Posts Tagged Annapolis
Self Published Portfolios
Posted by Mark Duehmig in Everything on August 13th, 2009
This entry could be called “Printed Portfoilos,” “Self-Published Albums,” or even “How to say thank you for a vacation.”
I’m referring to the many options you have to get a high quality printed book done at a reasonable price. Short run or even single run printings of books. This can be an incredible tool for photographers.
This is the latest version of my portfolio. Email me or call me for a copy.
The first I saw of this service was an imbedded feature in Apple’s very cool iPhoto image management/storage software. Right from within iPhoto you can take your photos and lay them out using templates and hit an order button.
Soon came other book options and, I say this as a dedicated Mac user, they surpassed the quality and features of the books you can buy on iPhoto or the pro-level application Aperture.
Different websites offer different types of books. For example Blurb.com offers both hardback and soft back bound books while viovio.com primarily offers spiral-bound books.
I’ve used or played with several different company’s book printing options. I call them options because some are software programs (free) that you download, some require you to lay out the book in programs like Adobe InDesign or Microsoft
My first version of a printed portfolio. I've learned a few things since this version.
Publisher just using templates they provide. There are pros and cons to each option, but I have to say my preference is toward Blurb.com. The books are of excellent quality, with options like glossy dust jackets that look incredible. They also provide a layout program that allows you tons of flexibility in how the book is latex out. (Version 3 is a huge jump over previous versions, if you’ve tried it before.)
Another plus that Blurb.com offers is their on-line presence. They are gathering a following that communicates through their “Blurberati” web community. (http://blog.blurb.com)
They will also help you sell your books if you want. You can offer your books for sale through their website and you set the price, and determine your profit margin. Imagine providing a coffee table book to the Bride of her wedding photos as a bonus (it costs you about $30-40 depending on size) and she is thrilled. But then her family, wedding party and friends can buy copies too directly from the Blurb website with out you having to pre-order any. And you make a little on the books too.
The book I did for my crew when we sailed the Annapolis to Newport Race a few years ago. This image was taken by local photographer Don Dement, but is one of the best I've seen. (It's hard to take photos of your own boat when you're always aboard.)
I’ve published about 12-15 books so far. A few have been for vacations (I gave my crew a book on a sailing trip we took down the Chesapeake Bay and up the coast. I’m working on another for the Bermuda Ocean Race from last year where we won first place in our division.)
I’m also on the second version of my portfolio. If you’ve been to my website, www.MarkDuehmig.com, you’ve seen all the photos that are in my printed portfolio. But, when I’m speaking with a client, it isn’t good to end our conversation with “great to talk with you, now don’t forget to visit my website.” With a printed portfolio I can show them photos on the spot and leave them with a high-quality reminder of my product.
The 80-page, 10×12 soft cover book I order costs me about $27 each. I pay a few dollars extra when I order them to replace the Blurb logo with my logo. But maybe you could get by with a 40 page version and a smaller size? That lowers your costs dramatically.
A good friend of mine is an extremely skilled cabinet-maker here in Annapolis and the subject of a previous blog entry. (Justin de Gast, www.AnnapolisFineWoodworking.com) He is planning to publish a small book with photos (many are mine) of his work for the same reason I am. It is his portfolio.
Just think: being able to provide a client with a nicely published book is a heck of a lot more fancy than just handing him or her a CD full of images. Just make sure you build in money for this into your quote. Especially the first time until you learn the time commitment on doing the layout well. I’ve spent quite a few hours on my portfolio, getting the right photos in the right order, etc. Nothing good in life is free.
All for now. I need to get back to work and so do you. One last thought about these books though; no matter how much time you spend proofing the books, order only one on your first order. You WILL find errors, or at least stuff you want to fix when you have the hard copy on your hands.
Keep shooting,
Mark
www.MarkDuehmig.com
My phone has been ringing…
Posted by Mark Duehmig in Everything on July 20th, 2009
I knew there would be times when keeping the blog up would be a challenge and this is the first time I’ve really been unable to even make notes on my iPhone during a slow period. It has been crazy. My phone has been ringing off the hook.
Has the world suddenly decided I am an incredible photographer? Not likely. Instead, Google had decided my place in this universe does warrant a higher ranking, and the results have been immediate. I have asked callers and emailers where they found me. The answer is usually Google.
This blog is no small part. Google keeps track of traffic between websites and apparently my readers, (both of you 
) have been visiting my website. AND you have been talking about it. Thank you.
If you feel like it, since you have probably gone through my portfolio at www.MarkDuehmig.com if you are reading this blog, consider reviewing me on Google. If you search for Annapolis Photographer, my listing should show up in the top ten in the business directory. Click on “Local business results for photographer near Annapolis, MD” and you’ll see an option to write a review. (Actually, the underscored part above is a link. It will take you right to the business results.) Thank you in advance if you choose to do this. Being busy is good!
Ok, I’ll write more soon. But I’ve got two more days of shooting before I rest. One of the days is a project I look forward to telling you about. Oh! and I just did a first printing of my paper portfolio at Blurb.com. I’ll tell you about that too. Very cool stuff. Next post….
Good night.
Mark
www.MarkDuehmig.com
PS - Welcome back Steve. I look forward to seeing your shots.
An Annapolis Artisan - Justin de Gast
Posted by Mark Duehmig in Everything on June 17th, 2009
Every once in a while I’ll sway away from the wonder of photography to go on a side subject. A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to shoot some interior shots for a local cabinet maker. Justin de Gast has been crafting wood for a lot of years and when I had the chance to see his work in person, I was amazed.
Justin de Gast did all of the panel work and joinery for this staircase and hallway. Even though I had two soft box lights with me, I ended up using natural light and a long exposure to bring out the warmth of this space.
He’s one of those people you find who really really cares that you’ll be happy with his work. And that showed when he asked his customers if it would be alright if he and a photographer could come into their homes to take pictures of his work, they were eager to help him.
Jusin did the bookcases which are part of this huge entertainment center. (I don't think he did the bowl.)
Now I benefited from this experience too. A few of the photos I took while with him ended up in the portfolio section of my website. But he made it easy. When you’re shooting beautiful things, the beauty comes through.
Justin de Gast outside of his cabinetmaker's shop. A traditional man and a true craftsman.
Enough of me pitching Justin’s work. But, when you come across something amazing, you want to talk about it. You can learn more about Justin de Gast and see some (really great ) photos at his website; www.AnnapolisFineWoodworking.com
Keep shooting,
Mark
www.MarkDuehmig.com
Photos of Annapolis to Newport Race finally in Gallery
Posted by Mark Duehmig in Everything on June 14th, 2009
Well that took a while. But all 430 (or so) images are up in the Galley section of my website.
Bright spinnakers on a rainy day as the fleet departs for Newport.
Go to www.MarkDuehmig.com, click on Galleries and you’ll see one listed as Annapolis to Newport Race 2009.
A boat races down the Bay, stowing sails that won't be used until they hit the Atlantic. The foul weather gear hid faces in so many shots, removing the all-important human element.
There are a lot more photos than I’d normally put in any gallery. You’ll see three or four (sometimes more) of nearly the same shot and I HATE doing that. But I’m going to let the race organizers know they are there so maybe people will pick and choose the ones they like. I’m not going to charge for this shoot since I didn’t make a real effort to get every boat.
The Cal 36 Diamond in the Rough prepares to start for Newport.
Here are a few of the photos I thought were a representative mix of photos. If you like these, paw through the whole set on my portfolio page and I’d love to know what you think.
Thanks,
Mark
Dawn Treader jockeys for position at the start.
The maxi racer Rambler spreads her huge wings as she heads down the Bay. Rambler was the first to cross the finish line but did not set a course record. Notice the vignetting on the photo. My 70-200 2.8 sometimes does this when the light is right and I usually correct for it. This time I thought it added concentration to the image so I left it.
My gear packed in a Pelican waterproof case, we race out to the starting line. It was really hard to keep gear dry, so you did what you could.
Another photo from the race
Posted by Mark Duehmig in Everything on June 9th, 2009
I didn’t plan to piece-meal out the photos from the race. Just a busier conference than I expected.
Two boats race to catch the class that started before them on the Annapolis to Newport Race.
Here is another quick grab from the photos. Two bright colorful spinnakers on a sea of gray, rainy weather. I’m glad there were more boats on the horizon to give the photo depth, but the fog keeps attention on the boats in the foreground. As always, feedback and critiques of the images are appreciated.
One other tool I forgot to mention. I grabbed a cotton t-shirt before I ran out the door to shoot the race. Every time I raised my camera to get a shot, the lens got spots. Water was dripping off the small cabin top, blowing in the wind and generally everywhere. A big soft piece of cotton allowed me to do a quick wipe between the shots. Much better than a non absorbent lens cloth. (And never use paper products like kleenex or paper towels.)
Ok, back to work.
Mark
www.MarkDuehmig.com
First photo from Annapolis to Newport 09
Posted by Mark Duehmig in Everything on June 8th, 2009
Well this has taken a while. When we returned from shooting the race start last Friday, I opened the door to a ringing phone. I transfered my images while I put out fires and ended up packing for a trip instead of culling through them.
The bowman checks the spinnaker at the start of the race from Annapolis to Newport.
I did manage to copy a set onto a small hard drive before I headed out the door for a few days. So as I get a few minutes I’ll dig through them and post them up here. Eventually I’ll create a gallery on www.markduehmig.com but I’ll wait until I get back to my office and my color-corrected monitors.
The weather that day could result in really powerful images or rather dull colors with poor contrast. And I got both. I chose to shoot slightly underexposed (.7 f/stop under) so that the bright grey skies wouldn’t fool my light meter. I don’t think that was necessary not that I’ve glanced at some of my images, but better to be under exposed than over exposed.
My hopes of getting some good crew shots were frustrated by everyone wearing hoods, hiding their faces and thus their expressions. Rotten.
I shot about 450 images and I think around 40 are worth something. Maybe two or three will make it into my portfolio. When I was shooting film, if i got one really good picture out of a roll, I was thrilled. I guess that is about the same, just the rolls are bigger.
So here is my first shot posted. More to follow.
Mark
www.MarkDuehmig.com
Got it covered…
Posted by Mark Duehmig in Everything on May 31st, 2009
I am honored to announce that one of my photos is gracing the cover of one of my favorite magazines, Spinsheet.
I’ve written in this space before that I am a real fan of this magazine. It maintains a true Corinthian spirit to taking to the water. Everyone belongs on the Chesapeake Bay and this magazine celebrates that. And I’m proud to be part of it.
Cover of Spinsheet Magazine
I did some traveling this month so I didn’t get to haunt the boat yards and docks like I wanted, looking for photos of opportunity. But one Sunday morning my daughter and I had gone out for a drive and she fell asleep in the back. As we crossed the Eastport drawbridge I saw a line of boats tied up and a sole figure working on them in the rain. I circled back and had a look.
The boats are part of the CRAB fleet. That’s Chesapeake Regional Accessible Boating. This wonderful organization has boats equipped to make sailing possible or easier for people with disabilities. Again, helping get everyone out on the water.
I had my cameras with me* and I stepped out into the rain and shot off a handful of photos. My gear was getting wet, but then again, taking pictures is why I have it. And both the gear and me would dry.
There are a handful of elements that make this photo work. I wanted a short focus so I dialed the aperture to the max opening of 2.8 on my Nikon 70-200 lens. There was too much busyness on the other side of the creek that would distract from the foreground subjects. There is also an interesting reflection on the wet docks. But I think the boat’s name, Steamed, next to the CRAB logo was also an important draw.
So, I’ll thumbtack this up on my wall of my studio and smile when I look at it. It means a lot more than some anonymous magazine I don’t care about. I’m still waiting for that National Geographic assignment, but until then, I’ll try for next month’s Spinsheet cover…
Mark
www.MarkDuehmig.com
*You should always have a camera with you. (http://blog.markduehmig.com/index.php/archives/55)
The benefits of keeping your camera with you
Posted by Mark Duehmig in Everything, Focus on May 18th, 2009
I’ve mentioned before that a camera doesn’t do any good sitting in the camera bag, sitting at home. I try to carry my camera all the time, and when that isn’t possible, I’ve got a small Sony point-and-shoot that I’ll stick in my pocket.
Last week I was able to pull over to the side of the road, on a bridge, and get a few shots of a schooner sailing by.
The schooner Woodwind sails by under the Severn River bridge last week.
The bow of the schooner Woodwind cleanly cuts the water of the Severn River.
But I wouldn’t have anything but regrets if I’d seen the boat and I just had to watch it go by.
Mark
www.MarkDuehmig.com
A Classic Cartoonist
Posted by Mark Duehmig in Everything, Focus on May 14th, 2009
I’m not afraid to tell people about something good I’ve found if I think they’ll benefit from it. It doesn’t matter what it is. Even an artist.
A few months ago I got the chance to help cartoonist Jim Hunt pull some video off a DVD and quickly learned he is a good guy. The video was of a Boston Red Sox game where some of his drawings of players were shown on TV. (Don’t ask me, some people just like the Red Sox. He’s still a good guy.) And later he had some video of himself sitting in the stands, a few feet behind home plate, holding the radar guy that measures the ball speed for the TV stats. Obviously a friend of the team.
Through all this I got to see his cartoons. He isn’t just the guy who did the menus at my favorite restaurant here in Annapolis, he does all sorts of creative stuff. I strongly recommend you check out his website and see for yourself. You will probably even recognize his hand from editorial cartoons, town maps, book illustrations, logos… you get the point.
http://www.acartoonist.com/
This isn’t an advertisement. It is a recommendation. I haven’t stooped to advertisements yet.
You won’t be disappointed.
Mark
www.MarkDuehmig.com
Which camera is best for you?
Posted by Mark Duehmig in Everything, Focus on May 8th, 2009
I’ll say right up front that I can’t tell you the answer to this question, but, I can give you some directions to look.
Point and Shoot vs. a Digital-SLR
Let’s do a big separation here. Do you just want good pictures of the family? Something to grab those irresistible looks on your daughter’s face? Don’t know or care about f-stops? My friend, YOU are a candidate for any of the many excellent point and shoot cameras out there. And the good thing here is that they all take EXCELLENT photos. The only things to consider are features. But that is another post.
Or, did you have a film SLR and loved taking photos a few years ago but never made the leap to digital? You loved your Tri-X black and white film and remember the good old days when you took that dark room class in college. (Oh, the nasty chemicals we used to just pour down the drain!) You have an interest in taking photography to the next level? Being more creative? Then maybe a D-SLR is for you.
(One other note, these two cameras are not mutually exclusive. I have a LOT of camera gear. But I just bought a little point and shoot from Canon and I love it. Why? A few weeks ago my 10-month-old daughter was in a pink dress and the cat walked into the room. She lit up with a wonderful smile and all my camera gear was packed safely away in camera bags elsewhere. So I pulled out my iPhone and took a picture that is now my wife’s favorite. It is a grainy, 1 megapixel image that I can’t look at without wishing I had taken it with a camera instead of a phone. So now I always have a camera with me.)
Leaning toward a D-SLR
Ok, so you want to make the jump to a digital single lens reflex camera (D-SLR.) Here is the good part: the entry-level D-SLR cameras from either Nikon or Canon are excellent choices. You get a lot of camera for your money. At the time of this writing, for the Nikon, it is the D40. For Canon, it is the Rebel. You can spend more money, but I’m not sure why unless you really want some of those extra features. The 80/20 rule works here: you are getting 80% of the features with these cameras. You’ll really have to spend a lot more to get that remaining 20%.
Not convinced the low-end cameras are the way to go? Here is another idea; buy the lower end camera bodies and spend that extra cash you have on good lenses. Camera bodies will come and go, but good glass will stay with you year after year. But brace yourself; good lenses can cost three times as much as your camera.
Can I use the lenses from my film camera with my digital SLR? Answer: Maybe. With Nikon, yes. (As with both Nikon and Canon, because of the small size of the sensor, you multiply the lens focal length by 1.5. So if you put a 50mm lens on a DX camera, [Nikon D40 through the D300 or the Canon Rebels or 50D] the result will be the same as if you put on a 75mm lens. If you buy an FX body [Nikon D3 or D700 or Canon 1D or 5D] the lens will act normally. A really old lens may lack some of the metering functions, but will still work.)
Canon lenses, probably won’t work. They have been much more anxious to incorporate the latest technology, even if that means making a lens for a specific camera line.
Last comment on old lenses; before you pull that old manual focus, 7 lb zoom out of the shoebox in the closet, keep in mind that new lenses are vastly superior in performance to the old lenses. Design, coatings, etc, combine to give you a great lens. Even the “kit” lens that comes with the camera.
Finally…
One final thought about choosing a camera; you may be excited about taking creative photos with a D-SLR, but a camera that gets left at home is worthless. If you get a D-SLR, buy a small bag that is easy to grab on your way out the door. Get in the habit of taking it with you or you might as well have bought a shirt-pocket sized point and shoot.
Keep shooting,
Mark
www.MarkDuehmig.com