by Gavin Seim: Ever admired classical art? I think all photographers should take time to look closer at it. You owe it to yourself and your clients to start placing large pieces on their walls. We’ve single handedly ruined much of the furniture quality appeal of photographs. No, it has nothing to do with digital, too many people with cameras, or weekend warriors. It’s “our” fault. We’ve trained ourselves and our clients to think small. People walk through our doors thinking in eight by tens, five by sevens and wallets and we encourage them. It’s making photography a cheap commodity. It’s time to change all that with real Wall Portraits.
Why should an eleven by fourteen hang on your wall? Chances are the wall it hangs on is much larger than that. We’ve fallen into a rut and think that small is all people want for their homes. Often the first response I get when I talk about large prints is “people aren’t buying these in my area”. The fact is that people aren’t buying because you don’t know how to sell. I live in small town America and I’m finding out for myself that people will buy if you show them the value of a beautiful wall portrait.
When you walk into a furniture store are they afraid to show you the larger dining set? Do they act like it’s a stupid to buy the quality leather sofa instead of the cheap import? The only reason clients are asking for eight by tens is because we’ve trained them to. Try showing them a thirty inch wall canvas of their beautiful family and see how they respond. Now you’re selling fine furnishings.
Rather than making my own argument, let me allow history to help us. Below are some classical works, listed with original sizes. We think of these as classics, but when made they were meant to hang on someones wall just like our photographs. Take a few moments to really look at them, then I’ll be back. If you want to and be inspired in print, check out some books like Sargents Portraits Of The 1890’s, Frederick Church, or J.W. Waterhouse.
38"x32" – Gather Rosebuds While Ye May by Waterhouse 1909
80"x52" The Voyage Of Life, Manhood by Thomas Cole, 1842
Continue reading ‘Large Wall Prints. Why the 8×10 Is Stealing Your Impact & Your Profit:’
Gavin Seim: I write a lot about HDR photography here on Pro Photo Show. It’s an often misunderstood animal, that when used correctly is incredibly powerful.
This has been in the works for some time, but it’s finally official. My 3 day HDR workshop will be held in Fall of 2009 in Central WA, we’re going to cover everything from basic HDR landscapes to using HDR for amazing people pictures.
This is a small workshop limited to about 15 participants. Seats are first come first serve. You can learn more over on KungFu Photo.
Here’s wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. The blessings of Christ abound around us. I’m thankful for my family, my customers and my colleagues. Here’s a little collage of self portraits we made in the studio yesterday. It would be tough to send cards to everyone since I know so many people.
Since this is the Pro Photo Show edition, I’ll talk shop a little. I did these self portraits with the 5D MKII. I used a white paper backdrop and two Alien Bee’s strobes in the studio. One aimed low and behind us to totally whiten the paper and another in front aimed downwards and bouncing off the floor to fill the front.
The layout was done very simply using InDesign just like I would do a wedding album page, though on an 8×10 layout. That’s all there is too it. Nothing amazing, but I did have fun.
Lastly don’t forget about the PPS Christmas contest. It’s our gift to you, and even if you don’t win one of the big prizes, everyone who enter will receive a free effect goodie pack from PPS and Seim Effects early next year. You can’t lose, so if you haven’t already, go here to enter.
Again merry Christmas to you all… Gav
>>Listen To Pro Photo Show #52
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Host Gavin Seim: Seim Studios
Special Guest: Rick Sammon
Show notes…
This week we talk about nature, travel and general photography tips with Rick Sammon. Rick travels all over the world for photography workshops and has written 30 books in his career as a photographer.
The Pro Photo Show Winter contest has begun. Enter now.
Rick Sammon workshops are coming all over the world.
Rick uses Photomatix for his HDR. You can use promo code PPS15 to save 15%
Aperture for general post processing.
Rick uses magic tricks from Tannen’s Magic in New York.
Rick uses the Wescott stand and diffuser for his flashes.
Seim Effects and the new PW2 LR presets.
Gavin’s HDR portrait gallery.
Those of you who follow my work, know that I love HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography. I’m especially fond of pushing the limits, with HDR portrait, wedding and other non standard uses. I started experimenting with HDR people shots in 2007. I also use it for nearly all of my nature work.
I have a bunch of favorites, and have finally compiled them onto one page on the Seim Photography site. If you’re intersted in HDR stop by and maybe you’ll get some ideas. I know I’m not the only one shooting HDR however. If you know of other great HDR, share them in the comments... Gavin Seim
I was a guest on this weeks Camera Dojo podcast with Kerry Garrison talking about all things HDR.
We chatted about the various techniques and tools, and I shared my techniques for HDR portraits. I just listened to myself this afternoon. It felt different being on the guest end, but it was relaxing. This won’t be in the PPS podcast feed, but If you’re interested head over the Camera Dojo and give a listen. While your at it you can drop by iTunes and subscribe to their show… Gavin
