It should be simple. Take pictures. Make money.
Upgrading Your Camera JOHNNY (QUESTION): Alright, question time. If I were going to start saving for a new camera that would be more on the professional end, what would you recommend for upgrading your camera? PHILLIP VAN NOSTRAND (RESPONSE): What do you have now? JOHNNY (RESPONSE): Nikon D80. I was thinking about switching to Canon. I know the […]
The Camera Toss ADRIENNE (QUESTION): How do you do this camera toss?! What if you drop your camera?! PHILLIP VAN NOSTRAND (ANSWER): Adrienne, I never drop my camera. That’s why it’s called the $3000 trick! And to accomplish the camera toss, you need to do a few things: 1) Own a full frame camera with a fisheye lens (you can find […]
Shooting with a 50mm Lens AMY (QUESTION): I got a nice canon 50mm for Christmas and it takes great shots. What I don’t like is I’m not able to take shots up close because there’s no zoom. So backing up so far from my subject (at a cafe) for example is tricky. Any tips? PHILLIP VAN NOSTRAND […]
Branding Yourself MAYRA (QUESTION): My mentor said to find a style, I have to find a brand! What do you think about that? PHILLIP VAN NOSTRAND (ANSWER): I have some thoughts about that, and I kind of disagree. It’s like telling Brad Pitt in his first year of acting that he has to know what […]
How to be the best Second Photographer Katie (QUESTION): Phil, I have my first second photographer job at a Santa Barbara Courthouse wedding this Friday! Have any advice on being a top notch 2nd shooter? Phillip Van Nostrand (ANSWER): AWESOME! Yes I do have some tips: 1) Remind them to sync camera times with you at the […]
When to Start Charging for Pictures LAUREN (QUESTION): How do you judge if you’re good enough to start charging other people for pictures? PHILLIP VAN NOSTRAND (ANSWER): I love this question! I guess my first gig happened because someone offered to pay me! So I didn’t begin by charging others, someone literally asked me to shoot […]
Best Camera Accessories LAUREN (QUESTION): What is the first photography accessory would you recommend getting, besides a camera? PHILLIP VAN NOSTRAND (ANSWER): I think a good solid flash is the best accessory to your camera. By using a flash, you open yourself up to a whole other world of photography, and you can start doing […]
Negotiation Katie (Question): Do you let people go if they say you’re out of their budget, or try to have some negotiation with them? Phillip Van Nostrand (Answer): Great question! If I feel like it is worth it for me I am always willing to negotiate, and even at the highest level of photography people are […]
Reflector JOHNNY (QUESTION): Thanks again for coming down and taking shots of Cohen. The few we seen so far are awesome. I’m wondering if you can tell me what that thing is called that you used to block/add light. Also, if there was a resource (webpage or book) that you would recommend. PHILLIP VAN NOSTRAND […]
Flashes and Lenses JOHNNY (QUESTION): Any advice on getting flashes and lenses for my Nikon? I have a couple Tamron lenses but I’m not sure they are doing the job my camera could do. It probably has to do with me not knowing how to shoot very well also, but I’ve heard Nikon is known for […]