The Wide Shot

The first shot is the wide shot, which allows you to be more creative and capture the full picture of the ceremony.

When taking the wide shot, aim to shoot around 28mm, which allows you to see the composition in a different way. Compose the image so that the couple is in the lower third of the frame, with the chairs and any architectural or floral elements filling the rest of the frame as negative space. This shot sets the stage and allows you to capture what the entire ceremony felt like, so that even if a grandparent couldn’t attend, they can still feel like they were there.

The Groom’s Reaction

The second must-have shot is the groom’s reaction as the bride walks down the aisle. This is a crucial moment that you cannot miss, as it is often one of the most emotional and meaningful parts of the ceremony! To capture this shot, focus on the groom first, before the bride arrives, to ensure you have a shot of his reaction the moment he sees her. 

Make sure you know any rules ahead of time about where you can/ cannot be during the ceremony at a specific venue! Some churches have very specific rules. 

Side Close-Up Shots

The third essential shot is the side close-up shots of the bride and groom’s faces. These intimate, emotional moments are best captured during the vows, when the couple is typically more visually connected and expressive. Position yourself on the left side, while your second shooter covers the right side, to ensure you have multiple angles!

When taking these side shots, be patient and wait for the right moment to capture genuine emotion and connection between the couple. Avoid shots that look emotionless or disconnected, as these won’t make the final album. Balance the time you spend on these side shots with the need to get back to the center aisle for other important moments, such as the ring exchange and the kiss.

Front Row Shots

The fourth shot to capture is the reactions of the couple’s loved ones in the front row. This could include parents, grandparents, or other important guests. While you don’t want to be a distraction, try to capture the emotional moments, such as tears, laughter, or physical gestures like holding hands. This can be a challenging shot, as you need to balance capturing the emotion without being intrusive.

If the ceremony layout allows, consider using a longer lens to capture these front row reactions without being in the line of sight. Time these shots to coincide with moments when the couple is sharing their vows or other emotional parts of the ceremony.

Creative Shots

The fifth and final must-have shot is a creative, visually interesting image that pushes you as a photographer. This could involve playing with composition, using leading lines, or incorporating details and foreground elements. These creative shots can add visual interest and variety to your ceremony gallery, breaking up the more standard wide and close-up shots.

Look for opportunities during longer ceremonies when you have a bit more time to experiment. Consider focusing on details like flowers or pew designs, and then incorporate the couple into the frame in an unexpected way. These creative shots will help make your ceremony gallery stand out and showcase your artistic vision.

These 5 must-have shots are are just a starting point and you can be creative after that! I’m excited for you to dive into the whole video below and see it in action!

Also, if you like what you see, you can literally watch me photograph 100’s of wedding and portrait sessions by joining our KJ All Access membership for only $29/month!! Want a look at more? Try it HERE!

Have you seen some of our most popular youtube episodes?

We release brand new Youtube episodes every other week! They range from business topics, personal episodes, gear reviews, technical training and behind the scenes education! If you’ve never explored this part of our photography education, dive in now! It’s free!! Enjoy!

If you want to save this for later, Pin It!!

The post 5 Must Have Ceremony Shots <span class="kj-subtitle">You can’t miss these!</span> appeared first on Katelyn James | Online Educator for Photographers and Entrepreneurs.

Simplifying Manual Shooting

To demonstrate how manual mode can be simplified, I’m giving you a FREE look at one of the 34 lessons in the KJ Starter Course. This course will help you gain the necessary control to become an amazing professional photographer without feeling overwhelmed!

One Variable at a Time: My Approach to Manual Mode

When shooting in manual mode, my goal is to focus on one variable at a time. This simplifies the process and allows me to maintain control over my exposure settings. The first variable I consider is aperture, as it defines a significant part of my style. I carefully assess the subject I am shooting and determine the appropriate aperture that aligns with my desired style while avoiding any issues with soft focus or breaking the rules. Once I have chosen my aperture, I set it and forget it. This allows me to shoot with confidence, knowing that my images will have the desired depth of field.

After setting my aperture, I shift my focus to ISO. I generally keep my ISO low and only make adjustments if necessary. For example, if I am shooting in natural light with an abundance of available light, I can typically leave my ISO at a safe level (e.g., 250) without needing to change it. This eliminates the need to constantly think about ISO and allows me to concentrate on the final variable: shutter speed.

Shutter speed becomes my primary variable for controlling exposure. As long as I am shooting in ample natural light, the specific value of my shutter speed is not a major concern. The key is to avoid reaching the “guard rail” where camera shake becomes an issue. As long as I stay within a safe range, I can focus solely on adjusting the shutter speed to achieve proper exposure. This simplified approach allows me to create stunning images without feeling overwhelmed by multiple variables.

I hope this was helpful for you today!! Click below to watch the full video!

If you found this lesson helpful and want to explore more topics related to photography, the KJ Starter Course is your next best step! The course covers a wide range of subjects, including composition, editing basics in Lightroom, lighting priority plans, and more. It is specifically designed for beginner photographers or those looking to enhance their skills in the professional world.

Have you seen some of our most popular youtube episodes?

We release brand new Youtube episodes every other week! They range from business topics, personal episodes, gear reviews, technical training and behind the scenes education! If you’ve never explored this part of our photography education, dive in now! It’s free!! Enjoy!

If you want to save this for later, Pin It!!

The post Mastering Manual Mode <span class="kj-subtitle">The Simple Way!</span> appeared first on Katelyn James | Online Educator for Photographers and Entrepreneurs.

Why? Because it’s hard to think back to the beginning. 

What did I not understand? What was confusing? What did no one explain to me?

I went back to my roots and created this video as if I was telling a brand new photographer the in’s and out’s of Lightroom!

I have broken down the video into chapters for you to make it easier to follow along!

I am going to show you :

• How to import photos

• What features I do and don’t use

• The basic slides that build the foundation of my edits

• New features that I love in Lightroom Classic!

• How to export my final images

• And so much more!

If you are asking yourself these questions:

• “I don’t even know when I am going to get good photos” 
• “I don’t know when I am shooting well or not shooting well” 

…then the KJ Photography Starter Course is a great place to start for you! I literally created this course around these 2 questions!!

I hope this was helpful for you today!! Click below to watch the full video!

Also, if you like what you see, you can literally watch me photograph 100’s of wedding and portrait sessions by joining our KJ All Access membership for only $29/month!! Want a look at more? Try it HERE!

Have you seen some of our most popular youtube episodes?

We release brand new Youtube episodes every other week! They range from business topics, personal episodes, gear reviews, technical training and behind the scenes education! If you’ve never explored this part of our photography education, dive in now! It’s free!! Enjoy!

If you want to save this for later, Pin It!!

The post Lightroom Classic Starter Guide <span class="kj-subtitle">Everything You Need to Get Started!</span> appeared first on Katelyn James | Online Educator for Photographers and Entrepreneurs.

If you take amazing & beautiful photos, that doesn’t automatically mean you are going to have a successful photography business.. so what do you need?!

Here’s 5 things you need to have in order to have a professional photography business!!

1. You need to be legal!

If you are charging money, you need to be a registered business! This includes:

• Registering with your state
• Paying taxes
• Insurance (gear & liability)
• Having *legit* contracts!

These are the boring things in business but they can save you so many headaches in the long run! Our lawyer has created specific contracts that are legally sound but friendly language that sounds like me! You can get them HERE to have your butt covered!

2. Fast & Redundant Storage

I recommend having 2 solid state drives (1 TB minimum)! These are the ones I recommend!

3. Website

A website is a must for a pro photographer! You need a landing page for potential clients to get to know you, view your work and contact you! We recommend setting it up through Showit and using a template through Tonic!

4. & 5. Cloudspot

You need a legitimate way to accept payments, sign contracts, and send clients their galleries to order prints! The GREAT NEWS is that you can do all of this through Cloudspot! It is the best way to keep so many aspects of your business in one place!

Watch the full video below to hear more details about how I use these business resources and other ways to help your business be personal & professional!!

Also, if you like what you see, you can literally watch me photograph 100’s of wedding and portrait sessions by joining our KJ All Access membership for only $29/month!! Want a look at more? Try it HERE!

Have you seen some of our most popular youtube episodes?

We release brand new Youtube episodes every other week! They range from business topics, personal episodes, gear reviews, technical training and behind the scenes education! If you’ve never explored this part of our photography education, dive in now! It’s free!! Enjoy!

If you want to save this for later, Pin It!!

The post 5 Essentials Beginners Need to Go Pro <span class="kj-subtitle">and make your photography business a success!</span> appeared first on Katelyn James | Online Educator for Photographers and Entrepreneurs.

Let’s be honest for a second…. Posing requires a lot of us. 

We’re simultaneously managing:

• Our client’s confidence

• Our lighting, manual settings, and composition

• The next idea or pose

• Our own confidence

• The overall flow of the shoot….

In the midst of this chaos, we have to also seem professional and totally sure of ourselves! 

If you’ve ever felt like a session could have been better and your posing could have been improved, this FREE video may help! I am going to break down for you 10 RED FLAGS that you may be missing in your posing experience and teach you HOW TO FIX THEM!!!!!!

They are subtle things that are easy to miss but once you are aware of them, you will really begin to polish up your posing while maintaining a close connection to your client!

Also, if you like what you see, you can literally watch me photograph 100’s of wedding and portrait sessions by joining our KJ All Access membership for only $29/month!! Want a look at more? Try it HERE!

Have you seen some of our most popular youtube episodes?

We release brand new Youtube episodes every other week! They range from business topics, personal episodes, gear reviews, technical training and behind the scenes education! If you’ve never explored this part of our photography education, dive in now! It’s free!! Enjoy!

If you want to save this for later, Pin It!!

The post 10 Red Flags in Posing <span class="kj-subtitle">And how to fix them!</span> appeared first on Katelyn James | Online Educator for Photographers and Entrepreneurs.

BUT, it’s not perfect.

No matter how consistent of a shooter you are, you are most likely going to need to make slight adjustments to your edits you get back from AI. But being able to recognize WHAT needs to be changed is a skill in itself.

So into today’s video I’m going to walk you through my thought process as I fine tune a gallery from Imagen AI and show you how I can quickly take their edits and make them perfect.We’ve talked a lot lately about how great AI editing is and how it can be revolutionary for so many wedding and portrait photographers. BUT, it’s not perfect.

No matter how consistent of a shooter you are, you are most likely going to need to make slight adjustments to your edits you get back from AI. But being able to recognize WHAT needs to be changed is a skill in itself. So into today’s video I’m going to walk you through my thought process as I fine tune a gallery from Imagen AI and show you how I can quickly take their edits and make them perfect.

Wondering if Imagen AI is for you?! We have several videos on our YouTube channel already about the process of using AI editing! You can check them out HERE!

Also, if you like what you see, you can literally watch me photograph 100’s of wedding and portrait sessions by joining our KJ All Access membership for only $29/month!! Want a look at more? Try our 5 day free trial HERE!

Have you seen some of our most popular youtube episodes?

We release brand new Youtube episodes every other week! They range from business topics, personal episodes, gear reviews, technical training and behind the scenes education! If you’ve never explored this part of our photography education, dive in now! It’s free!! Enjoy!

If you want to save this for later, Pin It!!

The post How to Perfect AI Editing <span class="kj-subtitle">and save more time!</span> appeared first on Katelyn James | Online Educator for Photographers and Entrepreneurs.

Before we know it, our slow shooting season will be behind us and it will be time to dive into sessions and weddings all over again! 

Most of you know that I allow thousands of photographers to watch my every move during the wedding days that I photograph (and portrait sessions!). 

I’ve been letting people learn from Behind the Scenes for 5 YEARS NOW. WHAT?! 

Today, even if you’re not a member of KJ All Access, you’re going to be able to watch and learn from observing me capture a recent high-end wedding day at a CASTLE! (Well, it looks like a castle). Wedding photography is hard to learn when you’re just starting because there are no re-dos!! But with KJ All Access you can hear my thoughts and decisions on WHY I do certain things and what I have learned with over 14 years of experience.

The best part?! You get to watch this second half of the day for FREE!!! Enjoy!! 

If you missed part one, you can watch it HERE!

If you’ve ever wondered the in’s and out’s of a wedding day, this type of content is truly life-changing! It’s like getting first hand experience and training without having to leave your house!! So enjoy this special treat and Merry Christmas!!!! 

Also, if you like what you see, you can literally watch me photograph 100’s of wedding and portrait sessions by joining our KJ All Access membership for only $29/month!! Want a look at more? Try our 5 day free trial HERE!

Have you seen some of our most popular youtube episodes?

We release brand new Youtube episodes every other week! They range from business topics, personal episodes, gear reviews, technical training and behind the scenes education! If you’ve never explored this part of our photography education, dive in now! It’s free!! Enjoy!

If you want to save this for later, Pin It!!

The post Wedding Behind the Scenes <span class="kj-subtitle">Part Two!</span> appeared first on Katelyn James | Online Educator for Photographers and Entrepreneurs.

I’m one of only ten other photographers who are releasing their Imagen AI editing profiles out into the world!! Ahh!!

So, what does this mean? 

Well, for 14 years, I have perfected the patterns and rhythms of my style within Lightroom. In August, I wanted more time with my kids and so I decided to try AI editing. I created an Imagen AI account on a whim and my life changed. Artificial intelligence studied my patterns, tendencies and preferences and created a profile that it uses to edit just as if I was the one editing! 

The craziest part? It does the job in MINUTES. 

Not hours.

Not one day. 

Minutes. 

Is it 100% perfect all of the time? No, but it’s shockingly close and I have truly reduced my editing time by 90%. The 10% of editing I still do is just checking and making small tweaks. This profile grows and evolves and changes as it sees my tweaks and so over time, it gets stronger and stronger. 

But for now, what you need to know is…..

• My workflow has drastically changed for the better for the first time in 14 years
• My editing time was reduced by 90% and I have more time with my kids
• NOW YOU CAN OWN MY AI PROFILE AND EXPERIENCE THIS TOO! 

If you had told me back when I started that one day I would be able to have AI edit my images with my style, get them 90% accurate, save me hours of work and then I could let thousands of photographers do the same? I would have said “That sounds crazy and completely impossible!”

Well, call it what you want. Maybe it is crazy. Maybe it is wild. Maybe it is hard to believe…. But I’ll tell you what….

I will do ANYTHING to get more time with my young children. 

This is changing photographer’s lives and I’m excited to see the ripple effect that today has on so many businesses! 

If you love the KJ Style. You are a natural light photographer and shoot in even light. If you want to cut your editing time down by 90%…. Take the leap! Check it out HERE!

P.S. Do you want to see more weddings, engagement sessions, family sessions, and senior shoots?! You can try KJ All Access for free for 5 days! Click HERE to join! 

Have you seen some of our most popular youtube episodes?

We release brand new Youtube episodes every other week! They range from business topics, personal episodes, gear reviews, technical training and behind the scenes education! If you’ve never explored this part of our photography education, dive in now! It’s free!! Enjoy!

If you want to save this for later, Pin It!!

The post The KJ Edit <span class="kj-subtitle">A powerful tool to edit quicker</span> appeared first on Katelyn James | Online Educator for Photographers and Entrepreneurs.

Our KJ All Access Members have hundreds of hours of behind the scenes training at their fingertips.. 

I realize not all of you are in All Access…. Even despite what photographers have been saying for years! :

So, we decided to try something different this week on YouTube that we have never done before in order to give some of you the true All Access experience. Today you can watch the LONGEST KJ YOUTUBE VIDEO TO DATE and learn some amazing wedding day photography skills at the very same time! 

Entertainment + Education! Such a winning combo when it comes to retaining helpful information and staying engaged!!

You can watch over 2 hours of..

My decision making

The way I interact with clients

Last minute changes

How I choose the best light

Dealing with wedding day difficulties

And so much more!!

So, ready to dive in!?  Watch here!

P.S. Do you want to see more weddings, engagement sessions, family sessions, and senior shoots?! You can try KJ All Access for free for 5 days! Click HERE to join! 

Have you seen some of our most popular youtube episodes?

We release brand new Youtube episodes every other week! They range from business topics, personal episodes, gear reviews, technical training and behind the scenes education! If you’ve never explored this part of our photography education, dive in now! It’s free!! Enjoy!

If you want to save this for later, Pin It!!

The post Full Length Behind the Scenes <span class="kj-subtitle">A sneak peak into KJ All Access</span> appeared first on Katelyn James | Online Educator for Photographers and Entrepreneurs.

the amazing Autofocus system, specifically the touch and drag feature!! 

But what might surprise you is

that some people hate this feature!!!

I think the reality is, most people who dislike this feature haven’t really found THEIR settings that work best for them! After shooting a certain way for 14 years, there are things I had to change in order to make touch and drag work for me!

I am going to break down my 5 best practices that will allow you to use touch and drag that allows you to FEEL IN CONTROL! It ultimately helps me achieve the composition I see in my head so quickly, and I don’t think I could capture the images that I do so fast without this feature.

My hope for today’s video is that it clears up some of the issues you are experiencing with touch and drag and how it can serve you well as a photographer!!

Ready to dive in!? Watch here!

If this was helpful and you want to continue to grow and learn, try KJ ALL ACCESS for free!! Click here to join now!!!

Have you seen some of our most popular youtube episodes?

We release brand new Youtube episodes every other week! They range from business topics, personal episodes, gear reviews, technical training and behind the scenes education! If you’ve never explored this part of our photography education, dive in now! It’s free!! Enjoy!

If you want to save this for later, Pin It!!

The post Touch and Drag Auto Focus <span class="kj-subtitle">My top 5 tips!</span> appeared first on Katelyn James | Online Educator for Photographers and Entrepreneurs.

A few weeks ago I posted a 6 second reel sharing that I let a robot edit a session for me. I was seriously BLOWN AWAY. 

Didn’t think much of it when I posted the reel but I came to realize that this is a hot button topic that many photographers AND editors have been avoiding. 

I get it. 

I avoid things that I don’t know what to do with either. 

For those who are nervous and scared about the realities of AI and what it will eventually do to our industry, I understand. There are definitely things about it that make me nervous too. 

However, we cannot wish this away. 

We can’t slow it down.

We can’t hide from it. 

It’s here to stay and it’s out of our control. 

So, what do we do? 

We focus on what we CAN control. What we CAN control is our reaction and our actions to AI. 

After multiple conversations with private editors, my own editor, other photographers and then experiencing AI editing for myself, I feel like it’s time to share what program I used, what I experienced, and my overall thoughts on this new part of our industry. 

When Imagen AI decided to partner with us on this episode, I was both excited and a little nervous. Unlike a lot of educators with decent followings, we rarely do sponsored content. Actually, we’ve never had a sponsored episode on Youtube until… TODAY. 

Sponsored content for us is something that we are very picky about and take super seriously. We’re not going to share about something that we aren’t using ourselves and don’t believe in. That’s why I’m excited about this episode because I’m introducing a tool that could have saved me so much time if I had had earlier in my career. 

In this episode, I’m sharing my honest thoughts about my first experience using Imagen AI and how simple it was to set up and get started. Imagen AI didn’t have any say in this content and didn’t preview it ahead of time. This is just my first take on the program and I’m excited to share more as I learn and grow more familiar with it!! Plus if you want to try it out yourself, here’s 1,500 free edits by using THIS LINK!

Ready to dive in!? Watch here!

If you’re a Private Editor who is struggling with the idea of AI editing and need some encouragement, be sure to listen to this podcast that I made just for you!

Have you seen some of our most popular youtube episodes?

We release brand new Youtube episodes each week ranging from business topics, personal episodes, gear reviews, technical training and behind the scenes education! If you’ve never explored this part of our photography education, dive in now! It’s free!! Enjoy!

If you want to save this for later, Pin It!!

The post My Experience With AI Editing <span class="kj-subtitle">And how it has shifted my editing workflow</span> appeared first on Katelyn James | Online Educator for Photographers and Entrepreneurs.

I do not always have the option of shooting in natural light so I HAVE to know how to use my flash confidently and consistently!! 

Today I am breaking down my 2-light off-camera setup for weddings and what I do to achieve the natural light look inside!

I have used this system for over a DECADE and I’m excited to share! 

In this video I will teach you :

-my basic setup of my off camera flash + shoot through umbrella, bare off-camera flash and on-camera flash

-advantages of using 2 off camera flashes

-my placement throughout the reception to achieve the look I desire with off-camera flash

-the camera settings that I like to get that glowy look in ambient light

-And when it’s time to change up your placement of umbrella as the events shift throughout the evening!

If you ever get overwhelmed by flash, you’ll want to tune in today!!!

P.S If you are new to flash, you may want to watch my previous video on my simple flash setup I did awhile back using one flash setup! You can view that HERE!

P.P.S Want to watch more of me using my Flash System at REAL WEDDINGS?! You can do that TODAY for only $29!! PLUS you get access to the monthly KJ Connection Call to ask me questions about your business! 

Have you seen some of our most popular youtube episodes?

We release brand new Youtube episodes each week ranging from business topics, personal episodes, gear reviews, technical training and behind the scenes education! If you’ve never explored this part of our photography education, dive in now! It’s free!! Enjoy!

If you want to save this for later, Pin It!!

The post 2-Light Off-Camera Flash Setup <span class="kj-subtitle">How I Photograph Indoor Receptions</span> appeared first on Katelyn James | Online Educator for Photographers and Entrepreneurs.

And honestly, I don’t have one… but I do have a series where you can learn about this topic for FREE!

We’re focusing on a part today that can sometimes seem out of control, never ending and downright overwhelming!!! 

Bridal Party Portraits!

I know this part of the day isn’t everyone’s favorite but believe it or not, this is one of your GREATEST MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES!! 

Don’t lose your chance to wow your client’s friends!!!!

You can watch the new episode HERE and the entire series of Wedding Day 101 videos HERE!!

P.S If these short videos are helpful to you, you’ll find so much value in the KJ All Access VAULT! 

Right now, for FIVE DAYS you can TRY BEFORE YOU BUY!!! 

There’s over a hundred hours of content where you can see me in action on wedding days, engagement sessions, family shoots and more!! PLUS you get access to the monthly KJ Connection Call to ask me questions about your business!

Get access to over 300 EPISODES FOR FREE!!

Have you seen some of our most popular youtube episodes?

We release brand new Youtube episodes each week ranging from business topics, personal episodes, gear reviews, technical training and behind the scenes education! If you’ve never explored this part of our photography education, dive in now! It’s free!! Enjoy!

If you want to save this for later, Pin It!!

The post Wedding Day 101 : Bridal Party Portraits <span class="kj-subtitle">How to make this fast & efficient!</span> appeared first on Katelyn James | Online Educator for Photographers and Entrepreneurs.

Look at these images!

They were all shot in the same area within 15-20 minutes of one another! WILD!  LIGHT CHANGES EVERYTHING!

In today’s “Behind the Image” episode, I’m explaining my thought process and approach to sky exposure in this tricky (but incredible!) location!!! This video is a must watch!! 

WATCH HERE!

Ps- If you want to see me  more weddings and portraits in REAL LIFE SCENARIOS,  watch how I HANDLE LIGHT, see HOW I POSE and learn from HOW I INTERACT with my clients, etc…you can watch all that and more in our behind the scenes membership, KJ All Access!!! 

ALSO! We JUST dropped new content in our membership this week!! You can watch PART 1 of this RAINY FARM WEDDING today for FREE if you’ve never given All Access a try! 

Not quite ready to dive in? Here’s a FREE DOWNLOAD with some of the best takeaways from this episode!! You can download and learn immediately!! 

Have you seen some of our most popular youtube episodes?

We release brand new Youtube episodes each week ranging from business topics, personal episodes, gear reviews, technical training and behind the scenes education! If you’ve never explored this part of our photography education, dive in now! It’s free!! Enjoy!

If you want to save this for later, Pin It!!

The post How to Fix Overexposed Skies <span class="kj-subtitle">This will help!</span> appeared first on Katelyn James | Online Educator for Photographers and Entrepreneurs.

If you’re wanting to attract high-end clients, raise prices and be taken seriously, you have to CURATE. 

But what does that even mean?! I’m going to show you with a REAL WEBSITE! 

This week on YouTube, I’m looking through a photographers website and talking through what is hurting them and how to curate to help them look more advanced than they are! 

Anyone can take this advice and apply it to their Portfolio and website!!

WATCH HERE!

Have you seen some of our most popular youtube episodes?

We release brand new Youtube episodes each week ranging from business topics, personal episodes, gear reviews, technical training and behind the scenes education! If you’ve never explored this part of our photography education, dive in now! It’s free!! Enjoy!

If you want to save this for later, Pin It!!

The post Quick Fix to a Common Website Mistake <span class="kj-subtitle">And why you might not notice it</span> appeared first on Katelyn James | Online Educator for Photographers and Entrepreneurs.

After 12+ years of photographing, I have realized that these pitfalls can be avoided if you are simply just aware of them!

I believe lenses can completely change the look, vibe and feel of a photograph. They can help define your style as a photographer so it’s so important to know HOW you are going to use your lens. 

On the Youtube channel, watch me breakdown the pros and cons of prime vs zoom lens. AND how you can change the way you use your lenses to benefit your style to create freedom in your photography!!

If you’re curious about how I USED to shoot with my 3 prime setup instead of the 28-70mm, you can watch me photograph when I used prime lenses in the early years of KJ All Access. Then how I have evolved to using the 28-70 2.0 in the recent years for $29/month! We would love to have you join us for KJ All Access to see how I have used my lenses to benefit my style of photography! 

WATCH HERE!

Have you seen some of our most popular youtube episodes?

We release brand new Youtube episodes each week ranging from business topics, personal episodes, gear reviews, technical training and behind the scenes education! If you’ve never explored this part of our photography education, dive in now! It’s free!! Enjoy!

If you want to save this for later, Pin It!!

The post Pitfalls of the Canon 28-70 F/2.0 <span class="kj-subtitle">What You Need to Know Before You Buy It!</span> appeared first on Katelyn James | Online Educator for Photographers and Entrepreneurs.

After running around busy downtown Chicago, photographing in multiple locations, I finally achieved my “go home happy shot” in the epic staircase at the Art Institute of Chicago! Photographing this shot was NOT easy but it is a shot that I am SUPER proud of. Isn’t that what every photograph wants to leave a session feeling like!? 

I want to take you on the journey of how I accomplished this shot…I am going to share with you what I am thinking in my head and how my ideas evolve into creating something really spectacular instead of just average.

Watch me breakdown how the creative side of my brain got to a place of finally finding what I ultimately wanted in the particular space!

WATCH HERE!

P.S. If you aren’t prepared for situations like these, you can watch how I handle these situations in our membership; KJ All Access!

Have you seen some of our most popular youtube episodes?

We release brand new Youtube episodes each week ranging from business topics, personal episodes, gear reviews, technical training and behind the scenes education! If you’ve never explored this part of our photography education, dive in now! It’s free!! Enjoy!

If you want to save this for later, Pin It!!

The post Pushing My Creativity to the Next Level <span class="kj-subtitle">How I Captured My 'Go Home Happy' Shot</span> appeared first on Katelyn James | Online Educator for Photographers and Entrepreneurs.

However…I have NEVER experienced THIS before! : 

• Groomsmen passed out + unresponsive for 30 seconds
• Evacuated ceremony to be put on hold
• Ambulance called
• Guests shouting and screaming

YIKES! Like I said, CRAZY. A lot was at stake after this incident because we were SO behind on our timeline. This incident showed me the POWER that I have as a photographer…I could either sit back and say, “Well, I had no control, look what happened” OR I could choose to be proactive and say “this happened and now what am I going to do about it!?”

In the middle of the chaos of the day, I captured one of my FAVORITE portraits because I chose to be proactive and lead my couple to get the portraits of their dreams, despite being an hour behind of schedule!

In this Youtube episode, you will see how I chose to show up and how I executed this wedding day despite the timeline struggles, the panic of the couple and guests and the sun setting FAST! As a photographer, YOU have the right to step up and step in when it comes to making decisions and giving your clients what they are paying you for! 

WATCH HERE!

P.S. If you aren’t prepared for situations like these, you can watch how I handle these situations in our membership; KJ All Access!

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