John Burchell Photography

Here she is again, it’s the baby announcement.  I just updated all my wordpress to the newest version 2.1.1 and I also needed to update this little plugin that manages the uploading of images and things.  This post is just to see how well it works, and it seems to be working super!

I’m the type of person that puts a name with a face a lot easier than just remembering a name. So I’m searching on Google’s Image Website for “Realtor Professional“. And I’m absolutely amazed at what I’m finding out there. So many realtors have spent some really big bucks to get their websites looking really great. Many have professional layouts, exquisite color schemes sometimes expensive templates. Some of them have even done a LOT of optimization and advertising to get them to rank high on search engines… But MOST of their photographs are just homemade snapshots!

I am a true believer that it’s a lot easier to put the name with a face, the reason why so many Realtors have their faces on their marketing materials. I’m also a true believer that the quality of the business portrait shows up the same as the quality of service I’ll receive. Most people, myself included, believe that a business that has a cheap, homemade appearance will be trying to short me out of a service I could get somewhere else. Businesses with professional appearances seem to get my vote hands down. Next question: What makes a business appearance? ANSWER: Their Marketing Materials (photographs/videos).

With the prices of digital cameras dropping every couple of months, everyone has them. Now almost everyone owns an expensive GOBSaMegaPixels digital camera, or they are related to someone that does. What is so sad is that when realtors try to take the short cut to save themselves some money, they are really damaging their professional image.

Don’t just take my word for it…

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As a portrait photographer that is working out of my home, I’m constantly looking for a little spot I can call home somewhere in the Oklahoma City area.  I need a place to schedule portrait sessions, bridal sessions, and portraiture of all types.  I would consider a larger home, so I’m always in the market to find a better place to live, the only caveat is that I have to be able to afford it! I need a place I can really expand my home studio. People need to be able to get to it quickly from just about any part of town, they must be able to get a mental picture of where it’s located when they find out the general area, and it must be in a great part of town.

Okay, here goes… Some of the baby photos that Jen liked and some I like as well.

I got to meet some absolutely wonderful people, fellow photographers, aspiring photographers, beginners, crusty old pros and even a few side-kicks who really aren’t interested in the craft but came because they were expected to be there.  The lectures were incredibly informitive.  The speakers knew absolutely what they were talking about. I believe I received everything I need to know about being a successful photographer in the lectures in networking of last weekend.  I just wanted to share some of the lessons I learned:

1. KNOW your equipment.  With your knowledge of your equipment, don’t be afraid to experiment.  This brilliant message was imparted after seeing a camera strobe outfitted with the battery of a Remote Controlled racing car.  As much as I dare go into.  You can do a lot with digital darkroom software, like Photoshop - BUT - if you haven’t covered the technical basics then there isn’t much you can do.  Programs like those are great for makeing good photos better, or for creating “art”. - Steve Foisy
2. Photoshop can be used beyond your wildest dreams, unless you’re on the photoshop staff to be able to think that stuff up and discover it.  But Photoshop can be used to automate certain things that otherwise takes forever to do. - Kent Shirley is a master with all that.
3. Understand and learn the technical details of photography, what they mean, how they will affect the shot you’re taking right now, and use your equipment to cover all those technical basics.  Rely on your camera’s auto modes only when it makes sense. And rely on the LAB for as much as time allows you to focus on capturing your images at hand.
4. Gabriel Alonzo led the most wonderful presentation on Children’s Portraiture.  He is truly a master craftsman and a wonderful man.  Genuinely interested in capturing the magic of each of his subjects.  Respect the subjects, capture the truly timeless images by simplifying and using lighting.  I strongly suggest visiting his website at http://www.gabrielportraiture.com to get an idea of what might be possible with your child’s photography.
5. And from Frank Cricchio, truly a photographer’s photographer: Creating “your style” happens when you can combine technical knowledge, apply technical knowledge, understand your subject and render it’s uniqueness in a way that tells a story instantly.  If you want to see his words exactly, visit his site at http://www.frankcricchio.com.
6. And Finally: if you don’t take the time to show up how can you possibly expect to play.

This was my first PPO (Professional Photographer’s of Oklahoma) conference and I’m certain it won’t be my last.  Thanks to everyone who had a hand in putting it on and making the weekend possible.  If you’re into photography you should bookmark this site: http://www.ppok.org and look for the upcoming events.  They were recommended by a great photographer and they seems to be a wonderful organization.

 John

I’m just now getting back into things after Jorryn decided to come.  Of course my life will never be the same on so many levels, so “getting back” is really just a term, nowhere near reality.  We’re starting out on this journey of life in a different level.

I know I’ve promised pictures and you’ll get them in the next post.  I really want to talk about my schedule and the wonderful things that happened for me this weekend at the PPO Spring Conference in Jenks. 

If you’re interested in scheduling a session with me, please check the calendar and submit a request - or give me a call directly.  My number can be found on the contact me page or here: (405) 361-0234

John

Will be unavailable all day.

I’m Booked for a weekend at the lake with several Friends who like to drink bad coffee in small rooms.

You Know I’m booked today my friends.

*UPDATE*  The PPOSchool for 2008 information has been released !  See my new posts regarding this years schedule!

Oklahoma School of Professional Photography - 2008 and at

More about the Oklahoma School of Professional Photography

Attending PPO School During the week of June 10th through the 14th 2007. There are 1,2 and 3 day classes during that week. I am not sure what classes I will be attending but I plan on taking this week off for education and will not be available for bookings.

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