Getting Help With Posing

First Byte:  First Bytes are 1-2 minute summaries and suggestions that tie directly to a specific blog post. I'm hoping they're helpful in expanding the topic of the post itself.

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A few months ago, with some of the most talented artists/educators in photography, I started a new forum on Facebook called "GoingPro".  The number of members is already approaching 3000. 

The purpose of "GoingPro" is to give photographers help from some of the very best. Like all of the forums, no one group can give you all the help you need, but just like having different places you like to shop, this was meant to give you one more level of support in your quest to build a stronger business and skill set.

Right in the first pinned post I wrote: 

"Here's where we'd like to start - right here in the comment section to this post share one of the most favorite of your personal images and then give us an idea of what you feel you need the most help with."

Once a week or so, I've been using comments to that request as the subject for a blog post.  The majority of comments have all been directed towards needing help with marketing and business, but this morning I read a few that have to do with posing.  While I can't help you directly, we've got several admins in the GoingPro group who represent some of the very best in the industry. 

I'm going to list a few of them, but suggest you start with a visit to their website. Look at their galleries and check out some of their blog posts. Then, if you want more information, the December holidays are right around the corner and nothing beats their books as a great gift idea - even if you're buying it for yourself!  

Just click on any of the book covers to get to Amazon's page and more information.

Roberto Valenzuela has two great books out. Both are going to help you immensely. Check out his website and YouTube for even more help.

Michele Celentano's book covers a lot of different ground and there's a new book in the pipeline, not yet published. This is a great place to start, but just like Roberto, start with her website. You'll also find a classic webcast with Michele on "Mind Your Own Business" where she talks in great detail about the importance of printed work.

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Kevin Kubota's Lighting Notebook, published just a couple of years back, is loaded with information about lighting and posing. It's an outstanding resource and Kevin is another educator who is constantly supporting efforts to help you raise the bar on the quality of your images.

Kevin also did a terrific webcast with us on "Mind Your Own Business"  where he talked a lot about business work flow, another common request in the GoingPro forum.  You'll find plenty of support on YouTube and looking at his website.

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Next week I'll pull together a post of more resources to help you raise the bar, but these three educators are a great start. As you check out their work, don't forget to start following their blogs. Get yourself into their RSS feeds so you automatically get the most recently published material. Plus, you'll find all of them speaking at IUSA, WPPI, Shutterfest or many of the regional conventions during the first few months of convention season in 2015!

We're all at many of the same conventions each year - and there's nothing that beats the fun of networking face to face with somebody who you've only met on line!

I'm looking forward to catching up to so many of you on the road next year!