Another season ends and other approaches

It has been a tumultuous season for me as of late. But as I look in the mirror, I see the changes have been the result of a needed re-direction. Hindsight being 20/20.....I still have a black eye, but as all things do, it's healing.

The blog will get updated a little more now, as I have been able to pick up the camera and begin to create again. I suppose every few weeks will be a start. If you are a recent discoverer of me, then you can go to the Next Level photo to see more images in the gallery. I also have a Facebook page as well as a Twitter feed. Then again....who doesn't?

If you need images, PLEASE CONTACT ME!

A storm of change

It has been months....and will most likely be many more months before a sense of normalcy returns to me. I am no longer in the Pittsburgh PA region. I have relocated back to my home of the Tri-Cities Washington (Kennewick/Pasco/Richland) and unfortunately, put down the camera for the time being until my personal and family life starts on a new journey. I am still very much a photographer and my mind is slowly returning to it's creative roots. It's just a slow process.

If you have a photography venture you want to entertain me with, please do not hesitate to contact me. But as of now, I am not actively seeking out new clients.

In time, that will change.

JamFest Pittsburgh

Here are a few pics form the JamFest Cheer/Dance competition last April. Our work flow for the events was:

Custom white balance.
Set ISO for about 1600 or 3200
Shutter was at 1/400th of a second, depending on where you were on the performance floor. Really bad light falloff along the edges, so we would sometimes drop the shutter speed to lower, but that would then produce blur...so it's a lose lose situation.
Everything was shot in JPG, medium or small....less than 2MB files was the goal.

After the 3 minute competition, we would pull the cards and put them into a card reader connected to a laptop. We would select the team name in the software then that program would download the images from the cards and put them up on an on-site server. I think the software also created low resolution images for display on the web pages that the parents/competitors would use to buy products.

Once the images were available (probably 3-10 minutes) they could be purchased in 8"x10" collages printed on Dye Sublimation printers at the event.

Viewing stations (35 laptops with the sales software and images/products to purchase)

Printer stations with technicians to create the products for sale.

From the crowds viewpoint. I was located on the floor, directly in front of the performance mat.

Award time and all the dancer and cheerleader from a particular session attending.

More from the awards session.

Ground level and up close with one of the cheer teams.

Tiffany C

I finally got to shoot with Tiffany today. We did about an hour of "lesson" type pictures, where I applied camera settings to what we talked about on Tuesday. I would set the camera, make some changes, adjust lighting etc and we would review the images. It's one thing to say and show someone, but it's all together another to have them do it. Today I did the settings. Hopefully we can round up a model and Tiffany can take all the pictures next time....I just haven't told her that yet...LOL

Here are just three from our session today. She is only the second person I have ever met that has what I call a "light switch smile". When you turn it on, it lights up a room.

Step 1: Get help

I mentioned on Twitter over the weekend that "I have a sense of reinvention, clarification, renewal and refocus. All thats missing is execution".

I'm working on the execution.

Well, less than an hour ago I had a meeting with Tiffany. It's our second meeting actually. I am working with her to be my assistant and muse as well as a second shooter. I hope to impart to her all my knowledge and use her as an idea sounding board as well as tap her youthful inventiveness and keen eye. To top it off, she's eager and beautiful. The icing on the cake is that she lives here in town and we can shoot on a very short notice.

Today we worked with camera basics like ISO, shutter speed and f/stop. She already takes pictures, but the technical details will hopefully make her a BETTER photographer. Thursday we will be shooting business head shots and if time allows, a few wardrobe changes. We'll be able to put into practice some of what we learned today and add in off camera flash.

Having another creative soul to be accountable to, makes the business part more palatable. I like to create, but I need a partner in crime. Someone that is similar, but different enough to make a good team.

Stay tuned for more from us SOON!

Dismal response

Maybe my pictures suck, or I didn't get the perfect shot, or it's confusing. But after a week, absolutely NO ONE has inquired about the Cheer Ltd. Dance/Cheer at Robert Morris University last week. The perfectionist in me say's the pictures suck. The business person in me says no one knows how to access the sales site and email me the image number. Of course, a big issue that causes difficulty in finding and ordering pictures is that the web sites that exist to SELL prints all want 40% of the sale. That's a big chunk of change. It's almost not worth it to sell a picture for $6 and only get a few bucks out of it. Can't replace camera gear at that rate.

I was excited about the initial response from parents when I was giving out my cards at the event. But something happened, I just don't know what it was. That is the bane of shooting on "spec". I bust my butt getting the best images I can (over 2,200 that day). I take two days editing, creating web galleries and blog posts and get zero dollars for it. Lots of people can take pictures. Lots of people can take really good pictures, especially with all the low cost digital cameras out there. But are you getting "exceptional" pictures consistently? Or is it "eh, it's acceptable". You're settling for McDonald's images when you could have a meal prepared by a chef....so to speak.

I know even I have to work hard at exceptional images and I missed several key opportunities. But this was my very first indoor cheer/dance event. What I did get was good, but I know I can do much better.

Transform.....a perspective

Wow. Just simply WOW.

I just got done sending up a tweet saying I need a case of the Jarvis. So I headed to Chases blog to see what he was up to and saw this video from Zack Arias. I wasn't going to watch it but since I wasn't exactly doing anything right now, it was a coin flip. I think the video can apply to all walks of life. But it hits home seriously hard to creative types. Of course Zack is an image maker, so I can directly relate. I suck. He doesn't.

You rocked it Zack! You rocked it!

Here's the video.

The week that is to come, and the day that was (ptII)

Here are a few little summary updates:

1) Chris Perry, a fellow photographer, passed on a lead for me to contact another area photographer that needs some help this spring.
2) Chris also got a call from a Cheer team that needs pictures. No other info, but it's this spring as well.
3) I also heard that there isn't any money in models or action sports photography....no kidding. BUT, it's what I want to do. I will figure out a way to make money.
4) I head to the middle school this week to work with sixth grade students to prep for career day. I won't be able to share any of those pictures, but I can keep you all updated with this project. I love career day!
5) Found a costume store in Pittsburgh's Strip District. I also met Kristin (sp?) that is a recent MUA grad and MAC Pro (?). Drop me a line!!!
6) I also found out that my future MUA niece is heading to the greater NYC/NJ area this summer. HOPEFULLY, the contact I give her can help her out....and the favor can be returned.
7) The picture that I had displayed at Fe Gallery will be heading to the west coast for a private hanging. Not sure if the whole set will go, or just that specific image.

Tomorrow's shoot (ptII)

I've used this title before, but it applies here too.

I met and talked with Cait at the Seven Oakes Bridal Fair a few weeks ago. She was one of those WOW! did you see that? type of women. She's a bit petite but carries herself like a career NYC/Milan/LA model. Or at least what I would recognize.

When I first talked to her, I was taken aback that she didn't have any modeling experience other than the bridal dresses she is currently modeling.

Well, to make a long story short, I will get the incredible opportunity to work with her on Thursday in the studio. I hope my image sof her are half as incredible as I think she is.

Today I am heading to Chatham University to get some headshots, studio portraits and possibly some stock images with Chris. Not sure if I will get any posted tonight though.

Boats to brides

My father in law was at the boat show, so I thought I would stick my head over in the bridal show that's going on at the same time. I saw Don Merz of Ovation-Images.com so I stopped to say hi and chat a bit. I also wandered around scoping out the other photographers. I made a few notes then walked by Katie of BEKcosmetics. We chatted a bit and I talked to her about a project that I want do for career day for the middle school next year. Yes, it's a long way off, but it would take six months to put this fashion show together. Hopefully we will be able to work together at some point in the future...especially since she can airbrush. Yaaayyyy!!

Busy weekends come to an end

Wow, I've been busy. My last three weekends were nothing short of non-stop. It's been WONDERFUL! Now that life is beginning to resemble something similar to normal. I was looking back on the schedule.

My last three weekends were:

Sat 9/27
9-11 Soccer practice
11-1 Football
1-8 Wedding (didn't actually get home until 2:30am tho....LOL)

Sun 9/28
12-2 Powderpuff Football
2-4 Parents v Player football game

Sat 10/4
9-1015 Soccer Practice
11-2 Football
2-245 Homecoming Festivities
3-10 Wedding

Sun 10/5
2-530 Soccer (away game)

Thur 10/9
9-2 Help a photog friend
230-400 set up studio for session
5-645 Senior Cheer photo shoot (2 outdoor locations)

Sat 10/11
9-1015 Soccer prac
1-415 Football
445-930 Baden Volunteer Fire Dept 100th Anniv

Sun 10/12
330-530 Soccer game

Coming up in the next couple of weeks:
1) Final session with the 4 senior cheerleaders. That will most likely be a studio session. But it is also something I can do on location.
2) Fashion shoot with Tiffany. Studio and on location. Working on getting a MUA.
3) Soccer team photo. On location.

Every day something gets added or changed. It's pretty exciting.

Big three weeks coming up

I feel naked knowing I will be without my 300mm lens for several weeks. The repair center received the lens yesterday, but I am sure it will be a week or more before they get to it. Honestly, I expect the football season to be over before I get it back. If it is a low cost repair, and it comes back in a week or two, I will be pretty damn happy. The lens does need to be replaced, but I still need 83 more orders to do that.

This upcoming Wednesday I am shooting a special photo session with the four senior cheerleaders on my daughters cheer squad. I secured a special location to do the session, so I can't tell you....sshhhhhh. This year I wanted to give these girls a going away present of a group picture. Last year I gave the squad a yearbook this year just something different.

Tomorrow, I shoot a Nuts & Bolts football game (and unfortunately miss the Termite and Midget games) then rush off to a wedding where I am assisting/second shooting with Chris. Sunday is a Powder Puff game then the Parents v Players game right after.

Next weekend I am shooting the N&B game (and unfortunately miss the Termite and Midget games AGAIN ~ UGH!) then rushing off to shoot a wedding. I get to actually coach soccer that following Sunday....yeaaaaayyyyyy.

The week after, I shoot a N&B football game (and unfortunately miss the Termite and Midget games for the THIRD week in a row) then rush off to shoot.....no, not a wedding, it's the 100th Anniversary celebration of the Baden PA Volunteer Fire Department. That should be pretty cool. The firefighters are getting special rings and a few VIP's will be in attendance.

Missing THREE Termite and Midget games is gut wrenching. But in all honestly, I go where the money is. I have been hired to shoot a wedding, an anniversary and assist at a wedding. It's what I do.

Oh Crap!

I need 85 orders between NOW and tomorrow.......really.

The price I pay to be a professional photographer just came knocking. The lens that I use for 95% of my pictures just stopped working. I am waiting for a repair estimate so I can get the lens sent off tomorrow.

Let's hope for the best.

Weekly updates

I took 1838 +/- pictures yesterday and am half way through the edit process. I had to give up this morning around 2am....I was seeing double. Hopefully I can get them done by tomorrow mid day and get the blog update, the web site galleries created and the images up to the sales page. If not, they will be done by Wednesday.

Sometimes it's the small things

To most people, web stats are benign. They just don't matter. To me, they matter. I like to know how many people are reading the blog and hitting the web site. It helps me determine if the amount of time I spend on the web site and blog is relatively worth it. I also have marketing materials that I use and when the new stuff hits the streets, I should see an increase of web traffic. I can sort of direct my advertising in a sense.

The web site has it's own stats from my web host GoDaddy. My blog was on blogger's server until I put up the new web site then I moved it to GoDaddy. I have always had SiteMeter running on my blogs for stats. SiteMeter upgraded this weekend and now my stats are broke. UGH!

Hopefully, there will be a semblance of normalcy by the end of the week.

In all reality, it's only important to me, but I had to share since it is part of the business of photography.

Business of the day

Strange as it may be, I haven't actually taken a day off of some sort of photography work in several weeks. I thought today was going to be the day, but it ended up being almost all photo related activities.

I started out with some emails about some photo events next month. Then I stopped in at the Dollar Store to buy some mailer envelopes for mailing CD's. Next, I went and did a little work at the new local studio for about an hour. After that I mailed off a CD to one of my models and got to talk to Jenn about shooting again now that I have the small studio in town.

Not bad for about an hour and a half.

On my way out of town, I stopped back at the house and grabbed my camera (just in case) and headed to the bank then to the craft store to pick up some materials for my photo display at the football field (that included a 16x20 frame for my picture that is in the Fe Gallery exhibition and clear picture covers). After that stop it was off to Fe Gallery to frame my matted print.

((Funny story: I finally found a parking spot in Lawrenceville and walked over to Fe Gallery. When I got there, the windows were all covered up with paper and cardboard. It kid of looked abandoned or closed, but I know it was to keep everyone from seeing the art being set up for the opening next week. So I knocked a few times and double checked the time to make sure I didn't get here too early or late. Time was okay.

Still waiting.

Then the door unlocked and opened just enough for a hand to reach out with a stack of printed invitation cards. Immediately, I felt like a drug transaction (or in Laurie's words, Trick-or-Treating).

I had to chuckle at the whole ordeal. I mentioned that I brought a frame for my piece as instructed. Laurie looked at me, then into the gallery, then back at me and said softly, "then you would have to come in?"

"Well", I responded "or you could do it for me."

Laurie replied, "or you could do it out on the sidewalk."

"Yes, I could." I said.

The door shut. A few minutes later, as I was standing on the sidewalk staring at this paper and cardboard covered window, she returned with a hammer and my print.

"Here you go." she said.

I told her I would knock twice when I was done.

So there I was, kneeling on the sidewalk and door stoop putting my print into a frame. It was very weird.

After I had finished putting all together, I knocked and had to laugh when she opened the door just enough to get the hammer and frame. Then she said "You knocked three times."....I walked away telling her this was the most entertaining part of my day.

When I was done at Fe Gallery, I made it home to check on the evening activities. In the mail was a wedding contract so I headed off to make copies for the bride and groom as well as deposit the check for the calendar schedule fee that had been included. On the way back we stopped at Hanks Custard for a treat while I talked to the bride about her wedding day, the formals and a few other details.

Tonight, I have to put together the display and get everything ready for the football game tomorrow. I definitely won't forget the roster this time.

New studio coming soon

I received the key to the new, closer (smaller) studio yesterday. It is on the second floor of the Head to Toes Salon in New Brighton PA. Kind of fits with my company name too...."the Next Level photo"...get it, to get to the second floor, you have to go to "the next level"......

Yeah, I know, I am a genius.

So over this weekend and next week I will be moving my backgrounds, props and other items that I cannot or don't normally haul to locations. Lights, cameras and high dollar equipment will still stay with me. I will get some pictures of the studio up sometime in the next week or two.

Once everything is somewhat set up, I can start doing head shots, portraits and some other stuff that I can't do on location. Well, I can, I just don't. Especially as the weather gets cooler, having a close indoor location is a good thing.

Weekend (to come) update

Well, it finally stopped raining. It's been more of a mist, but water from the sky nonetheless. The sun is now out (drying my grass so I can mow it) and the season's first football game is slated for this Sunday. Soccer is still a week away. Photographically I am still trying to get last weeks scrimmage game edited and posted to the sales site. But alas, we have company coming and the Clean House crew hasn't arrived so I have been picking up the slack. LOL Another item on the football front is a raffle item. I will be donating a sports poster to every home game of Potter & Raccoon Football/Cheer. I have the mock ups on paper and need to scratch one together before the game on Sunday. I suppose I have about 6 hours of work for that.......need more hours in the day and days in the week.

I booked a wedding for early October. It's a small one so not a lot of stress as normally associated with the huge production weddings.

This week I had talked to a dog groomer about doing a little referral work. Still need to work out details, but hopefully she can send some of her clients my way. I will be getting some prints for her to put in her salon in the upcoming few weeks.

Wednesday and Thursday I worked at the studio above Head to Toes Salon. I am hoping to get the key to the building next week. I put up insulation and hung some drop ceiling then I swept and vacuumed. Once I am in, I can start high school senior marketing. The poster is almost done and I had Lori D look it over and she gave me the "not bad for a non-graphic artist" comment. I took it as a compliment. :) I also pushed a logo design job to her this week. Can't wait to see that too.

The invitations for the Fe Gallery have been proofed. I will pick up printed versions next week and electronic versions will be forthcoming. The exhibition opening is Sept 12th. The pre-orders for the printed catalog are available, if anyone wants to order one, they are just under $40. I can send you an order form if you send me an email. Remember, this catalog is almost 300 pages, glossy FULL COLOR paper. It is a top notch production. The artists are from the 13 counties surrounding Pittsburgh PA, but more than that, they may be the next best artist to be. Given the limited print run, it's a $40 well worth it.

I also contacted the middle schools counselor's to begin work on this school years Career Day. Last year was so fun for me, I want to bring it to "the Next Level".....if you will. I proposed two presentations. Depending on which one is selected, will depend on how much work I have to do over the next 4-5 months. I hope they pick Idea#2.......when they do come back with the acceptance I will let everyone know what's in store.

That's a negative Ghostrider, the pattern is full

Fall is an incredibly busy time in my life. Three sports and school all hitting within weeks of each other. I think my schedule has an opening the second week of NOVEMBER.

This is what I live for. This is what puts fire in my blood and makes me feel alive.

It seems that everywhere I turn something is happening. So much that I feel like Maverick in Top Gun and I am being told "negative, the pattern is full."

Yesterday I picked up my prints for Fe Gallery and my portrait promo. They're 12x18 prints and came out FANTASTIC. Damn, I was excited to see those in print. Normally, I don't print much, but these images that size were just stunning.

I'll head to Fe Gallery Friday morning and hang out downtown Pittsburgh until a meeting Friday night at the Beehive in the South Side. I am meeting with Lori D a makeup artist. It's really strange, the last MUA I met with, moved to Miami a few months after the meeting. Lori wants to head to LA/So Cal...maybe I am good luck for those that want to move on and up. Either that or I repel people so much the move out of state....

Next week I will be working a couple of days at the Hookstown Fair. I haven't been to a fair for several years, and being able to shoot pictures at an event that is so colorful, with so many people and constant blur of action, just has me jazzed. A few items on the board are a senior photo shoot, a fashion show of some sort and maybe a few portrait shoots. Of course the myriad of personalities will put me into sensory overload.

This weekend is also a regatta in the town across the river from us. I don't remember it last year, so I will have to head down to check it out.

So many things going on. I should have lots of images to post over the next few weeks and I changed the main page of the web site. I had been putting up quotes as I find them on the 'Net. Now I put up some code to load quotes automatically every time the page loads. Check it out beginning Sunday when I do the next update on the site.

Time to buzz the tower.

Threshold of pain

The concept seems to apply everywhere in life. How long can you hold on, and what pain and how much discomfort can you deal with.

When I was in the military, I learned that the mind gives up before the body. Making those runs, or crawling through the sand, even working 24 hour shifts, many times I wanted to quit, but as long as I didn't, my body would continue on.

Starting up a photography business, heck, any business, you have to deal with that "threshold of pain". There are so many outside forces that one has to deal with to be successful. Most would normally think "it's the economy, stupid" but it isn't. I talk to a handful of photographers every week and keep tabs on a dozen more in the area. Everyone is working. Sure, they are established. But at one point, they were starting out too. Just as I am. I just happen to be starting out in a down economy. It will still come down to this. People get married, people have babies, people graduate, and people get married.

My influences are of course money. Not bringing any in, which creates another force, called the spouse, and that can be the greatest force known. Right now, it's a in a negative energy mode. Some day, I hope it to be a positive force. But I won't prognosticate that weather pattern. When I am able to bring in some cash flow, the force will become neutral. Not Switzerland neutral mind you, but more like, it's no longer a negative energy.....yet not a positive one either.

As I get older, my patience has seemed to gotten longer and stronger. I know my time is coming. But not very many people in my life share this optimism. I look back on the past 12 months, and I wasted many a day. But there are days and weeks, that I have accomplished what seems like a lot. The spouse, doesn't see what I have done. Doesn't understand it took me 8 1/2 hours to edit 440 images. I only liked 99 and was able to narrow those down to about 15. It takes time and to edit so tightly. But I had to provide enough images for enough saleble items. No pictures, not sales. More pictures, more sales. At least that's always the hope.

Bittner-Owens wedding

In Saturday's post, I mentioned I had the opportunity to tag along with Beth and Pam to shoot a wedding. They were both totally wonderful. Although, we as photographers, are three different personalities.

Here are a few of my shots from the day.

The Bride wore beautiful white


More beautiful than a flower


For every good man, is a great woman


Under the cover of love


Bouquet catch

Wedding today

I shot a wedding today as a 3rd shooter with Pam web site blog and Beth web site blog. Click the associated words for their sites and blogs.

I am pre writing and publishing the post on a schedule so as of this writing (Sat morning at 1:15am) I haven't actually met either of this dynamic duo. But from their web sites and blogs, I imagine twins from another mother. From what I gather, they work together often. It will be interesting and challenging to be a part of their work patterns. I am being brought into the fold for an on the job interview so to speak. I don't want to get in the way, yet I need to be able to create my own images. It won't take long to feel each other out and know where to be and where not to be. I am looking forward to it.

NOTE: Photographers are an interesting bunch. Even though we are each others immediate competition, there is a camaraderie and support that I haven't seen in other fields. Then again, I haven't worked in many other fields so maybe it's there, I just don't know about it.

Anywho, if I pass muster, I may be called on to 2nd shoot a wedding in the future with either of them, or if they happen to be booked, a direct referral as a primary. The same goes for me. If I am booked on a date, I will be able to send business their way. It's already happened a few times this past week. One photographer in our small group is booked and needs to pass on referrals to another in our group. But since I haven't been able to work with any of them, I have been passed over in a way. I don't have any issue with that. Well, it would be nice to get the booking, but really. Their reputation in on the line for a referral. You only want to send business to someone you know will uphold your own ethics and standards of quality. I am confidant that I will pass muster.

One down, many to go

I have v.01 of the poster done. I would love a little critique on it. Good, bad, ideas, something that isn't quite right????? Let me know.

The locations it will display are: high school, coffee shop, burger joint, ice cream joint, drug store, concession stand.

The two rows on the bottom are smaller versions of my business card. They will be scored and perforated so interested parties can tear off a mini card and take it with them. I can somewhat gauge interest by the number of cards missing.

It's not designed to be a high school senior poster. It's more like a a blanket photo poster. A little of everything. I know I don't have any guy picture in it, and I am working on that. Like I said, it's v.01. (v.02 is being worked on and will have sports and wedding pictures on it).

Freaking out

My mind is going a million miles an hour lately. Right now, I physically feel like I have downed a gallon of Mt. Dew and a couple of Snickers bars. But I haven't.

I received my NEW business cards from 4cusa.com. They are very very nice. My ONLY issue is that the template I used was smaller than the actual cards, so my image is not full bleed, nor does my text cover as much of the real estate as it was originally designed. No bother, I seriously doubt many other people will see that bit of detail. But as a photographer, it's all we see.

I will make adjustments on the next batch. in 1000 cards....LOL

I have been compiling a list of things I need to accomplish this month. It seems to be getting bigger every day. ACCKKKK! I have a few vendors to seek out, contracts to finish up, a few photo CD's to burn and ship, a poster to create and data backups to do. Of course each of those items has several sub items, especially the contracts and price lists.

Hot topics today

My business cards are shipped. I should get them by the end of the week. Woohooo!!

I am also putting together a page for a football program. You know, the one that you buy when your kids are in sports. I did it last year too, but when I printed it out, I think it got scanned in and all the colors were screwed up and it looked pretty bad. The image was fine, but after it left me....not so good. This time, I am trying to get on to the committee that puts together the program, so my advert will be PERFECT.

On that front, I am still working on the price lists and my senior pictures poster. Two VERY important items for this month.

You get out of it what you put into it

Damn those words......

Not sure if it's the caffeine or the desire to succeed....or the fear of failure. But these past few days have been putting my brain on serious overdrive. My creativity naturally gravitates to being most productive from 11pm to about 3am. Maybe it's the lack of outside forces. It's dark, no phone calls, NOTHING on TV and everyone is sleeping.....except me.

I have gone to bed, many nights, only to wake up a few minutes after falling asleep. My mind is a-blur with ideas. Sometimes I jot them down on the notepad next to me, others, I get up and work on them. I hope everything starts to fall into place soon. I need the sleep.

I have also made a friend or two in the (local) photo world these past few weeks. Actually, I met Chris Perry last year after we moved to New Brighton. He added me to a list for a few other photographers in the area. I haven't met any face to face, but we trade emails back and forth. Each of them is making money. Some as part time/hobby, others a strong (read many hours and should be full time) part time, but it's not their career, so to speak. Me, I am in the middle of a perfect storm as it seems. I am putting in a few hours, but not bringing in money. I know why, in a sense. i am laying the ground work, so when the clients do start calling, I only have to shoot, edit print and deliver. Other items will already be taken care of.

It has been relayed to me that one should put about 15-20% of their sales into advertising. OR it can be said to spend 15-20% of what you WANT to make into advertising. For my current advertising budget, I am making exactly the right amount of sales. Nothing in advertising, nothing in sales......ouch.

I did get an inquiry about a family session and should have the opportunity to shoot a few weddings this fall as a 3rd shooter and even as a 2nd shooter. Once the kids head back to school, I hope to have the high school senior portraits trickle in as well. I am working on the poster I will hand out to the schools and businesses. When I get a decent version ready, I will put it up here on the blog for review. Also, my business cards are in print and I hope to get them by the end of the week. It sucks to not have anything on me to let people know I am a photographer. I see so many people I wold love to take pictures of and w/o cards, it's tough to convince them, so I shy away. (Note: I didn't get the cards done until I had the site up and running).

This isn't a "poor-me" blog post, it's a here-it-is-in-your-face blog post telling you what it's like to try and be a photographer in this economy. But I am positive (and somewhat patient) that while we are in an up and down climate, a new wave is coming. We just don't know when. I don't know when. I just hope I can ride a bit of it up.

Moving forward

Today my exciting task is to begin the process of pricing. I have some (actually most) of my prices set for this year already. But I need to really nail down what I do, and what that value is to my clients.

Right now, all my prices are in an Excel spreadsheet. I have to cross reference all my event and session offerings with the text that will appear on the web site. I won't bore my clients with the details on the site. But each offering that has a corresponding base price displayed, will have a link to a document that has more details. Strange thing about service related businesses, the prices are negotiable.

Once I have my prices all in line, I will get the spreadsheets printed to a .pdf file. Funny thing about that is that I am also going to need to format the sheets with the logo, contact info and such. I.E. custom headers and footers. Then the smart thing to do is print them all out and have someone else proof them. If it masses muster, I upload the new price page and the associated price sheets for all the world to see.

Ohhh, can't wait to get started......

Web site status

Well, after several trials and tribulations with trying to get my photo sales site integrated, I bagged it. The integration that is. I really wanted my customers to be able to come to the site and click the sales link then be able to purchase pictures essentially directly from my web site. But for the past 4 years, I have had an outside company doing that (sales) portion. I am still with that company, but the ability to have that web site integrate directly with my new domain (www address) is limited. They want me to pay big bucks to have it fully integrated, and I am not prepared to do that right now. Sooooo, as of now I will just have a link on the site that will open up the existing sales site in a new window, or tab. For now, it will have to work. When I get busy and famous, I will take it to the next step.

Next up is getting the blog integrated. That, will (should) happen this week. So for both of you actually reading this blog, if it disappears for a day or two (or five), it's because I am working on launching the new web site. Come back soon, and hopefully, you will find me again.

Here is a screen shot of the newest look. I changed the masthead and added my logo. I put my motto in and modified the borders around the navigation on the left.
NOTE: It's not much different, but enough that makes me happy.

What the world is coming to

Qoute of the day:
"This parental paranoia is getting completely out of hand..." - Gary Crutchley

That quote was form a report that happens all to often. Reported over on FoxNews a dad taking pictures of his OWN kids on a playground was harassed by other families. Here is the link. As a photographer, it concerns me that people will automatically brand a person as bad, or suspicious if he has a camera. In this case, the police helped him. But police have been known to harass photographers all too often as well. Just do a Google search on "police harass photographer" and you will see what I mean.

In my own experience, I too have been harassed by security guards when taking pictures of my family at PPG Square in Pittsburgh PA. They say you cannot take pictures above the ground. No wide angle shots or shots looking up at their buildings. But in EVERY image of the Pittsburgh skyline, their beloved PPG building is in it. But if you are actually in the PPG square, you will be asked to stop taking pictures. It's kind of fun actually, if you know what to expect. You can mess with them, like I did when I gave the camera to my son who was probably 6 at the time. A security guard told me to not take the pictures. I said "talk to the kid, he has the camera." There was a small bit of tension at that point until he asked if he was my son and therefore under my control.....LOL

Anyway, this paranoia really has to stop. People need to get a life.

The real cost of flying

Tomorrow (Wed 7/9/08) I fly back to the Pittsburgh area. Today, I am agonizing over a box that needs to be shipped back. I shipped it here via US Postal Mail for $45. Via UPS it will cost $60. I am sure all rates have increased in the past 60 days, but damn, that's an OUCH.

My dilemma is to check it as my second checked bag on US Air, or to ship it via USPS or UPS. As a US Air preferred member, I get free checked bags. I don't have to pay the fee that US Air charges.

The big problem is that US Air charges for their "service" of carrying your baggage, but they WILL NOT ensure that it won't be stolen, delayed or damaged. Yet the US Postal Service, UPS, DHL and FedEx WILL guarantee your shipment will arrive as expected and in good shape. At least with everyone but the airlines it appears that you can get insurance on your shipments. US Air and other airlines, absolutely not especially if it's anything of value (like camera equipment).

So I can ship for free, and possibly have my items pilfered from the thieves that work at the airports. Or I can pay $60 to have peace of mind.

We should NOT have to deal with this in the "POST 9/11 era". There is so much damn security EVERYWHERE, yet the least secure areas are actually the airports.

Web site status

I am finally getting around to getting the web site worked on. It's one of two uber late projects that need to be worked on.

I won't give an ETA on the site, just that it's something I am working on.

Trying to focus

Working essentially 9-5 away from the Internet and phones makes it tough to line up talent to work with during the off hours. So right now I am developing a concept for a new book project. This will allow me to shoot portraits at what would normally be inopportune times.

Yeah, I have done this before (a book project) and it failed miserably. This might too for all I know. The toughest thing about a book is getting started and following through LONG TERM. The concept is good, in my mind anyway. I hope I can sell the idea to others and then it will take care if itself. Besides, a photo a day is a book in a year.

Until the concept plays out a bit, I won't divulge much more....to jeep you all coming back and to keep form embarrassing myself.

Weekly update

I haven't much to report on the photo front. Everything I have is focused on getting the house in order for my departure in less than 4 weeks. The three projects I have scheduled are not falling into place as I had hoped. No BIG surprise, but disappointing nonetheless.

As far as photography goes, I have some pictures (proofs) to show Hallowed Grounds. I will drop those off today. They are going to be a set of pictures for the store that shows each step of the process of making a cup of coffee. From the bag-of-beans to the customer sipping the coffee. I have about 75-80% of the images I need, but still need to refine a few and re shoot a few. I wasn't totally happy with the outcome of this first shoot last month.

I did meet with someone to do a family portrait. I told her we can wait to see what the weather does over the next few weeks the try to shoot either the second or third week of April. I can then get the images to her before I leave May 1st. (Or I can proof online and mail the prints).

Last week I heard that the basketball tournament we shot last February and early March actually made a little bit of money. It's probably not enough to justify doing it again next year though. But I might be able to buy gas for the car this week.

The details

I will be heading back to Washington state May 1 to help a family member this summer in their own business venture. I won't be returning to Pennsylvania until the third week of July.

Because of the geographical location that I will be in, there is no cell phone coverage and based on the nature of my daily activities, I won't be available on the Internet very often. I will probably check email every few days while I am on hiatus. But not a lot of time for chat/IM and the blog will slow to only a few updates a week.....hmmmm about what it is right now. ACKKK

The photo updates might be a bit more varied (more nature/landscapes and perhaps some street/people shots). I guess it all depends on the amount of time I have to shoot though.

Massive change in direction

In a short 6 weeks from now, I will be making a short term change in direction.

Because of the current state of affairs.....economically speaking, I will be taking on a different role. I am putting photography on pause until July. Sure I will shoot causally, and as a hobby. But the photo profession is getting put on H-O-L-D !

The "second" studio, which would have been my primary studio just isn't happening. The current building lease holder took three weeks to call me back to let me know it's a good time for her for me to come in and do some more work. I wanted to be in the space at the end of January. TWO months ago. Things just don't seem to be working out. So next week I will stop in and let her know I won't need the space.

On top of that, I have been trying to work with models and other industry professionals to build a team of people. The reality of working with other people that want things for free, makes for unreliable people. I have had so many just not show up or reply to an offer to meet for work. It's frustrating. I'm not giving up on the Modeling/Fashion industry, but I am not charging ahead in that area right now. I guess it's more like a pause, retreat, gather then forge ahead in a different direction.

I will have even more details in a few days.

Copyright

One of the most important subject for a photographer besides equipment, is copyright. I found the web site/blog of Carolyn E. Wright, Esq. on theSportsShooter.com forums. I think I will make it a part of my weekly routine to see what she has to say.

Back in action

Okay, I think I am FINALLY over this flu bug. Even though I was feeling okay last week, I still had some issues with memory and my energy levels. I couldn't stay awake for a whole day and I couldn't remember anything but the most simple tasks. It was pretty weird. I was sick for well over three weeks and a week of that was literally, in bed. The other time was in and out of bed then finally, I am back to as normal as I can be.

Needless to say, I am so far behind the 8-ball it's disheartening. I am also supposed to go to the salon tomorrow and put in some time getting the insulation up and ceiling panels. I think I will head over there for a little bit. Then I will let the owner know that I can't run my business based on her good and bad days. It's just not conducive at all.

The week that was - and not in a good way

Not sure what Karma I had tossed around, but I thought it was good....

A little over a week ago I was asked to shoot a portrait of a friend and her boyfriend I was also asked to shoot the basketball tournament right around the same time. Since money trumps in this case, I called and told my friend that I was shooting the tournament. She never called back to confirm or request a different date. Since today was the only day I had available, it has come and gone.

Bummer #1

I was also going to be shooting a themed shoot with a makeup artist on March 5th. She took the role of producer in this and rounded up all the talent. It was to be a pretty cool shoot. I was looking forward to it. Well, Friday night, she asked if I was going to give her the RAW files of the shoot.

To let you all know, raw files are the digital negatives. Very few photographer give raw files, but they will give out full resolution JPG files.

When I said I normally don't give out raw files, she decided to replace me on the shoot.

Bummer #2

I was also thinking how difficult it has been trying to get the studio set up where I have been trying to get it set up. It's just not jelling like it should be. Dealing with too much emotional baggage that shouldn't be part of the business decisions. I think I will give it this week and if nothing major transpires, I will move on. I am just way too behind right now to deal with it.

Bummer #3

The basketball tournament was a big bummer. Lots of good images, but no real direct sales. I will return Monday, but if nothing comes of it, I will have to bag out until the finals on Saturday. Too much work and too much money being spent for no return. It's just not a good decision.

Bummer #4

On Friday, when I went to work on the studio, I also stopped in to pick a date to do some more Hollowed Grounds pictures. I wanted to shoot on Monday since the kids are out of school. I can't shoot in the morning because I am getting the kids ready for school. I was told Monday wasn't a good day and we will have to come up with a different day.

Bummer #5

I can't wait to see what next week brings.

Beauty is only skin deep

Because of weather, the bball tourney was canceled for tonight. The organizers will try to squeeze in the three games scheduled tonight, into tomorrows schedule.

I did head over to work on the studio today, but I was told to come back next week. I'm not sure how long I want to keep this charade up. I might just have to look for a legitimate location and figure out how to pay for it.....it's potentially a chicken and egg dilemma.

Since I didn't have to travel and my studio work was canceled I decided to go to lunch. While sitting at my favorite table, a couple came in to sit at the table next to me. Of course, I looked at them. I didn't see him very well but he looked to maybe have played football in high school. That type of physical build. She was petite attractive with nice facial features to boot. I thought for a few seconds that maybe when I was done, to hand them a card to see if they would ever want their pictures taken.

Then she opened her mouth.

All I heard was stories about partying, staying up until morning, drugs, "group" activities, lots of cuss words when she was on the phone with her friends.....and much more. It was enough to ensure I would not pass her my card.

Now, I was thinking what is my role as a photographer.

Who am I to pass judgment on others because of their activities? I should only care about the right here and now, ween they sit for my camera. It is of no matter to me what they do.

Milestones

I hit 100 page views sometime in the last 48 hours. I guess both of you readers have nothing else to do every other day. Thanks for stopping by.

Today was the first of 10 straight days of shooting.

I am shooting a basketball tournament with a friend that is 9 of 10 days. No games on Sunday, but I might have a shoot with a friend of mine and her boyfriend. Then it's back to the courts for 6 days of basketball. (FYI, three games on weekdays and I think 9 games on Saturday then 5 on the final Saturday.) Anyway, it's going to be interesting. LOTS of repetition. Jump up and down here, take the ball and jump up and down over there. Repeat.......for 9 days.

The business card is final. I don't think I will do any more revisions. I want to post it, but the web site isn't ready. That too, is going to have to be deferred for a few weeks. Working the BBall tourney will take a lot of my time. Well, more than I planned on, how about that.

Tomorrow, I also head over to the salon to put up some more insulation. I am about 5 weeks behind where I want to be. I was hoping to have been in by the end of January, but it keeps getting behind. It sucks.

Thur 2/21 3-10 Bball
Fri 2/22 11-3 Studio 4-10 Bball
Sat 2/23 6-10 Bball
Sun 2/24 TBA Shoot w/ Becca & Dyer
Mon 2/25 7-9 Hollowed Grounds shoot (pt II) 3-10 Bball
Tues 2/26 6-10 Bball
Wed 2/27 6-10 Bball
Thur 2/28 6-10 Bball
Fri 2/29 6-10 Bball
Sat 3/1 6-8 Bball

A quick little post

I have my business card in the final edit stage. I had a sheet printed today at Staples, but I didn't like the paper they used. But under the guise of impatience, I will get some printed there then the bulk of them printed elsewhere. Maybe. It all comes down to cost.

Instead of designing my letterhead, I was on the forum over at Model Mayhem. There was a post about a 14 year old photographer. Here is the MM post here is the photographers Flickr page.

I had a few pages done of the new web site, but I decided to discard it all and go in a different creative direction. That was about a week wasted. In all honesty, it looked crappy anyway. Not something I wanted to use as a show place for my talents.

It's getting harder

Right now, getting the business off the ground is getting incredibly difficult. Initially, I was running off emotion and pervasive pessimism. Now, the reality has set in and I have to use cunning business practices to ensure my logical decisions are not flawed.

My ultimate goal and very tight focus is to have my own studio. To me, I want to eventually have opportunities at commercial photography. That is a HUGE goal of this business. The majority, perhaps 99% of my competition does not have a formal studio. Many of them do have a space in their homes that they use as a makeshift studio. Secondly, a studio has a lot of overhead that requires one to increase the cost of the products or sell more of a product than the competition in order to cover that overhead of a studio. Because of the competition also being existing, they already have an essential built in clientèle based on word of mouth.

For me, I still have to begin the building process of my own clientèle. I have begun that process in a few small steps. Of course, being able to put the studio in a salon will be a great start to getting clients since I can pull from the list of the salon Getting my work displayed, like on the walls of Hallowed Grounds will at least get my name out there. Eventually, the work will come.

Right now, it's tough for my family to understand the amount of work it takes to START and continue a business. Many people (including family members) still look at photography as being a hobby. I know a lot of people that have hobbies and they are costing them. Their benefits are personal satisfaction. My hobby, has been stepped up one notch above satisfaction by recognizing that my images have a value. My skills allow me to capture moments in time that others feel are worth buying. I just need to match my results with the buyers in the form of marketing and proper pricing.

I think that is the difference between a (perceived) hobby, and a business.

Next week has an opportunity coming up in the form of a 10 day youth basketball tournament. Tournaments can be a huge money maker or the most work a photographer can do with the least amount of return.

Apart form next week, I have several projects in the fire. I have to get my web site online in less than two weeks, get my insurance finalized, work on the studio and finalize my price list. The price list is about two weeks behind only in the situation that I am trying to determine my product line. Weddings and high school seniors are the most lucrative at this level. Commercial work is the most lucrative at any level. I only have my consumer product lines ready. Commercial photography is based on usage and each client has a different use for the images a photographer will take.

So, running on logic, the emotion has taken a back seat and the day to day forward momentum makes it a little more difficult.

Ohhh, the humanity

Earlier this month when I did a presentation at the middle school for career day and one of the items that I really wanted to discuss was about copyright. Talking about copyright in the sense of photography is really pretty boring. Until you you sprinkle it with dollars and sense. I used songs as my inroad to the conversation.

To begin, everyone that creates something is automatically protected by copyright laws at the time of creation. To use something they could relate to, I asked everyone if they had an iPod or MP3 player. Then I asked them how many songs they have. I heard from a few to hundreds of songs. Then I posed the question to see if they paid for every one of those songs.......if not, they they took someone else's creation and it was a copyright violation. No different than if someone took your pictures, poem or short story, without paying for it.

For some, they got it. Most really didn't care.

With that in mind. Here is a story from the Washington Post about photo usage by corporations and copyright.

Keep in mind, that the photography industry needs to bear there are two camps of use. Commercial and editorial.

The presentation was pretty fun and I can't wait until next year.

The fortunate side of business

I got both insurance quotes back yesterday. I was pleasantly surprised at the cost. One was about $500 a year and the other was just over $600 a year. Now I need to get an accurate inventory and get the final quote so I can be in business. The higher priced quote had a more detailed quote request so I need to be able to provide both companies with the same info to be able to do an accurate comparison. Then I will sign and fax.

Getting insurance will let me breath a little easier during shoots. Especially when I start to to corporate gigs as well as try to network my way into some sporting facilities. But my ultimate goal is to start producing my own shoots. Doing large style images is something that really gets my mind into high gear.

I want to be able to have a story board or a sketch of my idea. I will gather talent (makeup, hair, wardrobe) and approach a city, or company with my idea. As one example would be to have a model in a activity centered wardrobe performing something (just as an example, it can be cutting up fish, or reading a magazine or acting like a dentist working on teeth). I want to be able to have police shut down streets/bridges, or companies like a foundry or steel mill be working in the background. So you have this WAY OUT OF PLACE activity happening with a busy industrial event going on in the background. I also want to be able to take FORMAL portraits in very unexpected places. Middle of the street. Tops of buildings. Places that the subject has a connection to, but in most circumstances, would never have a portraits taken there. The catch is that these are FORMAL portraits. Something that I have much to learn about. Formal portraits are all about two things. Posing and lighting. Those are two things I have very little knowledge with. I can light and I can pose. But a timeless picture from a good picture is in the subtle details.

The unfortunate side of business

Wheee, I just spent a lot of money on business insurance.

Well, not really. I did submit for quotes to two companies that specialize in photography studios. Having insurance is soooo important. Of course, no one wants to spend money on it. But for a photographer, it's almost required. In order to shoot sidelines at most competitive sporting events, insurance is required. If you shoot on locations with models and support staff...it's required. Some of the shoots I am designing right now, will require insurance.

Strangely enough. I am pretty excited to get the insurance. That way, I can make that next step to commercial shoots and bring some of my ideas to life.

Tomorrow's shoot

I have a commercial/lifestyle shoot tomorrow morning. It will be at the Hallowed Grounds coffee roaster I have spoken about recently. It should be fun. I will run it like a lifestyle shoot, where I watch and observe then shoot pictures of anything that looks interesting. There are a few goals for these images. The first is for publicity. I want to get some shots they can use for flyers and advertisements. The second is for a coffee table book project. I thought about getting their product from delivery to customer. Then they can put their story down on paper and that can be put into a book format and sold in the store. The initial shoot will be pro bono. But I need to come up with usage fees for the book. The time shooting the images are free. But creating products is where I will get some fees back. Most likely they will be from the sales rather than fees up front. Again, this is more to get my name and work out in the public eye and of course, word of mouth advertising. Hopefully in the positive. Especially since newspaper advertising was a waste of money.

A step closer

A week or two ago I bought my domain name. Today I set up email and web hosting. Over the weekend I will get my place holder web site uploaded and make sure my email works. By the end of next week I hope to have an initial site running. By the end of the month the first version of my web site should be ready for prime time. I will let everyone know about it then. Well, both of you.

Opportunity knocks

A new coffee roaster opened up on Monday here in New Brighton called "Hallowed Grounds". David and Kathy had been doing this out of their house for several years, but when they started to get in on some commercial accounts, they found out businesses don't like to buy stuff from peoples kitchens or basements. So, a small business was born. They moved in a few doors down from the "Head to Toes Salon" where I HOPEFULLY will have a studio soon.

Anyway. HG buys bags (1200 pounds) of coffee beans and they will roast them and grind them to your pleasure. They suggest only roasting, but if you really want the beans ground they will do it. (It's all in the name of freshness). I saw a dozen or more types of beans and you throw in a specific roast (light, medium, dark or anything in between) then a grind, coarse, medium, fine, etc. You can have yourself a nice cup-o-joe. Once you get your perfect blend, they will keep it on a card and all you do is call 'em up and it will be ready for you when you get there.

So, what's that have to do with me?

I am always looking for an opportunity. I approached them to do some environmental portraits. Them in the store, serving customers. The product (coffee beans) being stored, roasted and served. We talked about a few different ideas. I will take some pictures for free. If they will let me put up some pictures in their store. The pictures will be available for sale, but mostly, be an advertisement to my skills.....HEY, stop laughing. I have skills. I do. Plus the "advertising" can't hurt.

Anyway, they agreed. I will probably stop in Saturday morning to do my first shoot. I suppose it will take several days to get everything we want, but I figure it's time well spent. Knocking on doors and building relationships.

Career day

Today was career day at the middle school. I was pretty nervous about the whole deal. I have to speak for 20 minutes to six classes of sixth graders. The speaking for 20 minutes was easy. The hard part was to get the kids to listen and be somewhat entertained. But, I think I did pretty good. I will change it a bit for next year, if I get the opportunity again.

This year, I did a little history. I compared different areas of photography; news, commercial, fashion, paparazzi, portrait and fine art. I put up the type of education needed, estimates of annual salaries (from Monster.com salary calculator). I also showed my images and the images that the students took a few weeks ago. ((NOTE: I will not be able to show you those images, sorry.)) I also talked about copyright with the example being copying songs from a friends CD without paying for them. That was interesting.

Anyway, it was a good time. I can now understand why teachers go do what they do everyday.

the next level

I also bought my domain today. Actually a few hours ago. Once the site is ready and posted and I have tested it, I will let everyone know about it. All three of you that actually visit this place.

The changes that will happen are:
1) I will probably have to switch from blogger/blogspot to Wordpress for a blog. From what I have found out, blogger/blogspot doesn't have a way to interface this blog with a real domain. Wordpress does. I like blogger, but to maintain continuity, I gots to go with what works.

2) Lots of pictures. The new domain will have more pictures and hopefully more often. It will of course be the professional image I want to project.

3) Commerce - I hope to be able to include my commercial sales page. That way it becomes a one stop shop. If you like what you see, then you can buy it rather than stealing it off another web site....hint.....I need the money.

I hope the site will be up and running by the end of February. But it depends on how things go from this day on out.

Insecurity

Okay, like MySpace has a crappy interface and it's full of crap so I don't post there often. I do post more frequently on this blog. If you want it (the MySpace page), drop me an email.

I got sidelined on getting the 2nd studio ready because the (in)significant other of the building (Salon) owner had a tiz that a guy (me) was helping his woman out for free. Apparently he's the jealous/controlling type. GET OVER IT DUDE. I'm putting up insulation and ceiling tiles cuz you ain't doin it. I need the place to make some MONAY so I can give it all to your GF.

UGHGHGHG

Then today I got a call about the valentines day shoot on Sunday Feb 3rd. We had three signed up right away, then TWO dropped out and flaked on me. DAMMIT

So everything was bright and sunshiny last week now it looks like it's a typical week in good old Western PA.

And I still have a cough that won't go away.

Always changing

Well, I had today mapped out to be very productive. I was to go to the dentist at 10, then pick up some printouts from Staples. Then make the 35 min drive to Robinson to pick up the photos for Kaela (last weeks shoot). After the pick up, I had a 1pm appointment with Nautika. She is a MUA that has the skill and ability to do some really great looks. She specializes in alt/goth and that is an area that I want to be able to do. The poses and clothing are very different than what a normal high school senior will wear, but I can learn and bring those concepts to the senior market and create something that isn't currently being offered in my market.

Anyway, after my 1 meeting I had a 4pm meeting with another MUA. Both meeting are to get to know them as people and see if they would be a fit for the team I am building. I guess you could call it a pseudo interview.

Alas, I was getting ready to go to the dentist and my wife told me my appointment wasn't until tomorrow. Hmmm. Then, Nautika's car bit the big one last week so if I was to meet her I had to head to her place. To top it all off, my 4pm appt got sick over the weekend and had to cancel.

So my Monday kind of hit the crapper very early. No biggie. I headed to Pittsburgh to pick up Nautika and we spent some time at Panera Bread and discussed several things photography. Miami. Concept shoots. Etc. I think the two of us have decided to pencil in two shoots for February. One is a private shoot and confidential. The other is a concept shoot that will be a bit of a production to pull together. The concept shoot will be cool if we can pull it all off. I can share that at a later date.

Opportunities abound if you recognize them

It might sound like I am ready to throw in the towel. Quite the contrary. This photography "hobby" as a few family members have put it, is slowly getting to the point of perpetual motion.

It's a common thought to say that the business of photography is 90% business and 10% taking pictures. I can feel that now. I am realizing the amount of time and effort it takes to keep a photography business moving forward. Or in this case, just moving. It will take even more time and effort once I move into the realm of only accepting paid shoots versus the TF* shoots I do right now. TF means "Time For". The model usually gives me their time and I give them a CD or selected prints of our time together. When one is starting out, all talent usually gives their time for experience and material. Once you get to a certain point, you can begin to command fee's for your talent.

Saturday night, I was at a corporate party. In the crowd was a woman with long straight black hair. She was different than everyone else which is possibly why she caught my eye.

Forward to her leaving.

As she was leaving, I happened to be waling out to get my portfolio to show a few people. I struck up a quick conversation and asked if she would ever pose for me. Not sure if she thought it was a pick up line or if I was sincere. But her mom happened to say that her other daughter was a makeup artist. So I suggested that the two of them give me a call for a shoot. We'll see if that happens. I did get the card of the MUA daughter. Still waiting for a reply.

Tomorrow, I have an appointment with two makeup artists. One happened to message me today and tell me her car had died and she won't be able to make it to the appointment. So I called her immediately to see about alternative meet times. During the conversation, she mentioned that some of her friends already know about me and would like to work with me.

I kind of had to stop and take a pause.

Short backstory:
((Not long ago, as I was thinking about getting into the fashion photo biz, I remember seeing a conversation on a web site about photographer ethics. This industry is so small, that your reputation will spread California wildfire fast. Right now, it seems that my reputation, or at least the style and quality of my work is nothing but positive.))

Even though I was surprised to hear that others know about me, I was pleased to know my name is being circulated and that I might get work from it.

Again, I am highly motivated and will not slow much in the pursuit to realize my dream.

I hit a wall, and it was effin big

Well, there isn't an easy way to say this, but I was given an ultimatum. I won't get into the details ( did write about it but decided it be better to not post it). So, the gist of the situation is, I will be getting a job this week.

I actually wrote this blog post several days ago, but had to sit on it or I would have said some things I probably would have regretted. I also think the amount of commitment and the amount of work that it takes to get a small business up and running is more than many people are will accept. It is also pretty obvious I don't have the full undying support from my family. But the most disappointing part is that reality has reared it's ugly head and bitten me right square in the ass.

I have been given notice. I have to have a job by next week or bad things may happen.

Yes, the reality of food on the table is rearing it's ugly head. But I am so damn close to getting the photography thing going I can actually see it.

I have been working 60+ hours a week trying to find a studio location, make model/photographer connections, meet with makeup artists, hair stylists, and just last week I finally found someone in the fashion industry. I understand I can't eat dreams or feast on possibilities. But it seems that around every corner a door has opened up.

I had two meetings set up for next Monday with two new makeup artists. I was suppose to have met with the fashion person too sometime next week. But now, it may all be for naught. I made a promise to have a job by the end of next week.....

To many, it's a "yeah, that's what I do anyway". For me, it's pushing the pause on a goal I have had for the 25 years. I was finally able to begin pursuing that goal, and I feel it's getting tossed aside.

I am pretty beside myself at this point. Almost an out of body experience. Or it could be the cold medicine talking.

One step foreward, one big stop

I headed over to the salon/studio today to start on the big room and clean up the medium sized room. I started pretty much as soon as I got there and as I was vacuuming, Melissa came up and said we wouldn't be doing any work today. Of course, I was concerned and very surprised. Apparently, when you enter a business relationship, you also get to "work" with the significant others. Her boyfriend has done a lot of the work up to now and he likes to do things just right. It's very possible that maybe "my" workmanship of hanging the ceiling tiles wouldn't be up to snuff with his work. So he impressed upon Melissa to stop work.

That really sucked. Talk about a blind side play.

So, I am at Panera read right now, waiting for my print jobs to finish at Staples. I am also getting my business cards into draft mode. Since the logo is done, all I have to do is put it on the card and the contact info then it should be done. I'll put it up here when that happens.

Made some headway

I made it over to Head to Toes Salon today to start work on the 2nd floor. I will be trading work for usage. Basically, I finish the two remaining rooms and then I get to use them. Eventually I will have to pay rent, but for now, it's will-work-for-space.

On the second floor, is a bathroom, a small room currently (or more like in the past) used for massage, a medium room, that is actually a little small to use as a studio and the largest which is just barely big enough to use as a studio. Head shots will be fine, but full length body shots will be tough. I think I will have to buy a new lens to be able to use it with a little flexibility......

Anyway, I am putting up insulation and ceiling tiles. The suspended ceiling track has already been installed, but has a few pieces missing. Should be fun to figure that out.

I will put some pictures up later in the week of the new studio.

I still have space at Creative TreeHouse. With 7,000 square feet, I won't give that up.

The salon owner has been very helpful in my quest of becoming another small business owner. Of course, our businesses are symbiotic. She does hair and I do pictures. All we need is a regular makeup artist and wardrobe stylist and we could be a team. By the way, I am working on the fashion side.....stay tuned.

I am also working on the other people. I have a MUA, but she just started a daytime job so it will be tough to get her for M-F shoots. I got in touch with a couple of other MUA's. Unfortunately, most MUA's are all paid artists. I can't pay them...yet, so I have to find the ones that will work for my pay scale....FREE.

Speaking of shoots, Melissa and I have come up with a Valentine's Day shoot. It will be Feb 3rd and there are already 3 (possibly 4) people scheduled (for 8 time slots). We don't even have the ad in the paper yet. If the response is overwhelmingly positive, we will add people to Saturday Feb 2nd and also to the earlier and later time slots of the 3rd.

Why can't I just be happy

I should be pretty excited right now! But I am actually very bummed.

I was going to go to a gallery show of a local photographer, but it didn't start until 7:30 tonight. I didn't have the option to stick around for 3 1/2 hours for it to start, so I headed back home. I don't know if I want to make the 35 minute drive back to the Creative TreeHouse or not......it starts in an hour.

I also got a call from Melissa this afternoon. She already has 3 people interested in the Valentines day shoot. I should be PUMPED, JAZZED, HAPPY...but I am not.

Becca has also done some marketing for me and has 4 people lined up from her side for a shoot. Well, they are probably going to be individual shoots, but at least they are willing participants.

The bummer is, the models Becca has lined up are TFP. That means Time For Prints. I don't get money and they don't get money. I do get experience and they do too, the model will also get a CD or a few prints of the resulting images. It's pretty standard practice for new models and new photographers in the fashion/modeling realm. But once you get to a certain point, you can begin to get paid. It's usually models that get paid and the photographer or their client that pays the models. Not many models pay photographers unless they need a certain LOOK for their portfolio.

Back to Melissa. I will start working on the second floor of her building on Tuesday. Once the insulation and ceiling tiles are in place, I can use it for a studio. THAT, makes me happy. Then I can get a few signs made. New business cards etc and start shooting some high school seniors, family portraits, other portraits and such.

This weekend I have to come up with a few variations of an advertisement for the Valentines day shoot. Nothing too major, but it has to be done by Tuesday.

The way life is (pt II)

Part one here.

It's kind of cool how things change and morph into other things. Not always in your favor though.

When I received permission to shoot in the middle school last week, I had to ensure that the images wouldn't be used outside the classroom. I agreed, thinking there would be of images of the students, teachers and administration. Well, that didn't turn out to be. There are only a few images of people overall. A few students didn't take any pictures of another human. Everything was a static object for them. So after the shoot, yesterday actually, I pushed the envelope, as I often do.....and asked for permission to use some of the static images outside the classroom setting. Some of the images the kids took turned out pretty cool and I wanted to share them with you all. But, because of the prior agreement and the subsequent response today, I cannot share those with you. Sorry about that.

So in the voice of the Sienfeld Soup Nazi, "NO PICTURES FOR YOU!"

Including lunch

I was reading an article about a photography workshop a few weeks ago and was going to do a bit of research about it. Well, I got an email this morning about just that workshop. There is no doubt that the information learned is well worth the price of admission.

One of the workshops was two days, six models and obviously instruction from one of the masters of fashion photography. The price, $2,999.00. AND includes a gourmet lunch. Oh, I laughed out loud at that. Gourmet lunch. BWAHAHAHHA

Now where do I sign up........

The way life is

I delivered 12 mounted prints to the middle school today. They will be up in the main entrance display case tomorrow sometime.

The motto they are using is "Focus on your career" and I was told today, that I was the inspiration for that motto.....how cool is that?

Anyway, my thought was to put the pictures up in the display case and only identify them by a number or letter. Then sometime mid week the pictures would be displayed again on the CCTV system for school announcements. All the students would then vote on their favorite images.

I was executively trumped.

The school counselor decided that a competition wasn't in the best interest of the kids and that they should all be proud of their accomplishment and for it to not turn into a competition. Since they have to compete in so many other things in life at that age. Also, I did take some creative license to most of the images that I selected. Because of that, they are no longer 100% student work.

I must say, I agree with her. But I was still a bit bummed. That goes to show, that there are two ways to look at things. More actually, but in this case, there are two.

She saw it through the eyes of a middle school student. I see it through the eyes of a photographer where every image I take is competitive. I have to be able to get the best shot to make the front cover, or even inside an issue of a magazine. Or be the best photographer available for a wedding or even a team sports portrait. It is all about competition at my level. But for the student. Maybe not so much, for this particular activity.

Many to few

I have a list of 29 domain names/business names to pick from. Of those 28, only 10 were available as a .com domain. Not bad. Then I selected three I liked but ran the 10 available domain names by a few people to see what they liked. I assigned a value to each of the 3 possible answers. Ok=.5, Yes=1 and No=0. I tallied the results and ended up with a tie in the top two. Those two were also two I had in my top three. I am pretty sure I know which one I will select and use as the business name and corresponding domain name, but I will sleep on it and make the selection early in the coming week.

Once the name is selected, I have to design a logo, with colors and secure the domain name. The the work of designing a web site will begin. The blog, photo sales and portfolio will all be combined on the new web site. I also have to order new business cards with the logo.

Stay tuned.

One step at a time

I stopped and talked to a CPA yesterday to see what I need to do to keep on the right side of the IRS. I had a great conversation and hope it is just the beginning of a good relationship.

Today, I applied and received my EIN form the IRS.

I should have my domain name selected by tomorrow night. It has been narrowed down to about 10 possibilities and 3 that I like the best. Then I will apply for my business license next week.

Moving forward.....quickly.

Just a brisk little walk

Well, I am beginning the recovery process from my discovery yesterday. Even though I am still reeling form the loss of 1200-1500 images, I have to revise a few procedures and just move on. I suppose it is inevitable for one to have a loss, it's how you recover that makes a difference. At least that's what I am telling myself.

I went up to the storage unit today to help the in-law get a canopy on the truck. I like being the passenger because I get to scout for locations of future shoots. A few places I see all the time on this drive is an old abandoned one room school house. Complete with red door. But it looks to be in pretty bad shape so I am sure there will be no option to shoot from the inside. But from the outside with the weathered wood, could be a fine place in which to shoot. There was also a 1958 tow truck on the property where we have storage. By itself, it's a neat prop. But it needs to be put in a field or driveway to be really usable for my purposes. Next to the storage site is also a welding and fabrication shop. I will have to stop by one day to see if I could shoot there. I like images with a great looking model and a grungy, sparks flying, dirty background. HOT, right.

On the way back from storage, I asked the in-law to drop me off downtown so I could stop in and talk to Melissa at her hair salon called Head to Toes. But the door was locked, for the third day in a row. Not sure what's going on, so I called and left a message to see if everything was okay. I want to get the 2nd floor usable so I can shoot some valentines day photos in a few weeks.

Since the salon was closed, I headed to the Hot Dog Shoppe and had a burger and Pepsi. When I was leaving, Kayela came on duty. I want to get her on a shoot and we have been trying to match schedules for several weeks. There MIGHT be a chance on Tuesday afternoon.

I didn't stay long and headed up town to cross the street. As I was nearing the corner, a man was taking a picture of his paint job of a new business opening up. But he was using a cell phone. SO I offered to shoot the facade, since I was a photographer. We chatted and exchanged biz cards. Then the business owner came out and I talked to him. He will be a coffee bean roaster. Not a coffee shop, but a custom roaster. You can get your favorite bean and have them custom roast and grind it. So in 10 minutes, you can have freshly roasted beans in a bag to go. I don't drink coffee, but I bet for those that do, it will be pretty dang tasty. Of course, I offered my services for product shots and advertisements etc.

Opportunity. Once you recognize it. You have to grasp it.

Things I thought I'd never say (Pt II)

OOOHHHH Shit! But much, much worse.

I lost a whole event's worth of images. They were not transferred over form my laptop to my external hard drive during my archive activities in December and they are now gone. Permanently.

I lost the whole 2007 Senior Bowl football game from November 3rd. There were about 1200 images of cheerleaders and football players in what was their last football/cheer game. Some will go on and play in high school, but many will never play again.

It makes me sick knowing how many images I lost because of carelessness and not following a plan of moving images from one place to another and ensuring their existence in any case of negligence or accident.

How did I figure it out? I had an order for pictures from a person who is know to spend big money. She wanted copies of everything I had taken of her grandson.

Salt in the wound.

Week in preview

Now that the holiday's are over, I can put things into HIGH gear.

I am waiting for my keys to Creative TreeHouse so that I can start using that studio as needed. Many potential clients are located in Pittsburgh and Bellevue is much closer to them than New Brighton. I also have to stop by the salon here in town to check on the status of the studio there. That sounds pretty cool when I talk about TWO studios. Actually, there might be three. I still haven't heard back from the owner of the building that might be torn down. Usage of that building is dependent on the status of the re-development in that area. No biggie if I don't get to use it.

Other things that must be taken care of SOON is the business name, logo and website. I have been using rustphoto in my emails for a while, but I think a spider ran amok and glommed onto rustphoto and they took that domain name for two years. I don't feel like negotiating with them so I have been trying to come up with something different. It won't be like my last domain that was fe2oh3. I still like that one, but trying to explain and spell it to a client...just won't work for a commercial venture. Unfortunately, the one and two syllable domain names I keep coming up with are already taken. I am close, very close.

To finish off the week, I will be researching fun things like INSURANCE and Thursday I will be doing a shoot with sixth graders at the junior high in preparation for career day in February. Their pictures will be used in the presentation about professional photographers.

One step closer

I had a meeting for a studio space this evening. It looks like I'm in.....

What ever that means.

I should get the info soon then once payment is made I will get keys. It's not MY studio, but a shared artist space. It's the 2nd floor of a "loft style" building.

Here is a link to their web site: Creative TreeHouse. The current "studio backdrop" setup/location is a bit different than in the pictures from the web site. I will use all my own equip, but they have a dozen + rolls of seamless paper and stands. Their hot-lights will work too but I can use my strobes as well.

I'm excited!!!!!

I gotta wear shades

I met with Becca today.

Wow, that was fun.

She is the MUA (Make Up Artist) that I hope to work with a lot in the future. Actually, on Jan 5th, we are working with a model. So before that happened, I wanted to meet with her to get an idea of her personality, her demeanor, her own vision and what she wants to accomplish.

A neat thing is we have similar visions and we both want to succeed. Hopefully we can work well together. Which at this point, I have no reason to believe anything differently.

I am a BIG dreamer and I start a lot of projects that, without any support or re-motivation, they succumb to apathy and laziness. I hope to have a team of talent that we will be the support for each other. Becca is one plank in that life-raft of team members.

Right now, my future looks bright.

Week in review

I took a few days off for Christmas. I suppose you all did too.

I never did meet up with the Pittsburgh ex-pat turned SoCal model. But really, I am just another person she meets in her everyday life. Family and close friends should come much sooner than little ol' me.

Maybe if I ever get to Hollywood we can do lunch..... LOL....ROFL

This evening, I stopped at a dive store in the area to ask about an underwater photography course, they all laughed. (Hmmm, bad sign?). The gal running the store, Jen, asked what type of camera I had. Which I answered. Then she asked if I knew how much housings were for them. I just happened to know that and responded. ((An "underwater housing" is what a camera will be placed into, when you submerge)). They are impressive pieces of equipment and cost about two to 4 times the amount of a camera. $1,600 to $8,000 dollars. Plus, it depends on the model of your camera.

She was shocked that I knew housing prices, so I think they took me a little more seriously at that point. No problem.

But first, before I can be underwater photo certified. I have to be able to SCUBA dive. In which the course will cost $450. Welllll, that puts my plan on the long track more than a short track.

I never did find out about the cost of the underwater photography course either....

With so many things going on, I seem to have forgotten one of the most significant....a BUSINESS PLAN. I need to get one together. Right now, things are in my head and that's a dangerous place for things to be. Mostly since it's based on supposition and dreams. Not much to hand a hat one for sure. I need to really put things down on paper so I can see the reality of it. The good, bad and the ugly.

Christmas was very good to us this year. I get rather melancholy at Christmas. In all honesty I see all the excess gifts and it upsets me a bit. I don't like the amount of money spent on my kids or myself.....but I sure still like to buy things. Not sure where that falls into Freud's psychology though.

I say every year that next year we are buying only three gifts. Like the wise men. I suppose things would be a little better if we would just remember the reason for the season. CHRIST(mas). Even though some say Christmas, the trees and other surrounding festivities are pagan in nature. I see it as a celebration of the birth of Jesus. A birthday. Let's celebrate it.

Not to mention, if we hadn't bought all those gifts, I am pretty sure we could have purchased 2 or as many as 4 tickets back home to Washington in June. But for some reason, no one will listen to me when I make medium term plans.

Strange.

I haven't posted many pictures in the last week or so. I have some from Christmas eve and Christmas day. I also convinced my bride to put on a red silky nighty and strike a few poses. All in good taste. Out of the 20 or so shots, I was able top pull two good ones out. Of course, she will NOT let me show those. So you will have to take my word for it that they turned out nice.

It's funny. Many photographers have their families pose for pictures so they can get the practice. My family says hell no, go find a model to shoot.

Done. My first model session is on Jan 5th. Complete with a Makeup Artist. I can't wait. I think we are all excited about it. I of course will post some shots after it happens.

The good, the bad and the beautiful

I went to talk to the salon owner this evening. I had to tell her I would love to rent the 2nd floor, I just don't have the money that she is asking. Not yet anyway. After a little discussion, she offered to accept a percentage of what I bring in rather than a flat rate. I of course accepted, but nothing can happen until the room is finished. I had already offered to finish the room. Which will happen after the new year. I guess it will be two full days of work to finish it. Which might buy me a few free days of use.

I also got a call back from the local pool manager. It's an indoor pool and just reopened last fall. He rents it out to private parties during the week. Once I get him the info for the makeup our models will be wearing, and he approves I will have access to a pool to shoot pictures in. SOOOOO COOOOL.

When my daughter went to school, she asked her teacher if she wanted me to take pictures of her and her visiting sister. It touched the teacher so much that she called me (as class was starting) to say thank you. After a few minutes of conversation, come to find out her visiting sister is an Elite Model out of Los Angeles. Sensing an opportunity, I asked if I could arrange a meeting with her sister. I would love to talk to another talent that is in the industry. I have a few questions that I would love to ask. So far, no return call. But she's here for another week so my hope is still up.

Sometimes it feels like prom. Will she call. Won't she call. Will she call......

The week that is and was

The ship has left port, but which way is it sailing.

I didn't realize I missed a posting yesterday. Sorry.

Even though it's only Wednesday, this week has actually been quite productive, in the business sense. Monetarily, ZILCH. Yet, I still feel good.

I have been frantically (?) (maybe "semi aggressively" would be better) setting up a fashion shoot for Jan 5th. The model is primed and I am waiting for her to get me a wardrobe list. I have a "most likely" on a MUA (Make Up Artist) who also does hair. Unfortunately, I don't have a studio....but I will have a meeting with the salon owner to talk over her 2nd floor. I am also waiting for a response back from one of the operators of an artist's building about 20 minutes from the house. It's called Creative TreeHouse. If I can get "in" I will have a studio to shoot with and it appears to have TONS of open space to work with. It's not my final location, but it's an option. A good option.

This week will also set in motion another option, which is the fate of a building I am trying to get access to. It's currently housing a bowling alley in an area that is slated to get developed. If the development plans are approved, the building will be bought and torn down. If some of the plans are not approved, I might be able to get access to the building. Or at least a floor...maybe a portion of a floor....LOL

I also got a verbal from a family friend for a family session in January. She's a former photog so I better be on my game. I've seen her work.....now there's a bit of pressure on me to equal or exceed her work. Aacckkk!

This is the business side of it. Create leads. Call/contact leads. Follow up with the contacts. It seems to take about 10-20 hours of work for one good lead. Then it will be a day of work for shooting and another three to five for post processing. I'm loving it. As time goes on, I will streamline the process. But for now, it's hit and miss.

One last COOL thing for the post. Le me set the tone.

Becca Bullet (the MUA I will be using on this next shoot), was educated and has worked in NYC (New York City) and she gave me the name of whom she worked with. I thought, just for grins and giggles, I will send off an email, kind of like a reference check. I didn't think anyone in NYC would respond. Well, lo and behold, I got a phone call last night from Kinga.

We talked for a few minutes and he had some great suggestions. I was pretty damn excited to get a call from someone working "in the industry" in NYC. I had to call Becca and tell her. We too, talked for a while about the upcoming shoot.

Where's that ship now?