Photography by Franci

What Happened To The 9-Year-Old Smoking In Mary Ellen Mark's Photo?

The photographer, who died last month, has a famous portfolio of arresting images. Among them is a shot of two children in 1990. Amanda thought the photo shoot would change her life. It did not.

6 Tricks to Get a Good Holiday Family Photo

Photo: Coverd PhotographyGetting a great family photo often feels like a Sisyphean undertaking. You need to get everyone smiling, looking the same way, with their eyes open. Simple right? I hate to admit it, but there have been a few times where a photoshop face swap had to be done (getting a great photo of…

How a Photographer Turns a Woman On |

Karen Brody tells us 3 powerful ways to create a turned-on state in a woman that photographers the world over have always known…

Do You See A Duck Or Bunny? This Optical Illusion Tells A Lot About You

When you look at this drawing, what do you see? A duck? A bunny? Or both? This optical illusion first appeared in a German magazine in 1892 with the title “Kaninchen und Ente,” which translates to Rabbit and Duck. The image has now resurfaced on the internet and people are going

3 Tips for Taking Photos of Flowers

Flowers are everywhere, and sometimes just the thought of going out to take pictures of their pretty petals can seem downright cliché, because so many people do it. However, one reason flower photography is so popular is because these kinds of pictures can capture incredible beauty, without a great deal of effort. It’s fun to go outside …

What to wear for your family photos.

Today on studio 5 I talked about what to wear for your pictures. Hope this helps and thank you to all my darling clients for dressing so ...

10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Photographer

When selecting a wedding photographer, there are three important elements you should keep in mind: personality, the photographer’s style, and cost. The first two are related to character traits unique only to that person and cannot be copied. The third element fluctuates due to many different variables. Let’s talk about each in the order of importance. Personality First and most importantly are the character and personality…

When to use a Professional Photographer

What’s the difference between hiring a professional photographer and taking your own photos? Despite the advances in technol...

Career Crush: What Does It Take to Be a Professional Photographer?

Why Hire a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)?

Learn more about why hiring a Certified Professional Photographer matters.

23 Things You Will Never Hear a Professional Photographer Say

I love it when clients RE-edit my images and then share them on Facebook. No, no…by all means…you go ahead and pose yourself. Come on, weather…I need a bright sunny day and NO shade! I’m sorry you don’t like your new hair cut in these pictures; that’s totally my fault. Okay, clothing suggestions: you wear …

Ten Things A Good Corporate Event Photographer Does Well

Corporate event photography can be very lucrative for photographers who are fast, personable and willing to use these fundamental event photography tips to distinguish their approach from the competition: ✅ Communicate Respond to all emails, phone calls, and text messages, and do it IMMEDIATELY! Ask questions, probe the client for info on their event, schedules, agendas, “must-have” images, end-result needs and deadlines. If the photographer doesn’t…

Portrait Photography Resources to Help Your Business Grow

Everything you need to grow your portrait photography business. Discover all the benefits of being a PPA member.

3 Mistakes Professional Photographers Make That Could Ruin Their Career

Can a Professional Photographer Use 360 Photography Commercially?

Does 360 Photography make sense when it comes to commercial photography? Actually, it could. However, the results will be fleeting.

How Professional Photographers Actually Spend Their Time

We talked to a number of professional photographers about how they spend their time. Guess how much of it is spent shooting?

Should You Invest In Wedding Photography? [A Professional Photographer's Point Of View]

Is it worth it to spend thousands of dollars on a wedding photographer? We weigh the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision!

Photoshop fail? Hilariously botched family photos are no joke

The photographer told the family she used a smoothing tool to get rid of shadows.

Should laser backdrops be used in family photos? Mullet over.

Who Needs a Professional Photographer When You’ve Got a Boyfriend?

Instagram has made everyone’s bae—even Beyoncé’s!—the new fashion photographer.