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Social Media Profile Picture

Posted on February 9, 2015 by Tom Szabo

After adding a contact on a professional social media platform, I was presented with a list of suggested contacts. I was amazed at how many connection suggestions had no or a poor profile photo. How can I confirm our connection if I can’t see who you are?

If you are going to add a profile photo to a site for professionals, please use these suggestions:

Use a neutral background. That means DON”T hang a sheet behind you!

Watch the angle of the flash. You don’t want a sliver of shadow to outline you.

If you’re taking the picture in your office, turn on the flash. You don’t want black eyes.

Use a professional pose. Don’t pose like you’re doing a porn shoot.

Forget the “selfie”. Have someone take the picture.

Resize the image to upload so it fills the space allowed.

Of course, if you want to look real professional, schedule a sitting with a professional photographer. Your personal brand will be greatly enhanced. I hope this helps.

Posted in Business/Marketing, Commercial, Portrait | Tagged business, Commercial, Head Shot, photography, portrait | Leave a comment

Valentine Photography Reminder!

Posted on February 6, 2015 by Tom Szabo

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, don’t forget to contact the studio for the special Valentine!

http://www.blog.athomasimage.com.com/valentine-photography/

Posted in Portrait, Uncategorized | Tagged photography, portrait | Leave a comment

Valentine Photography

Posted on January 9, 2015 by Tom Szabo

Valentine 2015 Special Offer. Call or email the s studio today to order your package.

Yes, by all means – flowers, candy and/or dinner for Valentine Day. Why not capture a great memoir though. Here’s a great offer on a 1-1/2 hour sitting and an 8X10 color print, Half Off. The offer expires January 31, 2015. Contact the studio for details and to purchase your package today.

Posted in Announcements, Portrait, Specials | Tagged photography, portrait, Valentine Day | Leave a comment

Class Of 2015 Photography

Posted on September 18, 2014 by Tom Szabo

Say Hello to Taylor. She was recently in the the A Thomas Image studio for her graduation portrait.

I love photographing high school students. They’re happy, eager to try different poses and in general are very easy to work with. With an attitude like that it gets easy to obtain a pleasing portrait.

Doesn’t Taylor look great?

Nice portrait Taylor!

Posted in Portrait, Uncategorized | Tagged Head Shot, high school, photography, portrait, senior | Leave a comment

A Portrait – Just Because

Posted on July 23, 2014 by Tom Szabo

It amazes me that people will schedule a visit to the dentist every 6 months or yearly but hesitate to have a portrait created. I’ll guarantee sitting for a portrait is a lot more fun than going to the dentist! Let’s call my subject “Jane”. Jane decided to come into the studio for a portrait session, just because she wanted. A side benefit was that she could offer her children a print – “Just Because”. Jane enjoyed her sitting and was pleased with the results. I hope you like the results also. Give me your thoughts.

Just For Fun!

Black & White conversion

Posted in Portrait | Tagged family, Head Shot, photography, portrait | Leave a comment

Infant Photography – Thanks For Being Cute!

Posted on July 22, 2014 by Tom Szabo

What do you bet every photographer, could tell you horror stories about photographing infants and children in the studio. There have been many a time I’ve scratched my head after a sitting with a child or children. I’ve even gone so far as to offer a return to the studio at no charge when things have gone REALLY bad. Maybe after so many tough children’s sittings, you get rewarded with a great one. That’s what happened with this little guy. We’ll call him “Jimmy”. When Jimmy arrived, he was in a very happy mood. You could tell that everything was wonderful in Jimmy’s world. He was very comfortable in his little studio setting and enjoyed visiting me. Hopefully you can see the happiness in his eyes and posture. I truly enjoyed my visit with Jimmy. Hope to see you again – li’l buddy!

I think Jimmy likes his sandals!

“I’m just so happy!”

Posted in Kids, Portrait, Uncategorized | Tagged children, family, photography, portrait | Leave a comment

MAST In-Water Training

Posted on May 19, 2014 by Tom Szabo

I’m very fortunate to be able to enjoy some really cool hobbies. The two major ones are photography and scuba diving. If I’m able to enjoy both at the same time, life just can’t get any better!

As a member of the Maritime Archeological Survey Team (MAST), I also am pleased to serve on the board. These are some great people and even better volunteers. On May 18,2014, we conducted the in-water training session for the basic underwater archeology class at White Star Quarry in Gibsonburg, OH. During this portion of the training, students use the measuring and documentation skills they learned in the classroom environment, while scuba diving. Everyone finds out how different it is during an actual scuba dive vs. dry land.

Hopefully my images will give you some sense of how the divers, use a tape measure, record their data on their clip board and actually try to measure the features of an archeological site. It really is a fun activity!

[slideshow_deploy id=’1204′]

Posted in Uncategorized, Underwater | Tagged MAST, photography, underwater | Leave a comment

High School Student Learns About Starting A Business

Posted on May 19, 2014 by Tom Szabo

You read in my earlier post about Brandon McClain, who was asking for help with his market research. Brandon has been hard at work launching his business. To learn more about Brandon and B-Kind Cards, check out this You Tube video we did:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLV5gtWav00

I hope you enjoy this short video.

Posted in Announcements, Business/Marketing, Community | Tagged business, Commercial, harvey high school, photography | Leave a comment

Photographer Digs Up Gold!

Posted on April 17, 2014 by Tom Szabo

Photographer Tom Szabo recently dug up Gold at the Lake Communicators APEX Awards on April 9, 2014. A commercial photography assignment for a wood framed sunglass manufacturer was submitted to Lake Communicators for it’s annual APEX Awards. The assignment was given a “Gold Award” in the Individual Category for Photography.

Lake Communicators is a Lake County based organization for marketing communications professionals. The awards highlight the work of local creative professionals. The ceremony was held at the Mooreland Mansion on the campus of Lakeland Community College in Kirtland, Ohio.

“Now I understand how actors feel at the Academy Awards”, Mr Szabo commented. “It’s great when your peers recognize your work as worth an award” he said.

Tom Szabo is the owner of A Thomas Image an aerial, commercial, portrait, wedding and underwater photography studio. Located in Concord Township, A Thomas Image has been serving clients since 1999. Now Tom returns to the task of digging up his next assignment. More prospecting in hopes of striking Gold!

Wooden sunglasses photography assignment that won APEX Gold.

Tom Szabo, Photographer, show off his APEX Gold Award.

Posted in Announcements, Studio PR | Tagged business, Commercial, photography, studio pr | Leave a comment

Marcoms in Lake County Ohio

Posted on April 10, 2014 by Tom Szabo

Check this web site for Marcom pros in NE Ohio.

http://www.lakecommunicators.com

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Kids Pool Party

Posted on April 10, 2014 by Tom Szabo

Great for childrens birthday pool parties – more to come!

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Coming Soon

Posted on April 10, 2014 by Tom Szabo

APEX annoucement soon!

Posted in Announcements | Leave a comment

Photographer Asks: What’s Your Beef?

Posted on April 1, 2014 by Tom Szabo

I want to try something different with my Blog. Part of the maturation process involves learning to make decisions. If you’re an adult you’ve gone through the process. Some of us more successful than others. If you’re a teenager, well the process may still be ahead of you. Yes, that is a generalization on my part, but it’s my blog and I allow myself to do that! (Chuckle)

So here’s my first question to adults and teenagers alike: What is it about your child or parent that drives you nuts? Please feel free to post your thoughts. Then feel free to comment about the thoughts posted. Adults and teenagers please offer comments on the other views. Offer some helpful hints and insights to the issues posted.

There are sone requirements: No swearing. No name calling. No berating anyone. I will exercise editorial license if I feel necessary.

Posted in Community, Getting Along | Tagged Adults, Agravating, children, family, high school, kids | Leave a comment

New Plugin Test Rev 2

Posted on January 30, 2014 by Tom Szabo

This is a test of the Microblogger Post plugin for WordPress blogs. Rev 2

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Planning Photography For A Youtube Video

Posted on January 30, 2014 by Tom Szabo

Youtube is fast becoming the “Go-To” resource for entertaining, instructional and promotional videos the world over. Businesses have begun to use Youtube as a promotional tool. These videos often are produced by individuals using some basic video recording equipment or professional video studios.

Your Youtube channel can contain a vast array of videos to support your company’s marketing efforts. Videos have been used to promote sales, provide instructions, and build your brand. These can range from short one to five minute videos or longer ten to 20 minute videos. Your Youtube channel or individual videos can be linked to your company web site, blog or social media sites.

Here are some planning considerations for your Youtube videos:

Consider the goal for your video, Promotional, entertainment or instructional.
Write your script. This will give you a chance to choose the important words for maximum impact Also consider your audience. Use words they’ll understand. Don’t use acronyms or industry specific terminology, unless they are acceptable in your audience.
Rehearse your script. This rehearsal will help you with edits, timing, facial expressions and vocal expressions. Rehearse your script to the point of memorizing it.
Once your script is complete, consider putting up keywords or phrases on large sheets of paper similar to a flip chart. These large keyword sheets can be hung adjacent to the camera to help keep your presentation on target.
Make sure the location has adequate lighting. Background noises should be eliminated or minimized, unless they contribute to the overall intent of the video.
Once filming begins, rely on your rehearsal. Concentrate on your voice, expressions, inflections, hand gestures and the use of props. Don’t worry, that’s why there are retakes.
Review the takes and determine what technique adjustments are necessary.
Consider the use of title slides for introduction, contact information and production statements.
Rely on good editing skills. Whether they are yours or a skilled editor for best results.
Treat your video files like any other data file. Store your digital files accordingly and make sure adequate back ups are made.

I used the steps outlined above to create a short introductory video for my photography studio, A Thomas Image. You are welcome to check it out.

Taking these steps should allow you to create a successful video for your business. They apply whether you film the video yourself or use a professional videographer. Good luck with your video projects.

Posted in Commercial, How-Tos, Video | Tagged photography, Video | Leave a comment

I Violated My Own Buy Local Rule

Posted on January 27, 2014 by Tom Szabo

DV Warehouse Product Support

On November 22,2013 I ordered a pre-owned MacBook Pro 15 (mid 2010) from DV Warehouse. After it arrived, I had my local computer service transfer a 1T drive from a laptop pc to the MBP 15 and load the MAC Operating system on it. The MAC came with a 500 GB drive which was transfered to the laptop pc, then loaded with Windows 7.

Around the 2nd week of December 2013, the MBP started crashing . I began saving the crash reports and sent a copy to DVW customer support and they were forwarded to the tech department for evaluation. After sending two different sets of crash reports, DVW contacted me with a Return Material Authorization number. Knowing the computer was to be returned I had my local computer service remove the 1T drive and install the original 500GB drive for return to DVW. The original 500GB drive came out a pc laptop with Windows 7 and was re-installed into the MBP. Mistakenly the OSX orating system was not installed back on the drive. So the MBP got returned to DVW with Windows 7 as the operating system.

On Dec 13, 2013 the MBP was sent to DVW and received on December 23, 2013. DVW emailed me indicating they ran the computer and found no problems with crates. I asked them for a refund as I was not confident the machine would perform. On December 26 or 27, 2013, Tech Support indicated their would be a 25% restocking fee to take the computer back since the warranty was now void. The claim was that the Windows 7 software voided the warranty.

After updating them again on the change in hard drive and operating system, DVW refused my request of a full refund, only a refund less restocking fee. At that point I requested the return of my computer and prepaid expedited shipping for it’s return.

The computer was received by me on January 5, 2014. The MBP continued to crash. I was able to isolate the crashes during the use of Photoshop CS 6. After several discussions with Apple directly, they suggested bringing the machine to the local store. On January 20, 2014, Apple reinstalled the operating system and sent me on my way.

After installing IMovie and IPhoto, The machine no began to crash when running IMovie and IPhoto. On January 23, 2014 I spoke with Apple tech support. They ran some tests remotely and collected more operating data. The data was forwarded to their Engineering Department. Later that evening I received a call from Apple requesting that I take the machine back to the local Apple Store.

On Saturday Jan 25, 2014 the Apple Store reviewed the Engineering report and rand the prescribed test. The video card failed the test and was determined to be the cause of the crashes. The solution was a $310.00 board repair.

At that point I reviewed my options and decided to purchase a refurbished MBP 15 from Apple On-line to be delivered to the local Apple Store. Since the crashes only seemed to occur when the video control was under high load, I elected to put the machine up for sale to recover my cost. However now the computer will crash while running low level video programs (Pages and the like). So now I have a machine that has to be sold at a significant loss and another machine due any time now.

Now you know my experience with DV Warehouse in Hollywood, California. Buyers beware!

Posted in Business/Marketing | Tagged business, computers, DV Warehouse | Leave a comment

Small Business Saturday – November 30, 2013

Posted on November 19, 2013 by Tom Szabo

Saturday, November 30, 2013 is Shop Small Business Saturday! Consider doing your Christmas Shopping with a local small business. Here are 5 reasons to Shop Small Business!

Buying Small Business means “made” or “serviced” in the USA – not China or India!
More sales dollars from Small Business purchases remain in your local economy.
Small Business owners are more likely to support your community charities and not-for-profits.
Chances are if you have a problem, the business Owner is the one who will take care of you.
Small Businesses are more likely to re-invest or expand in your community rather than go to another location.

Posted in Business/Marketing, Community | Leave a comment

Photographer Helps Lake County Marketing Professional Group

Posted on October 16, 2013 by Tom Szabo

Small businesses are often looking for ways to stay in the mind of their customers. In many cases, it’s almost a full time job. Here in northeast Ohio we are fortunate to have some of the best marketing and communication experts to help. Many of these professionals belong to a group called Lake Communicators. For a recent Lake Communicators brochure we were aske for comments to describe Lake Communicators. My comment was: “Lake Communicators has more talent than you can shake a brochure at.” I truly believe that statement.

Recently Lake Communicators sponsored is second annual “Marketing For Mar-Coms” workshop. The event included representatives from three local businesses to talk about their marketing success stories. Hear what a couple of attendees had to say. You can hear their testimonials by checking the following links.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2PUdYQkwN8&feature=c4-overview&list=UURYVuzQMyYWnNibmgeokeYQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDwnhmFWdS4&feature=c4-overview&list=UURYVuzQMyYWnNibmgeokeYQ

For more information about Lake Communicators check out their web site: http://www.lakecommunicators.com/.

Posted in Announcements, Business/Marketing, Commercial, Community | Tagged business, Commercial, Event, photography | Leave a comment

16-Oct-2013 Test

Posted on October 16, 2013 by Tom Szabo

Only FB could make this so difficult.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Worldwide Photo Walk Day – 2013

Posted on October 6, 2013 by Tom Szabo

Scott Kelby is a world renowned Photoshop expert. His company is the largest training service provider in the world. So it’s no surprise that he sponsors this event. On Saturday, October 5, 2013 three photo walks were scheduled in Northeast Ohio. They were located in Downtown Cleveland, Chagrin Falls and University Circle. This event gives area photographers a chance to meet up with each other and create some amazing images. Each photographer is asked to upload one image. This gives everyone a chance to see the results.

Late Friday evening the night before the walk, I registered for the Chagrin Falls, OH walk. All of Northeast Ohio knows Chagrin Falls is very picturesque. That being the case, I still wanted to find something that said Chagrin Falls but took the image beyond the typical shot. One point of interest most everyone knows and photographs is the waterfall behind the “popcorn” shop. There are probably thousands and thousands and thousands of images taken at this particular site. I needed an image that was different.

After walking to the bottom of the staircase, I watched all the cell phone cameras clicking away at the falls. So my image had to be unique. The original image was done to give the falling water a soft lacey appearance. But that just didn’t seem enough. So I added some soft color for enhancement. Give me your thoughts.

Photo Walk 2013, A Thomas Image, Northeast Ohio photographer

Original image of the falls behind the “popcorn” shop in Chagrin Falls, OH. Image exposed to create a soft, lacey effect on the moving water.

Photo Walk 2013, A Thomas Image, photography

Photo Walk 2013 image to enhance the soft, lacey water effect.

Posted in Landscape, Travel | Tagged Landscape, travel | Leave a comment

4-oct-2013 test

Posted on October 4, 2013 by Tom Szabo

Yep, still testing.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Here we go again

Posted on October 2, 2013 by Tom Szabo

FB auto post test.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Can Painesville, OH Become An Art Meca?

Posted on September 27, 2013 by Tom Szabo

I had a couple meetings with some local folks in the City of Painesville to discuss boosting the arts presence in the city. Think about it – we have some very artistic people in north east Ohio, Lake Erie College is a fine liberal arts college and Lakeland Community College has a great arts department. Throw in Cleveland State University, Case Western Reserve University, areas like Tremont and the Cleveland Art Museum and you see just how artistic the area is.

So how can little ol’ Painesville capitalize on this. Our discussion has centered around two approaches:

Display works of art in the retail and commercial businesses in the downtown area. This idea has been well received by the merchants
Use empty storefronts to display artwork for public viewing. This effort is still in progress.

Now I’m going to offer a third approach. Often property owners worry or complain about graffiti. I’d like to suggest an approach taken by Rapid City, South Dakota. It’s called “Art Alley” (http://artalley.awardspace.com/index.html). Art Alley is located in a one block by three block central historic district of down town. Here artists are welcome to paint using the alley building elevations as their canvas. The artwork changes as the artists see fit. Here are some shots from my visit to Rapid City, South Dakota in early September, 2013.

Art work from Art Alley, Rapid City, SD.

Imagine the work to complete a display of this complexity.

Everything is a canvas in Art Alley.

Art Alley is one block long and has become the canvas for the city.

Looking like a 60s album cover.

It’s great to see people stroll the alley to stop and study the art work. While my wife Diane and I strolled the alley, we felt quite comfortable and secure in the alley. We didn’t feel threatened in any way. Hellos are easily exchanged amongst the art aficionados also enjoying their stroll.

Can you guess the Painesville spot I have picked out for an art display?

Posted in Community, Travel | Tagged Art, business, photography, portrait, travel | Leave a comment

To Flash Or To Not-Flash, That is the question!

Posted on September 26, 2013 by Tom Szabo

After spend what might be way-to-much time on social media and watching people use camera phones and I-pads for photography, I’ve decided that I’m a “Camera-Snob”. Yep that’s right, a Camera-Snob. Watching the general public take pictures makes me cringe and crazy or crazier.

Let me explain. In early September, 2013 my wife and I took a trip to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial and the Black Hills. Both Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial have wonderful night time ceremonies. Being a photographer, I had my camera and tripod with me for the night time light shows.

We’re sitting in the outdoor theatre, the sun has set and the show begins. I’m looking around watching people take pictures of the ceremony with their camera (point-n-shoot, I-pad or camera phone). Now my guess is we’re seated – oh, a half mile or more from the 4 faces carved in the mountain. I found this humorous, people raise their camera, trip the shutter, they look down at the results and shake their head in disappointment. Then without making any camera adjustments, the person raises the camera again, trips the shutter, looks down at the results and again shakes their head in disappointment. Didn’t Albert Einstein say, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results?

Mount Rushmore in South Dakota shot in the dark. There was enough light at 8:30 P.M. after the sun went down to record this image.

So what do you do in this situation? First of all turn off the flash. The typical on-camera flash will effectively reach to about 20 feet. So in the case of Mount Rushmore, you’ll see the 20 feet of the scene reasonably exposed and the rest of the scene will be BLACK. Its physics folks, you can’t change it. With your flash set to OFF and the rest of the camera in “auto”, you stand the best chance of getting a picture. The way to get a good image under this lighting will depend on your maximum ISO speed available and if you have something to steady the camera for a long exposure, like a tripod. Since its digital photography, you can make changes to the exposure to dial in the correct setting(s).

This image was shot during the Mount Rushmore Light Show.

Oh yeah, you’ll need to understand something about photography to understand how to shoot in the dark using existing light. Sometimes, you just have to be smarter than the camera. Sorry the snob in me is coming out.

Posted in Existing Light, Night photography, Travel, Uncategorized | Tagged existing light, night photography, photography, travel | Leave a comment

Photography And The “Retail Syndrome”

Posted on July 19, 2013 by Tom Szabo

I don’t know why, but so many clients feel that by paying a photographer for service, they OWN the results. Perhaps it’s what I’ll call the “Retail Purchase Syndrome”. You walk into the store, give the cashier the money and walk out with whatever you paid for. Now it’s yours.

It doesn’t work that way when dealing with creative work. Here’s an educational article written for the graphic arts field, but the same laws apply to photography. Enjoy the link:

http://aigasf.org/community/legalities/do_you_have_to_give_your_freelance_client_your_digital_files?goback=%2Egde_149544_member_258581583

As always, give me your thoughts.

Posted in Business/Marketing, Copyright Resources, The Business Of Photography | Tagged business, copyrights, photography | Leave a comment

School Photography Day

Posted on July 10, 2013 by Tom Szabo

Yeah, Yeah, I know it’s too early to start thinking of school picture day. But tuck this little gem in your favorites for future reading.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/school-photo-day-expert-tips-for-getting-a-picture-perfect-school-portrait/2013/07/09/391d9348-e8bf-11e2-818e-aa29e855f3ab_story.html

Enjoy your camera or come see me.

Posted in Portrait | Tagged children, kids, photography, portrait | Leave a comment

Are Picture-Takers Getting Carried Away At Weddings?

Posted on July 1, 2013 by Tom Szabo

Here’s an interesting article about guest photographers at weddings:

http://kplr11.com/2013/06/29/wedding-photos-when-snap-happy-guests-go-too-far/

Give me your comments.

Posted in Wedding | Tagged business, photography, wedding | Leave a comment

Photoshop Shortcuts For The Photographer

Posted on July 1, 2013 by Tom Szabo

Here’s a link to a list of shortcuts for Photoshop. I hope they help.

http://help.adobe.com/en_US/photoshop/cs/using/WSD578BD7D-07BC-46f6-AAC2-6E491E8AD818a.html

Posted in How-Tos | Tagged Landscape, photography, Photoshop, portrait, wedding | Leave a comment

Please Tell Me If I Get This Bad!

Posted on May 31, 2013 by Tom Szabo

Photography has been a passion of mine for almost – well, too many years (chuckle). Even as a kid I used my Dad’s 8mm movie camera to make a stupid little movie. I cut a door in a cardboard box. The box was large enough to fit over one of my friends. I started the movie camera (no sound in those days), had the kid in the box exit through the cut door, then and stop the camera. I repeated this process until all the kids in the neighborhood took a turn. So when the movie was shown, you watched 10 or 12 kids crawl out of a box big enough for one, one after the other. I thought it was cool anyway.

OK, Back to my original topic. Generally, I try to use my blog to educate you the reader and share my work. This post will vary from that concept. Why you ask? As a small business owner, I realize the importance of customer service. I strive to make that my way of life. At a recent networking meeting, we talked about examples of poor customer service we experienced here in Lake County, OH. It was interesting to hear the local businesses that made the list. Here they are:

Heinens – Mentor
Giant Eagle – Willowick ( the word Horrible was used)
Giant Eagle – Willoughby
Giant Eagle – Mentor On The Lake (One employee was named specifically)
Active Plumbing – Painesville
Lowe’s – Mentor (mentioned by several)
Home Depot – Diamond Center
Time Warner Cable – Painesville/Concord
AT&T – One of our members has been waiting since Dec, 2012 to get a fax line transferred.

Those are some major names in the area. So my question is: What’s been your experience at these businesses? Good, Bad or other? Feel free to speak your mind.

I hope my customers have great things to say about my studio, A Thomas Image. If you see my business headed in the direction of those listed above, please, please, please take the time to tell me so. I would really, really, really like to know!

Posted in Business/Marketing, The Business Of Photography | Tagged business, customer service, local business, small business | 1 Comment

Tom Szabo, Photographer Exhibit – “Shrimp To Sharks” helps Project Hope!

Posted on April 15, 2013 by Tom Szabo

Everyone in business will tell you that opportunities can come about at any time and from anywhere. Recently Environments By Design invited me to display my underwater photography in their showroom. In addition, the gallery opening provided an opportunity to raise funds for one of my favorite organizations – Project Hope, a Lake County shelter for the homeless.

Please mark your calendar for the opening on Friday May 3, 2013 from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM EDT. The exhibit is at:
Environments By Design
7204 Pearl Road
Middleburg Heights, OH 44130

Won’t you please register for the gallery opening and help Project Hope? For more information and to register go to the registration page.

I look forward to seeing you Friday, May 3, 2013!

Posted in Announcements, Business/Marketing, Exhibit, Underwater | Tagged A Thomas Image, Exhibit, fundraising, photography, Project Hope, underwater | Leave a comment

Is Cheap Photography Really Good For The Customer?

Posted on April 5, 2013 by Tom Szabo

There is no doubt this economy has taken it’s toll on small business. I get offers to shoot for organizations for free in hopes their event will generate leads for my studio – Yeah right! Brides call to get pricing for wedding photography with a budget of $500.00. But they know someone with a big camera who will do it for free. Mom’s call for pricing only to tell me they can go to Sears or Walmart an get all these prints for less than my sitting fee.

Well check out what’s happened at Sears and Walmart. Their photography vendor just pulled out of the US Market. Maybe there are other reasons for the pull out, but I wonder just how long can you be the cheapest provider and stay in business. Read on…..

http://www.staradvertiser.com/business/businessnews/20130405_Sears_portrait_photography_vendor_no_longer_in_business_retailer_says.html?id=201568891

Give me your comments!

Posted in Business/Marketing, Portrait, The Business Of Photography | Tagged business, family, high school, photography, portrait, wedding | Leave a comment

Love, Anticipation and Excitement in Portraiture

Posted on March 1, 2013 by Tom Szabo

Erika and Mark called to schedule a maternity photography portrait session. When they arrived, we talked about their thoughts on the session. After deciding on wardrobe and colors, we get ready for the photography.

The three of us talked about the range of emotions that expectant couples experience. Words like love, intimacy, excitement, nervousness and potential came up. I explained to Erika and Mark that I wanted to catch these emotions during the session . As an expectant couple it wasn’t difficult to see those emotions come out. As a result I titled this post: Love, Anticipation and Excitement in Portraiture.

I hope my goal was achieved. Let me know your thoughts.

Erika ponders her child.

Erika and Mark, the happy couple

Posted in Maternity, Portrait | Tagged children, family, Maternity, photography, portrait | 2 Comments

Child Photography

Posted on February 12, 2013 by Tom Szabo

If you’re a Parent, and you want to see how much energy your toddler/young child has, schedule a studio portrait session! As a photographer it just amazes me how much energy kids have. If only we could bottle that energy and sell it!

This energy can be an advantage or a hindrance. Fortunately RJ’s Mom and I tried to use his energy to our advantage. My studio is in my home. So this provided plenty of space for RJ to run, and run, and run, and run – Get my point? In between all this running, Mom and I managed to get RJ to sit still a few moments for some portraits. As you can see we even managed to get him to imagine himself flying through the air.

As I go through the image files to prepare the web proof page, I use a “Not Used” folder for sorting. A session like this generates a lot of images in that folder!

“I can really cause you some trouble”!

“I’m flying”!

Posted in Kids, Portrait | Tagged children, family, kids, photography, portrait | Leave a comment

No Shadow Product Photography

Posted on February 8, 2013 by Tom Szabo

No Shadow Product Photography!

I use Google Alerts to send me web notices about photography topics. One day a listing about shooting whites without shadows caught my attention. I clicked on the link which took me to a Youtube video by Alex Koloskov. Alex is a photographer based in Atlanta and creates some gorgeous photography. You can learn more at: http://www.koloskov.com/.

After watching the video, it was obvious just how simple and effective Alex’s technique is. The beauty is in the simplicity. At some point I knew I wanted to try his technique. A client contacted me with an assignment that was perfect for Alex’s method. I already had a 30 by 60 inch sheet of plastic to use, so it was off to the local hardware store (where they’ve known me on a first name basis for years!) to build a table.

As most everyone who does home projects knows, often, there is a second and better design. So I came up with a plastic PVC pipe table design. Not fully seeing the approximate size of the plastic sheet used by Alex, mine was too large to allow heat forming over the kitchen stove. It now sits in the corner of the studio with ripples and a burn spot!

That meant another trip to the local home center for another sheet of clear plastic. That also meant the table needed to be modified. So, off to the local hardware store again for more supplies. So design number 2 is shown in the photos attached.

The PVC tubing table has glued joints. By not gluing all the joints, the table can be broken down for easy storage when not in use. Using clamps allows me to change the clear plastic sheet positioning to suit my needs.

In some of my first product shots using the table I noticed the frame reflecting on some of the product surfaces. A coat of black paint on the frame fixed that issue. So The photos included show the table and clamping system and a quick shot of a plastic hairspray bottle to show how the shadows are GONE! Alex, a trip of the shutter to you for inspiring me! Thanks.

Simple glued join construction.

Swivel support for table top.

C-Clamps retain plastic sheet to form a large radius.

Clear plastic table top on a PVC tubing frame.

Viola! – No shadows and a pure white background.

Posted in Commercial, Product, Studio | Tagged business, Commercial, photography, product, studio, White Balance | 7 Comments

Portrait Photography Dilemma – Solved!

Posted on January 29, 2013 by Tom Szabo

Our Christmas portrait in South Carolina for 2012.

Families are becoming more “transient” as time goes by. Meaning, as family members move for job opportunities more frequently now. Most every Christmas, my wife’s brother, his wife and two boys join us for Christmas day. This year due to job opportunities, one family member moved and was not able to come home for the holidays. So he and his “bride” extended an invitation for us to join them in their new home in South Carolina.

As we gathered together, the camera and tripod came out as usual. Only this time we were able to shoot some portraits on the beach in South Carolina along with the typical christmas tree backdrop settings. I normally print out a 5X7 for each family and send it after the holiday. This year I had a lot of poses for print for sending. Then it dawned on me. Why not group them together as a collage and have one printed for each family unit. So that’s what I did. As you can see we have the entire group on the beach, a beach title, a group in front of the tree and in this case a photo of my wife and I together.

All-in-all, I think it turned out nice. Everyone had multiple photos of the family and one of them by themselves all in one 8X10 print. Dilemma-Solved!

Posted in Portrait | Tagged family, holidays, photography, portrait | Leave a comment

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