Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Contest for Models: WIN $300!



Facebook Event 

Ok going to start up a contest for my model fans (those who can travel to Hazleton, PA or lives in the Eastern PA region). Submit 2 (TWO) of your best photos of yourself via private message me on facebook, or email (Chris@ChrisAdval.com). You may be a a male or female model, but you must be 18 years of age. No Purchase of anything is necessary to enter. 1st place winner will receive a $300 Gift Certificate, and 2nd place winner will get a $100 Gift Certificate with Chris Adval Productions. This is the first of many contests, so don't worry, if you don't win this time you may win in the future. After you submit photos, only a handful of the best will be featured on my facebook page for voting/shares. The one photo of one model with most likes and shares will be the winner. Submission starts NOW and ends on December 8th (Saturday) 2012. 

Official Rules Contestants agree to the following terms once entered into contest 
I. Winners must sign a model release form releasing all likenesses of produced images from winnings. 

II. Prizes are not exchangeable. 

III. Prizes are set to expire 12 months from date of winners are announced. 

IV. Winners may not give away winnings to anyone. Prizes are strictly for winners to participate in a photoshoot from Chris Adval Productions.

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Services for Photographers I'm available for...

Notice: All Service Rates differ if you provide equipment or not.

Production...
Available to anyone in the northeastern PA area, anyone outside of the northeastern PA area must pay travel compensation ($0.30/per mile).
  • Lighting Technician (to light subjects such as human/people/model subjects to still subjects)
  • 2nd Shooter/Photo Assistant
Post Processing... 
Available world wide, via internet.
  • Skin Retouching
  • Color Correction
  • Color/Light Enhancement for your specific needs
Marketing/Advertising... 
Available world wide, via internet.
  • Graphic/Advertising Design
  • Logo Design
  • Social Media Management


Friday, August 31, 2012

How do you Value Models as an Investment?


In my opinion, I value a model's rate based on many factors, one the uniqueness of their overall look, if its easy or not to just replace them by another model with cheaper rates, the more unique their look is locally the less competitive that model will be meaning he/she can rate themselves pretty much any price if their look is highly demanded (supply and demand mentality). 

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Challenge Yourself!


Challenge Yourself!

How I progressed as a photographer is I challenged myself as much as possible. Sometimes baby steps, sometimes giant steps, dependant on how comfortable I felt about the specific challenge. I took reproductive challenges, lighting challenges, both short term and long term goals/projects.

TF Agreement Contract

Last Updated: 02/19/2013
This is a legal and binding contract, negotiable only BEFORE the shoot (and/or before you sign it), NOT AFTER!

TF Agreement Contract
::SECTION1::

What you get out of this photo shoot with me is the following
- Experience as a model
- TFCD (Trade For CD): Low/web resolution images of the photos we have selected from our photoshoot(s).You can do whatever with the photos, just you may NOT edit the photo and you may NOT print the photos out. You will get the best photos that we have selected in digital copies format at low resolution/web friendly (optimized) photos from our shoot(s).
- TFP (Trade for Print): $20 credit to print finalized photos (without watermark), and prints only directly ordered with me from my business site - ChrisAdvalProductions.com.
- Any photos used as in a for profit gain on my end at anytime you will receive compensation for the usage, but the primary usage from what we're agreeing for this agreement are for advertising and promotional purposes only (including public/private portfolios), there is no intent for direct profit gain, nor should I gain any profit from the images unless I have offered a compensation (of USD) offer to the individuals involved in the photoshoot. If I receive an offer I would contact you (the model(s)) for compensation agreement contract for specific photos to use in a for-profit/commercial usage gain.
- As a Bonus, you would get free photo retouching on photos I've selected from the shoot(s) and we have worked on.

::SECTION2::

Post Production Process (Studio Shoots)

Post production starts immediately once I have stopped shooting (right after the shoot). 

I will have full control of what gets chosen and edited.

::SECTION3::
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

Q2: Where photos would be displayed?
Q3: What copyrights usages do I and the photographer get?
Q4: Is Escorts ok?
Q5: What kind of Compensation for this shoot?
Q6: Model Releases?
Q7: How long is the model release valid?
Q8: Can I unpublish/request removal of the photos after they're published?
Q9: Can I get high resolution photos?
Q10: Can I remove watermark?
Q11: Can I get a commercial license?
Q12: How long will it be until I get the photos?
Q13: How many photos will I get?


Answers Below
  • Q3: What copyrights usages do I get? A:
    • Photographer: After you've signed the model release form and our TF Contract Agreement, I have the rights to use the images for advertising/promotion/marketing, and portfolio public and private. If I get offers to use the photos for profit gain I will contact you, the model(s), and will make an offer with USD compensation for the shoot, but can choose not to sell your likenesses from the photo(s) rights for profit gain.
    • Model: You will have Partial Copyright usage, you can do whatever with the photos, just can't edit too much that the original "look" of the photo is diminished, and you can print the photos out in any way you feel, just don't profit from the photo because you have partial copyright usage. If you profit from it I deserve compensation for my work on the image as well. The final results from photoshoot(s) are a team effort, not just the model(s). You CANNOT remove watermarks without written permission from me (as photographer) and written permission of each individual photo you’d like to remove the watermarks from. If you profit from the images in any way without my legal and written permission this is copyright infringement violation and legal action will take place.
  • Q2: Where photos would be displayed? A: The photos will be displayed such places such as… on my flickr page, facebook fanpage(s), facebook account/fan page(s), chrisadval.com, myspace, twitter, linkedIn, model mayhem, deviantart, and other form of social networks, as well on online advertising and physical advertising, promotional products from the Chris Adval Productions Brand.
  • Q4: Yes.
  • Q5: TFCD. (What is TF? Trade For... Time/Print/CD)
  • Q6: Yes, there is Model Releases. You sign away your partial rights to me, as this TFCD/TFP Shoot is EQUAL RIGHTS. (More information above)
  • Q7: Forever. Not Lifetime because that would mean ether myself the photographer and/or you the model(s)'s lifetime.
  • Q8: You cannot unpublish/request removal of photos after they have been released, once you sign the model release the photos will be published. What I can do is sell you my partial rights to you for you can have full rights to the photos. But once they are published (especially on the internet) I cannot take them offline even if I took them offline myself the internet saves the photos and other online users will save the photos and re-publish them.
  • Q9: NO! You will not receive any high resolution digital copies, but if you're interested in ordering prints you may do so directly from me on my business site [here - www.ChrisAdvalProductions.com] note you may receive $20 credit for prints to order directly from me.
  • Q10: Yes, for a cost. To just remove the watermarks from web or/and print digital copies you can make me an offer and we'll negotiate, or you can rent/buy a commercial license. (*I have watermarks for marketing and advertising purposes, you may not remove them without violating the copyright)
  • Q11: Yes, for a cost. TF is just for personal usage copyrights, but you can buy or rent the commercial license. When you buy/rent a commercial license watermarks will be removed as well on print/web digital copies.
  • Q12: When its TF, paid work becomes priority, but generally when paid work isn't affecting the TF post production its about 2-4 images -for female models- per week, and 2-4 images per wardrobe or/and environment. 5-10 images -for male models- per week (varies dependent on TF project, some may or may not require a lot of skin retouching but most of my work I do work on the female model's skin a lot more than a male model's skin, and varies again on paid post production, and overall time) *NO GUARANTEE or Promises! Some images may have an intended use of editorial which sometimes can take 6-12 or at times 16 months before they see the light of day, including individuals involved in the making of it.
  • Q13:  Such as Q12, it will vary on project, and will vary on amount of wardrobe and environment changes. Generally, my averages are 2-4 final images per wardrobe or environment change.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Digital Days Workshop in Philly: Before/After

I got a chance to go to this luckily without paying for it so I went and got the chance to meet a lot of interesting people such as nationally known pro photographers. The workshop was Digital Days and I got a chance to get my portfolio professionally critiqued the first time ever and loved getting that chance and it was critiqued by a 13 yr photographer who is currently a PPA Master Member and WPPI Grand Award Holder. So I felt very honored to get my work in front of someone of that level to even look but even better critique my work. Anyways, I attended the last day of the 3 day workshop intentionally because of the opportunity of shooting 5-6 models (2-3 wardrobe changes) was (for me) more interesting for my level as I already knew most to all of the material that was being taught like the back of my hand. So here's one shot I just finished retouching.

Click Images for Flickr page with details and different viewing options.



Monday, May 28, 2012

[VIDEO] How to Increase Value and Quality into Your Photos: Part 1 - Selection



Video about how I increased my value and quality into my photos, and if you would like to take some tips I use often watch the video.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Things to Avoid When Shooting Portraits..

When I say things I mean things from types of wardrobe, accessories, types of makeup, etc.. The following are general rules you want to avoid for most types of portrait photography.

Friday, May 18, 2012

Harrisburg's ALL DAY TF Shoot Round 2! - PREVIEW!

Model: Alexia Pik MM# 2439008


Model: Emma Jane MM#: 1811888


More photos can be seen in the Harrisburg, PA flickr set [here]

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Expert Assumptions... and Style!

I get tons of claims that I'm apparently an expert of what I'm talking about. Just because I talk about anything don't make me an expert automatically. I talk about it based on experience and working for me and my situations for my usages for my applications. Everyone on the internet whom is talking about anything clearly does not claim to be an expert, which is automatic until they label themselves clearly an expert, that is when you can claim they are an expert in what they are talking about. I and many others who talk about giving advice, suggestions, tutorials, etc. such as photography, don't claim to be experts especially youtube directors (again unless labeled clearly that they are an expert).

In photography, with this situation it is a special breed because its very, very subjective and very individualistic arena where certain things work differently for certain photographers. i.e. types of editing styles may or may not work for a type of photographer. You as a photographer must find all the possible tips and techniques that work best FOR YOU!!! and your style of photography.

For example, myself, my work is heavily influenced by Mark Wallace, Lee South, Art Streiber, Chase Jarvis, William Kofron, Peter Hurley, Blair Bunting, and Scott Witter. I don't have all of their qualities, skills, techniques, etc. but I observe and study their work and educational materials and use what is best for me and my own style. I share on this blog, my youtube channel, etc. what are my experiences and simply share it with you guys what has worked and has not worked well specifically in model photography.


Monday, April 23, 2012

Critiquing:: Technical Errors vs. Style

Critiquing a person's work may or may not have a style in itself. 

When I critique other people's work, and more specifically model photography. I critique both the technical side and how I would apply my own style to the photo. I don't or haven't ever claim to be a master or expert in model photography or even critiquing them. It's that simple. 

When critiquing a person's work in photography I would always look at the technical side and give your opinion on how would you have shot the photo based on your own style, if you have one. That is always Honest and Constructive. 

When a person is giving me an Honest and Constructive Critique I accept is no matter what and improve from there. Sometimes I may disagree with some critiques and when I do I would sometimes ask questions to understand better from the critique or sometimes just ignore it when I intentional do certain things in my work strictly based on style in my work.


When a person at any level of photography is critiquing your work based on technical errors accept it, technical errors are not a style and work on your technical skills for future photoshoots or/and improve selection process by not choosing poor technical parts in the photo don't choose that photo, plain and simple. Now at times that person critiquing based on the technical side of things may or may not have misinformation so always take technical critiques with a grain of salt and double check them.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Awarded Local Gallery Award: "Emotionally Compelling" Adult Award by HAL

I am grateful to announce that I have officially won and have in my hands the actually award from Hazleton Art League at their annual Art Youth Expo. Here are some photos related to my award and a flickr set of my coverage of the event.












Tuesday, April 10, 2012

WOW Share! 19: "Using High Speed Sync for Better Daylight" - Mark Wallace/Pocket Wizard




Once I get a pocket wizard I'll be shooting more artistic night portraits with my off-camera speedlight anywhere in the world without a cord connected to my house lol.


Check out other WOW Shares! [HERE]

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Bradlee Munson Studio 2

This is the second time I have shot Bradlee and you can see we both improved since I last shot in back in September 2011. Here's a preview shot of the shoot - Nike Advertisement (just for portfolio not a real advertisement)

Check out Bradlee's photo set on flickr as you will see our last shoot's photos and today's photos as time progresses I will update the set with the new photos. [Click Here to View Set]

[VIDEO] Sharpness Test: Canon 50mm 1.8 II vs. 24-70mm 2.8 L

Best way to view this video is at 1080p to see differences in the sharpness test! - Sharpness Test on the Canon EF 50mm 1.8 II Prime Lens and the EF Canon EF 24-70 2.8 L Zoom Lens. Check out the video, comment, subscribe, check out the below links to learn more!


Products used and mentioned in the video
- Sennheiser HD-280 PRO Headphones
- Zoom H4n Handy Portable Digital Recorder 
- Electro-Voice 635N/DB - Omni-Directional Handheld Dynamic N/DYM ENG Microphone
- Canon Rebel EOS T2i
- Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens
- Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Lens Test: Sharpness Test with the 24-70mm 2.8 L vs. 50mm 1.8 II

This is a quick and dirty test nothing too complex its very straight forward and simple... 



To view the individual photos at full resolution and uncompressed please [CLICK HERE for 50 1.8 Lens Photo] and [CLICK HERE for 24-70 2.8 L Lens Photo]

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

WOW Share! 16: "Fast and Easy Skin Softening with Adobe Photoshop" - Andy Strachwsky/UnknownPhotographer.net



Check out other WOW Shares! [HERE]

I didn't post this as soon as found it, but when I started using this technique -when I did found this video a month or two ago and- I adapted to using it all the time on my model photography work and came to a conclusion it works very well as a new tool in my tool box and reduced my time in skin smoothing a model's skin by 20-30min.

Monday, February 27, 2012

CASTING CALL: King of Prussia's ALL DAY TF Shoot! - July 18th 2012

Facebook RVSP <--- CLICK

This is the eighth stop on my tour around PA doing TF shoots. I'm heading to King of Prussia for an all day shoot and shooting in a state park in King of Prussia, or possibly urban streets.


LOCATION: King of Prussia, PA
TIME: ALL DAY! Reserve an 1hour (min) or 2hours (max*) from 8AM to 5PM
DATE: July 18th, 2012
RAIN DATE: July 19th, 2012
MODEL GENDER: MALE or FEMALE

Friday, February 17, 2012

Photographer to Model Tips: Innovation Tip to Pricing Structure for Models...

The industry standard is you as the photographer pay one set rates to a model of a per hour rate and you pay for the model's likenesses rights to use for commercial purposes.... BUT there is one problem what if I don't want to or plan to use the photo(s) for commercial purposes? Tough, you must pay a premium rate that has one size fits all in usage rights of the likeness of the model provides. 

WOW Share! 15: "Tips for New Models" - Dom Bower




I partly disagree with the pricing structure Dom has mentioned in the video because how it works here in the U.S. may not be the same in the area Dom is from (UK). When a photographer/art director hires a model for whatever level they have, they will pay and not work TF because the photos and likenesses from the photos that the model provides will be used for commercial purposes for commercial gain. Nobody should earn money on anyone’s likenesses without some kind of compensation. TF, TFP, TFCD, etc… should be for non-commercial usage and for portfolio usages only, that may or may not include advertising for the photographer and models that would depend on the agreements that the model(s) and photographer(s) agree based on the TF agreement. I do agree when a photographer and model has the same level of skill and experience they should do TF… but not when it involves any commercial usages for whatever parties involved.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

CASTING CALL: East Stroudsburg's ALL DAY TF Shoot! - June 26th 2012

RVSP: https://www.facebook.com/events/255177887890155/

This is the seventh stop on my tour around PA doing TF shoots. I'm heading to East Stroudsburg for an all day shoot and shooting in the streets of East Stroudsburg, or possibly waterfalls.


LOCATION: East Stroudsburg , PA
TIME: ALL DAY! Reserve an 1hour (min) or 2hours (max*) from 8AM to 5PM
DATE: June 26th, 2012
RAIN DATE: June 28th, 2012
MODEL GENDER: MALE or FEMALE

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

WOW Share! 10: "The Basic Headshot" - Peter Hurley/B&H

Peter Hurley will talk about the equipment, workflow, direction and other things needed to help create a better headshot.
Peter Hurley's Site
Hasselblad H series cameras


Watch it on YouTube!
Check out other WOW Shares! [HERE]


Sample Video from his DVD "Peter Hurley The Art Behind The Headshot"
Watch it on YouTube