Clued Up with Maria B: The Behind-The-Scenes Photography Podcast
47 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 months ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratingsHow do you elevate your photography? If you read articles, listen to photography podcasts, watch a lot Youtube videos; and you’ve attended numerous workshops and conferences; you’ve probably tried lots of techniques-different lights and lighting set ups; you've purchased a ton of gear, software, and apps; or taken to the extreme, you’ve changed camera systems. And are your photos really that much better? What if I told you that the secret to better photos isn’t in the latest gear or the latest preset? The secret to better photos is everything that goes on before the first time you click the shutter. Let me teach you how to build quality photoshoots and have a better photoshoot experience using These 5 Pillars to a Better Photoshoot:CORT-Consistency, Organization, Redundancy, and TimePhotoshoot Mapping and WorkflowSkills-Technical and People SkillsBusinessGrowthThese 5 Pillars will have you walking into any photoshoot, any set, any location, any event, and any business dealings with confidence. These 5 Pillars have taken me from shy, reserved, ladened with self-doubt and denying myself opportunities, to a determined, self-assured, on-set problem solver who welcomes challenges and who no longer negotiates pricing. I’m your host Maria. I specialize in Portrait and Headshot Photography. My portraits are magazine-style contemporary images that allow my clients to be photographed the way they want to be seen by the rest of the world. That means working with MUAs, hairstylists, as well as my clients. It means learning to collaborate and to direct. Using these 5 Pillars has changed my confidence and my ability to interact with clients, collaborators, colleagues, and with businesses. These changes have lead me to expand my portfolio to engagement, maternity, and family photography; to operate two businesses, and to acquire my own studio. I know getting Clued Up to the 5 Pillars and to what has to go on behind the scenes in order to produce quality photoshoot experiences for you and your client will elevate your photography. So join me every Tuesday to get Clued Up. We’ll also have some special guests-photographers, MUAs, models, and more. PS: I’ll be throwing in some surprise BTS bonus tips too. You can check out the Clued Up webpage at www.cluedupBTS.com and follow the show on Instagram at @CluedUpBTS.
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Episodes
How to Make Your Photography Your Business
August 09, 2023 12:00 - 49 minutes - 34.1 MBAre you ready to evolve your photography passion into a business? This episode guides you through the basics of setting up a photography enterprise. We illuminate the process of creating and registering your business, placing special emphasis on the advantages of launching as an LLC. You'll gain insights into protecting your personal assets, savoring tax benefits and the pitfalls that could potentially endanger your personal assets. Imagine a world where your photography business is not jus...
The Transformative Power of Photography Workshops: Boosting Your Photography Skills and Business Through Workshops
August 01, 2023 04:00 - 51 minutes - 35.7 MBHave you ever wondered how photography workshops can ignite your creativity, refine your skills and push your business to new heights? I'm here to tell you that workshops are a game changer. They offer an opportunity for camaraderie and connection, for learning and growth, and for witnessing the transformative power of your photography. I'll share my insights on the importance of these workshops, not only for your personal artistic journey but for your business as well. We'll also tackle th...
Revised and Corrected Version: Cracking the ISO Code: Understanding Your Camera's Sensitivity to Light - The Know Your Camera Series
July 29, 2023 12:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MBAre your photos not quite hitting the mark in low-light situations? Frustrated with unwanted noise in your images? This episode is just the tool you need to understand the power of ISO in your photography . Join us on Clued Up with Maria B, as we shed light on the third pillar of the exposure triangle - ISO. We'll dig deep into what a native ISO is and expose the secret of how bumping up your ISO can lead to better image exposure. You'll walk away with a clear and solid understanding of ISO,...
Cracking the ISO Code: Understanding Your Camera's Sensitivity to Light - The Know Your Camera Series
July 26, 2023 03:00 - 34 minutes - 24 MBAre your photos not quite hitting the mark in low-light situations? Frustrated with unwanted noise in your images? This episode is just the tool you need to understand the power of ISO in your photography . Join us on Clued Up with Maria B, as we shed light on the third pillar of the exposure triangle - ISO. We'll dig deep into what a native ISO is and expose the secret of how bumping up your ISO can lead to better image exposure. You'll walk away with a clear and solid understanding of ISO,...
Mastering Maternity Photoshoots: A Guide to Planning and Execution Part 1
July 18, 2023 03:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MBThis episode is your golden ticket to understanding the art and science of planning a successful maternity photoshoot. I'm your host, Maria B, and I'll be pulling back the curtain to reveal the meticulous steps, from striking the right business balance to building the foundations for your creativity, all in service of a smooth and enjoyable client experience. Get ready to step into my shoes as we navigate the intricate process of setting dates, securing makeup artists, and handling contrac...
From Vision to Image: Exploring the 8 Elements to Becoming a Great Photographer
July 11, 2023 04:00 - 31 minutes - 21.7 MBEver wondered what separates a good photographer from a truly great one? Let's find out! Today, we dive into the world of photography, exploring the elements that transform a simple click into a breathtaking masterpiece. We'll unravel the blend of technical skills, artistic vision, and the dedication necessary to separate from the photograph pack. The ability to visualize the shot before clicking the shutter, creating a powerful composition, and pushing boundaries with colors and innovation ...
10 Food for Thought Photography Questions
July 02, 2023 15:00 - 59 minutes - 40.8 MBIn this episode we explore 10 Food for Thought Photography Questions about our photography. These are questions I've thought about over time. The answers change based on my experiences and what's significant to me at the time. I think you'll find the same if you ever choose to come back to them. These questions show us where we are and where we want to be, and in some cases, the likelihood of making our answers real. As the title states, these questions are food for thought to help us think...
Tips for Headshot Photography
May 12, 2022 03:00 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MBIn this week's episode we take a closer look at planning and executing headshots for clients. Headshots should be easy, and they are, as long as you plan ahead and prepare so that when your client arrives it's a go! Understanding your client's needs and their expectations, will provide you with a wealth of information to make this as simple and as easy a process as possible. Remember, understanding you clients' goals helps you to obtain your photography goals. Here are some of the platform...
Tips for Headshot Photography
May 12, 2022 03:00 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MBIn this week's episode we take a closer look at planning and executing headshots for clients. Headshots should be easy, and they are, as long as you plan ahead and prepare so that when your client arrives it's a go! Understanding your client's needs and their expectations, will provide you with a wealth of information to make this as simple and as easy a process as possible. Remember, understanding you clients' goals helps you to obtain your photography goals. Here are some of the platform...
Case Study 1: Decisions-Making in Photography Beyond Business
May 03, 2022 04:00 - 55 minutes - 38 MBIn this, our first Case Study, we talk about making major decisions in your photography business that reflect and affect your morals, ethics, and your integrity. We talk about knowing when it is and isn't the right time to seek payment for work related to an important cause and one in which the subject or subjects of your photograph represent a civil struggle and the fight against injustice-in this case, Black Lives Matter. We also discuss the importance of usage right in distributing your...
Case Study 1: Decisions-Making in Photography Beyond Business
May 03, 2022 04:00 - 55 minutes - 38 MBIn this, our first Case Study, we talk about making major decisions in your photography business that reflect and affect your morals, ethics, and your integrity. We talk about knowing when it is and isn't the right time to seek payment for work related to an important cause and one in which the subject or subjects of your photograph represent a civil struggle and the fight against injustice-in this case, Black Lives Matter. We also discuss the importance of usage right in distributing your...
Bonus Episode: Two Headshots and an Event-Prepping and Planning for Upcoming Shoots
April 30, 2022 12:00 - 54 minutes - 37.3 MBIn this bonus episode, I discuss with you the realities of what goes on when potential clients contact you about a photo shoot-in this case, headshots and an event. What often seems like a clear cut, smooth sailing process, is almost always guaranteed to have some challenges. That's not a bad thing. It makes you think or rethink some of your strategies and can make you recognize some areas that require improvement.
Bonus Episode: Two Headshots and an Event-Prepping and Planning for Upcoming Shoots
April 30, 2022 12:00 - 54 minutes - 37.3 MBIn this bonus episode, I discuss with you the realities of what goes on when potential clients contact you about a photo shoot-in this case, headshots and an event. What often seems like a clear cut, smooth sailing process, is almost always guaranteed to have some challenges. That's not a bad thing. It makes you think or rethink some of your strategies and can make you recognize some areas that require improvement. Questions or Comments? Reach out at [email protected] and I'll be in to...
Camera Settings for Shooting the Runway Made Easy
April 26, 2022 04:00 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MBIn this episode, we'll talk about the settings used to capture sharp, well-lit photos on the runway during NY Fashion Week. Relying on the basic understanding of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, I discuss how I arrive at the settings I used during runway shows, plus, a brief discussion on why Auto White Balance (AWB) is the way to go whether your shooting guests during intermission or shooting the actual runway show. I also discuss that you don't have to travel to a major city in order to a...
BTS: Shooting the Runway (and everything else) During NY Fashion Week
April 19, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 56.6 MBIn this episode we talk about the whirlwind fun, craziness, and adventure of shooting at New York Fashion Week. Rest assure, these tips work for every runway show no matter where the show is held. In this episode we talk about navigating through the prep work, long hours, in-between sessions, the post-show networking and the after party. Runway shows make new photographers grow up fast because you have no choice but to learn, learn fast, and then get better. The big takeaway: Apply to smalle...
BTS: Shooting the Runway (and everything else) During NY Fashion Week
April 19, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 56.6 MBIn this episode we talk about the whirlwind fun, craziness, and adventure of shooting at New York Fashion Week. Rest assure, these tips work for every runway show no matter where the show is held. In this episode we talk about navigating through the prep work, long hours, in-between sessions, the post-show networking and the after party. Runway shows make new photographers grow up fast because you have no choice but to learn, learn fast, and then get better. The big takeaway: Apply to smalle...
What Should Photographers Wear on a Photoshoot? 10 Styling Tips for Confident Shoots
April 12, 2022 04:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MBLet's talk about dressing for photography! Our clothing has to be functional, comfortable, & flexible, while professional and relatable to our clients, and appropriate for the shoot or in some cases, the venue. We have to dress with confidence! See the links below mentioned in this episode. Enjoy! Videos What to Wear on Camera How to Look Good on Video Calls 5 min Makeup for Video Conferencing Products Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation Estée Lauder Revitalize Supreme + Moisturizer Sm...
Value You in 2022
January 01, 2022 14:00 - 38 minutes - 26.4 MBIn this episode I share my recent personal experience with a no-show clients, and I talk about the urgency of your self-value when interacting with clients and businesses. It's important to recognize and believe in your value both as a professional and as a person, and to conduct your photography business and anything else in your life accordingly. This episode is as behind the scenes as it gets because your success depends more on how you value and respect yourself before others do. Peopl...
Bonus Episode: What Goes Around Comes Around
November 11, 2021 12:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBIn this episode I talk about service. Specifically making your client the center of what you do as a photographer beyond taking photos. As a photographer, you're in the service industry, and giving service to your clients has to be your number one priority. It's not about creating lavish sets, or serving champagne, or chocolate-covered strawberries:It's about making people feel good, feel great, about themselves; so good, that the talk about you and your service and about their experience wi...
Bonus Episode: What Goes Around Comes Around
November 11, 2021 12:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBIn this episode I talk about service. Specifically making your client the center of what you do as a photographer beyond taking photos. As a photographer, you're in the service industry, and giving service to your clients has to be your number one priority. It's not about creating lavish sets, or serving champagne, or chocolate-covered strawberries:It's about making people feel good, feel great, about themselves; so good, that the talk about you and your service and about their experience wi...
What Goes Around Comes Around
November 11, 2021 12:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBIn this episode I talk about service. Specifically making your client the center of what you do as a photographer beyond taking photos. As a photographer, you're in the service industry, and giving service to your clients has to be your number one priority. It's not about creating lavish sets, or serving champagne, or chocolate-covered strawberries:It's about making people feel good, feel great, about themselves; so good, that the talk about you and your service and about their experience wi...
How to Avoid Miscommunication with Your Client and Your Team
November 11, 2021 10:00 - 11 minutes - 7.89 MBIn a previous episode, episode 10, I talked about the importance of knowing how you learn or in other words, how best you comprehend information. Here's something to keep in mind: Much the same way photography information has to be communicated in several ways in order for us to learn, we should consider the same thing when it comes to our clients or potential clients. I talk about this short episode in which I give the example of providing information to a client through written informat...
How to Control Light-Understanding Your Shutter and Shutter Speed: The Know Your Camera Series
October 30, 2021 00:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MBControlling light seems complex, but the truth is it's as complex or as simple as it's explained to those who are interested in learning and understanding it. Too often, I've found that a 5 minute to 30 minutes explanation can't cut it, and generally, it leaves people lost, confused, and frustrated. We're going to take a different path, whether it's all about light, or about aperture or about the exposure triangle, we're going to break down each piece so that you learn the information you ...
Let There Be Light-Overcoming the Fear of Artificial Light
October 23, 2021 13:00 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MBIn this week's episode we begin the discussion on light, not from the technical aspect but more from an emotional aspect. That emotion is fear: fear of learning something that appears complex and most importantly and fear of failure. I can relate because for years, I struggled with my own fear using light in photography. I was lost and had no guidance. Everyone I listened to would just spit out these terms that were essentially a new language. I gave up but then I had an experience that chan...
How to Collaborate Effectively with Your Fellow Creatives: Lessons from My Experience
October 08, 2021 22:00 - 18 minutes - 13 MBIn this week's episode we talk about collaboration among creatives: Photographers and other artists. I share with you the positives and the challenges of photographing a large event. In my case the painting and installation of a 9000 sq ft. Black Lives Matter Mural over the course of a week. I provide inside observations of what is needed among professionals to ensure photography and other visual media are used effectively in order to provide cohesive images. This is not an easy process, and...
BTS 3: How I Recovered from a Photoshoot Fail (and You Can Too)
October 02, 2021 05:00 - 22 minutes - 15.3 MBIn this episode I share with you what I considered to be an epic fail and my most challenging photoshoot. Oddly enough it had nothing to do with the client. I share with you what happens when you lose control of your shoot and when you loose control of your space, your physical and your professional space. I'll also share the important lessons I've learned and the steps I've taken to ensure that I maintain control of future shoots. {4:36} This day was about the client and it ended up that ...
Why Every Photographer Needs a (Printable) Price List
September 28, 2021 02:00 - 18 minutes - 12.9 MBOnce you have a rudimentary understanding of your camera, and someone wants you to photograph their event, their party, their kid, or they want you to take their headshot, don’t do it for free. Send your potential client a copy of your price list, a documented affirmation that demonstrates the value of your photography work. Your price list a sign that you're a professional. It shows potential clients you've considered the costs of working as a professional photographer and that you're serio...
How to Have Successful Photo Shoots Without Your Own Studio
January 23, 2021 13:00 - 23 minutes - 16.1 MBEpisode 12. How to Have Successful Photo Shoots Without Your Own Studio. In this week's episode we talk about an issue that many photographers face: How to produce successful professional-style photo shoots if you simply do not have a space. Necessity isn't called the mother of invention without good reason. When you want to do something badly enough, you will find a way. This is true of finding photography shooting spaces. There are several alternatives to renting or owning a dedicated ph...
BTS 2: How to Take Your Portrait Client from Consult to Photo Shoot
January 04, 2021 04:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MBEpisode 11. In this week's episode we go behind the scenes of a recent photo shoot that just sort of happened. In one of my most successful photo shoots, we look at the elements that came together to create the perfect storm: Preparedness, Professionalism, Killer Attitude, and Confidence on the part of the client, the makeup artist, and the photographer-that would be me. This is what happens when people know their craft, when they're comfortable in their capabilities, and when there's trust...
Top 10 Tips for Your Photography Education: Investing In Yourself
December 17, 2020 08:00 - 29 minutes - 20.4 MBEpisode 10: Have you ever thought about how much money you spend on photography education...and why? In this week's episode we discuss how to get the most out of your photography education, who to follow and why, putting a limit on how much you spend on monthly subscriptions, and the criteria you should use in deciding which educators you should pay to follow. Also in this week's episode and central to your photography education is learning about your personal learning style: How best do ...
Bonus Episode: How to Start Your Own Podcast-The Project Podcast Challenge.
December 07, 2020 02:00 - 12 minutes - 8.58 MBBonus episode: So many people have the idea to start their own podcast but don't know how. I was one of those people. For a couple of years I had this idea but never knew how to make it happen. At one point I had taken a 3-day workshop that taught me how to edit and how to record in a sound booth. I learned a few things but it really wasn't practical for what I wanted to do. In July I downloaded a podcasting course, but as I'm sure you can guess, that didn't go far as is the case when we ...
The Know Your Camera Series: Understanding Aperture
December 06, 2020 15:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MBEpisode 9. In the "Know Your Camera" series that will be intertwined between regular episodes, we take a deep dive into understanding the basics of our cameras. Why? Even if you are familiar with the basic functions, sometimes there are little nuggets that change our understanding or we just need to hear something or talk about a topic we haven't addressed in a while that can change how we work with our cameras. Knowing your camera is of course the most basic element related to what goes on ...
The Know Your Camera Series: Understanding Aperture
December 06, 2020 15:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MBEpisode 9. In the "Know Your Camera" series that will be intertwined between regular episodes, we take a deep dive into understanding the basics of our cameras. Why? Even if you are familiar with the basic functions, sometimes there are little nuggets that change our understanding or we just need to hear something or talk about a topic we haven't addressed in a while that can change how we work with our cameras. Knowing your camera is of course the most basic element related to what goes on ...
How to Organize Your Photography Life
November 30, 2020 07:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MBEpisode 8. Organization of every part of your photography life is key to success as well as minimizing your stress. It also makes a heck of an impression on your team and your clients because nothing says amateur like disorganization or frequently searching for gear or for something you know you wrote down somewhere. Organization is an essential part of your time management. Consider the minutes wasted when we have to search for gear or telephone numbers or even searching for photos on our...
How to Organize Your Photography Life
November 30, 2020 07:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MBEpisode 8. Organization of every part of your photography life is key to success as well as minimizing your stress. It also makes a heck of an impression on your team and your clients because nothing says amateur like disorganization or frequently searching for gear or for something you know you wrote down somewhere. Organization is an essential part of your time management. Consider the minutes wasted when we have to search for gear or telephone numbers or even searching for photos on our...
The Big "O": How to Organize Your Photography Life
November 30, 2020 07:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MBEpisode 8. Organization of every part of your photography life is key to success as well as minimizing your stress. It also makes a heck of an impression on your team and your clients because nothing says amateur like disorganization or frequently searching for gear or for something you know you wrote down somewhere. Organization is an essential part of your time management. Consider the minutes wasted when we have to search for gear or telephone numbers or even searching for photos on our...
How to Map Your Portrait Photoshoot for a 0 Fail Workflow
November 23, 2020 07:00 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MBEpisode 7. In this week's episode we take a look at how to map your portrait photoshoot in order to create a seamless workflow for the client, the team, and for the photographer. Those annoying minute details that we dread taking care of before a shoot can make all the difference between a quality experience for everyone involved and a series of challenges during a photoshoot. Key to a quality experience is building consistency for general mapping: Doing the same things over and over so they...
BTS 1: How to Take Your Portrait Client from Consult to Photoshoot
November 18, 2020 23:00 - 1 hour - 45.4 MBIn Episode 6, I take you behind the scenes from the day of my first conversation with my client to the day of her photo shoot. In this episode you'll hear intimate details of this process from our first discussion through details related to getting the shoot set up in the studio. You'll get the low-down on what happened, what should have happened, and what should have happened better. You're getting the real deal as to what happens when you manage the different aspects to make a photo shoot ...
2 Tools Guaranteed to Propel and Elevate Your Photography!!
October 16, 2020 02:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MBEpisode 5. If you want better photographs the 2 tools we talk about in this episode will get you there so much faster. These 2 tools, the X-rite color checker and the light meter, are essential for accurate colors, white balance, and desired lighting. For all the money photographers spend on gear, presets, videos, webinars , and tutorials, and for all the time she dedicate to learning to take better photos, it makes sense to invest in tools and gear that really make a difference and make thi...
2 Tools Guaranteed to Propel and Elevate Your Portrait Photography!!
October 16, 2020 02:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MBEpisode 5. If you want better photographs the 2 tools we talk about in this episode will get you there so much faster. These 2 tools, the X-rite color checker and the light meter, are essential for accurate colors, white balance, and desired lighting in your portrait photography. For all the money photographers spend on gear, presets, videos, webinars , and tutorials, and for all the time she dedicate to learning to take better photos, it makes sense to invest in tools and gear that really m...
Church Rules
September 23, 2020 01:00 - 22 minutes - 15.2 MBEpisode 4. In this week's episode we dive into why it's critical for photographers to do their homework when it comes to shooting at venues and especially when shooting at houses of worship. We talk about how to avoid becoming a disruptor by knowing the rules. We also talk about the need for awareness of guidelines, permits, and required permissions, when shooting outdoors from local parks to world famous sites, and photographing in front of private property and business establishments. It's...
Church Rules
September 23, 2020 01:00 - 22 minutes - 15.2 MBEpisode 4. In this week's episode we dive into why it's critical for photographers to do their homework when it comes to shooting at venues and especially when shooting at houses of worship. We talk about how to avoid becoming a disruptor by knowing the rules. We also talk about the need for awareness of guidelines, permits, and required permissions, when shooting outdoors from local parks to world famous sites, and photographing in front of private property and business establishments. It's...
Hide That Card!
September 15, 2020 04:00 - 10 minutes - 7.17 MBEpisode 3. One day, as organized and as thorough as you may be, you're going to find yourself short of an SD card. On that day, you'll be happy you listened to this episode. Questions or Comments? Reach out at [email protected] and I'll be in touch* directly or address your comment on the podcast. *By submitting a question or statement, you agree that your submission can be discussed publicly on the podcast, website, or other platforms owned by or affiliated with CluedUpBTS and its pa...
How to Find the Right Model for Your Photoshoot
September 09, 2020 07:00 - 21 minutes - 14.9 MBEpisode 2. In this episode we talk about several different ways to find the right model for your photoshoot including traditional methods such as: Friends and family Professional modeling schools Modeling agencies Then we move to the power of social media that provides the potential for rapid response and the ability to view several profiles in a short amount of time: Instagram Facebook And finally online modeling services such as: Model Mayhem One Model Place Model Management ...
5 Pillars to Quality Portrait Photoshoots
September 01, 2020 06:00 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MBEpisode #1. Welcome to Clued Up with Maria B: The BTS Photography Podcast. In this episode I introduce you to the 5 Pillars to building Quality Portrait Photoshoots that will influence what goes on BTS before you ever hit the shutter and will not only change but elevate your photography. If you’re like most photographers you’ve spent a lot of money and a lot time trying to improve your photography. We all have. Most well-known photographers will tell you what you’re about to learn here, on...
5 Pillars to Quality Photoshoots
September 01, 2020 06:00 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MBEpisode #1. Welcome to Clued Up with Maria B: The BTS Photography Podcast. In this episode I introduce you to the 5 Pillars to a Quality Photoshoot that will influence what goes on BTS before you ever hit the shutter and will not only change but elevate your photography. If you’re like most photographers you’ve spent a lot of money and a lot time trying to improve your photography. We all have. Most well-known photographers will tell you what you’re about to learn here, only it’s not going...
Trailer
August 29, 2020 04:00 - 31 seconds - 464 KBHow do you take better photos? How do you elevate your photography? If you read most articles, listen to photography podcasts, watch a lot Youtube videos, and you’ve attended numerous workshops and conferences, you’ve probably tried lots of techniques, different lights and lighting set ups, purchased a plethora of gear, software, and apps, or taken to the extreme, you’ve changed camera systems. And are your photos really that much better? What if I told you that the secret to better photos...