FAQ

As I continue to learn new things, I aspire to share with others. I think exchanging information is essential to my growth and development as a photographer (I still feel silly referring to myself as that. I'd feel more comfortable saying "want-to-be photographer" but Brandon insists that I am one-  I guess I'll play along). I learn from reading others' blogs and asking questions so, naturally, I figured what better way to give back than to do the same for others. With that said, I'd like to share my very first Frequently Asked Questions post. I hope this catches on and results in many more to come.

What camera do you recommend for a beginning photographer?

I get this question a lot. Believe it or not, I don't recommend the same model camera that I started with, not because my camera wasn't/isn't great to me, but because digital SLR's are continuously getting better and better. My camera was a gift from my husband who knew that I desired something a little fancier than my point and shoot. I wanted something that would capture better quality pictures of our son. Who knew four years later it would have resulted in something more? Not me :) Now, after much research, (because I'm in the process of upgrading myself) I think the Canon Rebel T2i would be a great starter camera for any beginner. I'm a Canon girl so I am most knowledgeable with their models but I feel that the similar Nikon model would be equally as efficient. Why the Rebel T2i? Many reasons, but in a nut shell: it's VERY user friendly, high megapixels (crisper photos), 3.7 frames per second, 12800 ISO (helps for shooting in low light), movie mode, etc. This camera has  many professional capabilities for a reasonable price ($800ish). I have recommended this camera to 3 people who have gone through with the purchase and all 3 are very pleased with their cameras. 

How did you design your website, or did you buy it?

Both I guess. Technically I didn't design it, I bought a template and tailored it to fit my style/theme. A fellow photographer shared PhotoBiz.com with me and now I share it with you (Thanks Renee Hicks). PhotoBiz has over 100 templates to choose from and will host your site for $15 a month. Unbeatable! I think launching my website was a huge move forward for my photography business and I highly recommend anyone who is debating it to go for it. 

Where did you get your domain (www.shaunaveaseyphotography.com)?

GoDaddy.com. I think it costs $5 a year. Once I designed my website and bought the domain I connected the two. Photobiz and GoDaddy are both helpful in making this process a breeze.

How do you get the subject of a photo to be clear and the background blurry?

When I started, this was one of the first things I think I Googled. I desired that creamy smooth background oh so badly. Being the Google Queen that I am, I did a little research and taught myself about aperture and how it works. For the sake of time, I would like to refer you to this link here. Happy reading.

What mode do you shoot in?

What a great transition from the previous question. Just like everyone else, I started in "auto." Honestly, I think that's the only place to start. Once you get to know your camera, you can make the switch- test the perimeters a little. Now, I shoot primarily in "P" mode, which stands for "Aperture Priority." This mode allows me to manipulate the background blur to my liking.


How do you make your watermark (logo/signature on the photos)?


It would have been great if I had the means to pay a graphic designer to make one for me, but I don't. Oddly enough,  I'm okay with that. Because I like designing things, I decided to figure it out myself. I make my watermark using Photoshop. Don't cringe, it's totally doable :) First, I open a text box on the photo and choose a font that I like, you can change the size and color as well. I like white. Next, I find the font I want for my name and a different font for "photography." I open two different text boxes: one for "Shauna Veasey" and the other for "Photography." Doing them in separate boxes allows me to position the words where I want them. Finally, once I have the words in place, I change the opacity of each box to give the words a more faded look. I always make sure the opacity of both text boxes match. I do this for every photo that I publish online. I'm certain that there is a way around doing this every single time but I haven't figured that out yet. Anyone who knows how to do this, I would love for you to share your secret.

I hope that this was helpful, and if you have any questions please feel free to leave them  below as a comment. 

And of course, a post wouldn't be as enjoyable without a picture. Check out little Camden, he's straight chillaxin.