For 30 years, Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Brian Smith’s bold, iconic portraits of famous celebrities, athletes, and executives have appeared in advertising and graced the covers and pages of magazines like Sports Illustrated and Forbes. Brian visited the Apple Store, SoHo to talk about his book, Secrets of Great Portrait Photography, and pull back the curtain on the art of creating great images with extraordinary figures.
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How do you elevate your photography? If you read articles, listen to photography podcasts, watch a lot Youtube videos; and you’ve attended numerous workshops and conferences; you’ve probably tried lots of techniques-different lights and lighting set ups; you've purchased a ton of gear, software, and apps; or taken to the extreme, you’ve changed camera systems. And are your photos really that much better? What if I told you that the secret to better photos isn’t in the latest gear or the late ...
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1
How to Make Your Photography Your Business
49:32
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Are you ready to evolve your photography passion into a business? This episode guides you through the basics of setting up a photography enterprise. We illuminate the process of creating and registering your business, placing special emphasis on the advantages of launching as an LLC. You'll gain insights into protecting your personal assets, savori…
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1
The Transformative Power of Photography Workshops: Boosting Your Photography Skills and Business Through Workshops
51:57
51:57
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Have you ever wondered how photography workshops can ignite your creativity, refine your skills and push your business to new heights? I'm here to tell you that workshops are a game changer. They offer an opportunity for camaraderie and connection, for learning and growth, and for witnessing the transformative power of your photography. I'll share …
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1
Revised and Corrected Version: Cracking the ISO Code: Understanding Your Camera's Sensitivity to Light - The Know Your Camera Series
29:15
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Are your photos not quite hitting the mark in low-light situations? Frustrated with unwanted noise in your images? This episode is just the tool you need to understand the power of ISO in your photography . Join us on Clued Up with Maria B, as we shed light on the third pillar of the exposure triangle - ISO. We'll dig deep into what a native ISO is…
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1
Mastering Maternity Photoshoots: A Guide to Planning and Execution Part 1
33:18
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This episode is your golden ticket to understanding the art and science of planning a successful maternity photoshoot. I'm your host, Maria B, and I'll be pulling back the curtain to reveal the meticulous steps, from striking the right business balance to building the foundations for your creativity, all in service of a smooth and enjoyable client …
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1
From Vision to Image: Exploring the 8 Elements to Becoming a Great Photographer
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Ever wondered what separates a good photographer from a truly great one? Let's find out! Today, we dive into the world of photography, exploring the elements that transform a simple click into a breathtaking masterpiece. We'll unravel the blend of technical skills, artistic vision, and the dedication necessary to separate from the photograph pack. …
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1
10 Food for Thought Photography Questions
59:22
59:22
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In this episode we explore 10 Food for Thought Photography Questions about our photography. These are questions I've thought about over time. The answers change based on my experiences and what's significant to me at the time. I think you'll find the same if you ever choose to come back to them. These questions show us where we are and where we wan…
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In this week's episode we take a closer look at planning and executing headshots for clients. Headshots should be easy, and they are, as long as you plan ahead and prepare so that when your client arrives it's a go! Understanding your client's needs and their expectations, will provide you with a wealth of information to make this as simple and as …
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1
Case Study 1: Decisions-Making in Photography Beyond Business
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In this, our first Case Study, we talk about making major decisions in your photography business that reflect and affect your morals, ethics, and your integrity. We talk about knowing when it is and isn't the right time to seek payment for work related to an important cause and one in which the subject or subjects of your photograph represent a civ…
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1
Bonus Episode: Two Headshots and an Event-Prepping and Planning for Upcoming Shoots
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In this bonus episode, I discuss with you the realities of what goes on when potential clients contact you about a photo shoot-in this case, headshots and an event. What often seems like a clear cut, smooth sailing process, is almost always guaranteed to have some challenges. That's not a bad thing. It makes you think or rethink some of your strate…
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1
Camera Settings for Shooting the Runway Made Easy
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In this episode, we'll talk about the settings used to capture sharp, well-lit photos on the runway during NY Fashion Week. Relying on the basic understanding of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, I discuss how I arrive at the settings I used during runway shows, plus, a brief discussion on why Auto White Balance (AWB) is the way to go whether your …
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1
BTS: Shooting the Runway (and everything else) During NY Fashion Week
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In this episode we talk about the whirlwind fun, craziness, and adventure of shooting at New York Fashion Week. Rest assure, these tips work for every runway show no matter where the show is held. In this episode we talk about navigating through the prep work, long hours, in-between sessions, the post-show networking and the after party. Runway sho…
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1
What Should Photographers Wear on a Photoshoot? 10 Styling Tips for Confident Shoots
32:04
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Let's talk about dressing for photography! Our clothing has to be functional, comfortable, & flexible, while professional and relatable to our clients, and appropriate for the shoot or in some cases, the venue. We have to dress with confidence! See the links below mentioned in this episode. Enjoy! Videos What to Wear on Camera How to Look Good on V…
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In this episode I share my recent personal experience with a no-show clients, and I talk about the urgency of your self-value when interacting with clients and businesses. It's important to recognize and believe in your value both as a professional and as a person, and to conduct your photography business and anything else in your life accordingly.…
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1
Bonus Episode: What Goes Around Comes Around
19:48
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In this episode I talk about service. Specifically making your client the center of what you do as a photographer beyond taking photos. As a photographer, you're in the service industry, and giving service to your clients has to be your number one priority. It's not about creating lavish sets, or serving champagne, or chocolate-covered strawberries…
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1
How to Avoid Miscommunication with Your Client and Your Team
11:25
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In a previous episode, episode 10, I talked about the importance of knowing how you learn or in other words, how best you comprehend information. Here's something to keep in mind: Much the same way photography information has to be communicated in several ways in order for us to learn, we should consider the same thing when it comes to our clients …
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1
How to Control Light-Understanding Your Shutter and Shutter Speed: The Know Your Camera Series
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Controlling light seems complex, but the truth is it's as complex or as simple as it's explained to those who are interested in learning and understanding it. Too often, I've found that a 5 minute to 30 minutes explanation can't cut it, and generally, it leaves people lost, confused, and frustrated. We're going to take a different path, whether it'…
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1
Let There Be Light-Overcoming the Fear of Artificial Light
20:09
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In this week's episode we begin the discussion on light, not from the technical aspect but more from an emotional aspect. That emotion is fear: fear of learning something that appears complex and most importantly and fear of failure. I can relate because for years, I struggled with my own fear using light in photography. I was lost and had no guida…
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How to Collaborate Effectively with Your Fellow Creatives: Lessons from My Experience
18:51
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In this week's episode we talk about collaboration among creatives: Photographers and other artists. I share with you the positives and the challenges of photographing a large event. In my case the painting and installation of a 9000 sq ft. Black Lives Matter Mural over the course of a week. I provide inside observations of what is needed among pro…
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1
BTS 3: How I Recovered from a Photoshoot Fail (and You Can Too)
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In this episode I share with you what I considered to be an epic fail and my most challenging photoshoot. Oddly enough it had nothing to do with the client. I share with you what happens when you lose control of your shoot and when you loose control of your space, your physical and your professional space. I'll also share the important lessons I've…
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1
Why Every Photographer Needs a (Printable) Price List
18:45
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Once you have a rudimentary understanding of your camera, and someone wants you to photograph their event, their party, their kid, or they want you to take their headshot, don’t do it for free. Send your potential client a copy of your price list, a documented affirmation that demonstrates the value of your photography work. Your price list a sign …
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1
How to Have Successful Photo Shoots Without Your Own Studio
23:18
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Episode 12. How to Have Successful Photo Shoots Without Your Own Studio. In this week's episode we talk about an issue that many photographers face: How to produce successful professional-style photo shoots if you simply do not have a space. Necessity isn't called the mother of invention without good reason. When you want to do something badly enou…
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BTS 2: How to Take Your Portrait Client from Consult to Photo Shoot
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Episode 11. In this week's episode we go behind the scenes of a recent photo shoot that just sort of happened. In one of my most successful photo shoots, we look at the elements that came together to create the perfect storm: Preparedness, Professionalism, Killer Attitude, and Confidence on the part of the client, the makeup artist, and the photogr…
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1
Top 10 Tips for Your Photography Education: Investing In Yourself
29:34
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Episode 10: Have you ever thought about how much money you spend on photography education...and why? In this week's episode we discuss how to get the most out of your photography education, who to follow and why, putting a limit on how much you spend on monthly subscriptions, and the criteria you should use in deciding which educators you should pa…
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The Know Your Camera Series: Understanding Aperture
32:48
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Episode 9. In the "Know Your Camera" series that will be intertwined between regular episodes, we take a deep dive into understanding the basics of our cameras. Why? Even if you are familiar with the basic functions, sometimes there are little nuggets that change our understanding or we just need to hear something or talk about a topic we haven't a…
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Episode 8. Organization of every part of your photography life is key to success as well as minimizing your stress. It also makes a heck of an impression on your team and your clients because nothing says amateur like disorganization or frequently searching for gear or for something you know you wrote down somewhere. Organization is an essential pa…
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How to Map Your Portrait Photoshoot for a 0 Fail Workflow
31:49
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Episode 7. In this week's episode we take a look at how to map your portrait photoshoot in order to create a seamless workflow for the client, the team, and for the photographer. Those annoying minute details that we dread taking care of before a shoot can make all the difference between a quality experience for everyone involved and a series of ch…
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1
BTS 1: How to Take Your Portrait Client from Consult to Photoshoot
1:06:04
1:06:04
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In Episode 6, I take you behind the scenes from the day of my first conversation with my client to the day of her photo shoot. In this episode you'll hear intimate details of this process from our first discussion through details related to getting the shoot set up in the studio. You'll get the low-down on what happened, what should have happened, …
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1
2 Tools Guaranteed to Propel and Elevate Your Portrait Photography!!
25:29
25:29
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Episode 5. If you want better photographs the 2 tools we talk about in this episode will get you there so much faster. These 2 tools, the X-rite color checker and the light meter, are essential for accurate colors, white balance, and desired lighting in your portrait photography. For all the money photographers spend on gear, presets, videos, webin…
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Episode 4. In this week's episode we dive into why it's critical for photographers to do their homework when it comes to shooting at venues and especially when shooting at houses of worship. We talk about how to avoid becoming a disruptor by knowing the rules. We also talk about the need for awareness of guidelines, permits, and required permission…
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Episode 3. One day, as organized and as thorough as you may be, you're going to find yourself short of an SD card. On that day, you'll be happy you listened to this episode. Questions or Comments? Reach out at MariaB@CluedUpBTS.com and I'll be in touch* directly or address your comment on the podcast. *By submitting a question or statement, you agr…
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1
How to Find the Right Model for Your Photoshoot
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21:33
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Episode 2. In this episode we talk about several different ways to find the right model for your photoshoot including traditional methods such as: Friends and family Professional modeling schools Modeling agencies Then we move to the power of social media that provides the potential for rapid response and the ability to view several profiles in a s…
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1
5 Pillars to Quality Portrait Photoshoots
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Episode #1. Welcome to Clued Up with Maria B: The BTS Photography Podcast. In this episode I introduce you to the 5 Pillars to building Quality Portrait Photoshoots that will influence what goes on BTS before you ever hit the shutter and will not only change but elevate your photography. If you’re like most photographers you’ve spent a lot of money…
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How do you take better photos? How do you elevate your photography? If you read most articles, listen to photography podcasts, watch a lot Youtube videos, and you’ve attended numerous workshops and conferences, you’ve probably tried lots of techniques, different lights and lighting set ups, purchased a plethora of gear, software, and apps, or taken…
…
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1
Brian Smith: Meet the Author [Video]
1:02:50
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For 30 years, Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Brian Smith’s bold, iconic portraits of famous celebrities, athletes, and executives have appeared in advertising and graced the covers and pages of magazines like Sports Illustrated and Forbes. Brian visited the Apple Store, SoHo to talk about his book, Secrets of Great Portrait Photography, and pu…
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1
Brian Smith: Meet the Author [Audio]
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For 30 years, Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Brian Smith’s bold, iconic portraits of famous celebrities, athletes, and executives have appeared in advertising and graced the covers and pages of magazines like Sports Illustrated and Forbes. Brian visited the Apple Store, SoHo to talk about his book, Secrets of Great Portrait Photography, and pu…
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