First and far most! I want to thank God for bringing me through to 2012!

2011 was a great year. It went by very fast but as I look back I can’t see any regrets. As technology advances, so do I. Change is always inevitable. I feel that 2011 is the year that I truly and finally learned that if you refuse to change then you get left behind. Because, when you are through changing, you are through. ~Bruce Barton

I’m looking forward to a very successful year. There are many different ways to measure success. Happiness is the way I measure my success. What makes me happy? Goals…  I’m setting new goals this year. And 2012 will be a hard working year.

Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go. ~William Feather

Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm. ~Winston Churchill

To escape criticism – do nothing, say nothing, be nothing.  ~Elbert Hubbard

In 2011, I have come a long way in my craft. I practiced, I shot, I edited, I practice, I shot more…  But I seemed to never be satisfied with my craft. But, I figured out that this is normal. If I continue to strive to do my best, my best will come.

Perfection is not attainable.  But if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.  ~Vince Lombardi

This year, I will be bringing more like the images you see here. These are my top ten of 2011. Please enjoy and expect more from AEparker.  (posted in no particular order)

Top Photo of 2011 is a the end of this post!

Well, as many know, this is my beautiful daughter. She is my most loyal and dependable model. Because of her age, at times it’s hard to get her to cooperate with me. This one is one that really touched me because of her pure and innocent beauty. And no, she didn’t end up in my top ten because she is my daughter. She ended up in my top ten because of the look and feel of this photo. This image was close to AEparker’s Photo of the Year. Yes, I have a photo of the year.

She’s a natural! Watch out for Alissa Parker. Maybe when she is 17 or 18, she’ll be interested in modeling. She’ll be use to working in front of the camera.

This image was my pick for AEparker Photography Image of the Year! This image has a fresh and newish look. The eyes always do it for me. And the makeup is flawless. Thanks to Carly Vega, Makeup by Vega! More from this model and the whole crew in 2012…

Stay tuned for more from the Digital Photography Era!

This weeks Top Ten Tuesday!

As a potential client shopping for a photographer, there are questions you must remember to ask before you hire. Of course, these questions will be different as each potential client and situation is different. Well, here are my Top Ten Questions to Ask a Photographer.

• What is your style of wedding photography or portrait photography? 

You want to know what style is being brought to your event or portrait. Some photographers have a photojournalistic style, documentary style, traditional style, contemporary style, or an artistic style. If you are shopping for a photographer, you should be concerned with quality and style. This will determine what your photos will look like when the whole process is done. So, search for something that fits you and your event.

•  Will you work with an assistant or a second shooter?

This is important to know for weddings, because you have double the coverage when the photographer uses a second shooter. Some photographers will ask if you want a second shooter and some will automatically use a second shooter. Be proactive and ask the question. A lot of times I shoot alone. But there are situations that I refuse to shoot without an assistant. A wedding is an event that I will at least have an assistant to make things work a bit smoother. A wedding is a very stressful day, even for the photographer. An assistant helps things to be less stressful. Do you want a stressed out photographer shooting your special event?

• Are you familiar with the ceremony and reception locations?

Knowing where the ceremony and reception is being held is key information. You always want to be sure that the photographer is familiar with where things are located. At times the ceremony location could be miles away from the reception location. So, be sure to ask this one. And be sure to inform your photographer of all locations of this special day.

• What percentage of your shots are posed and candid shots?

This question is important because it’s style related. Some photographers are great posers and some are great at catching that moment. Posed or candid shots work well in most situations. Posed shots take a little longer and candid shots usually go with the flow of the event.

•  Do you mind if I give you a list of special people with whom I want pictures?

A photographer should encourage a list of some sort in order to be sure to get what you want. If there is a list, it’s easier to accomplish a successful shoot.

•  How many hours are included?

How many hours are included, is a very necessary question. This is one of the things that should probably be put in writing. You also have to know how long the photographer is available.

•  What if the reception last longer than planned?

First find out if the photographer charges extra for going over the time planned. If there is a charge, then you may want to think of confirming that the photographer is available for the full event.

•  How long will formal wedding photos take?

The amount of time it takes to get the formals done at a wedding is key, its one of the most important shot sessions of that day. And everyone is trying to hurry to the reception.

• How long will the prints take once they have been ordered?

One of the most important details will be, when will you receive your product? How long do you have to wait in order to see, enjoy, and revisit that special day. 6 weeks, 3 weeks, 2 weeks…  How long? If a photographer is over booked it will usually take a lot longer than you would like to wait. So pay very good attention to how long a photographer will tell you it will be.

• Is an album included?

Products included is always a good thing to figure out before hiring. Is there an album included with the price offered? Or, is it extra?

These are my Top Ten questions. I’m sure you have your own questions. Feel free to add your questions below.

Thank you for stopping by to visit AEparker’s Blog.

AEparker Photography

Algernon Parker 

One of the benefits of being your own boss is you get to decide what clients you take on. As a photographer, there are several reasons to steer clear of certain potential clients. I’m sure the reasons will differ with each photographer. Here are my Top Ten Reasons to turn down a potential client.

• No Call, No Show. When I don’t get a courtesy call for a session that is already scheduled, I feel that it’s a disrespect of my time. And we all know, time equates to money. My time is also valuable for many other reasons. The most important reason is time with my family. If I’m “stood up” on a shoot, it is very rare that I will work with this client again. The best way to fix a situation that comes up and you cannot make a scheduled time, is to call and let the photographer know that your plans have changed. I know I am more likely to reschedule a shoot with a person that respects my time enough to let me know what’s going on.
• Will Not Listen. In any type of photography shoot; it is key that you, as a client, listen. I like to see a photo shoot as a collaboration. I’m working with the subject to create something great. So, communication is key. I always listen to a client because another persons ideas may compliment my ideas. Keep in mind to listen to your photographer because your photographer should be listening to you.
• Wants My Style to Look Like Another Photographer’s Style.  A lot of people look at photography online. They see photographs that they really like. Then they try to hire a photographer to copy what they saw. There is nothing wrong with getting inspiration from others. But, when I’m inspired from someone else’s work I bring my style. There is no way to get my work to look like another photographer’s work! And if you like another photographer’s work, then hire that photographer. That’s almost like buying a Honda and then try to make it look like a Toyota.
• Will Not Sign A Release or Contract. Signing a release or a contract is just a matter of getting things on paper. A model release is to be clear on the copyright and usage permissions. Most photographers like to use photographs from their sessions in their portfolio. A release puts permission on paper to use the photographs. A contract is to make sure everyone involved is on the same page. A contract should contain information about what is included in the photo shoot, date and time.
• Does Not Respect Business Hours. Most businesses have hours of operation. If there is a set time to accept phone calls or make appointments, then you should honor those times. There are reasons for the set times. A photographer is a very busy person, believe it or not. Those hours could be set in order for personal time or family time.
• Takes Advantage of My Kindness. I consider myself a pretty kind individual. I bring that kindness to my business. But sometimes kindness can be taken as a weakness. Because I’m a nice guy doesn’t mean you will get something for free. But I do believe in taking care of a good client.
• Rude or Attitude. I think attitude is really important in anything you do. I heard a quote from Steve Harvey one morning. He said, “Your attitude determines your altitude”. Bad attitudes don’t get far with me at all. I feel that a client and I are working together. There is no room for any attitudes when working with me. There is only room for fun and creativity.
• Shopping By Price. In today’s suffering economy, everyone is looking for a bargain. But if you are looking for a lot and want to pay minimum, remember, you get what you pay for. I feel that my prices are set to compliment my craft and to keep my business running. If a potential client reveals to me that price is more important than quality, it’s hard for me to take them seriously.
• Expecting Photoshop Miracles. Photoshop and other editing tools are essential to a photographer. But when a client asks for things like removal of braces, make them thinner, etc. All of these things may be possible but not easy. There is always the chance that the client will not like the results. I’m a photographer not a plastic surgeon.
• Pass On AEparker Photography. Expecting a better experience without AEparker is a no no!

I know it’s been a while for Top Ten Tuesday but stay tuned for more from AEparker Photography

New contest… Share My Facebook Page! Share my Facebook page with all your friends. What will you get out of it? You will get my great personality, view my work, and if you get this most likes… You will receive a free session (prints and product are separate but 20% off). How do you enter this contest? Simply post on my this page “I’m sharing AEparker Photography” (be sure to instruct your friends to click the like button at the top of my Facebook page). The winner will be the one that has the most likes on their “I’m sharing AEparker Photography” post. If you enjoy my work, this is a great opportunity. You lose nothing but could gain a photo shoot with me.

So, today’s Top Ten Tuesday will be sort of a pat on the back for myself. Here are my Top Ten favorite photographs, I created.

A pat on the back for AEparker Photography! I think I need to do this more often.

Always love your own work and admire others…

Algernon Parker

A few days ago, I was asked a question about the difference between the 50mm prime lens and the 85mm prime. This question came from one of the members of the Photographer’s group on Facebook. Some of you maybe thinking, what a dumb question… But this question isn’t dumb at all, especially for a beginner.

Now that I’ve been using Google+ for a few weeks, I’ve noticed several users that are a must in my circle. If you are new to Google+ and you wonder who you should add to your circle, here are my Top Ten Google users (in no particular order).

Nicole S. Young – A stock photographer that shoots people and food, currently based in Utah. Since I’ve been using G+ she has provided my stream with great information and great photography. She even posted a Basics of Google+ video. Thanks Nicole!

Lisa Bettany – Lisa Bettany has filled my stream with excellent photographs. She even leaves a detailed description of each one. Lisa is a photographer and iPhone app developer.

Alex Koloskov – A talented commercial photographer also adds to my G+ stream. His recent splash photography has caught my eye. He also has posted great how-tos. His most recent is a guest blog on Digital Photography School.

Pete Cashmore – For all that don’t know, Pete is the guy behind Mashable (CEO). Mashable is a great source of information. Pete Cashmore keeps me up to date on all things technical and social.

Trey Ratcliff – Trey Ratcliff’s work is amazing. He is ultimately responsible for the photographers list being started on G+. He offers free HDR tutorials. And his work on my G+ stream has inspired me to try HDR. I’m getting better.

Dave Beckerman – A Fine Art Photographer from New York keeps my stream filled with stunning black and white photographs. I really get an idea from Dave of what black and white should look like.

Thomas Hawk – As photographer and blogger, Thomas provides stunning images and photo industry news and tips on his blog.

Alfie Goodrich – A photographer and photography teacher in Tokyo, Japan, provided a little guidance on my first HDR photograph. Thanks Alfie Goodrich.

Jeff Wickliffe – Jeff has been constant in my stream. He provides great information and reposts. His HDR images are also inspiring.

Algernon Parker – I am a photographer, a US Navy sailor, and an amateur blogger. You may enjoy my posts in your stream for the photos, blog post, or my daily inspirational quotes.

Who should I include in my circle that you have in your circle? Leave comments…

Above is one of my recent HDR images.

This week, I want to talk about the new Social Media Network. The Search Master, Google, has launched a Facebook competitor. In my opinion, Google has done a great job. Google+ is already a success and it’s still in the Field Trial period. As of right now, the only way to get onto Google+ is by invitation.

Circles. One of my favorite features is Circles. Circles provide a way to organize all your social contacts. Adding someone to a certain Circle is almost like following someone on Twitter. On G+, the contact doesn’t have to be mutual. You can selectively publish information or posts to a particular Circle. So, if there is a group of people you don’t want to give certain information, put the information in a different Circle. When I talk to people in my Family Circle, I don’t really want my Photographers’ Network Circle to see the same post.

Stream.  The Stream is sort of like the Facebook Wall. This is where you read posts from people in your Circle and posts that you share. As I mentioned above, you can share with a particular Circle or multiple Circles if you like. But, you have to be careful who you share with. My first few times logging on, I had someone posting personal things. You have the option of making your posts Public. If you don’t want to share with everyone then don’t make it public. Also with your stream, you can chose what Circle to read from. This cuts down on a lot of noise and chatter as seen on Twitter and Facebook.

Hang Out. I think the Hang Out feature is one of the more popular features on G+. The Hang Out is Googles video chat service. You can chat with up to 9 other users. It’s almost like hanging out with your social media buddies. I can see using this for meetings or interviews. You can join others in a Hang Out right from your Stream or start your own Hang Out.

Huddle. Huddle is an interesting feature. I actually just figured it out. It’s a fast-group texting app for mobile device. You can choose to text with an individual or a group of people from your Circles. It’s a good way to keep a group connected on the go.

Photos. Google Photos is actually Picasa. On G+ photos look great because of the huge thumbnails and the lightbox display. As your photos get commented on, the number of comments is displayed in the corner of the thumbnail. The photo sharing feature of G+ is very appealing to photographer like myself. You can also view photos from people in your Circle from here.

Sparks. Here is another feature that I just discovered. Sparks is basically where you can search for things that Spark you interest. They are links to blogs, news, and other interests. You can also share your Spark with your Circle or make it public.

Notifications. The Notifications on G+ are interactive. When someone comments on my posts, I enjoy being able to reply right in the Notifications area. Nice huh… You can also +1 a comment from there. The +1 button is like the Facebook Like button.

+1 Button. The +1 is everywhere now. Much like Facebook’s Like button and Twitter’s Tweet button. Yes I have the +1 button here, so don’t forget to +1 me.

Clean. One of the biggest differences to me, in comparison to other Social Networks, is G+ is Clean. What I mean by that is there is not a whole lot of stuff everywhere. Everything seems to be very organize and well presented. Yes, I know this isn’t a feature but it’s one thing that draws me more toward G+.

Invite. This isn’t a feature either but I’m glad that I got invited early to try out the new Social Network. The Search Master Google has made a huge success in the Social Media world so far. Right now Google is still in the Field Trial stage and you can only log on if you are invited. Also you have to have a Gmail address to join. Sounds simple huh… Google+ is really nice and I think it’s here to stay. If you would like to join me and many others, leave your Gmail address in comments below and I will send out invites. Thank you for reading another Top Ten Tuesday!

What’s do you like about G+?

Suggestions for next weeks post?

Algernon Parker