Being Geek Chic is a blog about one woman navigating the male-dominated industries of production and tech. It's written by Elizabeth Giorgi, Founder, CEO and Director of Mighteor - one of the world's first internet video production companies. Learn more about Mighteor here.
Taking pictures of your pets can be… challenging. And yet, so many people share quick shots of their cats, dogs, hamsters, fish and other cute creatures are all over Instagram. The question is: are they frame worthy pics? If you want to get memorable snaps worthy of framing, here are my favorite tricks:
1. Go where your pets like to go.
This is such an obvious one, but many people miss it entirely. If your pet has a favorite bed, bring the camera near them. If your pet loves to sleep on a specific chair, set up your lighting near it and wait for nap time. It’s important not to force the moment, because everyone (human and pet!) will get frustrated.
2. Get LOW.
We are larger than our animals. Well, most of the common ones anyway. Disregard horses, elephants and very large dogs for this one. Too many people try to get their pet to look up at them, when you should be getting at their level. This often means lying on the ground for a while until you get the perfect snap. But trust me, that eyes in the camera look is worth it.
3. Reduce gear fear.
One of the things my cat really hates is the sound of the flashbulb in my lighting setup. So, I got a continuous light, thus solving a HUGE problem. No additional noise means no additional frights and I get quality lighting on all my shots. Win. Win. Win. Don’t forget about beeping noises on your camera too. If you can disable them, do it. I mentioned in #1 to bring your gear where your pet likes to hang out. This can also reduce gear fear, but BE SURE to move gear when they aren’t in their favorite space. Instead, have it be a happy surprise so they can investigate on their own terms.
4. Be patient.
This is a marathon, not a race. It can take many, many attempts to get even one good shot. I often say: it’s about 100 bad pictures to 1 good one and about 1,000 pictures to 1 GREAT one. If you follow these tips, you will get there eventually.
5. Tricks and treats are always good.
A few treats never hurt any pet. My cat just knows… if she comes down to the studio, I definitely have one of her catnip balls chilling somewhere. As a result, she’ll hang out with me in the studio for hours. If that level of coordination is too tough, I recommend trying this lovely trick from Nick and Schmidt from last week’s episode of New Girl. Maybe avoid the Swuit, though.
What other tricks do you have for getting epic pet pictures?
My friend Megan is a crazy talented blogger and just a sweet friend, BUT, while I could talk forever about the joys of hanging out with her in the Hall H line, what you really need as a first time SDCCer isn’t my silly stories. I think what you really need is her wicked amazing San Diego Comic Con Guide.
What’s so great about it you ask? Dude. You don’t even know. This woman has compiled literally every single tip you need for before the con, during the con and after the con. Here’s just a tiny, tiny sample of what you’ll find:
Did I mention that her guide has about 25 other sections? You can find her complete San Diego Comic Con Guide here. And if you are really smart you’ll follow her on Twitter too @thenerdygirlie - because you know she’s going to be tweeting up a storm in just two short weeks.
See you at the Con!
As a professional videographer, I spend a lot of time telling people how to look awesome on camera. Whether you’re representing your new start up on a local news station or just want to start your own web show, these tricks will help you kick ass the next time you find a lens pointing at your face.
1. Your smile is your best asset. You don’t need immaculate Hollywood teeth to look good on camera. A genuine smile is the first thing people notice, so don’t be afraid to show those choppers. If you’re appearing on camera with another person, smile at them! Not only will your viewers feel more comfortable watching you, your fellow on camera guest will also be more comfortable.
2. Do some serious posture prep. Want to look svelte on camera? Want people to think you’re trustworthy? Proper posture will go a long way. Practice standing and sitting with perfect posture and strengthen those back muscles before the big day.
3. Avoid white clothing. Yes, people will often tell you that white is crisp and clean and neutral, but it just doesn’t look good on camera.
4. Wear your favorite color. If you feel good when you arrive on set, it will show when the cameras start rolling. A simple mind trick can be wearing your favorite color. And hell, who doesn’t love an excuse to buy a new top.
5. Listen. Carefully. With all the thinking about posture and smiling and saying the right things, it can be easy to lose track of what others are saying. This is especially dangerous in an interview situation, but it can also get you in trouble with directors. If you listen, others will notice and treat you with a great deal more respect. Plus, you’ll sound smarter if you answer the right question.
This outfit post is brought to you by the letter P.
I’m wearing:
Lookmatic Apprentice Frame
Zac Posen for Target Cardigan (old)
Striped tee from Express (old)
Black pencil skirt from Theory (old, but similar here, but also watch at TJ Maxx, that’s where I got mine)
Steve Madden Leopard Wedges (old, similar here)
Tory Burch Dean Metallic hobo bag (old)
A very lovely reader named Amanda emailed me last week and said:
“I am starting a job where I need to dress in business casual for most of the week (I am entering a Ph.D program and will be working as a TA). The problem is that I do not have a lot of the staples for a diverse business casual wardrobe and–as a graduate student–I do not have a lot of money to spend. I have the "geeky” part down, but the “at work” part could use a little work. What are some business casual wardrobe staples that go well with a touch of geekiness?“
She’s right! Sometimes, the basics are harder because they are not as fun to shop for as the geeky stuff. So, over the next couple weeks, we’re going BACK TO BASICS! Today, I’m covering your butt.
Here’s your checklist for shopping for bottoms:
1. Something swingy or with an A-line shape that creates volume on the bottom for the ladies who want to fake or accentuate curves.
2. Something trendy that makes you feel good. It could be a body con skirt, a peplum style (like above) or a maxi skirt. Whatever the trend you choose, just make sure the fit is flattering. Never buy something trendy because it’s "in” - instead, buy it because it’s trendy AND flattering.
3. A pencil skirt that goes with everything. Seriously, a high quality pencil skirt will last you years! Here (above, far right) I picked something a little saucier, but you could do something in a neutral and keep it for decades. This is an item that you want to invest in too, because you’ll have it forever.
Side note: A good rule of thumb for length: your skirt should be 1 inch longer than the end of your fingertips when you put your hands down at your sides.
4. A pair of simple black trousers that fit your shape perfectly. For example, if you’re tall, get something long and lean. If you’re curvier, get a nice boot cut.
5. A pair of pants that can be dressed up OR down. I also call this the: “something that makes you insanely happy rule.” It could be a pair of super skinny neon pants or something like these polka dots. If it makes you happy and fits well, then buy it.
6. A pair of cropped pants for spring, summer and fall. Cropped pants are great on lots of body shapes and can be worn with both flats and high heels and look great.
Want to buy the things above? Here’s the list from top left in clockwise order: Mossimo High-Low skirt ($17.99), Peplum skirt ($14.99), No. 2 Pencil Skirt ($49.99), Asos trousers ($24.90), AG Dot Jeans ($99.95) and Cafe Capris ($59.99).
