June Dates

6.10.10 -
Understanding Exposure Class @ Northland Library 7-9pm I will be teaching an introductory class on understanding exposure & your DSLR camera.
To register call: 412-366-8100

6.15.10 -
Pictage/PUG ~ Create Connect & Grow
7 to 9 ~
7:00 to 7:30 cocktails & networking
7:30 to 9pm into to new PUG followed by Q&A (topic/speaker TBD)
Location
Studio ~ 502 W. North Ave, Pittsburgh PA 15212

**Open to ALL photographers, including students

RSVP at craigphotography@mac.com

6.17.10 -
Understanding Exposure class @ Northland Library 7-9pm (Part II) ~ I will be teaching an introductory class on understanding exposure & Your DSLR camera.
To register call: 412-366-8100

6.24.10 -
Photo Walk
Topic: Dusk on the North Shore
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Gate “A” Heinz Stadium Pittsburgh PA
What to bring: camera, tripod, passion to learn and a friend.

Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer

I love this photo!

In 15 Days ~ Q&A Meet-Up

Shoot N’ Learn, Connect N' Grow
We invite you to join us and ask all your burning photog questions:
~ FREE to all
~ Open to all interested in photography, art and business
~ If you attended a past Workshop or a Photo-Walk it’s a good time to get any problems fixed
~ Meet local photographers of all levels, make a friend, find a mentor
~ Discover why its better to collaborate then compete

You
~ Bring your questions, camera and smile (bottle of wine optional)

When
Thursday--3/18, 7pm-9pm

Location
Studio ~ 502 W. North Ave, Pittsburgh PA 15212

RSVP, Please craigphotography@mac.com

PS. A good read by David Burke (HERE)
PSS. See all Craig Photography events (HERE)

So, Curious…let’s discuss

Published

Just a little shout out for getting our photos in Whirl’s Wedding magazine out now. Our couple made it on the “Style” intro page. (Check it out now!)

Pittsburgh Weddings Magezine

One of our weddings has been featured in the current issue of Pittsburgh Wedding magazine.

Pittsburgh Wedding Photographers

2 Workshops: NOW BOOKING

David Burke & John Craig
How To Everything (& More): PHOTOGRAPHY

In your gut you want to be a PHOTOGRAPHER. Or maybe you just want to learn how to use that expensive camera you just bought but you’re not sure who to ask. You have a great eye for composition but you just need some guidance, an advisor to help YOU fulfill your dreams. Make the jump from thinking, daydreaming and create great photographs…

Is this you?
-You take great pictures
-Everybody tells you that you take great pictures
-Your friends and family always ask you to bring your camera
-You bought an expensive new DSLR camera
-You have no idea how to use to it, except on AUTO
-The camera’s manual scares the bajesus out of you
-You love photography and want to get better

Who should take this workshop?
-If the list above is YOU
-You love taking photographs
-ISO, F/stop, shutter speed, and aperture are words that means nothing to you
-You have no idea what DSLR means
-If you want to able to tell your camera what to do
-If you want the mysteries of the photo universe revealed to you

What you will learn:
-Understanding exposure
-How to use your camera in manual mode
-How to take a photo “correctly” in camera
-Natural light techniques
-Understanding your lens
-Understanding White Balance
-Flash Techniques


Date: January 23, 2010
Location: 502 W. North Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Time: 10 am-4pm
Cost: $175.00: includes boxed lunch
Class limited to 15 people
Contact Elizabeth Craig at 724.355.9079 or by email at craigphotography@mac.com for more information and to register.


Purposeful Blogging Workshop

Every photographer that I have ever met struggles with the same issues:

I am too busy running my business; I have no time for creative new work. How do I get more time?

Or

It’s too important for me to keep creating so I have no time to run my business. How do I get more time?

These questions will be answered at my Purposeful Blogging workshop.


"Purposeful Blogging is a marketing tool for photographers who want to grow their business by building an audience through the use of new communication models. Blogging for your business is a demonstration of your skill and representation of who you are. This workshop with Photographer will introduce you to techniques that can help you launch your business into the blogosphere.”

This is workshop of must-have information on how to build your audience thru blogging and how to sustain you business.

Date: January 30, 2010
Location: 502 W. North Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Time: 1 – 4pm
Cost: $55. 00
Class: limited to 15 people
Contact Elizabeth Craig at 724.355.9079 or by email at craigphotography@mac.com for more information and to register.

Q&A Session & Meet-n-Greet w/ John Craig & David Burke

Hi all ~

Q&A Session & Meet-n-Greet w/ John Craig & David Burke

Thursday December 10th from 7pm to 9pm

Meet up: My house ~ Will send out directions at a latter date.

Cost: Free

What to bring: Your questions, camera, good attitude and a friend. Let’s build the community.

Please RSVP if you plan on attending....

Peace ~ John

Pittsburgh Wedding Photographers

Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer

Workshop ~ NOW BOOKING

Now Booking (Click HERE)

HOW TO EVERYTHING: PHOTOGRAPHY (The Basics -101)

Contact Elizabeth Craig at 724.355.9079 or by email at craigphotography@mac.com for more information and to register.

See all past Insanely Useful Photography tips (HERE)

Pittsburgh Wedding Photography

This is the photo I have been waiting over ten years to take.


This is the “it” moment for me in photography.

I needed the right couple, the right landscape, and the right time of day; all were supplied. This is the “yes of the blessing” when everything is perfect. The photographic outcome is better than if I staged it myself.

The photo is simple, purposeful and with rhythm. This photo is how I want to work and represents who I want to be.

I am happy. This photo makes me smile. I hope you enjoy it.

How to be the Greatest 2nd Shooter….Ever

~ 7 Insanely Useful Photography Tips & 5 What to Expect Tips~

You want to be a great photographer…yes.

First you need to be a great second shooter. Why start at number 2 when you want to be number one?

Steve Williams is Tiger Woods’ caddy; I’m guessing he does not suck at golf.

Simple answer: you need to be on the field. No matter how many classes you take or books you read the game is played on the field. Experience and fast reactions mixed with the ability to think on your feet are mandatory.

1. Shoot 50/50 – 50% of your shoots should be in the style of classic, traditional photography. Capture all the key moments of the day. Remember to shoot safe and smart. Pick a safe ISO and F/stop to get that shot. You are not going for art here, you are going for documentation of the day. The photos you take may never see the light of day but they have to be there in case of an emergency. If the main photographer happens to lose images due to a failed card, theft or computer problems, your shots are now playing 1st swing.

2. Shoot the other 50% in the mode that you’re going to compose the best F’ing, photographs ever. Go for the shots, be creative, change yourself, push the limits of your abilities. Create photographs that will get you remembered.

3. Do you homework. Know the equipment that you will be working with that day. Understand the camera, lens, lighting, flashes, reflector, computersand software that you will be working. Be remarkable with your knowledge of gear. You want to be able to counsel the main photographer on exposure and equipment as needed.

4. Be proactive: the 2nd shooter’s job is to know the outline of the day and to be prepared for every situation. Set up lights, have lenses and flashes ready to go when needed. Ask the main photographer where s/he is at on card count. Have back-up batteries ready to go at the asking.

5. Yes you carry the equipment. You open the doors. You get the drinks. You pack the car. You do what is asked, with a smile.

6. Second shooting is a business relationship at work. Show up on time. Be consistent in your work. Advise on the subtleties of the day.

7. Ultimately the main photographer makes all the final decisions and they get all the reward (& risk) for the outcome of the day. Your part is to enhance and aid the experience for both the photographer and the subject.

What the second shooter gets!

1. Gives you the opportunity to shoot in a live fast-paced environment. Remember that is the one thing books and classes cannot teach you.

2. Behind the scenes look at your future.

3. Realization of your confidence and talent to go it alone as a professional or to hit the books some more.

4. Ask up front about image rights and be respectful of whatever (if anything) is offered to you.

5. Competitiveness; do not even go there. You were just given the greatest photo opportunity you could ever ask for. Be respectful.


If you like this article please be sure to pass it on…friend me on Facebook, connect with me on Twitter and info on private consultations can be found here on Photographer's Corner.

Why Live? – Workshop: Now Booking

There is nothing the busy man is less busied with than living: there is nothing that is harder to learn. – Lucis Senca



Today it is easier to research, launch and cultivate your knowledge of anything in a remarkably short time. Leveraging the internet and social media tools to collect information on anything will deliver solutions for your problems immediately.

So why is it so hard?

The internet lacks the experience of doing….doing is everything. The internet is the bridge between theories to the action of doing.

Doing something, anything LIVE is needed. That is why seminars and workshops work.

BUT

Why live? Live is exclusive and it comes at a premium cost that is not for everyone. Live is for the individuals who are looking to engage on a deeper level.

Who wants value in being better today than yesterday.

Now Booking (Click HERE)
HOW TO EVERYTHING: PHOTOGRAPHY (The Basics -101)

Contact Elizabeth Craig at 724.355.9079 or by email at craigphotography@mac.com for more information and to register.

If you like this article please be sure to pass it on…friend me on Facebook, connect with me on Twitter and info on private consultations can be found here on Photographer's Corner.

My Top 10 Mistakes ~ Insanely Useful Photography Tips,

Confessions from a professional photographer ~ things that have taken me entirely too long to learn

1. How to sync multiple cameras so at the point of download all images are in sequential order.

2. Project manager application in my darkroom software.

3. To start thinking like a digital photographer instead of film-based photographer.

4. I love the 18-70mm lens, but prime lenses are better.

5. A whales tail is better left on a whale and not on my camera

6. Not to trust Google Maps or GPS

7. Pack food and drink on days of long shoot

8. Hand-held light meters are still important in a digital world.

9. NEVER delete in camera…never, do that…never.

10. Being part of a photo-community is better than being alone.

"How to Everything" Photography Workshop: now accepting reservations

HOW TO EVERYTHING: PHOTOGRAPHY (The Basics -101)
With John & Elizabeth Craig owners of Craig Photography


In your gut you want to be a PHOTOGRAPHER. Or maybe you just want to learn how to use that expensive camera you just bought but you’re not sure who to ask. You have a great eye for composition but you just need some guidance, an advisor to help YOU fulfill your dreams. Make the jump from thinking, daydreaming and create great photographs…

Is this you?
-You take great pictures
-Everybody tells you that you take great pictures
-Your friends and family always ask you to bring your camera
-You bought an expensive new DSLR camera
-You have no idea how to use to it, except on AUTO
-The camera’s manual scares the bejesus out of you
-You love photography and want to get better

Who should take this class?
-If the list above is YOU
-You love taking photographs
-ISO, F/stop, shutter speed, and aperture are words that means nothing to you
-You have no idea what DSLR means
-If you want to able to tell your camera what to do
-If you want the mysteries of the photo universe reveled to you

What you will learn
-Understanding exposure
-How to use your camera in manual mode
-How to take a photo “correctly” in camera
-Natural light techniques
-Understanding your lens

Who should not attend this class?
-If you have an understanding of exposure and are able to use your camera in manual mode, this class is not for you.

Location: Historic North Side of Pittsburgh at Annie O’Neill Studios

Date: September 17, 2009
Address: 502 W. North Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Time: 6pm – 9pm
Cost: $55.00

Contact Elizabeth Craig at 724.355.9079 or by email at craigphotography@mac.com for more information and to register.

**All attendees receive a FREE PDF Manual: “Purposeful Blogging” (a.k.a how to kick off your career for FREE) **

Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer

Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer

Why Hire TWO Pittsburgh Wedding Photographers?

How great is this?? This is why making sure you have TWO photographers is always a good idea. The first shot was taken by Elizabeth (she tends to shoot close up and more detail) and the second shot was taken by me (I tend to shoot more “big picture”). We took our shots at the same time but you can see how we both had 2 completely different ideas in mind.

Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer

Have a great weekend. See you Monday.