Rob Sheppard has had a long-time and nationally recognized commitment to helping photographers become better photographers, regardless of the equipment and technology. He was the editor of Outdoor Photographer magazine for 12 years and was the original editor of PCPhoto (now Digital Photo). Now he is editor-at-large.
He is also the author/photographer of over thirty photo books, including The Magic of Digital Landscape Photography, The National Geographic Field Guide to Photography - Digital, and Adobe® Photoshop Lightroom for Digital Photographers Only. He writes regularly for Outdoor Photographer and teaches around the country, including workshops for the Palm Beach Photographic Centre and the Light Photographic Workshops. His Web site for workshops, books and photo tips is at www.robshepppardphoto.com, and his blog on nature and photography is at www.natureandphotography.com.
As a photographer, Rob worked for many years in Minnesota (before moving to Los Angeles), including doing work for the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Norwest Banks (now Wells Fargo), Pillsbury, 3M, General Mills, Lutheran Brotherhood, Ciba-Geigy, Anderson Windows, and others. His photography has been published in many magazines, ranging from National Geographic to The Farmer to, of course, Outdoor Photographer and PCPhoto.
He and his wife, Vicky (married 30+ years), live in the Los Angeles area. They have a son working on his Ph.D. in youth sports and education, and a daughter studying communications/journalism.
Just re-released: Successful Publication Photography by Rob Sheppard
Learn what you need to know about photography for publication, how you can sell images in a very competitive market, how to find the ideas that will get you the sales, and how to contact publications.
5 out of 5  JACQUELINE LEONARD member since: 2/14/2007 |
Learn more about Rob's course Successful Publication Photography here
More advanced lighting courses? You asked for it, you got it!
Back by popular demand: Getting Started in Commercial Photography
Learn new skills that will enable you to work as a professional photographer for businesses. This exciting 4-week online course - by commercial photographer John Siskin - covers product photography, copy work, architectural photography and industrial photography. These are the kinds of work that are used by businesses for everything from annual reports to catalogs and Web sites. This class will help you improve your lighting skills and learn to use them in new situations! Students and the instructor will have an opportunity to interact about business topics as well as photographic issues. LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS COURSECourse Review:
5 out of 5
 Jon M. Lamrouex member since: 5/10/2005 |
I have taken more than one class from John and have been pleased during and after each class. I was very happy and challenged with the lesson content, class interaction and John's willingness to go beyond the call of duty for his students.
I was also extremely pleased with how I was able to implement the skills provided by working through the lessons right away.
This most recent class, Business to Business: Commercial Photography, has given me the professional confidence to move ahead with my plans to become a professional photographer. The lessons included photography knowledge specific to what a commercial photographer must know but also expanded that beyond photography to the business aspects of being a professional and in business.
My thanks go out to John Siskin for his wisdom and the BetterPhoto for being able to attract these professionals to teach us. It has truly enriched my photography and propelled me to attempt greater things.
Read more course reviews here!
Drop the "I'll Just Fix It in Photoshop" Mentality for good! Start creative image making with new inspiration and skills! Creative Photography Composition Guide, Tutorials and Videos AND Bonus items - all at a reduced price during our launch week!
© zcaley
Our latest and greatest Self Paced course Creative Photo Composition is open today and it's really fun to see the students enrolling from all over the world!
Start your journey in photography with an illustrated introduction to the art of photography. With Jim's guidance, you'll find photography easy, fun, and ever-rewarding.
Sale ends Friday at midnight!
Because I haven't always been a dog lover, I completely understand how images of my pup will not amuse other people like they do me. I found Oscar napping somewhere he shouldn't have been and thought it was rather hilarious the way he was able to camouflage himself on my wheat colored carpet.
I was so amused by my tricky mutt that I quickly took a shot with my camera phone. The moment totally makes me smile, however, not one person I've shown it to has enjoyed it. I have a long way to go with my pet photography.
I know from the reactions, that it brings two immediate thoughts to mind to any other viewer:
1) oh...I thought "it" was laying on hay (her carpet must be really dirty)
2) why is she showing me this picture? (sheesh, her dog looks filthy)
Photos don't have to amuse others, but they shouldn't need explanation either.
Sure I would prefer people to be in awe of my photos (and my adorable hairy baby) but I do love this shot.
Now that I've bored you with my carpet mutt, you can do better. Keep taking story-telling images but work on your composition and lighting so they don't take so much explanation. Only Oscar "gets" my shot :)
Composition tips are coming your way soon. Jim's family got a new puppy recently and I'm sure he'll incorporate some shots into a new Self Paced course we're working on.
Want feedback and an interactive course specifically on Dogs? We have that too! Check out Jenni Bidner's interactive 4 week course Photographing Your Dog with an SLR Camera
Beware of white skies. An overcast day? Don't get depressed. Soft light can be perfect light for working on a small photographic canvas - colorful details and people portraits. Caution: A bright white or gray sky can overwhelm everything else in the photo and make other parts of the scene look dark in comparison. So on a white-sky day, choose compositions with very little sky or, preferably, no sky at all. Photo Tip by: Jim Miotke
Photo Credit: Renee Doyle
For more, visit renee-doyle-photography.com
"What was the last creative project you did?"
This was the question asked of me by Jim during our Creative Confidence Webinar Weekend. My answer, "glued junk jewelry to a mannequin head".
Wow, did I just say that out loud? Am I really blogging about it? Sure, why not. Today I feel more confident.
My answer led to a very interesting discussion about meeting our creative needs and taking steps to make the most of our days. I met some really wonderful people during our weekend and today I'm feeling both exhilarated and tired. We shared a lot, and all came away with a plan to Live in Accordance with what we Declared we would do. Defined our values and worked hard together. We shared big challenges and were guided with small steps to initiate lifelong change.
It was fun and memorable, and while I typically stay in "producer" mode, I got involved with this inspiring group. Thanks for being a safe place to share gang!
My dogs don't know why I did this project and they can't ask. I have no answer except that it let me feel free and gave me a feeling of delight.
What's delighting you lately? What was your last creative project?
At BetterPhoto's digital photography school online, Denise Miotke is offering an awesome new 4-week course: Travel and Landscape Photography: Better Photos of Places.
In an excellent blog over at ScribbleManiac, Denise shares her thoughts, insights, and background:
I’m teaching a new class at BetterPhoto.com!
Our newest travel course starting today!
Travel and Landscape Photography: Better Photos of Places with Denise Miotke
Denise Miotke is the quiet co-owner of BetterPhoto.com and has been developing the site as well as photographing with Jim Miotke for over 15 years. Denise comes out from behind the lens to share her view on making travel photography fun and more meaningful. Not-to-mention having a brag book worthy of an art collection!
If you want a great travel companion this summer - look no further. I know from personal experience that travelling with Denise is a delight and her images capture a sense of place and space that will enhance your memories.
"Imagine capturing glorious photos that will make you proud and make your friends drool with envy. In this 4-week online class, Denise Miotke shares her insights into what she looks for when photographing. You'll learn techniques for developing an artistic eye and for finding awesome images - whether you are on a trip or shooting in your own backyard. Her critiques will encourage and help move you forward with your photography. Plus, Denise will help you understand light so you can make the most of different times of day."
More about Denise...
Denise H. Miotke loves visiting and photographing lovely places, writing, eating delicious foods, the very idea of creativity, raising her three darling children, and exploring the connection we have with people and places throughout the world. She writes about her travels and her explorations of famous literary and artistic figures on her blog: ScribbleManiac.com
Space is still available for Travel and Landscape Photography: Better Photos of Places
