Choosing Colors For Your Photography Website With Google Images

Previously we showed you how to find inspiration with colors for your photography website by using Pinterest. Today we’re going to show you how to use Google Images for the same idea.

As you can see, by searching by color on Google Images you can easily find photographs and graphics that can provide a color swatch.

If you found something you like, grab a screenshot of it. Then bring it into Photoshop and use the color picker to find the exact colors.

Then in your theme’s custom settings, insert the colors where you want it.

Refresh your site and see the new colors live!

Thanks for reading,
Scott

Featured Member: Giorgio Baruffi

What kind of photography do you do?

Mainly wedding photography, I would do just that!

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Story behind this image: The Bride (in black) is the woman in center and i like this shot because I think it is very fresh and show how friendship is beautiful. And then, how many black brides we can photograph?

How would you describe your style?

With my style of photography I try to offer a new perspective on wedding photography: I try to capture moments as they happen by themselves. My goal is to use photography to tell the story of your wedding day as it unfolds spontaneously. I prefer to let the day’s events take place naturally, trying to always be ready to capture them in real-time, occasionally I like to create a little fun involving couples and / or guests in photographs unexpected, witty and funny. However, for most of the day, I try to stay “in the background”, as a silent observer, paying great attention to the interaction genuine and sincere ready to capture them.

What’s your approach to post processing?

Well, i think that post processing is an important part of digital photography, as well as in the analog photography period I develop my files to reach my taste. I try to bring back my sensation and the emotions that I’ve seen on the scene with my personal taste with all the instruments that are available today, I’m not a purist. Every time is a little different, depends on type of person I’ve photographed, someone deserve more post production, someone else less.

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Story behind this image: I love this photograph because I’ve captured a real surprise moment, they are so beautiful!

What or who inspires you?

all great wedding photographers, I look at hundreds of pictures every single day, everyone has their own taste, but I love this kind of photography, I never enough, and always I learn something new.

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Story behind this image: love has no boundaries, I really loved this wedding day, Raffaella and Mauro are very much in love and I was touched by this.

What gear do you use?

is not so important for me, photographs are made with the head and the heart, I eventually chosen Nikon professional equipment.

Links:

Website: http://www.gbfotografia.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GiorgioBaruffi.Photographer
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GiorgioBaruffi
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/giorgiobaruffi/

Choosing Colors For Your Photography Website With Pinterest

If you have ever needed inspiration to picking a color scheme for your website, then try Pinterest.

As you can see, by searching for colors on Pinterest you can easily find photographs and graphics that can provide a color swatch.

If you found something you like, grab a screenshot of it. Then bring it into Photoshop and use the color picker to find the exact colors.

Then in your theme’s custom settings, insert the colors where you want it.

Refresh your site and see the new colors live!

Thanks for reading,
Scott

Announcing SEO and Web Marketing Workshops for Photographers

seo-web-marketing-workshops-photographersI am so happy to announce an exciting new workshop series, the Supercharge Workshops, expanding on our eBook and virtual course, Supercharge Your photography Website.

The Supercharge Workshops are powerful web marketing workshops for photographers focused on strategies for boosting traffic, sales, social followers, clients, and business. Plus we’ve selected spectacular venues and invite participants for a fun and informal photowalk after the workshops.

We’ll be launching our first workshops in Denver, Colorado and Hamilton, New Jersey. And the marvelous Vanessa Joy will be joining us for the Workshop in New Jersey!

Read on for details or visit the official page.

Go To Official Supercharge Workshops Page

Supercharge Your Photography Website

We’ve jam packed our one-day workshop with great topics.

  • Traffic, conversion, and follow up. We’ll focus on three stages in the marketing process: driving traffic though SEO, advertising, blogging, and social media; converting traffic into clients and sales; and following up to build relationships with clients and keep them coming back.
  • Specific topics include SEO, keyword selection, site optimization, link building, image SEO, social media and social signals, blogging, content marketing, email marketing and follow up, paid advertising, conversion rate optimization, social proof, and more.
  • Workshop includes a mix of presentations and tons of Q&A time.
  • Live case studies will be conducted as we evaluate some of the participants websites and give hands-on recommendations for how to improve site performance for traffic and conversion.
  • Great Instructors. Learn from Photocrati CEO Erick Danzer and New Jersey Photographer and Photocrati’s Community and Blog Wrangler Scott Wyden. For the New Jersey workshop, Erick and Scott will be joined by fantastic wedding photographer and speaker, Vanessa Joy.

Join Us for a Photowalk!

After the workshop, Scott & Erick will be hosting an informal photowalk around the venues. The Denver workshop will be at Red Rocks Park, and the New Jersey workshop at Grounds for Sculpture. Both locations are beautiful, colorful and inspirational. What a better way to spend your Monday than with education and photography.

We’re Throwing Other Great Stuff In Too!

Every attendee of our Supercharge Workshops, receives the following perks.

  • Free Access to Sculpture Gardens/Rocks
  • Lunch is Included
  • Copy of the Photographer’s SEO eBook – $39 value
  • 1 Year of the Photographer’s SEO Community – $99 value
  • 1 Year of Photocrati – $89 value
  • The Laundry List eBook by Rachel Brenke – $9.99 value
  • Chic Magazine for phone/iPad – $12 value
  • Exclusive 33% discount on the FooBox WordPress plugin (all license levels: Personal, Multi, & Business)
  • Boudoir Posing Guide from Boudie Shorts

In addition, we have partnered with the following companies to provide one lucky winner of each workshop with:

Upcoming Workshops in Colorado and New Jersey!

If either of these workshops interest you, then I highly recommend signing up before the seats fill up.


Supercharge: Denver, Colorado

Seating area of the amphitheatre Red Rocks Park, Colorado Springs
Photos by Maarten Heerlien and Salim Virji

June 24, 2013 from 10am to 3pm (photowalk following the workshop)
Red Rocks Amphitheatre & Visitor Center
Rock Room
2605 Red Rocks Park Road
Morrison, CO 80465

$249

$149 until May 31

Register for the CO workshop


Supercharge: Hamilton, New Jersey

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July 29, 2013 from 10am to 3pm (photowalk following the workshop)
Grounds for Sculpture
Gallery B
18 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton, NJ 08619

$299

$199 until May 31

Register for the NJ workshop

Feedback on Past Products and Trainings

“This is a good overview of SEO for photographers. The sequencing is well thought out, starting with basics like keywords and onsite SEO and then moving onto more advanced topics such as link building.” – Aaron Hockley describing the SEO for photographers virtual course.

“…very comprehensive and touches upon the very basics like getting a domain and setting up your website, all the way to the nitty gritty of social media and seo. This is excellent for photographers starting out on the web.” – Alexa Fischer describing the Supercharge Your Photography Website virtual course.

“If you are a photographer, and you want to increase your chances of appearing higher in search engines, Photographers SEO Book gives you all the tools to help. With this information I am re-working blog posts, ALT tags, and the way I think about SEO.” – Jodi Friedman describing the Photographer’s SEO eBook

“…I was unfamiliar with the ways to best use WordPress for a photography site. The SEO and marketing information was particularly valuable, because I know I always neglect those aspects.” – Steve Alcorn describing the Supercharge Your Photography Website virtual course.

Using Bing’s Social Result For Outreach & Relationships

Typically when we talk about Bing related to SEO or outreach, we instruct people to use a private browsing mode and to turn suggestion off.

In the video below, we want you to leave it on. View the video to find out why.

If you have questions about how Bing’s social results can help you, leave a comment below.

Thanks for viewing,
Scott

The Best Way To Tweet on Twitter

Previously we shared how to optimize your Facebook and Google Plus posts for usability and reach. Today we want to talk about Twitter.

At Photocrati, we are always testing new ways to organize a tweet. Below is an Infographic that MarketingThink created to help guide for your proper Twitter etiquette.  After the Infographic, we will share some additional thoughts.

best-tweet

In summary:

  • Keep it within 120 characters
  • Include a call to action (catchy headline)
  • Include 1 hashtag
  • Include @mention when needed
  • Include RT when needed
  • Include a short link using bit.ly, goo.gl or t.co
  • As for retweet
  • Try to leave blank space at the end

Keeping your Tweets clean and with enough space for retweets should help improve its reach.

For example:

best-tweet-twitter

Targeting 1 hashtag is much better than stuffing many hashtags into a tweet. Think of it like SEO and including keywords. Too many is a turn off.  You are much better off creating multiple tweets (original) using different hashtags and sending through out at different days and times.

Write something catchy, add your personal touch to the tweet, and don’t be afraid to ask for a retweet.

…and don’t forget to test. In fact, using Buffer App can help improve overall reach.

Thanks for reading,
Scott

Featured Member: Carl Shubs

What kind of photography do you do?

My preference is what I have come to call “found images.” That means shooting what I see as I go out into the world, without studio setup or extra lighting. The subject matter covers a wide range of topics and perspectives including people, street photography, objects, night scenes, nature, iconic landmarks, and unusual perspectives on life and the city around us. Sometimes I do shoot in a studio, especially with nudes.

My inclination is to let each image speak for itself and ellicit in the viewer whatever it might, allowing it to stand alone in a Rorschach-like fashion. One of my joys is seeing or hearing whatever that might be as someone looks at it for the first time.

Some of my photographs have been described as “edgy” and may feel somewhat disturbing to a viewer. That tells me I’ve succeeded in evoking some emotional or psychological connection, which also happens when someone bursts out laughing. Sometimes the response is not disturbing but more curiosity or puzzlement, as someone likes a photo and asks, “What is that?” when the image presented is actually as it came out of the camera without any major Photoshop manipulation.

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Story behind this image: I titled the image, “Car, Cowboy, and Astronaut.” It is one I found many years ago on the Venice boardwalk in Los Angeles, and I shot it with film, which is what I was using at the time (Nikon FG, 50mm lens, settings unrecorded). What I loved about it was seeing the juxtaposition of time periods, settings, and what was real and unreal in the image, all of which create a new reality. The car was parked in a lot, up against a mural, and the combination was just sitting there. The photograph is part of a solo exhibition running in Los Angeles.

How would you describe your style?

The style varies, depending on what I find and then what I’m after with what I’ve found. When I’m going out to shoot in the world, without any preconceived intention, which is what I love to do, it is more of a combination of street photography and photojournalism. The photographs vary in appearance between those that are traditional presentations and what I have come to call Contemporary Art Photography.

What’s your approach to post processing?

I always start out with composition. I try to get it in the camera, but I might refine it in post. Or, I might find an alternative composition in the image that’s even better than what I was originally going for. Then, I’m making overall and selective adjustments for things like tone, contrast, brightness, sharpness, and color. I might use plugins like those from NIK, Topaz, or Imagenomics to enhance the image without essentially changing it from what I see. One of the most valuable things I have found is to be working from a perspective of “What can I do with this image?” That doesn’t mean jumping to compositing but rather exploring between color options, black and white options and styles, and generally exploring all that Photoshop may offer without compositing. It’s been a part of my effort to expand my knowledge of Photoshop, which I’m still doing, and it’s often led to some of my favorite results.

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Story behind this image: I titled the image, “Nun in Self Reflection.” It came from a grab while I was on the Metro in Los Angeles (Nikon, D80, with pop-up flash). There was no Photoshop manipulation in this photo. It was unposed, of a stranger, taken on the subway, and handheld. I was drawn to the contrast between her relatively calm and placid face and all of the emotional intensity in her reflected image in the window. The photograph was displayed in “Mirrors of the Mind,” an art exhibition sponsored by the Los Angeles County Psychological Association, in 2012, and it will be included in the upcoming book of images from that show.

What or who inspires you?

In the last few years, I have been most influenced by Vivian Maier. Seeing her photographs totally changed my thinking about composition. I was always very aware of lines, curves, contrasts, shapes, balance, and movement in the image, but her photographs changed my ideas of how to put them together. The images shown here were all done prior to that awakening, but they still work within it.

Graffiti-Washroom-1-72dpi-600w-j@12

Story behind this image: I titled the image, “Graffiti Washroom -1.” It came from a shoot at an abandoned building in Los Angeles. The room had no color in it, and that version was “Graffiti Washroom -2.” The color here was all painted in with light, not done afterwards in Photoshop, so this is what came out of the camera, with only minor adjustments in Photoshop.

What gear do you use?

A few years ago I upgraded to a full frame camera and switched to a Canon 5D Mark II, with a full set of 2.8 Canon lenses, including a fisheye and 2x extenders. I am still exploring all that this wonderful equipment can do, and I’m loving it.

Links:

Website: http://carlshubsphotography.com

3 Time Saving Bookmarklets For Your Browser

Bookmarklets are kind of like tiny apps. They’re bookmarks that you place in your browser’s bookmark bar that perform some sort of task.

In the video below you will see 3 bookmarklets that I use on a regular basis.

To try these bookmarklets for yourself, visit the following sites and added them to your bookmark bar.

I hope you find them as useful as I have.

Thanks for reading,

Scott

Anniversary Letters Increase Engagement & Trust

Thanks to my friend Mike, I have a great tip to share with Photocrati users and readers.

One year after shooting a wedding, Mike posts on his Facebook page a congratulations note to his clients. In addition, he will include a photograph from their wedding or engagement session if he photographed that as well.

Check this out:

anniversary-posts-increase-engagement

Click the image to view the Facebook post. Photo © Mike Olbinski Photography

How to go about it?

  • Pick the best engagement or wedding photograph when processing the photographs for your client
  • Create a folder on your computer specifically called Anniversary Letters
  • Inside the folder, place the photograph inside a sub folder with the client’s name
  • In a text file, write a letter to your client (it can be short) and include something personal from their wedding
  • Place the letter inside the client’s sub folder
  • Add the client’s anniversary to your calendar so you are alerted when it is time to post the letter and photograph

So how can you take this concept to a blogging level?

  • Take the same concept that Mike has been utilizing, but in a blog article form
  • Try to write a longer letter
  • Include 3 of your best photographs from the wedding and/or engagement session
  • Send an email to the client so there is no way they can miss it
  • In the email, include a note about your referral program
  • Close it with something like, “Thank you for having me photograph your amazing day”

What do you think of the concept, both Mike’s and my expanded view?

Have you done something like this?

Please comment below to share your thoughts.

Thanks for reading,

Scott

What The Walking Dead Teaches Us About Photography And Business

The Walking Dead is a television show on AMC. The show is the most realistic film with zombies ever made. (for how realistic zombie movies can be)

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While catching up on some of the episodes, I had one of those “ah ha” moments, and thought I’d share them with you.

You see, The Walking Dead reminded me of a few photography and photography business things. So here goes.

  1. The story matters, so be sure to tell stories when blogging, because stories make things happen.
  2. Relationships matter, so stay in touch with them during the highs and lows.
  3. Shadows can create dramatic results, so let the details go.
  4. Don’t give it all away. Save some of your story, or advice for future content or campaign.
  5. Have a backup plan. If you’re a wedding photographer there might be times when no one in your area is getting married. Your backup might be boudoir or portraits.
  6. Talking Dead (the interview episodes after each show) is like an in-person session follow up.  Don’t be afraid to meet with your clients again after their session to upsell and build upon the relationship.

Television shows can inspire some interesting thoughts. Have you been inspired by The Walking Dead or any other show? Please comment to share.

Thanks for reading,

Scott