Ambition Photography's Blog is Moving

We're moving the blog to our website... but don't worry, we're still here in Huntington Beach for all of your portrait and event photography needs.

You'll be able to access all of our articles easier at our new address here: http://www.ambitionphoto.co/blog

Please follow us in your favorite blog reader, such as Feedly or NewsBlur. 

Orange County Photographers Noguchi Garden Workshop Costa Mesa

Orange County Photographers 

Do you want to creatively express yourself as a professional photographer?

Are you excited about learning photography?

Can you produce reliably excellent photographs on every one of your shoots?

We're here to make it so that you say yes!

What's the difference between Knowledge and Skill in Photography?

Unless you can apply the knowledge you have to get consistent results, you need to sharpen your skills! 

"If you want to get rally good at photography, you have to commit yourself to a weekly photography practice." Roberto Valensuela, author of Picture Perfect Practice, says.

That's what my group Orange County Photographers is about. Our informal workshops are a way for us to learn from one another and develop our photography skills.

Photography Locations in Orange County

Orange County Photographer's most recent workshop was free, and we shot at Noguchi  Garden in Costa Mesa. Our goal was to get comfortable working with Speedlights off-camera to improve our portrait lighting skills. 

Our beautiful model for this session was Jennifer Meng, and you can view my images of her here.

To view more of my work at Ambition Photography in Huntington Beach, visit my website http://www.ambitionphoto.co. 

If you're in Orange County or Los Angeles and you're interested in improving your photography posing, lighting, and client skills, join my Facebook group Orange County Photographers. Leave a comment with the type of photography that you do and the topics you're interested in learning about. 

We look forward to practicing and learning with you!

Speedlight Portrait Workshop | Mastering Portable Off-camera Lighting

Learning Photography

Are you within your first few years as a professional photographer?

Are you excited about learning everything that you can and improving your skills in photography?

How much of what you've learned by reading or watching Creative Live can you reliably execute on every one of your shoots?

Knowledge vs. Skill

One of my mentors, Scott Robert Lim, said in an interview on Creative Live recently, "Knowledge is nothing without skill."

What he meant by this is that it doesn't matter how much you know in photography, unless you can apply it.

"You need to commit yourself to a weekly photography practice when you are in the first few years of your photography career." he says.

Scott suggests that you find a group of photographers to practice with every week. This is the only way to improve your skill is to practice regularly. That's what my group Orange County Photographers and our workshops are enabling us to do.

These practice sessions are a way for everyone in the group to hone their photography skills in an informal hands-on setting.

Photography Group in Orange County

Orange County Photographer's most recent workshop was free, and the topic was working with Speedlights and improving your portrait lighting skills using off-camera flash. The focus was on using portable equipment to apply lighting techniques in a fast paced indoor environment.

People working as shooters and assistants developed skills to work together to create flattering light on the subject and background. Manual and TTL Speedlight modes were covered, as well as when to use each for the best results.

Our gorgeous model for this session was Christina Johnson, a personal friend of mine in Huntington Beach and fellow salsa dancer. You can view her gallery on my website here http://www.ambitionphoto.co/christina_2015

To view more of my work at Ambition Photography in Huntington Beach, visit my website http://www.ambitionphoto.co. You can view more photos from our other photographer, Rocky Casteneda, at his website http://www.roxfotos.com.

If you're in Orange County or Los Angeles and you're interested in improving your photography posing, lighting, and client skills, join my Facebook group Orange County Photographers. Leave a comment with the type of photography that you do and the topics you're interested in learning about. We look forward to practicing and learning with you!

Candice Betty of Ambition Photography Huntington Beach Reveals Her Inspiration

Candice Betty, founder and lead photographer at Ambition Photography, reveals her inspiration and the elements that comprise her unique style. Her answers to these four questions tell why she loves photographing people so much and what makes her stand out.

What was your inspiration to start Ambition Photography?

I've had a passion for photography since I was 10 and my parents taught me how to develop photos inside our in-home darkroom. I was further inspired by the techniques I learned in OCC’s photography program, and my experience working as a staff photographer at Northridge Photography Studios. My dream, since I was 17, was to have my own photography business.

What makes Ambition Photography stand out from the competition?

What sets me apart is my warm personality and my shooting style. I shoot weddings, engagements, and events, as well as, executive portraits, family portraits, and senior portraits. My style is unique with a fine art influence, incorporating creative lighting, unique compositions, artistic angles, and advanced Photoshop techniques to allow me to create visually stunning images.

What do you love most about your job?

Making people look and feel their best, and capturing the priceless moments that flow out of this. I especially love working with couples to create romantic imagery that they will treasure for a lifetime.

What is the best reaction you’ve ever gotten from a customer?

“I love them! Your work is magnificent!” - Megan. Feedback like this always makes me feel like I'm having an impact on people's lives. It brings me back to why I decided to run a photography business - using my strengths to contribute to people's lives in a positive way.

Candice is currently offering a special engagement photo shoot package. The best way to contact Candice with questions is to schedule a call with her online using the magenta Contact Us button at the top right of her website ambitionphoto.co. 

Need a Thoughtful Gift? | The New Photo Shelf for Family Portraits & Weddings

When you think about your living space…

Do the photos there need an update? 

Are the photos from years ago? 

Something you’ve seen thousands of times. 

Maybe a little worn out? 

We hear you!

This spring, we’d like to invite you to come take some fabulous and fun family photos with us!

Today we’re introducing the “Photo Shelf” into our custom packages. 

These are awesome for family photos. Especially as a thoughtful gift for Mother’s day.

Schedule your session at least 4 weeks in advance. Choose your three favorite images, and we’ll print them on metal or a fine art paper.

Rest three of your favorite images stylishly in a solid white or black wooden base. Sets are available in 8” or 10” squares or 8x10” sizes.

Three images grouped together tell your story better than just one.

We really like the Photo Shelf for wedding/engagement photos, as well as high school senior photos.

Display them on your coffee table, the mantle above your fireplace, or show them off in your office.

Last but not least, the best part is…

You can easily swap out your photos any time you like.

Have a set of your 3 favorite wedding photos and a set of your kids.

On date night, swap them out for his favorite boudoir images of you!

Whichever photos you choose, a Photo Shelf is sure to draw attention and complements as a unique piece of art in your living space.

Schedule a 15 minute phone call online here to discuss having your family portraits taken. We look forward to hearing from you.