Detroit Riverwalk
Mexican Town
Greek Town
The DeQuindre Cut
Use A Calendar
Use a To-Do List
Schedule Posts
Do The Smaller Tasks First
Take Mini-Breaks
Get Rid of Distractions
I write a lot of posts about photography for photographers. Today, this one goes out to you clients! After all, without you all, a lot of photographers would not exist. You all are the key part to photography businesses everywhere. So while we photographers have to worry about what gear we need to use or the perfect location or how we will edit photos, you all have something else to worry about: being the best you that you can be for a shoot. I understand how difficult that can be sometimes. Everyone wants to have the best hair and clothes, look and feel amazing, and bring their best to the shoot. But how can you always do that? Bad day or not, here are some tips that will help you bring your best self to the photo session!
1. Dress for the two Cs
Comfort and Confidence. Never go to a photo shoot without one. If you are uncomfortable or not confident in yourself, this will easily translate to the camera, which can make the shoot frustrating for both the photographer and yourself. After all, you will probably hear things like, "try to loosen up a little!" or "your smile looks forced!" a million times. If you love what you are wearing and you feel like a complete badass, then this will translate to the camera and make for a happy photographer and a happier you!
2. Bring inspiration shots
I always encourage my clients to send my inspiration shots so that I can get an idea of what they want out of the session. Of course, I will use my own creativity and lead the session with that {copying photos are not good!}; however, I will always take into account the client's desires. Inspiration shots can make sure that you and your photographer are on the same page. Never be afraid to speak up - you want to love your shots.
3. Eat before a session
The worst thing for everybody is being hangry (hungry + angry) during a photo shoot. As a model, you will be cranky, less willing to cooperate (or rushing the session), or possibly sick from hungriness if you do not eat. Do not stuff yourself before a session (this can knock your confidence as well as make you feel bloated), but please please please do eat.
4. Be honest with your photographer
Speak your mind with your photographer! If you are extremely self-conscious about one side of your face, your belly, or perhaps a scar that you have on a arm, explain this before you photo shoot. Believe it or not, photographers will be more than willing to make sure that you love your photos, and will do everything to pose you to combat your problems. Keep in mind that not all photographers are willing to do extreme Photoshop on their pictures, such as getting rid of wrinkles or making some pounds disappear (I am one who will not!), so ask up-front if you have any serious questions or concerns.
5. Plan your outfit(s) in advance.
There is nothing more frustrating and stressful than waking up on the day of a a photoshoot and realizing that you cannot find that one yellow shirt that you want to wear or your daughter's jeans have a big stain on them. Sometimes families like to coordinate what they'll wear as well, and wouldn't it be something if one person cannot find their aspired clothing. Prevent the panic and stress by planning and preparing your outfit at least one week in advance!
In the summer of 2014, I was a temporary undergraduate at Stanford University for 8-weeks. I took Interpersonal Relations (Sociology), Personality Psychology, Zumba, and Asana Yoga. For all of these courses, I earned 8 college credits. That was pretty impressive to do as a rising junior in high school. Not everybody gets the opportunity to earn college credit while in high school. I wish that it would be easier (and cheaper), but alas, it's not. But do not get disappointed if you haven't yet: it's one-hundred percent possible to do. My family could not afford to pay my summer college tuition, but I found a way to still go. Today, I am going to tell you how you can earn college credit (for cheap or free) while you are still in high school.
My Story
Do Your Research
Find Out Your Money Situation
Apply for the Program's Financial Aid
Dual Enrollment
1. Compare All of Your Books
- Websites such as slugbooks.com, textsurf.com, chegg.com, and ecampus.com are great websites to compare books. The former two are literal comparison sites, which means that you are able to type in an ISBN (or multiple) and it'll compile all the competing sites into one chart for you. Ecampus allows you to compare manually by typing in the book name, author's name, or ISBN.
- When you compare, use the exact ISBN of the textbook that your university gave to you. You do not want to risk getting the wrong book simply because you ordered it elsewhere. There are sometimes multiple editions and various versions. If you do find a cheaper textbook that is a different version but is cheaper than the others, e-mail your professor to see if it is okay.
- Always pay attention to which price you are looking at - rent, buy, or used. The comparison sites will normally provide all that they can.
- If a book is required new, you can still buy it elsewhere; HOWEVER, if a code a part of a textbook purchase, I recommend buying it from your university because you do not want to risk purchasing a used textbook and code and the code does not function or does not come all together. (This tip came from my advisor.)
2. Rent
I only rented one of my textbooks this semester, but that was because I did not want to pay over $100 for a book that could be rented for less than $35. (I actually rented it for $26, but with S&H and tax, it ended up around $32.) Nothing is wrong with renting. It is just like checking out a book at the library. It's really simple and can save you a bunch of cash!
- Always keep up with the due date. You never want to miss a due date for a rental, just like you would not want to miss your due date at the library. Add the return date to your calendar
- Most rentals can be kept for a trimester, semester, and sometimes an entire year. When you rent a book, they will always give you the return date (and if not exact, an estimate). Sometimes their semester is not equivalent to your university's semester, though, and if this is the case...
- Feel free to extend your rental! Sometimes there is a fee, but most times, you are free to do this at no cost. I will have to do this for my rented book because it's return date is the 14th of December, but my semester isn't over until the 16th, and I am not sure when my final is.
- Some rental places even allow renters to write/highlight in books. Cool, right?
3. Buy Used - It's Really No Big Deal
I am not too sure why some people are so against buying used. Used saves lives and pockets and wallets. I bought the majority of my books used. I mean, what are the odds that you are going to need or want to keep the book after the course ends? Slim to none! Certain books are recommended to keep (major-specific courses, but that's normally towards your third and fourth and sometimes fifth year).
- "I need to write in my book, so I have to buy my own." Well, feel free to do that if you absolutely must. I understand that sometimes there is no way around it, like if it is a hands-on textbook; however, here's a little spoiler: some rentals/used books already have highlights and maybe some notes in them. (This is because people sell their books at the end!) Feel free to take your own, but don't be super obnoxious about it (as most people aren't).
- "I do not want marks in my book!" Honestly, there will be used books that nobody has ever written in. Not all of them have highlights or notes or doodles. If you happen to receive one that is written in, ask the bookstore or wherever you purchase your textbooks from if they have another one with fewer markings. It can actually work. (Personal experience over here, y'all!)
4. Sell It Back
Once again - the majority of your courses will be a one-time deal and you will not need your textbooks anymore. Sell them back once you are finished! A quick tip is to sell it yourself to someone who may need it because you will almost, guaranteed, get a higher percentage back than if you were to sell it back to the bookstore. A returned $100 book could be bought back from the bookstore for $20, unfortunately. A this is typically non-negotiable.
- Try websites such as ebay.com, ecampus.com, bookbyte.com, chegg.com, and even barnesandnobles.com to sell your books!
- I recommend checking out what the going rate for the book is and price accordingly so that you can be competitive and have a higher rate of selling.
- Actually talk to future students who may be taking the course. A lot of students are looking for a nice break (which is practically anything cheaper than the given price by universities).
Photographing people and animals are two different ballgames. Not similar at all. Well, let me not completely cross out similarities. It's just that animals can be extremely difficult to take pictures of. Even children are easier to photograph (unless, of course, they get distracted easily; then they are just as difficult as animals). Nevertheless, I love the challenge of getting that photo. If you are willing to be patient and practice, photographing animals (pets, in particular) is extremely rewarding. In this article, I want to share with you all some tips for photographing your feline friends. I'll touch on photographing canines and wildlife in a separate post.
Cats are unique creatures. They seem to defy the laws of gravity; they are extremely stubborn and seemingly enjoy ignoring their humans (and making sure the humans know that they are being ignored); they also sleep a heck of a lot. But they are also unique in terms of looks and personality. Because of these of this, you need to prepare to photograph them. Here are some tips below that I've found works well for me:
Cats are unique creatures. They seem to defy the laws of gravity; they are extremely stubborn and seemingly enjoy ignoring their humans (and making sure the humans know that they are being ignored); they also sleep a heck of a lot. But they are also unique in terms of looks and personality. Because of these of this, you need to prepare to photograph them. Here are some tips below that I've found works well for me:
1. Do not pose, pose, pose.
This is mostly because the cat won't let you. At all. So if you had any sort of idea about posing the cat you are seeking to photograph, get it out of your head. Cats tend to do the opposite of what we want, so if you try to pose them, they will get up and run around. Or simply away from you. The only time you should pose is if its human is holding him/her. Then, feel free to.
2. Have a box or a play area for them to crawl/hide in/behind.
You want the cat's personality to shine through, and that normally happens when they have toys to play with. What the cat might do is never for-sure, so you have to be prepared for everything. My cat, in particular, loves to run and drag balloons behind him, but he also enjoys crawling into his mini roll-around thing. You can get them active or away. And when you disturb their "away" place, you'll get interesting stares.
3. Have places/things that the cat can peek behind.
I love photos of cats peeking behind walls, blankets, or purses. Check out some of my favorites here. And if you are lucky enough (or simply learn how to play their game), you will be able to get photos of them pouncing out at you after. My cat loves to do that!
4. Have something noisy or with a unique sound to catch their attention.
If the cat is distracted, the best way to get its attention is to make some noise. I can easily distract my cat with a bag of treats {but don't tease!} or scratching my jacket. Figure out what that cat is tempted by and use it to your advantage! Do not tease the cat though, that is really important.
5. Be quick!
Cats, once again, I stress, get distracted very easily. They do not want to please the human. Unlike their canine counterparts, cats think that humans are there for them. Do not get me wrong, I love felines. I have one of my own. All I am saying is that they are extremely spoiled! To them, it's their way or the highway. So be very quick or else you might miss that good shot.
6. Be prepared to move.
If your cat is not sleeping, then they are most likely moving. And if they are moving, woah buddy, it will be hard to stop them. If you are familiar with cats, then you know how sporadic their energy bubbles can be. So be prepared to be a "stalker" or "paparazzi" for the session.
7. Get down.
Photographing a cat at its level gives you much better photos. The cat does not look dwarfed out; they will look their actual size. Or, if you can, get below eye-level with the cat. My cat has a playscape, so when he is on that, I try to snap photos above, which makes him look larger.
8. Do not use flash, if you can help it.
Try to photograph in natural light. That is your best friend, in all types of photography. Typically, when you photograph indoors, your ISO is super high. Natural light will help combat that! Make use of what you have and seriously try to avoid flash.
