Clued Up with Maria B: The Behind-The-Scenes Photography Podcast

Have you ever wondered how photography workshops can ignite your creativity, refine your skills and push your business to new heights? I'm here to tell you that workshops are a game changer. They offer an opportunity for camaraderie and connection, for learning and growth, and for witnessing the transformative power of your photography. I'll share my insights on the importance of these workshops, not only for your persona...

Are your photos not quite hitting the mark in low-light situations? Frustrated with unwanted noise in your images? This episode is just the tool you need to understand the power of ISO in your photography . Join us on Clued Up with Maria B, as we shed light on the third pillar of the exposure triangle - ISO. We'll dig deep into what a native ISO is and expose the secret of how bumping up your ISO can lead to better image expos...

This episode is your golden ticket to understanding the art and science of planning a successful maternity photoshoot. I'm your host, Maria B, and I'll be pulling back the curtain to reveal the meticulous steps, from striking the right business balance to building the foundations for your creativity, all in service of a smooth and enjoyable client experience. 

Get ready to step into my shoes as we navigate the in...

Ever wondered what separates a good photographer from a truly great one? Let's find out! Today, we dive into the world of photography, exploring the elements that transform a simple click into a breathtaking masterpiece. We'll unravel the blend of technical skills, artistic vision, and the dedication necessary to separate from the photograph pack. The ability to visualize the shot before clicking the shutter, creating a p...

In this episode we explore 10 Food for Thought Photography Questions about our photography. These are questions I've thought about over time. The answers  change based on my experiences and what's significant to me at the time. I think you'll find the same if you ever choose to come back to them. These questions show us where we are and where we want to be, and in some cases, the likelihood of making our answers real...

In this week's episode we take a closer look at planning and executing headshots for clients. Headshots should be easy, and they are, as long as you plan ahead and prepare so that when your client arrives it's a go!
Understanding your client's needs and their expectations, will provide you with a wealth of information to make this as simple and as easy a process as possible. Remember, understanding you clients&ap...

In this, our first Case Study, we talk about making major decisions in your photography business that reflect  and affect your morals, ethics, and your integrity. We talk about knowing when it is and isn't the right time to seek payment for work related to an important cause and one in which the subject or subjects of your photograph represent a civil struggle and the fight against injustice-in this case, Black Lives Matter.

In this bonus episode, I discuss with you the realities of what goes on when potential clients contact you about a photo shoot-in this case, headshots and an event. What often seems like a clear cut, smooth sailing process, is almost always guaranteed to have some challenges. That's not a bad thing. It makes you think or rethink some of your strategies and can make you recognize some areas that require improvement. 

Questions o...

In this episode, we'll talk about the settings used to capture sharp, well-lit photos on the runway during NY Fashion Week. Relying on the basic understanding of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, I discuss how I arrive at the settings I used during runway shows, plus, a brief discussion on why Auto White Balance (AWB) is the way to go whether your shooting guests during intermission or shooting the actual runway show. I also d...

In this episode we talk about the whirlwind fun, craziness, and adventure of shooting at New York Fashion Week. Rest assure, these tips work for every runway show no matter where the show is held. In this episode we talk about navigating through the prep work, long hours, in-between sessions, the post-show networking and the after party. Runway shows make new photographers grow up fast because you have no choice but to learn, learn...

Let's talk about dressing for photography! Our clothing has to be functional, comfortable, & flexible, while professional and relatable to our clients, and appropriate for the shoot or in some cases, the venue. We have to  dress with confidence! See the links below mentioned in this episode. Enjoy!


Videos
What to Wear on Camera
How to Look Good on Video Calls
5 min Makeup for Video Conferencing ...

In this episode I share my recent personal experience with a no-show clients, and I talk about the urgency of your self-value when interacting with clients and businesses. It's important to recognize and believe in your value both as a professional and as a person, and to conduct your photography business and anything else in your life accordingly. 

This episode is as behind the scenes as it gets because your success ...

In this episode I talk about service. Specifically making your client the center of what you do as a photographer beyond taking photos. As a photographer, you're in the service industry, and giving service to your clients has to be your number one priority. It's not about creating lavish sets, or serving champagne, or chocolate-covered strawberries:It's about making people feel good, feel great, about themselves; so ...

In a previous episode, episode 10,  I talked about the importance of knowing how you learn or in other words, how best you comprehend information. Here's something to keep in mind: Much the same way photography information has to be communicated in several ways in order for us to learn, we should consider the same thing when it comes to our clients or potential clients.

I talk about this short episode in which I give...

Controlling light seems complex, but the truth is it's as complex or as simple as it's explained to those who are interested in learning and understanding it. Too often, I've found that a 5 minute to 30 minutes explanation can't cut it, and generally, it leaves people lost, confused, and frustrated. 

We're going to take a different path, whether it's all about light, or about aperture or about...

In this week's episode we begin the discussion on light, not from the technical aspect but more from an emotional aspect. That emotion is fear: fear of learning something that appears complex and most importantly and fear of failure. I can relate because for years, I struggled with my own fear using light in photography. I was lost and had no guidance. Everyone I listened to would just spit out these terms that were essentiall...

In this week's episode we talk about collaboration among creatives: Photographers and other artists. I share with you the positives and the challenges of photographing a large event. In my case the painting and installation of a 9000 sq ft. Black Lives Matter Mural over the course of a week. I provide inside observations of what is needed among professionals to ensure photography and other visual media are used effectively in ...

In this episode I share with you what I considered to be an epic fail and my most challenging photoshoot. Oddly enough it had nothing to do with the client. I share with you what happens when you lose control of your shoot and when you loose control of your space, your physical and your professional space. I'll also share the important lessons I've learned and the steps I've taken to ensure that I maintain control of...

Once you have a rudimentary understanding of your camera, and someone wants you to photograph their event, their party, their kid, or they want you to take their headshot, don’t do it for free. Send your potential client a copy of your price list, a documented affirmation that demonstrates the value of your photography work. Your price list a sign that you're a professional. It shows potential clients you've considered th...