Nikon D5, Nikon 85mm ƒ/1.8G, ISO 200, ƒ/5.6, 1/80–Alienbees B1600, triggered with Pocketwizard TT1 and TT5 system [logo from Wikimedia Commons and modified]

This weekend was my daughter’s high school homecoming. This is her senior year when everything is the last time for her class. They commented on how they all stood around the first year and were afraid to dance at the party. Now, seniors didn’t care what others thought as they did as freshmen.

If you follow my blog, you know my daughter is involved in theater, and her friends are primarily other theatre geeks. They are not an exclusive group, so I said this was most of her friends, but the theatre kids love most people and are excited to have more people hang out doing life together.

Great Self Esteem = Great Photos

When a photographer’s subjects are confident and can relax and be themselves, you spend more time just capturing those moments versus spending so much time trying to pull them out of a person.

The photographer’s key role in making this happen is to create an atmosphere where the subjects feel like they are in control.

I try to convey this by asking many times throughout the photo shoot if there is anything else they would like. I suggest combinations of people and try to keep the excitement going, but I am always trying to say I am here for you.

I arrived early and started by picking a location. I set up my lights, and my wife helped by standing in as a subject so I could get the light set right on her face and balance it with the background and other light on her face.

For the better part of 15 minutes, I was troubleshooting. I had one lens that was not working with my flashes. I finally found the combination of working with my Nikon 85mm ƒ/1.8 on the Nikon D5 that would work for me. This required me to move back and forth to get the close-up shots and then walk fifteen feet around to get the group shots.

By the way, I spent a good hour working with my cameras and all my lenses to test them with flashes.

I believe I have a lens that was just repaired. That is the problem. I now know for sure what the problem is that I was having such a problem with when I was setting up for these photos.

Once I had the lights in place, I didn’t change them. I moved closer and further back and occasionally twisted the models to the left or right to get a different look. In the closeup of my daughter, I just turned her until the strobe off to the back was directly behind her.

Here is the setup for you.

I was so thankful to be photographing my daughter and her theatre friends. They exuded so much more confidence than they did just four years ago.

What I think is so exciting about taking these photos this weekend is I feel like I captured the traits in these kids who are now young adults. Just before next year, they enter the workforce or go off to college to live their own lives.

I am so proud of who my daughter has become and the friends she has made in her time in school.

In the TV show Friends, we watched these six people do life together for over ten years. They dated each other and had to break up with each other. The reason so many of us returned to watch the show was we loved it when no matter what happened, they worked hard to keep their friendships intact.

What I love about photography over text is its power to capture emotions. To capture emotions, you need to be prepared. The camera must be set correctly. You must have considered the lighting for the photograph. You have been thinking about and taking into account the background. Will you make it razor sharp or blurry and out of focus?

But even more important than knowing your gear is to know your subject. You cannot capture that which you have no knowledge of or understanding.

For me, to do great photography that is compelling requires the photographer to be involved in their subject’s lives long enough that they let you in to see them for who they are.

I had watched these kids from when they were young and had them in my home many times, allowing them to get to know me and me.

While my relationship is different than my daughter has with her friends, there is a relationship. I think that is key to understanding your role as a photographer. I am not trying to be their friends that hang out every day. I want to be like a parent, the safe space where they can hang out and be themselves.

Georgia Bulldog’s Freshman Running Back #35 Brian Herrien scored his first collegiate touchdown. In contrast, UNC’s Safety #15 Donnie Miles could not stop him during tonight’s Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game, September 3, 2016, at the Georgia Dome. [Nikon D5, Sigma TC-2001 2x, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM | S, ISO 45600, ƒ/5.6, 1/4000]

In the photo here, I am sharing the touchdown. The image without words communicates. The text adds more meaning. However, how will you measure it in your meetings with your team?

---

Now I am sitting in a meeting where they look at the analytics of how their audience is responding to their communications work every week. Most of those in the profession are doing something similar. Most use things like Google Analytics to evaluate and measure their communication effectiveness.

Finally, the light bulb came on for me when I realized that everyone was evaluating their work mainly based on our analytics. Well, that isn’t the light bulb moment.

What was the moment realizing that Google Analytics, YouTube, or Vimeo analytics don’t measure still images?

However, we know that research shows that people respond better to visual communications, and specifically, they react first to a still image over all the other forms of communication. We cannot get that feedback through present analytics.

Here is one of the latest research projects about how people view images.

EYETRACKING PHOTOJOURNALISM: NEW RESEARCH EXPLORES WHAT MAKES A PHOTOGRAPH MEMORABLE, SHAREABLE, AND WORTH PUBLISHING

Funded by the National Press Photographers Association, this study follows a long line of research, looking at how people consume news content.

“You can tell which ones are done by people who know what they are doing,” said a 21-year-old male participant, “whether it’s the focus, or the angle or the lighting, being allowed to be up close — all that stuff.”

The sad thing I realized while sitting in that meeting was that this latest NPPA study was not new but had been done in the past in some other way but gave us similar results. The problem I faced in this meeting was that we couldn’t get the same data each week. There is no way to know without using eye-tracking technology to give us then the analytics we so desperately need in this meeting.

Each week we only see what Google analytics is telling us, which is what stories are getting clicked on, and it does not help us know how to engage the audience by use of visuals. Since we can get analytics on video, a high volume of videos is being produced compared to still photos because they can see engagement scores.

If You Can’t Measure It, You Can’t Manage It.

A Forbes magazine article debunks this statement and says, “The important stuff can’t be measured.”

I think communications professionals today suffer the same syndrome as the people in the scriptures of the Bible. They often lack faith because they want something measurable.

Scripture also teaches us that …

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

– Hebrews 11:1

Because we have the research that shows us how people prefer to get the information we need to do what we know works rather than wanting to rely only on that which we can measure each week.

Wells Fargo executives instructed their employees to “Do what it takes to make money,” even if it leads to some fraud.

Taking care of the customer and doing what is right requires one to have faith in something that isn’t always measurable in the short term.

A successful business always serves its customers and makes their lives better. In so doing this, the company will become successful.

The businesses that fail are those who turn the focus from serving their customer to serving themselves over the customers.

The critical thing to take away is that you can’t just look at data from a macro level and think it tells you a story. Digging deeper into your analytics is the only way to see the actual situation, and always want to make decisions with the correct information. Realize that some of the most important things impacting your customer are not always measurable.

Nikon D5, Sigma TC-2001 2x, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM | S, ISO 102400, ƒ/5.6, 1/4000

Friday Night Lights in Georgia were shining not so brightly on Roswell playing Milton. I maxed out my ISO at 102400 most of the night.

Here are more photos just from that night and two other games.

Roswell High School is presently ranked #1 in Georgia and #8 Nationally by USA Today.

While I could have lowered my shutter speed from 1/4000 to 1/2000 or even 1/1000, I enjoy having super sharp images due to freezing the motion.

The Nikon D5 is helping me capture those moments even if I need an ISO 102400 to capture those fleeting moments in sports.

Now earlier in the year the sunlight was still a factor in the game, but going forward you are relying on the stadium lights.

I have been a Nikon shooter since the very beginning of my professional career. Nikon has met the challenges and provided me with the best camera you could own throughout my job at the time that I owned that camera.

Today I can compete because my gear frees me up to get the moment. This is why you buy great camera gear to remain and be genuinely competitive. Your client deserves the best images you can deliver.

I posted last week how I shot this promotional shot. Here is that link if you missed it.

After I took the photo, I created an 11″ x 17″ poster that they could put up around the school and in the community. So if you are around Roswell, Georgia, this next couple of weeks, you will see this up in the restaurants, stores, and places the public visits.

To make the poster, I brought it into PhotoShop, added the text, and created a drop shadow with the text.

Now to get all the traffic going by the school to know the play is just around the corner, I made a banner 6′ x 9′.

Here you can see me installing the banner with my wife. This will give you a good perspective on the size of the banner.

Here is that banner next to the HUGE football banner.

Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, ISO 3600, ƒ/4, 1/100

Storytellers Abroad participant, Alison Waller, is surrounded by children in a church service as she is capturing her story on Gnoyi.

Waller produced this story of Gnoyi’s dream to become a part of the Togolese medical community. Gnoyi failed his high school diploma test. Without his high school diploma, he would never have been able to be a part of the medical community. With the help of Hôpital Baptiste Biblique, he was able to raise funds and find the courage to retake the high school diploma test.

“With the added education, I will be respected more, and people will have confidence in what I say, so I will be able to approach my patients in a way that they will have confidence in what I say, and I will be able to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and they will listen because of their respect and confidence in me. So I will do it though humbly, and I will give glory to God.”

Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, ISO 3200, ƒ/4, 1/100

Here you can see Waller shooting footage of her subject leading in the church.

We still have openings for the Honduras Multimedia Workshop from October 29 to November 5. The deadline to apply is August 30, 2016. 

Click here to learn more. Then, get your money in now to hold your spot.

Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, ISO 800, ƒ/4, 1/4000

All the girls jumped into the back of the pickup to ride into the village. On the far left front is Liz Ortiz. Togo was Liz’s second trip with Storytellers Abroad Missions Multimedia Workshop. She first joined us in Romania.

Liz did a story on Gagl,o who was there when the missionaries first came to Togo. He helped build the hospital and has seen firsthand how the hospital has made an impact on the Togolese. Because of the hospital, Over 32 churches have started. Gaglo not only works as a physician assistant but is also a pastor for one of the church plants.

We still have openings for the Honduras Multimedia Workshop from October 29 to November 5. The deadline to apply is August 30, 2016. Click here to learn more.

Nikon D5, Nikon 85mm ƒ/1.8G, ISO 100, ƒ/1.8, 1/800

Stacey Schuett is one of the participants in the Storytellers Abroad Missions Multimedia Workshop we held in Togo, West Africa.

Storyteller Stacey Schuett has been telling the story of Nyakpo, who was born into an African royal family and raised by his grandmother. After his grandmother’s passing and a series of difficult trials, Nyakpo came to know the Lord. He is now a Bible Baptist Schools of Togo teacher and is highly involved in youth ministry.

Watch Stacey’s story. Leave your feedback here in the comments.

We still have openings for the Honduras Multimedia Workshop from October 29 to November 5. The deadline to apply is August 30, 2016. Click here to learn more.

Nikon D5, Sigma 35mm ƒ/1.4 DG Art, ISO 560, ƒ/1.4, 1/100

Here is Stacey editing her package.

Photo by Hannah Strayer, Storytellers Abroad participant

In the words of Joan Rivers, “Can we talk here?”

First, if you lost your job and are looking for a new job, go and have lunch or coffee with a successful pro. Take the time to ask the pro, “If you were I, what would you do?”

Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens,  ISO 7200, ƒ/5.6, 1/100

Also, scrape together enough money to pay for that lunch or coffee because it will most likely be the best money you have spent in a long time.

Second, learn to listen, try to hear what people need, and know how to position yourself as the solution to their problems. Too often, new freelancers do all they can to tell a potential client what they do. As a result, they just talked themselves out of any work. If you talk about how you are a great square and they needed a round solution, you can see how you lost the job. It is better to listen and hear they need a round object and figure out how you could be a round object.

Jeff Raymond talks through Stacey Schuett’s story during our Storytellers Abroad Missions Multimedia Workshop in Togo, West Africa. [Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens,  ISO 25600, ƒ/5.6, 1/100]

Third, pause and think if you get a call about a job opportunity. Your objective should be to get the job offer and decide if you are interested. Don’t be the guy who is turning it down before hearing all about a job. Now all the reasons you have for turning something down may disappear if you just shut up and listen. There is an excellent chance they may offer you more money or something else that helps address your needs, but because you are so bright and already knew why this isn’t a good fit just lost a great opportunity.

You never know who is watching. As I was shooting this, another photographer was photographing me. [Nikon D5, Nikon 85mm ƒ/1.8G, ISO 100, ƒ/1.8, 1/320]

Fourth, let’s say you screwed up on anything; call that person and apologize. If you don’t know what you did wrong, call them and tell them I think I made a mistake with you and I don’t know what I did, but I would love to learn from you, so I don’t make that mistake again. Your willingness to eat some humble pie might reopen a closed door.

Photo by Hannah Strayer, Storytellers Abroad participant

Fifth, many people could go to etiquette classes for adults. You may sabotage your efforts, from how you dress to how you eat your food, for example. The more you know, the better you can be at shaping your brand.

Here are some key factors that prohibit professionals or an organization from achieving its potential level of success include:

• Poor verbal and nonverbal skills towards other employees or business partners
• Rude and distracting behavior in the office and during meetings 
• Failing to appreciate employees for their contributions and poor communication
• Inappropriate attire and inappropriate behavior 
• Poor manners on the phone and via email 
• Embarrassing business and social faux pas

My wife has educated me extraordinarily on some of what I call overlooked social faux pas. In addition, she has helped me so much in navigating etiquette.

The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth— Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, …

Proverbs 1:1-33 ESV

Now we all still make mistakes, so learn from them. I hope this helps you think about your objective of finding work.

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Colossians 4:5-6 ESV

Nikon D5, Sigma 35mm ƒ/1.4 DG Art, ISO 1400, ƒ/1.4, 1/200

I enjoy meeting people, and finding children around the world captures my attention the most. I think it is because of their curiosity that I get a response when I smile.

Nikon D5, Nikon 85mm ƒ/1.8G,  ISO 100, ƒ/1.8, 1/200

My two favorite lenses to capture these emotional connections are the Nikon 85mm ƒ/1.8G and the Sigma 35mm ƒ/1.4 DG Art. Since both are high-speed lenses of wide open apertures of ƒ/1.4 and ƒ/1.8, you can capture just the person and especially the eyes and let everything else go out of focus.

My mentor Don Rutledge is the one I often heard referring to the power of the eyes. He said these with the “Windows to the Soul.”

Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, ISO 8000, ƒ/4, 1/100

I have learned through the years that the angle from which you photograph a person can significantly impact what you are saying and determine how much of an “emotional connection” you can make with the subject and the audience.

I blogged about the topic earlier. Here is that blog post.

While I commented in that blog post that seeing eye-to-eye isn’t always best, I tend to look for this when trying to connect the audience to the subject as their equal.

Nikon D5, Nikon 85mm ƒ/1.8G,  ISO 100, ƒ/1.8, 1/320

Now getting eye level with a smile is always expressive; it isn’t the only facial expression that connects with the audience.

Nikon D5, Sigma 35mm ƒ/1.4 DG Art, ISO 100, ƒ/1.4, 1/400

Also, it is essential to mention that the eyes that do most of the smiling in those photos show the joy of seeing you.

Nikon D5, Nikon 85mm ƒ/1.8G,  ISO 1100, ƒ/1.8, 1/200

Now while this little boy isn’t sure of me with that expression, the expression does capture the child’s innocence. I can see in the face the question of who are you and can I trust you?

Nikon D5, Sigma 35mm ƒ/1.4 DG Art, ISO 100, ƒ/1.4, 1/2000

The other thing that happens when people look at you without a big smile is there appears to be a silent dialogue going on with the audience. I think this type of expression is relatively abstract. It makes the audience want to fill in the conversation.

Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, ISO 8000, ƒ/4, 1/500

To me, a photographer’s demeanor helps to elicit responses from people. I know this because I don’t speak their language in a cross-cultural situation like this in Togo, West Africa. So all I am doing is using body language and facial expressions to get reactions to me from people.

I felt welcomed by these guys as they drove closer to me down this dirt road.

Nikon D5, Nikon 85mm ƒ/1.8G,  ISO 100, ƒ/1.8, 1/200

How can’t the most demanding person be melted by this little girl’s presence and expression?

Nikon D5, Nikon 85mm ƒ/1.8G,  ISO 1100, ƒ/1.8, 1/1000

Hey, the smile will always get a great reaction, but remember your audience, and you need more to your life than just one emotion. Learn to explore your subject. Don’t be afraid of those uncomfortable expressions as well.

Nikon D5, Nikon 85mm ƒ/1.8G,  ISO 4000, ƒ/1.8, 1/200

Often the beginning of the relationship with a subject may start like this before I can build the trust that lets me be able to get behind those off-putting expressions.

Nikon D5, Nikon 85mm ƒ/1.8G,  ISO 2800, ƒ/1.8, 1/200

I have one tip that should help you get better emotional connection photos. Be vulnerable with yourself and open with the subjects. Take your time and remember that you must first learn to serve your issue with your willingness to give rather than take.

The only way I know to express this is I think of this as giving a hug with your eyes. Like you would do with a newborn child, be expressive and show the excitement of being in their presence.

If you are patient, kind, and a loving person to others, then the odds of you capturing the “Decisive Moment” where there is an “Emotional Connection” is possible.

Nikon D5, Nikon 85mm ƒ/1.8G,  ISO 100, ƒ/1.8, 1/500