The biggest reason you will not be a full time photographer.

This is me! Brian Johnson I own Missoula Photography School.

My philosophy on teaching might be different than others. I believe on the hands of approach. There will be a some classes that are taught inside but for the most part all the classes will be taught in the field. We will be meeting at locations and you will get to learn how to take your knowledge of what you have learned and use it in real world situations.

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Free online photography tips and Training

Photography Training-How to Build your Photography Business Quickly

Photography Training-How to Build your Photography Business Quickly

In the past I have said that one if the quickest ways to build your business is to photograph others for free.  Friends and family are great for this but to get a bit more help attractive people and models are great for this. Handing out cards for free photo sessions and connecting with people on line is one of the best ways of jump starting your business.  I use Model Mayhem, Instagram, Facebook, and sometimes Craigslist to find people to photograph,  

When you are shooting an model that has experience, even a little experience, this helps you in other ways too. I am sure you know that when you get a picture you are proud of your confidence goes up. When shooting models you will usually get better shots, and sometimes you will get amazing results. This can be a real confidence booster! I have a few models that I work with a lot. There is one in particular that does an amazing job and I love working with her.  Jaci, (photos below) is such an amazing person. We try to get a shoot in every week or two as long as we have time.  

Most of the time, at least for me, it takes a few shots to get comfortable with the model. I usually plan on the first few shots to be "not so good" and then after a few minutes of shooting and talking the model and I will relax.  That's when I get the shots that I want. With Jaci, almost all of your shots are good because we feel comfortable shooting together.

However, you do need to shoot more than one model.  If you just shoot one and don't expand then you will not have acomplish your goal of growing your business, which is what this is really about. 

One thing you need to be aware of is people and models canceling. When shooting models, or others for free, there will be times when you have people that will stand you up. Yes, this is very rude and unprofessional of them but the fact is that it happens quite a bit. I used to get really upset and frustrated when a model cancelled on me. I took it personally. I kept wondering if something was wrong with me. Maybe the didn't like my work or maybe someone else was saying bad things about me.

Then I found statistics online. The stats say that when shooting someone for free, especially a model, you will have about 50-70 percent of no shows. Yes, they will stand you up. Some will call and have an excuse, others will just not even call. I have sat and waited for a model to show up for 45 minutes, then called and left a message and they never show up. This is very inconsiderate, and I still get a bit ticked off by it, but knowing the statistic makes me feel a lot better.

Anyhow, I do feel that even with the the issues of working with models and giving away free sessions is still one of the fastest ways of growing your business. You are not gonna get tons of business right away, and keep in mind that it still takes time to grow your business, but if you keep plugging away and don't give up, you will succeed where others fail.

The main reason photographers fail to make it is because they don't market and advertise. I look at shooting sessions for free as advertising. I get my name out there and others talk about me. 

There are other reasons for a photography business to fail, like charging too little, not having a look that others like, and simply not knowing how to manage money, but the main reason is photographers don't know how to market. 

Take some time to write down some goals and the just work on them a little everyday. Try to do something that helps you grow every day,  and keep shooting, shooting, shooting! If you have questions please leave a comment below. 

Thanks for being part of this community are reading my blog!


If you are interested in growing your business and learning how to make money with photography please check out this other post I wrote! Click here to learn more!


Here are a few photos of my lovely friend Jaci. She is simply amazing. You can visit her vintage clothing shop on Esty by clicking here.

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Photography Tips: A Simple Model Shoot at Sunset

Photography Tips: A Simple Model Shoot at Sunset

I have to say that this is an amazing video. You can learn a lot from watching it. If you have questions leave a comment and I will do my best to answer it.  Enjoy!!!

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Buffaloz Photography Training: Free Online Photography Tips, Tutorials and Training

Photography Training: How to Make Money with Photography Online.

Photography Training: How to Make Money with Photography Online.

I get asked all the time how I make money with photography online. In fact, I get asked how much too. 

Here is the thing, I married and I have a family to support. I have to make money with photography if I want to buy new equipment(photography can get expensive). If I don't make money, I don't do photography.My wife would lay down the hammer. Haha!!

Because I love taking photos and buying cameras I have learned how to make money with my camera. Here is the thing, It's exciting to make money with photography. I mean, how many people really do what they want and love and get paid for it? I'm in San Francisco right now on vacation and I'm still making $$!

I have also learned that if I can do it, so can you. It's not rocket science. I learned by reading books and asking questions. I build a network( I am still building it) so that others would know what I do. This last few months things have really blown up.  I am so busy that I can hardly keep going. I have tons of portrait sessions, and I am shooting commercial photography and now I am getting into fashion and fine art portraiture. I've been asked to do a year long photography project too!  I have a full time job that I will be leaving it soon! YAY!

It all started online. I learned about stock photography and other places to show my work and how to market myself online. I remember last Christmas when an ad agency from NYC got hold of me and asked me to shoot for Chevy.com! It was fun and I got paid good too!  

You can do it too! Imagine you could live where ever you want and make money online by selling your work.  If you sold your photography online where would you live? What kinds of things would you do when you didn't have to punch a clock and work a 9 to 5 shift? Actually, you could probably do what ever you want to do and live where ever you want too. 

You don't have to be the best photographer(I'm not), and you don't have to be the smartest person around. You just need to learn how to make money online. It has taken me about 9 months of serious work to get to where I am at. It might take you longer or maybe not, but if I don't try you will never know. If you could see yourself  9 months from know making 30 dollars a day selling photography online, what would you think? Now image seeing yourself in 3 years making 150 dollars a day and probably way more! Now image 5 years....
How would your life be different?  What kind of car would you drive? What would your schedule look like? Would your commute to work be gone? Could you afford that dream vacation?  You get the point.  

 Click here to learn how to make money online. This ebook will tell you how!!

It will be a good start. One thing I realized a while ago is that books are an investments. I have spend a ton of money of books. I have read self help books, montivational books, photography books, business books, investment books.  I read a lot.  My wife says I'm a nerd. She's right. I still tuck my t-shirt into my jeans. LOL

This is one of the images that I sell online. Nothing fancy. Actually, images like this are easier to sell online than artsy stuff! I know, Who would have thought?

Now, don't expect to make money overnight. It will take some time. The trick to becoming successful with selling your work on line it to never give up. Be committed. If you have the knowledge and are keep at it, it will happen! Plus as you go along, you will get better and smarter about it and then BAM!! Your making money!

This ebook has really helped me and I am sure it will do the same for you!!

Are you interested in learning how to make money with photography Check out this ebook and learn how to make money with photography!!  

There are other ebooks in the shoppe page of this site but I would start with this one. It is easy to understand and will give you the knowledge to get started.  I will warn you that after reading this ebook you will need to take action. You can't read it and then decide that you will do it later. If you are gonna do that please don't buy it. It will be a waste of money. But if you really want to make money with photography online, and you really want to change your life, get this ebook. It's the starting point!  I want you to succeed and I am here to help you. It was one if the best investments I ever paid for! For me it has paid for itself at least 100 times over and will continue to do more.  

Where will you be in 9 months? Making money with photography, or sitting on your couch thinking you should have invested in your education 9 months ago? You decide.  You know the path I chose.

I need to tell you that I do make a few dollars if you buy this ebook. I need to feed my family and pay for expensive photography equipment, but I only recommend books and products that I believe in and have tried. So help me support my family and learn  how to support yours at the same time!! If you have questions feel free to send me a message at buffalozphotog@yahoo.com

Thanks, Brian!

Photography Training: A Few Shots From Our Vacation So Far!

Photography Training: A Few Shots From Our Vacation So Far!

I thought I would share a few shots from my families vacation so far. We are staying in Oakland but we are going into San Francisco for most of the days. Anyhow, Here are a few shots I took today! Hopefully I will have more for tomorrow. Hope you enjoy!

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Photography Training: How to Protect your Gear from Being Stolen

Buffaloz Photography Training: How to Protect your Gear from Being Stolen 

I am on vacation right now and I am really having fun. I was going to wait back to do a post but after yesterday I decided I should just do a quick post. Anyhow, I am in a big city with my family and I never thought I would need to be concerned about someone robing me and taking my gear till yesterday. I was on a local transit system and saw three fights yesterday.  I grew up in Kansas City and was not too worried about my safety, but I have now lived in a small town in Montana for over 20 years.
I have been carrying three cameras on this trip, My Leica M3, my Contax G1, and my Lumix G1.  I am carrying several expensive lenses. I know that Leica has the MP version which is mostly unmarked, thus safer to carry when in a dangerous area, but I really thought it was kinda stupid till yesterday. I mean, why wouldn't you want others to know you shoot a Leica(I'm a bit of a camera snob). I now understand. Anyhow here are a few tips on how to be safe in a dangerous area. I must note that I am not even in a bad area, I am just in an area that I feel uncomfortable with. I am pretty sure when I was 16 and in areas of Kansas City I did not worry at all. Living in a small town has changed me a bit.

Leica MP

1. Use an old bag. This way you do not draw attention to yourself and your gear.

2. Try to fit in and not look out of place. This way others will not notice you as much

3. Pay attention to your surroundings.  Look around  and know where the danger is. If someone is making you uncomfortable get away from them. Large crowds are good. Don't go somewhere where you will be by yourself.

4. Use the buddy system and if at all possible stay with a group of people. One thing that is really nice is that I have children. People have actually apologized for bad language and smoking weed in front of them several times since we have been here. I am not saying that you should use your children for protection, I would never put my children in harms way but I know from past experience that others are careful what they do around children. But be careful and NEVER put your children in danger. In fact, if you do get in trouble and your children are with you, your first responsibility should be to protect them. I would give my life to protect mine.

5. Switch out your memory card every once in a while. That way if you camera is stolen, at least you won't lose all of your images.

6. Carry your bag in front and keep it zipped up. It might look weird but are you concerned more about your appearance or not losing your gear. For me, my gear is worth more than my two cars combined. It would be devastating to lose it.

7. Make sure your gear is insured. This way if it is gone at least you will be able to replace it.

8. If you are carrying expensive gear use tape to cover the logos and anything that might attract attention.
Leica owners do this all the time.

9. Be careful and trust your instincts. If you are unsure about something don't do it or go there. Is it really worth losing your life, or gear? I think not.

That's about it. There are a lot more things you can do. I have just named a few and you are welcome to add some more of your own. Leave a comment and I am sure that others will appreciate it.!!

Thanks!

Buffaloz Photography Training: Free Online Photography Tips, Tutorials,  and Training

Photography Training: Improve your photos with two simple rules

Photography Training

Great video on how to improve you photography by doing a few simple things!

Great video!

Buffaloz Photography Training: Free Online Photography Training, Tips, and Tutorials

Photography Training:Lightroom 4: Create Stunning Images

Photography Training:Lightroom 4: Create Stunning Images!

Great video on Lightroom 4 basics!

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Buffaloz Photography Training: Free Online Photography Training, Tips and Tutorials!

Photography Training:How to use a cloth photo backdrop on location

Photography Training:How to use a cloth photo backdrop on location

Great video! This is a good idea!!

Buffaloz Photography Training: Free Online Photography Training, Tips, and Tutorials!

Photography Training: Fashion Photograph Video

Photography Training: Fashion Photography

First, I must say that I like Emily Soto. She is an amazing photographer. 

That being said, after I watched this video I decided I'm buying a beauty dish.  

Right now I use natural lighting almost all the time.  Anyhow, Watch this and you can decided for yourself.

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Buffaloz Photography Training: Free Online Photography Training, Tips and Tutorials

Photography Training: Flower Photography

Photography Training: Flower Photography 

Great video on how to photography Flowers!

Buffaloz Photography Training: Free Online Photography Tips, Training and Tutorials!

Photography Training: Choosing the best camera angle

Photography Training: Choosing the best camera angle!

Great video!! Enjoy!

Buffaloz Photography Training: Free Online Photography Training, Tips, and Tutorials! 

Photography Training: Thank you!

Photography Training

I usually don't share many of my own images on this site. I 

tend to focus on tips and training. Well, I have decided to share a few of my shots for you to see. I hope you like them.  I really just want to say thank you to all of you who visit my blog and read or watch the things I post. Thanks you so much for being part of my life and letting me into yours. If you ever need anything from me please let me know and I will do my best to provide it. 

Anyhow, here are a few of my images! 

Hope you enjoy!! Thank you!

Buffaloz Photography Training: Free Online Photography Tips, Training and Tutorials

Photography Tutorial: Lighting with Clamp Lights!

Photography Training

How to use basic Clamp Lights for product shots in the studio!

Buffaloz Photography Training: Free Online Photography Training, Tips and Tutorials

Photography Training: Self Portrait every day for 12.5 years!

Photography Training

This is simply amazing! This guy shot a self portait if himself everyday for 12.5 years!!

                            

Buffaloz Photography Training: Free Online Photography Tips, Tutorials and Training

Photography Training: Improve your photos with two simple rules!

Photography Training

Improve your photos with two simple rules

Buffaloz Photography Training: Free Online Photography Tips, Tutorials and Training

Photography Training: Underwater Digital Photography

Photography Tips

A great video on how to get started in underwater photography!

Buffaloz Photography Training: Free Online Photography Tips, Tutorials and Training

Photography Training: How To Use A Reflector In Outdoor Photography

Photography Training: How To Use A Reflector In Outdoor Photography

Great Video on how to use a reflector when shooting portriats!  The funny thing is you don't need a professional reflector. In a pinch, I've used a white T-shirt and a newspaper!!

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Buffaloz Photography Training: Free Online Photography Tips, Tutorials, and Training

Photography Training: The Leica M3

Photography Training: The Leica M3!
I have owned my Leica M3 for over 23 years now. Just this last summer I took it out of the closet and started shooting with it. I am in love with it. It sat in my closet for over 10 years and now I am using it every week. If you want to add excitement to your photography, get one of these and put a few rolls of film through it.  It's addicitve. Anyhow, most newer photographers don't know a lot about Leica's or Film photography in general. If you want to add excitement to your work, shoot film.

Buffaloz Photography Training: Free Online Photography Tips, Training and Tutorials

Photography Tips: Manual Exposure - How and why you need it

Great Video! I couldn't have said it any better!

Buffaloz Photography Training: Free Online Photography Tutorials, Training and Tips!