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Category Archives: Photography

This category gives as much useful information I can provide on ways to make yourself a better photographer, how to see things different, and how to improve your style as a photographer.

13 Reasons why I’ve stopped referring work to specific photographers

First and foremost, I want to say that I’m no saint.  I’m guilty of a lot of the characteristics I’ve listed below, and this post is partly to share my lessons so that you can learn from my mistakes. The other part is to help you stop acting like a dumbass.   ////////   So…

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Lauren - GREAT post, Tim! “Make it easy as possible for me” is the part that gets me when I’ve hired 2nd shooters. If you’re running late, otherwise stressing me out, or just getting in my way, that’s it. No more chances. The other points are definitely valid but this is the one that’s a deal breaker for me.March 21, 2013 – 6:14 am

Joe McDonald - Good info Tim, might be fun to deliver as a video with graphs, & pics.March 20, 2013 – 10:22 pm

Tim - All – thank you so much for the support! It means a lot coming from so many well respected peers in the industry.

Mandy – when you show up for work, your attire is apparent to EVERYONE sees and makes an assessment on your presentation/appearance. I don’t write on my blog to please clients or try to gain new business – it’s really just an outlet for me to share my life experiences and help others that want the same. I’m sorry you feel my grammar makes such an impression, but I do hope you realize that being proper, being the best, or being the most liked isn’t what always results in the one who gets the business. I do thank you for taking the time to circle back and vent your frustration – it means a lot to me.March 20, 2013 – 2:30 pm

Brett - Well said Tim. Content is spot on and I think it will help a lot of photographers – new and seasoned – take a look in the mirror and become better at what they do. Thanks for writing this great post!March 20, 2013 – 12:23 pm

Mandy - So if you don’t dress “professional” then you’re out.

But I guess if you don’t talk or write “professional” then it’s ok because you’re an artist?

What a load of hypocritical BS to excuse sloppy writing and poor grammar.March 20, 2013 – 11:41 am

jeremy - Photography is such an ecoteric field, a layman rarely gets a glipmses to read it. Thanks for yet again, an insightful and interesting read. Keep ‘em coming. “Especially the bad breath party is so common in clubs” Slay the dragon-breather. Makes a HUGE difference at work.March 19, 2013 – 11:04 pm

Candice Benjamin - Another reason why you are awesome. Thank you for keeping it real. :)March 19, 2013 – 10:39 pm

Tim - Thanks Michelle! And as a matter of fact, I’m planning a couple additional posts on second shooting – one to explain the value to brides and one to talk about what I particularly look for in a 2nd shooter/assistant. (I’m actually considering bringing on 3rd shooters as well)March 19, 2013 – 6:29 pm

Michelle - I may be alone in this, but I like grammar errors. It is proof that you are human. One of the most intelligent men in my life is horrible when it comes to spelling and grammar and I still think he is one of the smartest men on this planet.

I think your points are SPOT on. Your referrals ARE an extension of your brand. I would also love to see a similar post where you expand on second shooting :)March 19, 2013 – 6:24 pm

Jen Jar - Tim, EXCELLENT post! It’s a sad truth, but in our industry there are SO many photographers who can’t control their own egos. They all need to read this and hopefully gain a new perspective :)March 19, 2013 – 5:12 pm

Rich - Hey Mandy,
Lighten up! It’s a blog, not the Wall Street Journal! He says right there at the top, first line in fact, he’s not a saint.

Get over the grammar and take in the message.

Great post Tim!March 19, 2013 – 4:23 pm

Tim - And come to think of it, I think it actually *is* proper grammar. “Personal” categorizes between objective/personal and “professional” refers to attire – professional/casual/etc. While they both work with the “LY” at the end, they function the same without.March 19, 2013 – 4:10 pm

Tim - Mandy, thanks for the comment! I appreciate the time and effort you put in to correct me. And while it may not be completely proper grammar, I actually don’t really think it’s completely necessary to be the best writer to be successful at what I do. I capitalize entire words – which isn’t proper either, but it makes the point. And that’s what’s most important to me.

I wasn’t the top of my class in English lit, but I have been pretty successful in my business and what works/what doesn’t. So in that sense, I feel comfortable talking about my personal/professional experience with others in the past, and point out what habits may be causing others to miss out on work.

I’m not trying to attack you, but clarify where I’m coming from. Hope it comes across the right way.March 19, 2013 – 3:59 pm

Mandy - Someone who is complaining about how others present themselves should really look at their own presentation.

People dress professionalLY
People take things personalLY

Both of those are adverbs. Adverbs modify verbs and end in -ly.

Please learn proper grammar and writing before you criticize others for how they present themselves. Your writing sounds ignorant and uneducated and it doesn’t leave you a lot of room to talk about others.March 19, 2013 – 3:52 pm

Shooting Star Silhouettes Workshop at WPPI

Tired of boring seminars and listening to ideas you never put to use? I took it upon myself to make my own mini-workshop for those adventurous photographers out there that want to bring back some amazing imagery, and some wicked new skills.

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Cindy - dang i totally missed out! Not that I was going to go to WPPI….if you have a workshop like this at at dessert in San Diego, I’ll sign up!March 20, 2013 – 12:30 pm

7 ways to break plateaus and grow as a photographer

After a long period of time feeling stagnant about my work, I’ve come across some great techniques to help get past plateaus and help improve my skills as a photographer. Today, I’m sharing with you what worked the best!

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Phil - Thoroughly enjoyed the post. I have taken workshops with one of the Photographers I look up to, I have a few more I would like to spend a couple of hours with. I have tried the “sticking with one lens for an extended period”, it was very helpful as I wasn’t to happy with my Primes after I got the first one. I shoot primarily Sports, but would love to be able to learn more in the portrait style shoot. I guess I’ll be dragging my Petri 35mm back out now!December 30, 2012 – 1:14 pm

Mark Gonzales - Great write-up Tim! I hope to work with you again in 2013! Stay up buddy.December 30, 2012 – 1:03 pm

Getting your “vlogging” gear set up!

The most creative gear review you will ever watch from tim king on Vimeo. I figured it would make a good resource to be able to have a side-by-side comparison of the different options for video blogging, as well as some recommendations for some specialty-type effects that can add value and distinguish your blog as…

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mattyv - dude….this had me crackin up! by far the best tutorial on vlogging ever.January 12, 2013 – 9:36 pm

Daryl Auclair - Exceptional post Tim. The video was very creative and helpful. My company has many clients who are looking for cost effective ways to setup their video blogging rig. I will have to send them to this post for a quick glance at all their options.

Thanks!May 29, 2012 – 1:06 pm

Tim - @Ryan – The 10-20 is great, but it’s tricky with low light on its own without a flash. Works really well for traveling stuff though – I had that lens for about a year when I first started.April 4, 2012 – 8:23 pm

Ryan Lum - Props to the article Tim. Great breakdown. Definitely am looking into the Sigma 30mm 1.4. What about the Sigma 10-20mm f4-5.6? Needing something to offset the crop.April 4, 2012 – 5:59 pm

Fluxx Nightclub Halloween + Off-camera Flash (PG-13)

[Warning - this post may be considered 'not safe for work', as there are photos of men & women scantily clad] Now that THAT’S out of the way, let’s get on with the fun, shall we? This past Halloween, I was brought in to cover Fluxx Nightclub‘s annual “Fetish” themed Halloween event.  While originally hired…

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Josh Daniels - Really impressive stuff man! Your use of the flash & ambient light makes this event look like it was actually a photo shoot, like it was studio lighting. Really cool to see this kind of effect, haven’t seen anyone do anything like this in nightlife before. Keep up the great work!December 20, 2011 – 11:22 am

Natasha - Love that 1st shot of the empty clubDecember 20, 2011 – 10:25 am

Cody Rickert - Great work! 24 and 26 with the purple laser lights coming around them blows my mind with the composition of those lights.December 20, 2011 – 9:51 am

Emi Bloom - really neat photos, love too short . N e ways were you using the flash as a just a fill e mail me pleaseDecember 20, 2011 – 9:31 am