Want to ask me something or check out some Q&A? Do it here and check out answers on my Formspring page…

Common Questions

Q: What is this and why aren’t you responding to me personally?

A: I set up this little FAQ for a number of reasons… and I plan to add to it as time goes on. I’d ask that as you read this you please consider that as someone who relies on this business and info to pay my mortgage, giving away business advice and photography help is a tricky proposition, particularly with those of you that I may know personally. Since I receive several emails a week requesting info, I thought that this would be the best way to be helpful while saying what I’d like to say and having something easily accessible…

Q: How did you get started in photography / How should I start?

A: Photography started as a hobby for me, like it does for many. As I started taking paid jobs, I found myself spending immense amounts of time entrenched in books, manuals and more. I’d imagine that many are in that place. As work picked up, I would estimate that I work 80+ hours per week for over a year as I began building business until the point at which I felt that I was ready to move to full time.

If there’s two things I can’t stress enough, it’s that starting a business (a legit one… one that lasts) is TONS of work. I mean TONS!!! I can’t think of any other way to do it other than spending seemingly endless hours investing in education and practice. Even now as I am working full time as a photographer, 60-70 hour weeks are the norm and 80 hour weeks are not uncommon. The second piece of advice is to charge more than you think. Most successful businesses count on a profit margin that is less than 50% of their gross income. I’ve found photography to be similar and would simply caution that part-timers who are simply trying to make a few extra bucks would consider: a) the state of the industry as a whole and b) the fact that they may want to do this seriously some day, and thus shouldn’t pigeonhole themselves as a budget shooter.

Q: Can I assist/2nd shoot for you?

A: I often have assistants come to engagement or family shoots with me. Assisting jobs are unpaid, but you’ll usually get a free dinner out of it. I do not allow assistants or 2nd shooters to use images for their portfolios, however. 2nd shooting gigs are paid positions and are only available to shooters with qualified experience and portfolios. If you’re interested in either, please send an email to 2nd {at} hofferphotography {dot} com. As I have needs, I’ll contact qualified (or cool) people through there.

Q: What makes your photos so crisp?

A: Experience more than anything. Having great equipment helps, but careful study of depth of field, light, space and aperture choices is more important than anything in producing the final product. While I’d love to go into more specifics about these areas, that’s something that would be better served through a personal consultation. (see below)

Q: How do you do your editing?

A: I edit using Adobe Lightroom 2. About 95% of what you see is all done in Lightroom, and I’ll sometimes throw a file into Photoshop to finish it off or do some cosmetic changes.

Q: Where did you get your website/blog?

A: I actually made my own website with Flash. In a previous life, I was a graphic designer, so Flash knowledge really helped me with that part. I use the ProPhoto Wordpress theme on my blog. All my graphic design knowledge wasn’t nearly enough for me to know how to code a blog. Coding makes me sick.

Q: What equipment do you use and why?

A: I use Canon gear. I’ve tried all the lenses they offer for the most part, and here’s my choices. Keep in mind that these are based entirely on my style of shooting as well as the things that I shoot. I’d recommend these and a few things that aren’t on here. If it’s not on this list, there’s probably a reason I don’t use it…

Camera Bodies:
Canon 1D Mark IV – Fast, strong and solid all around
Canon 5D Mark II – Supreme image quality and low-light performance
Canon 5D – A slower, cheaper version of the Mark II, with the same image quality

Lenses:
Sigma 15mm fisheye – for cool wide angle effects
Canon 16-35 2.8 – The best wide angle zoom lens for Canon
Canon 24 1.4 – Great in low light and still pretty wide
Canon 35 1.4 – Excellent color and contrast, very fast
Canon 45 TS/E – For cool effects
Sigma 50 1.4 – As good as any Canon 50, but cheaper than Canon’s 1.2
Canon 70-200 2.8 IS – Great lens for low light versatility
Canon 85 1.2 – A slow, specialized lens that has potential for special things
Canon 135 2.0 – Great color and contrast straight out of camera
Canon 100 2.8 Macro – The sharpest lens ever

Flashes:
4x Canon 580 EXII
2x Canon 430 EXII
RadioPopper transmitters

Q: What should I do to set up my business?

A: Consult an accountant and a lawyer for advice and help setting up a business… I don’t feel at all qualified to give advice on either of these and my butt has been saved by my accountant. I’ve paid lots of unnecessary money as a result of not being willing to spend money up front on skilled professionals… I won’t make that mistake again.

Q: What are the best ways to attain/build business?

A: Unfortunately, this is advice I don’t share as I feel like it would negatively affect my business (yes that includes to non-local photographers)

Q: Why didn’t you answer my question(s)?

A: Probably because I either didn’t get around to adding it to this list yet, or because it’s not something I think would be wise for me to share. As I was starting my business, I found internet forums somewhat informative, but also found that they are often occupied by many non-pros who give less-than-informed business advice. I would highly recommend setting up an appointment to assist or meet with an established pro. If you’re interested in setting up a time for a business consultation or training session, please feel free to contact me for rates. Thanks!

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