Backing up digital content isn’t just a technical step—it’s an essential safeguard for protecting precious memories and critical data. A robust backup strategy ensures that your files are secure and accessible, no matter what unexpected challenges arise. Let’s explore a workflow tailored for photographers, videographers, and brand storytellers.

The Evolution of Backup Practices
Over the years, storage methods have significantly evolved. While CDs and DVDs were once popular backup choices, their limited storage capacity and slower access times have made them obsolete. For the past decade, I’ve transitioned entirely away from optical discs. Now, solid-state drives (SSDs) serve as my primary storage medium for working on photo and video projects.

Once a project is complete, I take a layered approach to backups:

1. Primary Storage: Finished images are uploaded to platforms like PhotoShelter (for photos) and Vimeo (for videos). These platforms provide secure, cloud-based storage and easy accessibility for clients and collaborators.
2. Secondary Backup: Projects are archived on a NAS (Network Attached Storage) system, specifically Synology, which offers advanced file management and data integrity features.

The Importance of Multiple Backups
Copying files from one drive to another isn’t sufficient to ensure their safety. Hard drives can fail, SSDs can become corrupted, and even well-maintained systems can encounter unexpected issues. That’s why I follow the 3-2-1 rule:

• 3 Copies of your data
• 2 Different types of storage (e.g., local drives and cloud services)
• 1 Off-site backup

Using PhotoShelter as part of this strategy provides several advantages. It offers built-in redundancy, meaning multiple backups are maintained on their end. Additionally, its user-friendly platform allows for secure sharing and customizable permissions, making collaboration effortless.

Enhancing Data Protection with RAID Systems
Implementing a RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) system is an excellent way to bolster data protection for home office setups. RAID uses multiple hard drives to ensure redundancy. For instance, if one drive fails, the system allows you to continue accessing your files from the remaining drives while replacing the faulty one.

Key Takeaway
Your digital content is valuable—both to your creative vision and to your clients. Adopting a modern, layered backup strategy using SSDs, cloud platforms like PhotoShelter or Vimeo, and a reliable NAS system like Synology ensures that your work is safe and easily accessible. By leveraging these tools, you can confidently protect your projects and deliver a seamless experience to your audience.

In conclusion, having multiple backup copies of your digital content and a secure cloud storage solution is crucial. By following a backup strategy that includes various backups and different media, such as CDs, DVDs, external hard drives, and cloud storage, you can ensure the safety and availability of your photos and other digital content. Additionally, exploring technologies such as RAID systems can provide extra protection and peace of mind.

When a client contacts a photographer for a job, there are several key questions and pieces of information that the photographer should gather to provide the best possible service. Some of these include:

1. Type of event or photoshoot: The photographer needs to know what kind of event or photoshoot they will cover, such as a wedding, portrait session, corporate event, etc.
2. Date and location: The photographer will need to know the date and location of the event or photoshoot.
3. Duration: The photographer will need to know how long the event or photoshoot will last.
4. Client’s vision and style: The photographer will want to understand the client’s vision and style for the event or photoshoot, including any specific ideas or themes they have in mind.
5. Budget: The photographer will want to discuss the client’s budget for the job, including any specific concerns or constraints.
6. Prints and products: The photographer will want to know if the client wants any prints or products, such as albums, canvases, or digital files.
7. Editing and retouching requests: The photographer will want to know if the client has any specific requests for editing and retouching, such as specific filters or effects they wish to be applied.
8. Contact information: The photographer will want to get the client’s contact information, such as their name, email address, and phone number, to stay in touch and provide updates on the job.
9. Deadline: The photographer needs to know when the deliverable is expected. Sometimes the client even needs photos during the event or within the hour after the event. Most of the time, they are comfortable with a few days before getting the deliverable, but you need to know their expectations.

By gathering this information, the photographer can better understand the client’s needs and tailor their services to meet their requirements.

Ending the Phone Call

Before ending a phone call with a client, the photographer should summarize the key points discussed during the call and confirm the next steps. For example, they might say something like:

“Okay, so I understand that you’re looking for a photographer for a wedding on June 12th, and you’re interested in having a mix of posed and candid shots. You’re also looking for a package that includes a digital album and some prints. I’ll send you a detailed estimate and some examples of my work in the next few days. Thank you for the call, and I look forward to hearing back from you.”

Regarding giving a formal estimate to the client, it is a good practice to send it in writing after the call rather than giving it verbally. This provides a clear and detailed record of the agreed-upon services and costs, which can be referred to later if necessary. Additionally, it allows the client to take their time to review and consider the estimate, and it gives the photographer a chance to carefully consider the client’s specific needs and requirements before putting together a proposal.

Most of the time, end the call so you can work on the estimate

When you need to end the call and let the client know that you need to work through the numbers before providing a quote, you can use polite and professional phrasing such as:

“Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. I have all the information I need to provide you with an accurate estimate. I’ll consider all your requirements and preferences and get back to you as soon as possible with a detailed quote. If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Have a great day!”

This lets the client know that you are taking their request seriously and working on providing a comprehensive quote. It also demonstrates professionalism and customer service, which can help to build trust and establish a positive relationship with the client.

When You Must Give a Quote Right Away

Sometimes, a photographer may need to give a quote before the end of the call, such as when the client has a tight deadline or when they need to make a decision quickly. For example, suppose a client contacts a photographer for an event that is taking place the following week and needs to secure a photographer as soon as possible. In that case, the photographer may need to provide a quote during the initial call. In these cases, the photographer should still try to gather as much information as possible about the client’s needs and requirements and then provide a quote that is as accurate and detailed as possible, given the limited information available.

For example:

Client: “Hi, I’m interested in hiring a photographer for an event next weekend. Can you give me a quote?”

Photographer: “Of course! Can you tell me a little more about the event, including the date and location and what kind of coverage you’re looking for?”

Client: “The event is next Saturday, a corporate function downtown. We need someone to cover the event for 5 hours, including both posed and candid shots.”

Photographer: “Okay, I can certainly do that for you. Based on your information, I can give you a rough estimate of $X. Please keep in mind that this is a rough estimate, and a more detailed quote can be provided once I have more information. Does that work for you?”

In this scenario, the photographer provides a quote as requested by the client but notes that the quote is a rough estimate and that a more detailed quote can be provided later. This allows the photographer to secure the job and provide a more accurate quote once they have all the necessary information.

As a photographer, technical skills and subject knowledge are the most critical factors for taking great photos. However, as I was reminded this week, there’s a crucial aspect that often goes overlooked: your relationship with the subject.

I recently worked with Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina, photographing their executive director and leadership team. But the connection between us went much deeper than just a client-photographer relationship.

My father was a pastor at Kennedy Home in Kinston, a part of Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina. Growing up, I received the Charity & Children newsletter and even wrote to Jim Edminson, one of the leaders, to connect and let him know about my background and interests. This connection paid off years later when Jim thought of me to celebrate their executive’s 40 years of service.

Additionally, my grandfather, Rev. Knolan Benfield, was a respected North Carolina pastor, with most of his career spent in Hickory and Morganton.

But there’s another layer to this connection. Don Ball was the first director of social work at Kennedy Home and later created the social work program at East Carolina University, where I got my degree in social work. And when I was introduced to the team, they immediately knew of my background and connection to the organization. They treated me like one of their own, making for a relaxed and comfortable photoshoot.

This experience taught me the power of pedigree in photography. When looking for clients or subjects to work with, take notice of the connections from your past. See who might overlap with your skills and background, and reach out to those people. You never know what opportunities might come from those connections.

In conclusion, while technical skills and subject knowledge are essential, consider the impact of your relationship with the subject. Your pedigree can make all the difference in creating a comfortable and successful photoshoot.

Nikon has always been a trusted brand in the photography industry, and the recent release of their Nikon Z9 camera and lenses has only solidified their position. As a photographer, I have always relied on the versatility of zoom lenses, but with the new Z system, I can now confidently say that most of my jobs can be done with just three lenses: the Nikon 100-400mm, 24-120mm f/4, and 14-30mm f/4.

Gone are the days when I had to carry a bulky kit of lenses to cover different focal lengths. These three lenses provide a versatile range, from 14mm to 400mm, that can handle various shooting situations. The sharpness of these lenses, especially compared to their f-mount predecessors, is a significant improvement that has made a big difference in my work.

Of course, I still keep a few prime lenses, like the 85mm f/1.8 and the 35mm f/1.4, as they provide excellent image quality and offer a more shallow depth of field. But for events, I now have a much smaller selection of lenses that can handle everything from intimate wedding shoots to more significant events like sports.

The versatility of the Z system has allowed me to simplify my gear, and I appreciate Nikon’s continued innovations in this area. As technology advances, I believe it’s essential to evaluate your gear and make changes as needed. By replacing older lenses with new ones, I have been able to stay up-to-date and get the most out of my gear.

In conclusion, the Nikon Z9 and its lenses have been a game-changer for me, and I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a versatile and sharp camera system.

[NIKON Z 9, NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S, Mode = Aperture Priority, ISO 14400, 1/250, ƒ/4, (35mm = 24)]

Nikon DSLR & Digital cameras have come a long way since the release of the Nikon D100 in 2002. Over the years, Nikon has consistently pushed the boundaries of photography with innovative features and advanced technology. Here’s a look at the evolution of Nikon cameras from 2002 to today’s Nikon Z9.

2002- Nikon D100

The Nikon D100 was the first digital SLR camera from Nikon and marked the beginning of the digital age for Nikon. With a 6.1-megapixel sensor, the Nikon D100 was ahead and quickly became a popular choice for professional photographers.

2004- Nikon D2X

The Nikon D2X was an upgrade from the D100 and featured a 12.4-megapixel sensor, improved autofocus, and higher ISO performance. This camera was well-received by professional photographers and set a new standard for image quality.

2010- Nikon D3

The Nikon D3 was a game-changer when it was introduced in 2007. One of the significant innovations of the Nikon D3 was its high ISO performance. Before the release of the D3, digital SLR cameras struggled to produce high-quality images in low-light conditions. The D3, however, was capable of producing clean and noise-free images at ISO levels that were previously unimaginable. This was a significant breakthrough for professional photographers who often work in challenging lighting conditions. Shooting at high ISOs allowed photographers to easily capture fast-moving subjects and produce images with exceptional detail and clarity. Its low-ISO performance below ISO 800 is practically noise-free and retains many details and colors to ISO 12,800.

2012- Nikon D4

The Nikon D4 was a significant upgrade from the D2X and featured a 16.2-megapixel sensor, an advanced autofocus system, and improved high ISO performance. This camera was popular among sports and action photographers and remains a classic today.

2016- Nikon D5

The Nikon D5 was the next generation of the D4 and featured a 20.8-megapixel sensor, an advanced autofocus system, and improved high ISO performance. The camera has 102 more focus points of 153 vs 51 in the Nikon D4. Also it is 2x better video recording quality of 2160 x 30fps vs 1080 x 30fps than with the D4.

2012- Nikon D800

The Nikon D800 was a significant leap forward for Nikon and featured a 36.3-megapixel full-frame sensor. This camera set a new standard for image quality and was a popular choice for landscape and studio photographers. I did not buy this camera or use it, but I was aware of the megapixel count going up.

2018- Nikon Z6 & Z7

With the release of the Nikon Z7, Nikon entered the mirrorless camera market. The Z7 featured a 45.7-megapixel full-frame sensor, an advanced autofocus system, and a sleek, compact design. This camera marked a new era for Nikon and paved the way for future mirrorless cameras. The Nikon Z6 is a full-frame mirrorless camera introduced in 2018 alongside the Nikon Z7. The Z6 is positioned as a more affordable alternative to the Z7 and features a 24.5-megapixel sensor, advanced autofocus system, and 4K video capabilities. The Nikon Z6 is a versatile camera well-suited for various photography genres, including portrait, landscape, and action. The compact design and fast autofocus make the Z6 an excellent choice for photographers who need a reliable camera for both stills and video. With its advanced technology and affordable price, the Nikon Z6 is popular with amateur and professional photographers.

2021- Nikon Z9

The Nikon Z9 is the latest and greatest camera from Nikon. This full-frame mirrorless camera features a 45.7-megapixel sensor, improved autofocus, and 4K video capabilities. With its advanced technology and sleek design, the Nikon Z9 is the ultimate tool for photographers.

In conclusion, Nikon has come a long way since the release of the D100 in 2002. With each new release, Nikon has pushed the boundaries of what is possible with digital cameras. From high-quality sensors, advanced autofocus systems, and sleek designs, Nikon has consistently delivered cutting-edge technology to photographers worldwide.