Let's Talk.

Have you left a comment on a Picks and Kicks post in the past that asked a specific question? In the past I answered comments via email or on the "questioner's" personal blog. Over the last few months, I've been answering questions via comments on the original post so that other's have access to the answers as well. I also hope to encourage more of a conversational type comment stream.

If you've asked a question and thought I blew you off. . . well think again! Go back to the original post where the question was asked, and you may just be surprised that your query has already been covered. :) If for any reason I missed it, I apologize! Comment again with a reminder and I'll get right to it! (The same goes for emails. If you haven't heard from me, please please please, send me a reminder. Because of the vast number of emails I receive daily, if I can't get to the email immediately, it's often so rapidly down the list of emails it falls off my radar).

FYI: when commenting on Pics and Kicks, and you're logged in to blogger, you'll see a box that says: "Email follow-up comments to:". If you check that box, you'll receive email updates when another comment is added to the SAME post. It's a good way to know when I've responded without having to check back until you see the response.

Dear Natalie: Gear.

Hi Natalie,

I am interested in buying my first DSLR camera. Do you have any recommendations for a beginning photographer? I don't have a ton of money to spend, so I'm trying to find something around $500.

I also would like to get a camera that has a removable lens. I'd like to try out some of the compositional tips you've been posting lately. I'd also be interested in any lens suggestions you'd have as well.

Thanks, Natalie! I hope you're having a great week!
Jesse

Well, this is SUCH a loaded question. The Canon vs. Nikon duel to the death is never ending. I own both a full Nikon set up and (as of recently) a Canon set up as well. Here are my feelings on camera selection:

You've got to begin by defining your goal as a photographer:

If you are planning on "just" being a hobbyist or even "just" moving toward semi-pro, and particularly since you said that you don't have a lot to spend, I'd point you toward Nikon. Maybe a D40. . . . HERE'S WHY: they have an 18-200mm Nikkor lens! With a range like that, particularly as a hobbyist who doesn't really plan to invest a whole lot of money into camera gear, you really can't go wrong with just the one lens. That will save you oodles down the road.

That said, if you do have even an inkling toward going pro at some point. . . I'd have to say go with Canon. . . the Rebel series is a great place to start. The reason I say this is that at this point, though I am feeling the winds of change, Canon's lens selection is just off the chart in comparison, and if you're really planning to go all the way you're going to want/need a good brotherhood of lenses to back you up and at this point, Canon's where it's at. THOUGH I WILL NEVER DENY MY NIKON HERITAGE NOR PUT IT TO SHAME! I LOVE MY NIKON!!!

ULTIMATELY:

The number one piece of advice I have when buying starter gear is this: don't worry so much about the camera body. . . invest in the glass. . . buy lenses that rock.

Hope that brief answer is helpful Jesse!
I could go on and on and on AND ON about this,
but I'm packing up for my trip to the Mainland and I'm goin' nuts.
Let me know if you have any other questions.

Happy Shopping!

xoxo,

Natalie

Dear Natalie: Composition.

Hi Natalie!

Your photos are always so beautiful. When you're doing portraits (especially family portraits & when working with children) do you suggest poses for the people you are working with? What's your secret to keeping your photos looking natural and nicely composed?

Hello Friend,

That's a great question as well as a wonderful compliment! THANKS! For the most part I try VERY hard to create natural looking images. I really strive to capture the essence of my subject. I love to capture moments. REAL MOMENTS with REAL EMOTION. That's my favorite thing about being a photographer. I also think that's what sets me apart from many other photographers out there. . . That said, I would be lying through my teeth if I didn't admit to posing pictures. PARTICULARLY for a couple/family/bride who may not be very comfortable in front of the camera. Some direction will certainly put your subject at ease.

Here's the formula. Start with some direction, like this:
Obviously they didn't just walk up to that PERFECT place all by themselves and get into that PERFECT position without a little help. . . or a lot of help . . . from me. BUT whenever I do things like this, I'm looking for something ELSE. Something OTHER THAN the pose I've created. I'm searching to find the shot within the shot. . . the shot within the contrived pose. Like THIS:

A REAL moment. Sure I encouraged it a bit, but then I stepped back and waited for the magic. I love this shot, minus the mad edge burning. . . I need to loose that. . .but I'm definitely too lazy on a Friday afternoon to mess with that.

So there's the formula with adults. Kids? TOTALLY a different story. TOTALLY.

You'll NEVER find me posing a kid. AT ALL. It would SO backfire. With kids you just stay patient and grab what you can when you can. I'll encourage them, you bet your bottom dollar. "Hey, look inside my lens and see if Tinker Bell is still in there. She came for a visit this afternoon." Or "Hold Daddy's hand, he's feeling lonely and needs some special love from you!" Or "Don't smile. . . don't you DARE smile." That's when you end up with shots like THIS:

This isn't the greatest shot ever, but this little honey's mom and dad told me that they don't have ANY pictures of her smiling. . . and well, I got like 40 . . . so something in this equation is adding up. . . and quite nicely.

Well there you have it. . . short question, LONG answer.

xoxo,

Nat

PS- Happy shooting!!!

Dear Natalie.

Read the actual Dear Natalie letter here.

Here we go!

- How and when did you get started?

When I was about 12 or 13 we went on a family vacation across the country in our motor home. My Daddy put me in charge of the photography for the trip. It was an old, crap camera. I shot roll after roll after roll of film. When I got it back from the developer. . . I felt like crying. I can still remember the physical pain in my chest over how awful the pictures were. Fast forward about 8 or 9 years. I get married and Daddy gives me a Sony Cyber-Shot 5.0 Mega Pixel camera as a wedding gift. Hoot hoot! Kids came, love for photography grew. Splurged on my first dslr, Nikon d70s, 2 years ago. I still shoot with that camera to this day. . . although my new love affair will begin in about a week when my Canon 5d arrives! I'm drooling over this camera!!

Ok, so basically I had my first professional job exactly one year ago next week! It was a wedding that a friend of mine referred to me. I was SO freaked out of my mind and SO excited all at the same time. And well, a year later, here I am. Painfully in love with my kids, my husband and my job as a photographer.

- What software do you use to post-process your photos?

Up until about a month ago the only software I used on my photos was Apple's Aperture. It's a great program! I basically just used exposure and contrast adjustments, very minor ones. . . so basically I probably could have just been using Iphoto. . . anyway, about a month ago I purchased Photoshop CS3. I figured it was time to play with the big dogs.

- Are there certain "actions" or "presets" that you use on all of your photos? {They always look so dreamy and whimsical.}

I have a few feelings about "actions." They should be used SPARINGLY. Not to say not to use them. I do, I use them. . . I've created one* that I love and use pretty regularly. The problem with actions is that they make it tempting to mask poopy work rather than enhance work that is already superior. If you're not careful, Photoshop has a tendency to make for lazy photographers. You'll find that you stop learning and pushing yourself to improve your skills because you know you can just "fix" your mistake afterwards. There's nothing WRONG with that mentality per say. . . I really do feel that a good image is a good image is a good image. PERIOD. I say that all the time. But my personal passion is for PHOTOGRAPHY not PHOTOSHOPOGRAPHY. I want to get shots that rock SOTC (straight out of the camera). I don't really enjoy ploppin' it down in front of the computer for hours editing a crappy shoot to get it up to par. But that's just me. I'm sure that there are people out there who feel the same passion for photoshop that I feel for photography and they go crazy with it and LOVE it. Cool. To each his own.

* The action that I created and use frequently was totally a fluke thing. My sister-in-law Heather was trying to explain to me how to create an action. I fiddled around with it, couldn't figure it out, so just went back to editing. . . the suddenly I realized that I was actually recording all the steps I was taking with the image I was working on. . .and before I knew it an action was born! I named her Contrast, because all she really does is slightly lighten the image, add contrast and burn the edges a bit. Small Kine. I'm planning a post entitled "All About Actions" that will go up soon, either here or on DPS. I'll give you the scoop on how to create your own actions, what's out there for purchase, and what you should keep in mind before you buy.

- How much time do you devote to editing your images? {That is so draining!}

Editing used to take me forever. . . yes VERY draining! Well it used to take me no time at all actually. . .then when I got photoshop about a month ago it started to take forever because I didn't have a darn clue what I was doing. I think I was trying to do more to images than I actually wanted to. Now that I've simplified and gotten a system down. It really isn't so bad at all. Maybe a little bit under time for time for a regular session. . . like an hour shooting a 45 min editing. . . something like that. For a wedding it totally depends on what the couple is paying me for.

- What type of PC do you use?

I'm a mac girl. A PROUD mac girl.

- What's in your bag?

For the last year I've been shooting with a Nikon D70s. My primary lens (like my 99% of the time lens) is an 18-200mm. I LOVED it to learn on. Very versatile. I also have a 105mm that is A.MAZING. I'm starting my equipment overhaul next week, so I'll do a "What's in YOUR bag Natalie Norton" as soon as the transition is complete! Stay Tuned.

- Other than your camera, what do you bring with you on your shoots?

Energy. I do my best to rise to the occasion. I'm often wrangling crazy kids at shoots. . . and I need every ounce of zest for life I can possibly find to stay on top of things. I know this may sound silly to some, but I try to remember to pray before every shoot. I take my job VERY seriously. I want to do the VERY best I can, every time. I know that I'm at my best when I ask for help from God.

Oh, and a stool, and a 5 in 1 reflector that I VERY rarely use. I don't know why I even bring it. Ha ha!

- Do you always shoot in RAW?

YES. 100% yes.

Ok one and all. . . there's the scoop. Feel free to ask follow up
questions in the comments below. I'd be glad to do a follow up post.

Happy Shooting!

xoxo,

Natalie

Dear Natalie.

Dear Natalie,

Hi. My name is Taryn Rivera and I'm a blog stalker. LOL... seriously though...I really think you should put together a FAQ section on your blog. Another idea -- I'd love to read a "What's In Your Bag?" post about Natalie Norton. Just a thought. *smile*

I know you're super busy managing your business and family... but I have a few questions regarding your photography.

- How and when did you get started?
- What software do you use to post-process your photos?
- Are there certain "actions" or "presets" that you use on all of your photos? {They always look so dreamy and whimsical.}
- How much time do you devote to editing your images? {That is so draining!}
- What type of PC do you use?
- What's in your bag?
- Other than your camera, what do you bring with you on your shoots?
- Do you always shoot in RAW?

I could keep going, but I don't think you have the time. Nor do I expect you to get to this right away. But I do hope to hear from you soon!

This post is LONG over due as I get this same
bunch of questions just about

EVERY SINGLE DAY.

Taryn, I'm off to take little people to pre-school,
but during nap time, I promise to tackle these questions
like a monkey tackles a banana. . .
yea, I didn't get much sleep last night,
sooo let's let the monkey thing slide. . .

Check back soon!

xoxo,

Natalie

Dear Natalie.

Dear Natalie,

I don't know if location makes a difference in starting up a business. . . (I live in Southern Indiana if it does matter). Is it possible to really "make it" as a photographer?

We've all had these same questions, I'm sure. Here's the 411, I'm in a podunk town on an island in the middle of the Pacific. I think I'm qualified to say that you can be successful anywhere, you just have to be committed, faithful and good hearted :).

I truly and completely believe that.

Can't wait to hear stories of your success in the future.

Happy Shooting!

xoxo,

Natalie

Dear Natalie.

Dear Natalie,

How do you juggle your job with your 3 little ones?


As it's pretty much common knowledge that I had 3 boys in 3 years (the oldest is now 4), I seem to get this question quite frequently! It's awesome to me that so many moms and dads (yup, I get this question from poppa photogs too) out there are committed to their kids and want to give them the best! Let me just begin by saying that my husband and my children come first. Period. Period. PERIOD.

Remember that every family is different and what works for us, may have to be implemented differently in another home.

• Prioritize. We sat down and made a list of our roles. What we are to and for ourselves and those around us. Then we took those and put them in a numerical list as to which truly matter the most to us in the overall scheme of things. If you choose to do this, you may find that the finished product surprises you. I was definitely surprised to find where photography actually sat when I was forced to truly balance things out. My list looks like this: wife, mom, member of my church, daughter, sister/friend, member of my community, photographer.
• We hold every decision we make on how to spend our time and energy accountable to our list of prioritized roles.
  
• The MOST IMPORTANT thing we do is set goals. So many people wonder why they don't ever get what they want in their lives. Well maybe they're never specific enough with themselves. You've got to set specific, measurable goals. Write them down. That step alone is MONUMENTAL to creating the home/life you've always dreamed of.
• We set some ground rules. Here are mine (ours):

1. Face time. When my kids are up, that's face time. That's the time that is for them to see their mommy's face, not the back of her head while she works on her computer.
2. Stick to our schedule. Early morning. That's when I edit. Generally 5am, occasionally as early as 4. Two afternoons a week, that's when I shoot. I never shoot on Mondays. That's family night. Friday is family fun day. Richie takes Friday off work. Friday night is date night. That opens up Saturdays for me to shoot weddings. These are the rules. Period. We do have a detailed schedule we stick to (which for me is insane because I am a very spontaneous person naturally). It helps us make sure that the things that matter most get the attention they deserve. I'm not posting it because it would probably bore you, but if you're interested comment below and if enough people want to see it, I'll go ahead and post it.
3. Richie's the sitter. When I shoot, he's the one home with my boys 99.9% of the time. This works for us, because my hubby is an entrepreneur. This gives us a lot more freedom than most 9-5ers. This was an important life-style decision that we made very early on in our marriage. We wanted to be able to always put family relationships first, so for us that meant dad needed to be his own boss.
   
4. Ask for help. When I first started doing more and more with my photography, I found it very difficult to make time to be wife mom, photographer and MAID! It was such a struggle, and because maid was obviously not a top priority. . .oh the filth and disorganization that ensued! Gracious me. Like everything in my life, I made this problem a matter of prayer. That's when I decided to hire someone to help out around the house. She comes a couple of times a week for a couple of hours and does light cleaning. Adrienne, I love you!! She also helps out with the kids on occasion. . . like for example that .1% of the time when I have a shoot and Richie can't be home. It was tough for me to just admit that I needed a hand. Trust me. I REALLY like feeling capable. But having help frees me up to REALLY be with my kids when I'm with them, rather than being half way with them because they're watching a movie while I run around trying to pick up the house. I've been blessed to be busy enough with photography to be able to afford some help. Oh, and sometimes it's a business expense. So I can write it off! :) LOVELY!
5. Say NO. You can't do and be everything for everyone. Measure opportunities against your list of priorities, and DON'T be afraid to say no. Don't be afraid to turn down a job if it interferes with scheduled family time. Another job (or two) will come around. I PROMISE!
6. Shoot what you love. I only shoot what I really love. I have turned down a few shoots (generally by referring them to another photographer) because they just weren't a fit for me. It's not about the money. It's about the passion. Money flows when passion is present. I really believe that.

Well, there you have it. Our system. It's nothing spectacular, and trust me, we don't have it down to a science by any stretch of the imagination. But at the end of the day, it feels good for me to know that I've done EVERYTHING I can to be true to myself and the commitments I've made to myself to honor my priorities.

Got a system that works for you? WONDERFUL!! Let me know! Comment or email me at natalienorton{at}gmail{dot}com and I'll do a post of the responses!

Dear Natalie.

Dear Natalie,

I'm just curious about lighting ... do you take special gear with you when you take photos outdoors? I live in Florida and a lot of family/friends love having their photos taken by the beach. I just have a hard time taking photos with the sun being so harsh during the day.

Frustrated in Florida,

I shoot in available light. I very very rarely even use my flash. If you're having a hard time dealing with harsh light, I'd suggest trying to step into the shade. Or shoot later in the evening (or early in the morning) when the light is slightly softer but more importantly it's warm and coming down at an angle (rather than directly overhead) so that you don't have a problem with harsh shadows under the eyes and nose.

Although I don't shoot with flash very often, there are a few flash techniques you can try if you are forced to shoot mid-day. For the sake of time and interest I'll share one here that can easily be adapted to other situations. The bottom line is, if the subject is back lit or the sun is directly over head, you're going to be forced to use fill flash. You'll need to fill in the shadows on the subject's face with the flash. To get a handle on this, you'll set your camera to automatic, that way your camera will automatically use the fill flash if you're shooting directly into the sun like that. Then you'll want to do a few test shots. I say start relatively close to the subject and fire off a shot. Because you're shooting at the beach, you'll find that the reflective power of the sun bouncing off the sand coupled with the power of the flash at this range will most likely be too much. Check the lcd to be sure your subjects aren't blown out. Take a few steps back. . . same thing. . . a few steps back and try again. You'll start to get a sense of distance required to get enough fill to get rid of shadows and not too much so as to blow out facial structure. From there you can start to play around with manual settings (and external flashes set at particular intensities) and proper exposures to get an even more impressive result. But this is a great place to start!

Good luck and Happy Shooting!!

xoxo,

Natalie

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