Fujifilm X-E2, Fuji XF 55-200mm, ISO 3200, ƒ/3.9, 1/70
Do your stories/photos seem flat to you? I know many times, after working so hard on a story/photo, I feel like the results were not capturing something, but what was I missing?
Now when I cover sports, a short story where the winning team must overcome obstacles to win, I can see the problem with a balanced coverage. The teams just never put forth the effort that visually showed greatness.
Nikon D4, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM S, Sigma TC-2001 2x, ISO 12800, ƒ/5.6, 1/2000
Over the past few weeks, I received beautiful emails saying my daughter’s performance in the musical Into the Woods. At the same time, I would be proud of her no matter what as her dad; I was proud of her as an artist.
Nikon D5, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM S, Sigma TC-2001 2x, ISO 9000, ƒ/5.6, 1/400
Some of those emails started to capture the nuance she could deliver in her performance. One said my daughter was “making the part your own, not a stereotype or a copy of another actor’s work, but an artful blending of jagged, mean, ugly, playful, quirky, needy, and finally, channeling the almighty in condemning flawed humanity to tend the garden alone. Your character arc was spot on.”
So precisely, what is a character arc? It is the transformation or inner journey of a character throughout the story. At the same time, many things may happen to a character in a theater performance as an actor’s portrayal. But unfortunately, the audience isn’t allowed to experience those changes.
Experiences the changes in the character are often the missing secret ingredient to a compelling story.
Nikon D5, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM S, Sigma TC-2001 2x, ISO 1250, ƒ/5.6, 1/4000
When I often work with an NGO to tell their story, I must interview someone before the story’s climax. I often say to a success story, so I have missed the opportunity to show this main character struggling.
What I can do and often do is have them tell me about what it was like before. I want the subject of the story to articulate the struggle. After hearing this part of the interview, I can get a b-roll of others also going through this. I should be able to find this because most NGOs are raising funds to help others through their success story.
Nikon D3s, AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, ISO 2200, ƒ/5.6, 1/100
The main plot for most of these stories I am doing is that the main character cannot overcome opposing forces because they lack the skills, knowledge, resources, or friends.
My audience is who I am appealing to be the ones who help with supplying the skills, knowledge, and resources and being the friend to help others like this person to overcome their obstacles. I must do an excellent job of articulating why they cannot do it alone.
The last part of the story shows the changes in the main subject. Today, for example, because of the changes they have gone through, their children can go to college and have a better life than the main subject.
The story is often flat because I have done a poor job of capturing the struggle and problems of the main character.
Don’t be the storyteller who only searches for those who take little effort on you to communicate their struggle. The stereotype is where you search for only stories that are often cliché. Instead, you find a person with significant physical deformities to help you capture the battle, so you don’t have to work at it as hard.
Everyone has a story if we take the time to get to know them!
Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, ISO 100, ƒ/4, 1/800
The Knobs of The Citadel, also known as freshmen, had to walk the gutter to and from class.
Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, ISO 100, ƒ/4, 1/500
Only the upper class could use the sidewalks. It is part of what they call the 4th Class System. Here is the official explanation below. However, the next day was Recognition Day, where the cadre announced the system as over after a grueling event.
THE CITADEL’S FOURTH CLASS SYSTEM
The purpose of The Citadel’s Fourth Class system is to develop and graduate the “whole person.”
The Fourth Class System hinges on the completeness with which it matures, refines, trains, and schools the totality of a young cadet’s character. This finely balanced process provides the foundation of the “whole person” concept. During their four years as part of the Corps, cadets will develop academically, physically, militarily, and spiritually.
Anxiety is an Altered State of Consciousness
Each day our brain is thinking and processing our thoughts. We know the difference between our thoughts and actions; however, anxiety changes all that for us.
Everyday thoughts consider things that could happen when we make confident choices. We understand life has risks and make those choices where we diminish the possibility of terrible consequences. Anxious Thinking cannot accept any risks. It continually asks for reassurances and demands that we avoid situations that frighten us. Anxious Thinking distinguishes between feeling frightened because of catastrophic images in our mind and the fear of being in actual danger.
Nikon D5, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM | S, Sigma TC-2001 2x, ISO 1000, ƒ/5.6, 1/4000
Many Knobs have trouble sleeping Friday night because they know that the next day is Recognition Day. Recognition Day is where for the very last time, they will be pushed physically and mentally by the upper class.
As I walked around the campus, I could hear upper-level students, parents, and friends reassuring the Knobs not to overthink it and leave their best effort on the field.
Nikon D5, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM | S, Sigma TC-2001 2x, ISO 2000, ƒ/5.6, 1/4000
I’ll Admit It–I Get Anxious
When things happen to me that I have no control over, it is widespread for me to get caught in anxious thoughts. While I haven’t had a major meltdown with an anxiety attack like some people, I can tell you I fully understand how that can happen.
While just about anything can trigger these anxious thoughts, it is when I have a few things that happen to me in a row that my ability to manage these anxious thoughts becomes increasingly tricky.
Recently we have experienced a series of medical expenses. We also had to replace a transmission in our van. Also, while it is good news you have to pay more in taxes [means you made more money], it can produce more anxiety.
Over the years, I have understood that one of my fears is having to go into debt to cover unexpected expenses. Another real fear with medical procedures is they usually involve some pain in recovery.
Suppose you find yourself shutting down and avoiding situations because of your fear. In that case, I highly recommend seeing a counselor and psychiatrist who can help you manage these anxiety attacks.
Nikon D4, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, ISO 800, ƒ/8, 1/2000
After breakfast, the cadets all changed into their workout clothes. Then, I saw them running out of the barracks onto the parade field, where they would be challenged and tested.
While many had trouble sleeping the night before, they embraced the fears and knew they would do their best at the moment.
Nikon D5, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM | S, Sigma TC-2001 2x, ISO 900, ƒ/5.6, 1/4000
I was surprised to watch many of the cadets smiling and having fun. I think they were the ones who could dismiss the thoughts of what could happen and deal with what was happening.
Call it Anxiety
One of the best things you can do is to realize when you are feeling overwhelmed and anxious that these fears affect you the same way as if you were in actual danger. But, unfortunately, this makes it extremely difficult for you to think clearly.
Call it what it is anxiety. By you name it, you have a better chance of dealing with it. Then deal with the facts. I had to think out what was the worst thing that could happen.
Now, to be simple, logic alone doesn’t work for me. I had to use my faith to help me. So I meditate on these scriptures many times in times of anxiety.
Philippians 4:6-7
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
John 14:27
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Now I don’t jump straight to prayer and give this all to God. I always first experience some anxiety. I think about what I am feeling, try to understand the emotion, and pray for wisdom.
I need the wisdom to think through what is causing anxiety and get to the root. Insight also helps me to know if there is anything I can do other than avoidance of the situation. Of course, I want to be proactive if there is something I can do, but I also am asking for the wisdom to know the difference between what I can do and what I have no control over.
Nikon D4, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, ISO 100, ƒ/8, 1/250
After that morning, the cadre announced to the 4th Class System that it was no longer in effect. The Knobs now joined the upper-level students as fully integrated into the corp.
The marchers depart from The Citadel’s main gate, down Moultrie St., and then turn right on King St. to Marion Square. The cadets take the oath – a tradition for more than 100 years.
Worrying is carrying tomorrow’s load with today’s strength- carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.– Corrie ten Boom
My opinion is that the D5 is giving you between 2 to 3 stops higher ISO with similar noise as the D4 at those lower ISO numbers. I would say that the D5 25600 is about the equivalent of the D4 ISO 6400. However, you can make that call yourself from the photos above.
Nikon D750, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, ISO 100, ƒ/8, 4 sec
Sometimes looking for that perfect angle requires more than moving a foot to the left or right; sometimes, it means driving 10 to 20 miles around the subject. Driving around is what I was doing yesterday in Portland, Oregon.
Nikon D4, AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, ISO 100, ƒ/8, 1/250
I Googled the best places to see the Portland skyline, and then we drove to a few of those locations and tried to get a different angle.
Nikon D4, AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, ISO 100, ƒ/8, 1/400
So these are three that I was willing to share from our adventures in finding the establishing shots for a video package I am working on about Chick-fil-A having their Grand Opening in Portland Market.
Tips
Google images of a city and see what pops up.
Look for great places to shoot the skyline.
When is the best time to photograph from those locations
Today it just struck me that I probably have enough content for a Theater category in my portfolio.
I have shot theater productions through the years, but it was when my daughter became involved in the theater that had me shoot a lot like a proud dad.
Nikon D4, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, ISO 2500, ƒ/6.3, 1/8000
Here is my daughter as the Witch for the musical Into the Woods. By the way, I must promote the musical and encourage you to come to it if you are in Roswell, GA. Here is a link for it RHSIntoTheWoods.com.
Nikon D4, AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, ISO 6400, ƒ/5.6, 1/400
Besides getting photos of the actual productions, I do headshots for the programs.
A consistent look for all the headshots makes a considerable difference in the quality of the programs and promotional pieces.
Nikon D4, Nikon 85mm ƒ/1.8G, ISO 140, ƒ/1.8, 1/100
I try to capture some shots of the audience and overall stage at some point. But, most of the time, I concentrate on the actors as I did in the performance of Steel Magnolias.
Nikon D4, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM S, 2x, ISO 1100, ƒ/5.6, 1/100
I am using my Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM S with a 2X converter to shoot these from the back of the auditorium.
Fujifilm X-E2, FUJINON XF 55-200mm, ISO 6400, ƒ/4, 1/420
I even have the opportunity to work with professional companies like Georgia Ensemble Theater, conveniently near my home in Roswell, GA.
Access & Interest
What often will make up your portfolio are things you shoot because you have access and genuine interest. For example, I not only wanted good photos of my daughter in these performances; I knew parents and the theater companies would judge me for my work.
They knew I was a professional photographer, and I had to deliver. Well, for the most part, I am consistently getting the best images of the productions they have ever seen everywhere I am shooting. How do I know? They are telling me.
I have been doing headshots for actors for many years, but now taking more interest beyond just the headshots and the productions. I am now very interested in helping with the marketing of these plays.
I helped by shooting the promotion photo and creating the banner for Into The Woods musical at Roswell High School.
I knew we were onto something when we were shooting the photos. Because of the contract, we could not tell anyone what we were doing before February 22 this year. After that, we could post the picture.
I teased folks with the photo and asked them what musical they thought they were doing.
Pretty much everyone guessed it. That is when you know people are driving by and instantly see a banner or the posters in stores around town will know what they were doing.
With Atlanta growing in theater and TV productions, I guess this might be an excellent category to toss my hat into.
Nikon D4, AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, ISO 7200, ƒ/5.6, 1/250
Ernest Hemingway used this long quotation from Ephesians in his book The Sun Also Rises:
“What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun? One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever. The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose.”
Hemingway thought the characters in The Sun Also Rises may have been “battered” but were not lost.
Do you feel “Battered”?
For many reasons, you, too, may feel frustrated and even depressed with your plot in life.
Are you suffering from any of these:
Loss of a client
Not sure what potential clients want or need
Camera gear is old and not financially able to upgrade
Feeling betrayed by another photographer
Losing clients to younger photographers
Feeling old
Fujifilm X-E2, FUJINON XF 18-55mm, ISO 500, ƒ/4, 1/500
“I have told you these things so that you may have peace in me. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
– John 16:33
First, I cannot tell you to read something or take something; it will all be better. However, I can say from my life experiences that it can suck all you are dealing with. One of the best things when feeling this way is having someone there with you who listens and doesn’t give advice but is willing to be with you during this time.
Psalms 23:4 is a Bible verse that reminds me that I am not alone:
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
– Psalm 23:4
You may feel like Joseph and Mary are on their way to Bethlehem. You are going there to pay your taxes, and you arrive, and you have nowhere to stay. It is the end of the year, and you also have a child on the way.
I doubt they were all excited about this trip with all they were dealing with in life.
Nikon D3S, Nikon 24-120mm ƒ/3.5-5.6, ISO 200, ƒ/8, 1/500
Carry one another’s burdens
Galatians 6:2 – Help carry each other’s burdens. In this way you will follow Christ’s teachings.
Now, if you can, I highly recommend helping others when you are down. However, if you are unable, this is a clear sign you need to see a doctor.
It will help you to get your attention off of your problems. Sometimes we get in such a hole that we can’t see anything else or find the way out. Helping others works to break this cycle and opens our vision. It gives perspective and shows that your problems are not insurmountable.
When I started giving to others of my time and talents was when things finally turned around for me. Now let me tell you, just because you start helping someone doesn’t mean there is instant gratification for the work you are doing.
Like the mule here helping carry the farmer’s burden, you too will feel the weight of your work. Helping others will once again reveal you’re true self-worth. It will show you that you have value and can make a difference.
While helping with other people’s burdens, which sometimes are wounds, you will help heal yourself.
You will find that you aren’t the only one with problems. We know this intellectually, but seeing it firsthand is healing. Sometimes we feel like we have been singled out for pain. We are not that special. It comes to all. Receive healing as you work to heal others. Do something; get out.
Nikon D4, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, 2 – Alienbees B1600, Pocketwizard TTL system, ISO 250, ƒ/5.6, 1/200
Location
First, pick a location before you do anything else. The public was the location my daughter and her friends had picked out.
Many years ago, I did her brother’s prom pictures [2008] in one of the family’s backyards. So look at how much location impacts your photos.
Nikon D3S, 14-24mm, ISO 200, ƒ/9, 1/60
At the time of these proms, spring isn’t in full swing. Look for a place with evergreens in the background or a lovely building.
This photo was from her oldest brother’s prom pictures in front of Bulloch Hall Plantation.
Arrive Early
I recommend getting there long before the kids are to show up. I suggest a minimum of 30 minutes, but believe me, an hour goes by quickly when you are doing all your test shots.
Here I am setting up my lights. After a couple of test shots, I moved the lights again.
My wife, who filled in as the test subject, took this of me setting up. I like to make this super simple and where I can crank the people through many poses. You know they are always running behind and have dinner reservations requiring you to move quickly.
Please keep it simple.
USE STROBES!!!!!
I cannot emphasize enough that adding an off-camera flash makes a HUGE difference. One significant way it helps is being sure you don’t have raccoon eyes due to the sun overhead. t was overcast on this day, which can be good without flashes. However, I chose to use the flash to give a suitable color temperature to be sure all those outfits they spent time picking out looked their absolute best.
Here you can see me working.
I suggest taking test shots and trying your best to use the lowest ISO setting where you can capture some of the available light and still use your strobes. I recommend that you are about -1 stop underexposed and use your strobes to make up the difference on the subjects to give you great exposure.
Use a Tripod
I was using a tripod for all the photos. It helped me to keep the pretty camera level. Also, in group photos, if everyone is great in a picture except for one person, then because I am taking multiple shots on a tripod, I can then take the one person and clone them into the other photo with ease.
Nikon D4, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, 2 – Alienbees B1600, Pocketwizard TTL system, ISO 400, ƒ/5.6, 1/200
Another great reason to use a tripod is that you can set everything up to get into the picture if you need to, as I did here with my wife and daughter. Now I can tell you the most cherished photos are the ones with the parents and their kids. I now know why as a very proud papa myself. Now, where has all the time gone?
Shoot Loose
Here is the photo I was taking when my wife captured me shooting. I intentionally shot these a little loose for cropping later purposes.
5×7 Crop Marks
The crop marks here for 5×7 and the 8×10 show how this can affect what is in the final print.
8×10 Crop Marks
Put Photos Online
Put your photos online for people to download, buy prints, and whatever else they need.
When people click to order, there are many options because you shot the photo loose for that reason.
Make it easy for people to download as I have here:
Business Cards & Take Email Addresses
We gave out my business card to everyone, and we took down their email so we could send them an email with the link to the gallery, directions on how to use the online system [with screen shots], and the ability now to have made my name known to the community. f we cannot read the email address, or it no longer works, they can reach out to us with my contact information.
I did this for free for my daughter and her friends. They were given a password to download the images for free. I also made it that if they wanted to order prints online, I would make some money to offset some of my time, but they could get the photos for free, with no strings attached.
There you have it. Remember these points for your Prom Pictures:
Location
Arrive Early
Use Strobes
Use Tripod
Shoot Loose
Put Photos Online
Give out your information and take their information.
I got much closer. That is the most significant difference between the two photos. I could also control the background more when I got closer and cleaned it up.
I took pictures of the food closeup without touching the food laid out for the media to see at the most recent Chick-fil-A Grand Opening in Springfield, IL. Look at how great photos are from almost no work except getting the correct Custom White Balance and getting close.
Nikon D4, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, ISO 1600, ƒ/4, 1/250
Here I chose to single out the breakfast lineup of some of the chicken sandwiches on Chick-fil-A’s breakfast menu.
Nikon D4, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, ISO 2500, ƒ/4, 1/250
Here I moved around and isolated the grilled chicken you can get at Chick-fil-A.
Nikon D4, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, ISO 2000, ƒ/4, 1/250
I also shot some of the new power food kale salad of Chick-fil-A’s. I was surprised to hear that the Kale salad from McDonald’s had more calories than the Big Mac. So much for healthy from McDonald’s. Here is the nutrition information for the Kale Superside at Chick-fil-A:
Nikon D4, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, Pocketwizard TTL system with Nikon SB-900 ISO 100, ƒ/ 2.8, 1/3200
Photographing this year at the Fort Worth Stockyards, I encountered a noon-day sun combination with cowboy hats.
The hats are supposed to shade, which means you don’t see their faces unless you add some flash. So I said the off-camera flash to fill under those hats as done here to make the faces pop out.
Nikon D4, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, Pocketwizard TTL system with Nikon SB-900, ISO 100, ƒ/ 2.8, 1/2000
Just compare what flash can do by looking at the cowboy on the other horse in the background. You cannot see his face like the buy in front.
Here is an earlier post going over the technique. Get the camera, flash, and the subject to form a triangle. Here the flash is held to the far left off the camera and zoomed to 200mm to create a shaft of light to just light the cowboy’s face.
Nikon D4, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, Pocketwizard TTL system with Nikon SB-900, ISO 100, ƒ/ 4, 1/1600
Flash is a great way to improve the photo of the cowboys because now I see their faces.
I did this recently by buying a 35mm ƒ/1.4. But, let me tell you, I tossed out a lot of shots tonight from shooting because the depth of field was so shallow the photos looked like I missed the focus.
Now I owned this lens when I first started shooting for a newspaper in 1984. However, I hadn’t held the fast prime in maybe 25 years.
I used this lens to push me to do something different tonight.
Know The Customer
I work hard to understand the problem I am solving for the customer. It isn’t about me just taking pretty pictures. They need photos of specific things.
Way too many photographers think they know better than the customer. But unfortunately, most of these photographers don’t know as much as they believe.
Always know precisely the requirements you need to fulfill for the customer, so their problem is solved. Now, for fun, if you choose to go and shoot more stuff, that’s not only OK but also great.
Matthew 5:41 talk about people having to carry a Roman soldier’s gear for one mile if they were a Jew in the time of Christ. Jesus told people to carry that load 2 miles.
Many companies today talk about 2nd-mile service, which references the Bible story. But, unfortunately, the mistake many make is they think they are doing the 2nd mile and don’t do the first mile, to begin with, for the client.
Focus to Win
To get a customer and to KEEP them, you need to understand the customer’s beliefs and behaviors. Then, you want to influence these.
A wedding photographer understands they are not just taking and documenting photos of the wedding. Instead, they know they are writing the book’s first chapter of the bride and groom’s life together.
When I started social media, the photographers who understood how to influence customers’ beliefs and behaviors would Tweet photos from the day. They also helped them create those no look but touch photos of the bride and groom before the wedding. Using social media is a new phenomenon that didn’t exist before photographers started offering this, and all couples wanted it.
The photographer who first started this and other ideas quickly became in high demand. They influenced the beliefs and behaviors of engaged couples, their choices for photographers, and what was concerned gowith od wedding photography.
Work Together
Social media still applies even if you don’t have a staff and it is just you. If you are married, your spouse can make a huge difference in their lives. As you work with your client, you help them to see this is a collaboration.
I learned today about how Uber delivers puppies for you to play with. Just read this story. Not only does a puppy cheer someone up like flowers, but it also helps the local humane society with a donation. Uber is working to make communities better in many ways.
In what ways can you do something that, when someone does business with you, benefits your community?
Check out Warby Parker Eyeglasses for another example of a company that when customers work with them, the entire community benefits. Buy a pair, give a pair.
While these four ideas are not new, they can revolutionize your business. However, each of these requires a commitment at a pretty high level to execute them wisely.
Nikon D4, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM | S, Sigma TC-2001 2x, ISO 12800, ƒ/5.6, 1/1600
“All About That Bass”
Because you know I’m all about that bass
‘Bout that bass, no treble
I’m all about that bass
‘Bout that bass, no treble
I’m all about that bass
‘Bout that bass, no treble
I’m all about that bass
‘Bout that bass… bass… bass… bass
Megan Trainor’s pop single “All About That Bass” made it to the top of the charts. Many women have felt they are not good enough for years because the only body type celebrated in our culture was that of a Barbie Doll.
Stanley’s top five strengths after taking the Clifton StrengthFinder Test.
As you may know, the Clifton StrengthsFinder measures the presence of talent in 34 categories called “themes.” Gallup determined these themes as those that most consistently predict outstanding performance. The greater the presence of a talent theme within a person, the more likely that person is to exhibit those talents in day-to-day behaviors spontaneously. Focusing on naturally powerful skills helps people use them as the foundation of strengths and enjoy personal, academic, and career success through consistent, near-perfect performance.
Today we still celebrate certain traits in people. However, if everyone in the band only played the trumpet, the type of music you would hear would be very limiting.
Fuji X-E2, FUJINON XF 55-200mm, ISO 3200, ƒ/4.2, 1/500
Here the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band takes the field during half-time at the Chick-fil-A Bowl. The diversity of the instruments brings the whole musical experience to the audience.
Sizzle & Steak
Today in the communications field, we have two major parts to communication. I tend to discuss these as the Sizzle [Presentation] and Steak [Content].
In many songs, we might think of this as the music and the words, but that might stretch the metaphor a little. However, this might be a great way to see my point about the two parts.
Many people often love a song because of how the music makes them feel. Often people mishear the lyrics.
Top 20 most common misheard lyrics:
1. REM – The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite
Real lyric: ”Call me when you try to wake her
Misheard lyric: ”Calling Jamaica”
2. Jimi Hendrix – Purple Haze
Real Lyric: ”Excuse me while I kiss the sky”
Misheard Lyric: ”Excuse me while I kiss this guy”
3. Aerosmith – Dude Looks Like A Lady
Real Lyric: ”Dude looks like a lady”
Misheard Lyric: ”Do just like a lady”
4. The Foundations – Buttercup
Real Lyric: ”Build me up buttercup”
Misheard Lyric: ”Fill me up buttercup”
5. Adele – Chasing Pavements
Real lyric: ”Should I give up, or should I just keep chasing pavements”
Misheard lyric: ”Should I give up, or should I just keep chasing penguins”
6. Bon Jovi – Living On A Prayer
Real Lyric: ”It doesn’t make a difference if we make it or not”
Misheard Lyric: ”It doesn’t make a difference if we’re naked or not”
7. ABBA – Dancing Queen
Real Lyric ”Dancing queen, Feel the beat from the tambourine, oh yeah”
Misheard Lyrics: ”Dancing queen, Feel the beat from the tangerine, oh yeah”
8. John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John – One That I Want
Real Lyric: ”You’re the one that I want”
Misheard Lyric: ”You’re the wobbly one”
9. Nirvana- Smells Like Teen Spirit
Real Lyric: ”Here we are now, entertain us”
Misheard Lyric: ”Here we are now, in containers”
10. Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody
Real lyric: ”Spare him his life from this monstrosity”
Misheard lyric: ”Spare him his life for this one cup of tea”
11. Johnny Nash- I Can See Clearly Now
Real Lyric: ”I can see clearly now the rain has gone”
Misheard Lyric: ”I can see clearly now Lorraine has gone”
12. Madonna- Papa Don’t Preach
Real Lyric: ”Papa don’t preach”
Misheard Lyric: ”Poppadom Peach”
13. Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody
Real Lyric – ”Scaramouche, Scaramouche, will you do the Fandango”
Misheard lyric: ”Scallaboosh, Scallaboosh, will you to the banned tango”
14. Bee Gees- Stayin’ Alive
Real Lyric: ”Stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive”
Misheard Lyric: ”Steak and a knife, steak and a knife”
15. Prodigy – Out of space
Real lyric: ”I’ll take your brain to another dimension. Pay close attention”
Misheard lyric: ”I’ll take your brain to another dimension. Hey close the kitchen”
16. ABBA – Dancing Queen
Real lyric: ”See that girl, watch that scene, dig in the dancing queen”
Misheard lyric: ”See that girl, watch her scream, kicking the dancing queen”
17. ABBA – Mamma Mia
Real lyric: ”How can I resist you”
Misheard lyric: ”Have I got a sister”
18. Take That – Babe
Real lyric: ”Babe”
Misheard lyric: ”Dave”
19. Blue Oyster Cult- Don’t Fear The Reaper
Real Lyric: ”Seasons don’t fear the reaper”
Misheard Lyric: ”Jesus don’t fear the reaper”
20. Annie Lennox- There Must Be An Angel
Real Lyric: ”Must be talking to an angel”
Misheard Lyric: ”Must be talking to a ninja”
Many people fall in love with the song’s music and mood, and the words are not all important to them. This is where the Sizzle is dominant in the song.
Now, with the song “Cats In The Cradle,” I believe the words connect with the audience as much as the music. Here the Steak is king. The emphasis in Japanese business culture is on the gift-giving ritual rather than the gift itself. For this reason, you may receive a gift that seems too modest or extravagant. Here the Sizzle is more critical than the Steak.
What am I talking about
Too often, we fall into the trap of thinking it is all about one or the other. We either overly emphasize the Sizzle or the Steak. Photographers may forget to include captions to help the message be understood, or Designers may get carried away about the design and ignore the notice that is supposed to be king. Excellent communication is not one or the other. Executing the Sizzle and Steak together is the goal. Together is when the total package is stronger than the individual parts. Many people who come over from the entertainment industry into corporate communications make the mistake of thinking that just because they like their song, they got the message. When the task is to communicate a message, you cannot have the lyrics misheard and be successful.
REM – The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite
Real lyric: ”Call me when you try to wake her”
Misheard lyric: ”Calling Jamaica”
At the same time, you cannot afford to create content that doesn’t pull people in because the Sizzle is not there.
Combining Sizzle & Steak
Start with always asking WHY?
Why am I writing this press release?
Why am I creating this video?
Why am I taking this photo?
Why am I creating this poster?
Once you understand what you are doing, you also need to ask the second question.
Who is my AUDIENCE?
Is your audience toddlers that will more likely connect to Teletubbies than Metallica? How you package that content is your Sizzle.
Test your MESSAGE
Too many communicators make the mistake of asking did you like it only? Show your product to some people in your audience demographic. Then ask them to tell you what they got from it.
If they articulate the message, you were trying to get across–SUCCESS!!. If they cannot tell you the news, but they loved it, you have a case of Sizzle and no Steak.
If they got the message but weren’t giving you high marks for delivery, you may have all Steak and no Sizzle.
If you were creating advertising, your success would be measured as if sales go up, down, or stay the same.
The first assignment I gave the students this week with one light gave us excellent Rembrandt lighting. The downside to this type of lighting is sometimes you need to fill in those shadows.
This week’s second assignment for the students in my photo class is a 3:1 Lighting Ratio.
Nikon D4, Nikon 85mm ƒ/1.8G, ISO 100, ƒ/5, 1/200
Here is the setup
Assignment Description: 3:1 lighting ratio. This photo uses classic lighting.
Items:
Octobox closest to subject This light is your leading light. Set a light reading with just this first. The light should be 45 degrees off the axis of the camera and 45 degrees above the subject’s eyes.
Subject Your subject should have the main light lighting only part of the face, and the shadows should be just a little to show the 3:1 ratio.
(D)SLR Choose the lowest ISO. Ideally, on a full-frame camera, a lens is close to 85mm, and on the cropped sensor, it a 50mm. S t your shutter speed to the sync speed for your camera [in your camera manual] or slower. M camera was 1/250, but I shot at a slower speed of 1/200.
Octobox behind the camera The second light is your fill light and get just a reading of this 2nd. B sure it is 1/2 the power (1 f/stop less) than the leading light. After this is done, get a 3rd light reading of both lights, which will be the setting for the camera. It can be level with the eyes, but you may have to move up with glasses to avoid glare.
First, set the leading light, and here is what that will look like:
Due to using such a large softbox, the shadows are not as severe as in our first assignment using the grid light. So e of the light is bouncing off a white wall a few feet to the model’s left or right of the camera position.
Turning the leading light off after finding out your setting, you need to take a reading and get the fill light to 1 stop less than the main light. For example, the main light was ƒ/4, so the fill light should read ƒ/2.8.
The photo below is what it looks like without the main light on. You can see a little darker, but no actual shaping of the face as the main light is 45º to the side.
When you combine them, you get the first photo of the model we started.
The main light is twice as bright as the fill light. So to show this using math, we would say the main light has a value of 2, and the fill light has the value of 1.
Where both the main and fill light fall on the face is getting the combined value of the 2 + 1 = 3. Ho ever in the shadows, only the fill light hits those; therefore, the value is only 1.
So the bright areas get 3 and the shadows 1 giving you a 3:1 lighting ratio.
Now I showed the students how they could add a background light. I put a blue gel over it to show them they can also color the background.
