. I'm try to hold on to this guy forever. his birthday just passed on the 20th for his 20th, so I told him I would celebrate the whole rest of the month for him. He deserves it.

Send love to the universe

-Kikomo

check out my portfolio

Interships aren't gonna stop dem boys from knocking

noreply@blogger.com (Kikomo.p) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:13:00 +0000

I asked my financial aid lady if I got an internship would that defer my loans for the duration of the internship. She basically said "Hell Naw". Its still counting down from graduation day. Wow ! Education for poor people is a trap ! stay away! lol , I'm kidding, but it is a trap, but don't stay away. Keep at it and try to defer as along as possible. I was talking to this one lady who graduated like a year and a half ago and is JUST NOW paying hers back. so Yea I still have a little dodging to do.

peace

-Kikomo

You never know how you have an affect on people

noreply@blogger.com (Kikomo.p) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 03:42:00 +0000

Today, one of my closest friends sent me a message on facebook and it really touched my heart. You know that takes alot because I'm a stone cold thug, wondering if heaven has a ghetto LOL . BUT She was saying how her family is so proud of me of what I've done and what I'm currently doing and it made me sit back and bask in the moment for a second. I really don't acknowledge what I'm doing most of the time mainly because it's happening so fast. She also said that I'm her inspiration to do what she's passionate about. She's seen my courage and is inspired by it. This is the type of affect I want to leave on people. I didn't think the impact would be so great so soon though. It honestly made me tear up. I really hope she goes through with her dreams and passion because I guarantee if she doesn't she old be happy in the long run.

I know that my family are proud and my little cousins looks up to me , but I never knew my peers were watching so attentively, and that with in itself is pushing me to go harder. Doing what I think is right and feels half right is how I've gotten this far. There are no written guides to this shit, you live you learn, and try to watch out for the warning signs the wise hint to you.

But I've been really feeling super good lately, like my positivity aura is getting greater and greater everyday. And at this point I'm not even worried about what I don't have, I'm just working to get to where I need to be.

I've been searching the Orlando area for work in fashion magazines and publications of that nature for photography. One of the magazines I sought after staff members contacted me today, so I'm praying something comes through with that. That was super exciting, and in the mean time I will continue to do me, build my skill hone my craft. What else can I do when I'm not getting paid, GET BETTER.

I made up a new saying today "Love the skin you're in, love the kin you're in"
I think its very important to love God, yourself and family no matter how dysfunctional they are. No one said you couldn't love from a distance, never the less love them.

ps. check my updated photography portfolio. on flickr.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kikomo_p/

my personal website is under development right now, I have to get one of those to become legit.

love you all and send peace to the universe,

-Kikomo

pps Before writing this entry I wanted to make sure I was using the correct use of affect or effect. So I looked up the word Affect and it said - to have and effect on . LMAO wow thanks alot with all the webster

last day of school

noreply@blogger.com (Kikomo.p) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:11:00 +0000

Today is the last day of my 1st college degree. I feel so-so, I'm never over zealous about graduation. I'm glad to be out but at the same time it feels a little premature. I came straight out of high school in 2007 so this is the only college I know, unlike the majority of my classmates who have been to college or have degrees already. I feel weird to say the least, there's a ton of responsibility that comes along with being out of school. And to me it seems like only students get respect in society. Think about it no one gives discounts to college grads and they're the ones with student loans that need to be repaid, they need as many discounts as possible. People applaud you and say "oh that's so good he/she's in school." But I've never head any one say "oh you're a college grad that's so good" other than at your graduation. And of course people with no degrees get no respect, unless ur a success story like Bill Gates or something.

I have this feeling of having to do everything now tho, I'm only 20 and I feel its so old. It sounds a little ridiculous. But I just want my success story to feel legit. I think I may stay in school.....

OMG FUCK ME Sallie Mae

noreply@blogger.com (Kikomo.p) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 17:44:00 +0000

So, today I had my financial aid exit interview at my school. It was basically letting me know how much I owed in private and federal loans, when I have to start repaying, how many years this BS will be going on, and I almost shitted myself lol, I knew it was bad but DAMN! My interest rates are rape with a disease to say the least and what I would be paying per month is more than what I pay for rent. I graduate next Friday, the 7th, that gives me a 6 month grace period which means come February next year they're gonna be knocking at my door for that money. My immediate thought was to sell drugs and rob banks, but my mom wouldn't like that. So next option is to stay in school to continue my education and receive Masters degree in Entertainment Business in another 13 months. Which looks and sounds really impressive seeing that I would be 21 with a Masters and I still get out of school a year before my HS peers. But that also means taking out another loan for 30grand plus living expense. Plus from what I hear all the time degrees really don't matter in our industry.

Decisions decisions. I was once encouraged by my a teacher to apply to AFI if I'm gonna pay more money to continue my education. They're the cream of the crop and they're based in LA which is a double bonus. But with that they are highly selective. So if I even think about going there I need to get my shiz together this month. Like focus on that. Along with other schools like USC and NYU. Which are more expensive than Full Sail and harder to get into.

So here's the bottom line. I play for Kheps and I'm not going to get discouraged as messed up as this may seem. This is my motivation. I knew this day would come the day I applied to this school. But on a good note I heard that if I get an internship it can defer my loans as long as I'm in the internship PLUS I still get my 6 moths after that ends! So I'm interning for life and freelancing on the side. Dodging these mofos like the gingerbread man

Peace

-Kikomo

Session with Amron X

noreply@blogger.com (Kikomo.p) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 01:02:00 +0000

Hey there,

I just finished editing my friend and fellow filmmaker's photos this weekend. Amron X. Lopez was my 1st subject to participate in my Free July photo shoot promotion. Here are a few of the best from the session. Leave a comment let me know what you think.

Much love

-Kikomo

Good Afternoon

noreply@blogger.com (Kikomo.p) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:39:00 +0000

Today is just about the two week mark before graduation. And the senioritist has definitely kicked in. But I still like my classes specifically Audio Post. I'm working with ProTools and everything so that's pretty dope. I still need to tweak that resume and actually start on my cover letter.

Last night I was editing some more of my photo shoot I've done this month as part of my "July : Free Photo shoot" incentive. I gotta get that portfolio up. I'll post some photos up probably later this week. I'm getting used to Photoshop, other than just putting my signature on everything lol.

Sorry for just rambling, this is my first time blogging. Back on the career note I'm looking to move to NYC in about a year or so, if it's neccessary by that point. Meaning if I haven't established my self in my home town of Chicago,IL. Yes, yes ya'll I'm Chi-town girl and I rep that very hard.

Ok thats enuff for now.

Love ya

-Khe