High School Senior Portraits

High School Senior Portraits

Learn more about Carol Hook’s Services and Packages

Professional Portraits / Headshots

Professional Portraits / Headshots

Learn more about Carol Hook’s Services and Packages

Family Portraits

Family Portraits

Learn more about Carol Hook’s Services and Packages

 

New Magazine featuring my Woodinville Winery images goes live!

I was contacted a few months ago about photographing Doug Long, the winemaker at Obelisco Winery here in Woodinville. I mentioned him in an earlier post.

These images were for the  first issue of a magazine called GrayOkay! which just went live this month. This magazine is aimed at the crowd that lingers between middle age and Silver. The Gray crowd. Great concept! Still a very active bunch and we will all be there before we know it!

Check out the publication and give me your feedback…

http://grayokay.com/lifestyle/

 

 

Photographing Winemakers in Woodinville

With the wine industry booming here in Woodinville, there is a constant need for wineries to update their websites and promotional materials. There is when the fun starts for Carol!

I got to go out the other day and photograph Doug Long with Obelisco at his tasting room in the wearhouse district of Woodinville. He has been in the wine industry since 1976. He knows his

grapes! As a result of his knowledge and expertise he sells his grapes to many other wineries in the area to help them create wonderful wines as well. One of Doug’s specialties is blending.

As I was photographing him sipping on wine, taking notes, tasting, swirling…. I quipped…. “wow, you really have a tough job”…. I swear he almost spit his wine out all over the table! Must have been my timing. We both had a good laugh.  Of course, I am sure it’s not the first time he has heard that one…. nor will it be the last.

If you haven’t been to Woodinville to taste wine lately… then you are missing out!

Photographer Beginner’s Guide in Woodinville

As a photographer in Woodinville, I’m often asked where to start. Here are a few simple tricks to getting started.

#1 – Keep your camera with you at all times. You can often get some great shots at even the most unexpected times.

#2 – Start with the camera on your phone. When you can tell that it’s something you really do like, then you can invest in some more expensive equipment.

#3 – Learn your camera. Read the manual, take a class, and look online for tips. By familiarizing yourself with your camera, you’ll be able to get better shots!

#4 – Practice practice practice! Just like anything, getting great shots comes from practice. Bring your camera with you everywhere and be on the lookout for great shots.

These are just a couple of tips to help you get started. Having shared this, there’s a lot that goes into taking a great photo. It takes literally years of practice.

I’m a professional, certified photographer with over 25 years of experience. If you have any questions, or need to hire a professional photographer, give me a call at 425-213-6367 or visit me online at: http://photographybycarolhook.com/

5 Ways to become a Professional Photographer in Woodinville

Photography has captured the attention of a lot of people and some even want to work on the professional level.

But what does it really mean to be a professional photographer?

 

Being a “pro” requires a significant amount of equipment, portfolio and time spent to capture the full essence of that moment.

For example, I’ve spent over 25 years as a professional photographer. Based in Woodinville, WA, I can say there are always new challenges, new technology, and new techniques to learn in our beautiful area.

But if you’re interested in becoming a “pro”, then here are some quick tips to help:

Equipment: Like anything, your equipment, and ability to use that equipment makes all the difference in the world. With some training, you can capture an exceptional image.

Find a Niche: When starting out, you will take shots of everything – people, places, things, etc. But as you refine your skills, you’ll find you’ll become a better photographer. Additionally, you’ll find business flows your way as you become an expert in the field.

Publish: After you have learned your style and developed your niche, it’s time get your work out there. Maintaining a portfolio on your website is vital. From there, you can reach out to business contacts, magazine companies, or even online sources to publish your work.

I’m a professional, certified photographer and I love what I do! If you have any questions, or need to hire a professional photographer, give me a call at 425-213-6367 or visit me online at: http://photographybycarolhook.com/

5 Quick Tips on How to Be a Good Photographer

As a new photographer, we learn faster as we experiment using different techniques. Quickly, here are some helpful tips to guide you to a better capture and image.

Become a picture director

Guide your subjects in the portraits you take. Take charge of their poses and what to do next, in a nice and fun way.

Use a plain background

Your subject shows off when you capture it with a plain background. Makes sure there are no distracting images behind your subject when taking the shot.

Watch the light

Move yourself or your subject whenever you don’t like the available light. When needed consider using a flash.

Know your flash’s range

You can take a look at the range of your flash in the camera’s manual. Pictures taken out of range will be too dark. Be sure to use your flash in alignment with the specs of your camera.

Take vertical pictures

Turn your camera sideways and take a picture. This may seem elementary but sometimes pictures are better taken vertically.

These are just a couple quick tips on how to improve your photography.

As a certified, photographer based in Woodinville, Washington, I love being able getting the right shot!  If you have any questions, or need to hire a professional photographer, give me a call at 425-213-6367 or visit me online at: http://photographybycarolhook.com/

Amateur over Professional Photography – Woodinvillle Photographer

Capturing priceless moments with your family, friends or loved ones needs a professional touch. Everyone wants something to remember by specially if it’s a special occasion. Looking for a trusted and respected photographer in your area is just as easy. We compare having it done by an amateur photographer over a professional one.

“Amateur” photographer simply takes photos for passion and fun. They can also take some of the most wonderful shots since they really aspire to be a good one most of the time. They practice photography as a hobby and not for profit. However, digital flexibility comes with a price. It’s not cheap to own a great camera with a great lens. Most photographers, may it be for profit or hobby owns different types of cameras and lenses to capture the full essence of every moment.

“Professional” photography compensates itself in every aspect. We usually hire them for very special events like wedding, birthdays, graduations or any event worth spending for. They create compelling images to keep them in business.

Every professional photographer has to build its reputation and prove their expertise. They have to differentiate their work to stay on top of the industry.

The costs of maintaining a photography business can be pocket-draining. You have to consider a lot of things like the equipment, studio, marketing/advertising, taxes and much more.

Keep in mind that every photographer’s reputation relies on dependability and how well they serve their clients and keeping their work better all the time.

Wall Mural Goes up at Brian Carter Cellars

Next time you are in Woodinville for some wine tasting, stop by Brian Carter Cellars and check out the new wall mural I just had installed in their tasting room. It has been a huge hit with their wine club members and patrons!
I photographed their barrel room and the idea was to bring the barrel room to their tasting room…