Autumn Theodore Photography

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  • PORTFOLIO
    • Brand Photography
    • Portrait Photography
    • Product Photography
    • Event Photography
  • BLOGS
    • Focus Friday
    • Processed
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT

Focus Friday

BLOG + VLOG of AUTUMN THEODORE PHOTOGRAPHY

I'm teaching an online course soon!

11/22/2019

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Recently, one of my clients asked me to collaborate with her on a pet project of her own. It turned out, she wanted to hire me as a guest instructor as part of a series of business courses offered online for small business owners looking to beef up their business knowledge.

When I checked out the project, I realized just how great it really is.

It's called The Ladyboss Nation, and it's something that is sorely needed among small business owners like photographers and other creative outlets.

​You know how it is, we start our business to do what we love, but we may not know the first thing about the admin or behind-the-scenes work it takes to grow our business into a real living. 
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Liz London (photo by me!)

​Anyway, Liz ended up hiring me to offer a course in DIY product photography for start-ups trying to save a penny or in between photo shoots with a pro. It was too fun to be work, but either way I'm honored to be a part of the first year of this online academy for ladybosses.  I hope you'll take a peek at The Ladyboss Nation's Membership Academy - you can see the full schedule of coursework, including mine, right there on the website. It also includes group business coaching with Liz London, who is a certified business coach and the author of The Business Bible for the Unconventional Entrepreneur.
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One small reason of why you should become a member: my class includes a bonus of me giving feedback to members on photo skills learned from my lecture. :)

Happy Friday!
​Autumn
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How to spend less time editing photos

11/8/2019

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This video is for people who are new to photography and feel like it takes an overwhelming amount of time to edit photos. Or maybe it's for people who aren't newbies, but feel like they want to know how to reduce post-processing time.

Don't forget to check out my video about how I edit in Lightroom!

Happy Friday!
​Autumn
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How to avoid blurry photos

8/30/2019

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An image is blurry. But you were trying to hold the camera so still. Why? WHYYYYYYY? Let me help!

​Happy Friday!
Autumn
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Let's talk about photobombs

8/19/2019

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Photobomb, n. photograph that has been spoiled by the unexpected appearance of an unintended subject in the camera's field of view as the picture was taken.

Everyone knows what it is. So many of us have done it. Here's how a professional photographer feels when it's done...
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Admittedly, it can be funny, but only about 1% of the time. The other 99% of the time, it's so frustrating.

Here's a perfect example. One of my largest clients is OSU. At an event recently - where they pay me good money for great photos - an older gentleman photobombed at least 5 of my images at a professional event. And RUINED them for my client.

So next time you're considering photobombing, think about the person whose money and time you're wasting, and consider what it would be like to have someone show up to your office and "accidentally" delete that presentation you've been working on for hours.

Happy Friday!
Autumn

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If you think hiring a professional is expensive, try hiring an amateur

6/27/2019

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Hiring an amateur is sometimes a great choice since you need to save money and they need more experience. Your project might not have the budget for a professional, so you consider your options.

And there's nothing wrong with it at all - and it's how everyone starts out their new career path, including me - I was an amateur photographer for 4 1/2 years prior to being self-employed!

However, there are some additional expenses that come with hiring an amateur that you may not have considered.
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Here are three reasons to consider whether to hire a professional or amateur:
  1. You may have to schedule a re-do (either with the amateur, or with a professional).
  2. Amateurs may not yet have good communication or organization skills, therefore lengthening the process.
  3. More creative direction might be needed by amateurs

The lesson: hiring an amateur costs you not only money, but time. Two very important commodities in life are time and money - which one do you want to save?

Happy Friday!
​Autumn
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Why your headshot should be on your website

6/14/2019

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Such a simple concept! (And no, I'm not trying to sell my services. I'm educating!)

"I hate having my photo taken."
So do I.

"I don't want my picture to be the "face" of my brand."
It doesn't have to be, but you also shouldn't really be hiding your face, especially as the owner of a small business.

"No one want's to see my face."
Yes, they actually do. If someone is about to meet with you in person for the first time, knowing what you look like will prepare them to find you in a coffee shop, AND set them at ease that your'e a real, live human being.

Happy Friday!
​Autumn
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Instagram profile tips for businesses

5/24/2019

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You know I can talk to you all day long about how to get better photos - but did you know I also do some consulting for web design, user experience, and social media management?

I've been seeing some troubling things about many businesses' Instagram profiles recently that 1) have nothing to do with photography and 2) are SO EASY to fix.
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Problem 1: your business Instagram doesn't have a business account
What?! Why? This unlocks your ability to display more info about your business as well as view analytics.

Problem 2: you aren't giving users easy ways to contact you
Like I said, switch to a business account so that you can create quick links for users to call, email, or get directions to your business. (How to switch? Google it. Details are everywhere.)

Problem 3: (this one drives me crazy) your brick and mortar's address isn't listed
I came to your Instagram, loved your brand, saw the great photos, and want to visit your physical location to eat/buy/do/see all the things...why isn't your address listed? I don't want to have to now go to another webpage or app to Google your business name and try to find your address. MAKE IT EASY FOR YOUR WANNABE CLIENTS. You do want their money, right?

Problem 4: your bio doesn't talk about what you do or who you are
One time I went to a really cool instagram with gorgeous images of people inside homes - I couldn't tell if it was a travel magazine, a clothing retailer, or a lifestyle blogger. Since I didn't want to spend the time doing my research, I kept scrolling. If you want people to connect and engage with you on social media, be clear about who you are and what you do.

Problem 5: you want to link to your website but also share another link (for an ad, a special product, an event ticket link, etc.) but don't want to replace your website link
Try something like linktr.ee to post several links from your profile page.

As always, I hope this is helpful!

Happy Friday!
Autumn
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What is my photography "style?"

5/10/2019

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You see a photographer's work and immediately want to hire them. Why? Because you like their style! 

My style is very specific: I shoot things/people/events the way our eyes see them in the moment. You could almost call this photojournalistic since I like to focus on color, contrast, motion, and candids as much as  possible.
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For example, the photo above is from spring commencement at The Ohio State University. The color, contrast, motion, and candid nature are are all what I was seeing with my eyes - so I captured it in that style. 

Sometimes you know your own style and are looking for a photographer to fit it, which can be difficult for both parties. The dream photographer/client relationship is when everyone is looking for the same thing - which makes it easy to create and deliver!

​If you're ever looking for a different style than mine, I might refer you to another photographer! It wouldn't hurt me at all - I just like to help match people with options that would give them exactly what they need!

Leave a comment about  what types of photography styles you like! I'd love to know.

Happy Friday!

Autumn
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What's a speedlight vs. a strobe?

5/3/2019

2 Comments

 
Ever wonder what the difference is between a speedlight and a strobe? Each is a type of flash that could be used for various purposes. A tiny intro is featured on today's PhotoVlog!

​As always, if you have any questions, feel free to comment below or shoot me an email!

Happy Friday!
​Autumn
2 Comments

How to use gels for creative photography

4/5/2019

1 Comment

 
Gels are used with flash to add color to photos - think of it like a filter. Today, I'll explain how simple it is to start getting creative with color!
Links, as promised!
  • Large gels
  • MagMod gels (used with MagGrip)
  • Gel swatches

(If you're just getting started with flash, check out this video first.)
Happy Friday!
Autumn
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