Q&A: Getting 55,000 likes on Facebook + The Bokeh Effect

It’s almost Christmas – YAY!  Below are some answers to last week’s Q&A.  Live Q&A’s are on Fridays from 9:30 – 10:30am PST on Facebook!

New_York_Wedding_ChristineChangPhoto

1.  Jay G.:  How did you get 55,000 likes on Facebook?

I kick-started my “likes” by shooting a fashion blogger who had a huge following. She would tag me in her blog posts and FB updates. After that I worked with a social media company. They mostly ran ads. They got me the followers, now I’m trying to engage more, hence this weekly Q&A.

2.  Ksenia K.:  I am just starting out in photography, but I’m very interested in creating very artistic shots. I know that Lightroom 5 can help, but I’m not too familiar with the actual setting of either the camera or the program. What would be the best way to learn? Also, what is the most important in achieving it?

I would first learn how to work your camera is manual mode. The easiest way to do this is to take a photography class or have someone show you. Learning via a book/manual is confusing and I think most of us don’t have the patience for it.  Mastering the camera and learning to shoot in manual mode is the first step to taking artistic photos. That way you have full control of what you want to create.

3.  Deirdre G.:  What footwear do you wear when shooting events?

I either wear comfy boots or flats with extra cushion.  Aerosoles make really great flats for work.

4.  Gringa M.:  Do you burn discs/USBs, sell products, or do both?

Starting this year I deliver most of my photos via DropBox. It’s faster and clients love the convenience. For weddings and formal events I also burn them to a USB. The only product I have are wedding albums.

5.  Tanya A.:  I’m trying to achieve a bokeh look but I have a large group of people.

Try putting the people on the same plane – side by side so that everyone is the same distance from the camera. Stand FAR back and shoot with a long lens like the 70-200mm f/2.8. Don’t forget to open the aperture as far as it will go (smallest number possible).