Another look

I was sifting through some pictures of my Basement Fashion shoot with Tiffany and Amanda and I came across this image that happened to escape my original editing. Both girls were actually sitting waiting for me to adjust lights so they were just sitting there pondering life. Which is probably why it of slipped through. But when I looked at it again, I saw something more....two images in this one.


Tiffany Stare (B&W & cropped)


Amanda/Ball (B&W & cropped)


Original (color, cropped w/light editing)

Web Gallery updates

I guess I've been neglecting the web gallery....I hadn't posted any soccer pics or the latest fashion shoot(s). So check out the ABE U12 Soccer pics for the season (2 more games to go) and the Basement Fashion shoot with Tiffany and Amanda as well as the small gallery of my daughter and her friend in their dresses.

Main Site or right to the Gallery Page (The gallery links for Paige & Alaysha and Tiff & Amanda are under Model/Muse and ABE Soccer is under Sports....Soccer 2009.

Tiffany and Amanda Basement Fashion

I had the pleasure of working with Tiffany and Amanda this week. We did a short 1 hour concept development session. I had an idea of tutu's a long time ago...as time goes on, I added to it and made a few changes in my mind. This is just a small iteration of what's in my brain.

Phase 1 of a concept is usually brainstorming and the idea.
Phase 2 is the gathering and maybe execution of that idea and critique.
Phase 3 comes changes.
Phase 4 maybe the everything coming together and the final shot.

I would say that in nearly all cases, this is all done in a one day photo session. Because of my limited time during this shoot, we are breaking it down to several shooting sessions. Next will come the critique of these images. Adding and taking away elements, modifying poses and expressions. Figuring out the necessary makeup and lighting style. Then we will add props and then do the final shoot.

For this shoot....I forgot to get a set up picture...AGAIN...UGH! I used two Vivitar 285 manual flashes on light stands (left light is about 45 degrees to camera left and 6-7 feet up, right light is mostly frontal but slightly off to the right of the camera, 6 feet up). Both are bare at 1/16th power. The space is pretty small and eliminating shadows was near impossible. I might add my diffusion wall the next time and possibly use an umbrella to help soften those shadows. I do like the hard light look, but not too sure on the shadows in this series.

Tiffany C ptII

I will be shooting with Tiff quite a bit so the post titles might get a bit redundant, hopefully the pictures will not.

Yesterday we just did a really fast session of head shots. But I got her walking down the street and can't pass up an opportunity to take pictures.

(Forgive me for not having setup photos, I keep forgetting to do that stuff).

For the head shots, I had Tiff sit in a wing back chair. I put a bare flash over her left shoulder and a bare flash front/right about 4 feet above her sitting height. Both flashes are Vivitar 285 with poverty wizards (16 channel wireless from eBay). The output was 1/16 on both and looking back, I should have used an umbrella to soften them a bit. Next time I will play with that AND take set up pictures.

The "Main Street" pic was cloudy/available light shot w/ my 300 @ f/2.8.
Headshot was probably my 85mm or 50mm both shot with my original 1D.

We are planning an Alice in Wonderland type shoot soon....not sure where that one will go...LOL

All photos edited in Adobe Lightroom 2.2, sharpness, clarity and black levels adjusted.

Strolling down Main Street


Headshot

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.

Lots of updates

I know I haven't posted in many days...but your patience is rewarded. I have had 5 or 6 sessions in the New Brighton studio, all with Valentine's Day in mind. Without further adieu I give you Tabetha, Wendy, Kelly, Jenn and Cait (not in that order though).

All of them have full gallery pages of you want to see more. A few have posed in lingerie, but noting more than what you can see in a Sears or Victoria Secret catalog.

All I can say is Breathless

I met Cait at the Seven Oakes Bridal Fair a few weeks ago. She was one of the bridal dress models. When I saw her in the foyer of the facility, I offered her a card and asked if she had ever modeled.

She said no, but her pose said YES!

Well, after a few emails, we got to work together in the studio.

She poses so naturally, it quite literally, took my breath away. We shot for a few hours and did a lot of talking. Eventually ending up with 350-400 images. I have more shots, but some were lighting changes, setups and mods etc. I don't have a signed model release, so I can't show you any shots. But I hope she signs it and sends it then I can put them up in the gallery and on the blog.

I just hope my pictures are good enough for her.

Web Gallery updates

Okay, I have two gallery pages uploaded.
Head to the Gallery page...
or
Clicking the links directly won't give you a way to navigate back. Work from the main gallery page and the individual pages will open in a new tab or window.

"J"
and
Tabetha

Wednesday night shoot

I HAD TO EDIT THIS FOR GRAMMAR: Still not sure if it's right.

After some patience testing (i.e. my patience was tested), we finally got to shoot last night. I had put down in my calendar a 2pm shoot. But on our public chalkboard (a wall painted with chalkboard paint) in the kitchen I put down 1pm. I am pretty sure I put 1pm so I knew when to leave for the studio in order to get set up....well, I got there about noon....thinking the shoot was at 1pm. Then sometime after 1pm, I was wondering where she was so I sent a text to my model inquiring. She said she was gathering stuff and on her way. Well......me being short sighted (or ignorant) I thought she was late...like over an hour late.

Well....if you followed my Twitter feed, I sent another text like 2:15, thinking she was 1:15 late and I was ready to bug out. She said she's :20 from the studio. I waited....she got there and apologized for being late. I said she was supposed to be there at 1:00....she said 2:00.

(insert tension joke here)

She was RIGHT!

Dammit!

So she really wasn't all that late...I was just uber early and impatient. Bad time management on my part. WAAAYYYY bad.

Well, I think in my rush to get her to the studio...she had forgotten a bag with all her shoes. Back to her house she went, in the crappy slushy, snowy weather. What a trooper.

The first frame was fired off at 4:45. Ugh, WAAYYY late. She was preparred for an all nighter....what ever it took to get some shots. I was game too, but I knew I would catch hell from the home front, had I shot all night.

Weeeelllllll.........

We didn't fire the last shot until 11:49pm. Five hours of shooting w/a high key (white) background, black background, chairs, bean bag, dresses, shirts, lingerie, off camera wireless flash (Vivitar 285HV), white foam board reflectors, my DIY diffusion panel a whip and mud boots in the staircase as well as in the basement grubby dirty floor. After all was said and done we ended up with over 700 images. That much time on a shoot was fine with me, but my wife was pissed. She's still not talking to me. UGH!!

Well, I promised a shot (or three), here it is (they are). More will come when the model approves some blog and web versions. Maybe late next week. (edit: they are already up)

I wrote the above post then received permission. So here are three images form last night. The rest of the dozen are in the Tabetha web site gallery.

Loving the boots


My take on American Gothic


Wall flower

Pt. II Valentines Day session

Here are two pictures from the final session this week. We shot in the basement for about 25 minutes and did only two wardrobe changes with a couple of prop changes. Last Wednesday, we had more time so we (I mean "me") kind of strayed from the initial goal of an advertisement shot. Well, today I already had something sketched out so it allowed me to focus purely on getting that specific shot. We would pick a pose, then do several slight modifications to change it. Modifications to the pose would be a head turn, smile, no smile, hands on hip, rotate hips, etc. Lather, rinse, repeat.

I was shooting in the basement of the studio. I have to give big kudos to my model. She was standing nearly naked in a very cold room, on concrete covered with in dirt, rocks and various nuts bolts or other items.

I have a meeting scheduled with another model tomorrow and a follow up shoot next Wednesday. I also contacted two others for a session yet to be determined. I should know about all three by tomorrow evening.

It's really nice to be behind the camera again. Gives me purpose.

Valentines Day Shoot

I had a photo session Wednesday with a Valentines Day theme. I didn't do the feather boas or hearts or even candy. Just more on the beautiful, sexy side. The goal of the shoot was to get some images for a newspaper advertisement. I did get some good shots, but I don't know if the paper would allow any of them in an advertisement. The model and I are finishing up the shoot this afternoon and only have one more scene/wardrobe to shoot with. It's should take less than 30 minutes to do. Hopefully, I can get the image I need out of it for the advertisement. If not, then I can do flyers for some businesses and friends.

This image was taken with a single light (high and camera right), black background and one of the various chairs I have. I might have had a reflector at camera left, but I don't know if it was angled properly for fill.

The model was putting her head down and flinging it back to toss her hair. It took several tries to get the timing and the hair right. I was pretty happy with this one.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Take it out, bring it back

One thing that REALLY sucked about yesterday is that since I don't have a studio, I have to move my stuff every time I have a shoot. On some shoots, I don't bring much, just the camera and laptop. On most shoots, I bring everything. Here's a rough list:

Camera bag: (everywhere)
camera body 1 (+ 4 batteries) body 2 (6 batteries), (lenses) 70-200, 50, 17-35, 85, flash, (7) memory cards, misc tools (lint brush, lens rag, screwdriver, flashlight, notebook, pen, permanent marker and many other small items), iPod, card reader. When I shoot sports, I also have the 300 lens and a monopod.

Laptop bag: (nearly everywhere)
laptop, AC adapter, photo portfolio, a few magazines,

Blue tote: (most shoots)
(2) extension cords, power strip, roll of aluminum foil, bag of 25+ assorted spring clamps, misc props,

Other: (most shoots)
(1) black (1) white 6'x4' reflector, (1) 18"x24" white reflector, roller suitcase of white background, black background, black velvet cover, gray, white, red, purple material sheets, bag of jewelry props,

Silver flash case: (most shoots)
(3) Vivitar 285 flashes, (1) generic flash, (1) ceiling grid mount, (3) flash/umbrella mounts, misc tools, Gary Font Lightsphere II, (2) 4.5 volt wet cell batteries and DC adapter leads in bags, color checker/gray card, (2) gel packs, turbo air blower, (2) wireless transmitter/receivers (eBay), box of misc flash/trans/recv parts/flash cables, black and gray gaffer tape, velcro ties,

Maroon bag: (most shoots)
(2) light stands, (2) white umbrellas w/black cover,

Tripod bag: (most shoots)
cheap tripod, cheap monopod

Plus: (most shoots)
I bring a case of water, a few misc clothes I have picked up at trips to thrift stores, spare AA batteries, a binder of release forms (adult model, adult minor, property and an adult (short) model form). The short form is 1/2 piece of paper and has few words. Versus the long form is a whole piece of paper. I also have two beanbags and a simple wooden kitchen chair with a round seat and round back.

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.

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.

Patience is a virtue

Since we have been at the new house (since July), I have been enjoying a little local flavor. We have this small burger joint chain that I eat at whenever I can. This week, it's been about 3 or 4 times. But I don't think I have eaten there since mid December. Anyway, I have made friends with a few of the staff. One in particular has really beautiful eyes and I mentioned that I would like to take pictures of her someday.

Well, over the past month or so, she was for it, then against it, then for it....I felt like I was on a see-saw. We made plans to shoot for today (Tuesday) and the confirmation phone call wasn't made last Sunday. So I was like "this isn't worth it" too much trouble for no pay......

Well, we finally made it today. But for her to shoot, she had to bring her boyfriend along as a chaperone.

Red flag one.

She even said he was the jealous type.

Red flag two.

Well, today I called this morning and said we are on for today. She called back a bit later and we arranged a time and location for me to pick them up.

I was there WAY early. Of course, everyone was a bit nervous. He wholly admintted his concern for wondering who is looking at his girl. Her because she's getting pictures taken, and me because I had to deal with a jealous type boyfriend.

Arghhghgh

Of course, I was just plain ol' me. Talking up a storm and spilling my story to help put them at ease the whole ride to the studio.

But as we were heading down to the studio, which is about 35 min away, the BF said, "where are we going?"

I said "down to Bellevue to the studio."

Long, tension filled pause........

Of course, there was a mis-communication. I could see it. They thought we were shooting "in town". I thought I told them it would be at the studio because of the weather.

Red flag???

The shoot almost ended right there.

Luckily I was able to talk them into going. Then again, I was driving.

We made it to the studio, drug up my gear and quickly set up the lights and I went to work.

She was really very nervous. I could hear it in her voice and see it in her demeanor. I talked a lot to help ease her mind. After about 20-30 minutes, she turned. I could see it in her eyes and her facial expressions. She was beginning to warm to the camera.

But for me, a few minutes into the shoot. I was taking a head shot and I was able to see her eyes. So very clearly. I actually had to pause and tell her how incredible her eyes are.

So without any further adieu, here is "K" (and BF) in her(their) world debut.

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?

Reality bites and dreams don't put food on the table

MUCH to the chagrin of my family, I have spent the vast majority of this weekend on the computer. I have been immersing myself in images. Hundreds of portfolios and web sites, THOUSANDS of images. To 99.995 percent of the world, it's a true waste of time. To me, I am 50/50.

Step back.

My former blog gets more traffic than this current one. I guess it's true, sex and controversy sells. No sex here. The controversy is coming up. Then I will re-evaluate the sex part......

I did some data mining to pull some names from the local talent and I sent them some messages. Hopefully I can at least get one or two to respond. I don't care which one's either. I need some talent to work with. My time's a wastin'.

I realized my current portfolio is pretty substandard. Either that means I suck as a photographer or I just need models/talent that can stretch my capabilities and get some results that are worth displaying. That is why I was looking at as many images as possible. It was a bit of an information overdose. I looked at so many images that nothing really sticks out. Well, a few do, but I can't put them here....still, I hope that when the time comes, I can draw from those images and create my own.

Photographing seniors and weddings pay the bills for most people. That is where I will probably make a stake. But I have things I want to bring to the table. Things that I dream will make a name for myself. It's going to be a great ride once the boat comes in.

As I move forward in the pursuit of being a full time professional photographer. I know my vision. I see the challenges. But I am still living in the dream. It doesn't let my kids eat when I say "but I want to do....." I have to begin to perform. I have to produce images that are compelling. What I do will speak more for me than anything.

I do have something to prove.

For now, I give you these:

Timing is everything (pt. III)

(Part III)
As I was walking away from the conversation with her, I didn’t feel euphoric or even happy. I wasn’t truly sad either. Perhaps I was a little melancholic, but not in the purest sense.

I returned home wondering what the future has for me. As we all sometimes wonder.

The weekend came and went. Monday and Tuesday were spent with my hair appointment slowly approaching. I almost felt like it was Prom or Homecoming. This was kind of weird since I never went to any of the formal dances in high school. But I imagine this is how it would have felt.

Wednesday finally arrived. I got the kids off to school. Dropped off a proof book for a senior portrait then headed back home. When my appointment time came around, I was there a few minutes early. I know I am just getting a haircut, but I was also going to have to sell myself and my skills as a photographer. The salon owner did ask if I did animal pictures and I said yes. Up to this point in time I have done exactly ONE official portrait of a live animal which was indeed included in my portfolio.

She came in a few minutes after me. Se quickly got me in the chair to begin the cut. I must say, she and I have little problem holding a conversation. She is a life long resident of our town. I am an outsider. I often hear “you’re not from around here are you?” Then it is quickly followed up with “why the hell did you move here?”

After the haircut, we talked for about 45 minutes about many, many things. As I was getting antsy to leave, she offered the rental of one of the floors of her building so I could start my studio. We first went down to the basement. It was……a basement. Not bad actually. Dry and open with ceilings that were high enough for lights and hanging backgrounds. The only caveat was the window situation. There weren’t any windows that worked. They were all boarded up because of vandalism. The floor was bare concrete too. The big bonus was actually the bare walls. In this part of the world, many foundations are built with rough cut stones. In most cases, they aren’t even square. Very, very cool when cleaned up. She also showed me the second floor. That was almost finished. It only needed the ceiling hung and some detail work to be fully useable. There are two medium sized rooms down stairs separated by a wall and stairwell. Upstairs there is one medium room, a smaller room, a small room and a bathroom. The ceilings weren’t as tall but useable.

So with that being said, I was touched at the offer. To her, it may be business. To me, it’s business too, but an opportunity that may have great results.

I have another property that I am waiting to hear on. It’s not nearly as ready to use. It’s a floor of an OLD industrial building. High ceilings rough walls, tons of character. Possibly cheaper to boot. But it’s in an area that is getting ready to redevelop. If that goes through next week, the building will be torn down and be replaced with housing and storefronts.

I don't know why I parked at the far north end of town. Now do I know why I walked past 15 or so businesses and ended up at the salon. Who would have thought that by doing so set in motion all of these events. But I must say, I am pretty excited to have an opportunity to begin work on opening my photography studio.

Timing is everything (pt. II)

(Part II)
I did a little self searching as I was driving the few minutes back home. Right now, I don’t remember what I found. What I do remember is that I was going to get my portfolio down to the stylist and let her look as my pictures. I saw this as an opportunity.

I grabbed the book and headed back down. As I walked in, there were several people in there and she was working on the hair of another. I offered her the book but she was just too busy today. She said come back Wednesday at 2:00 pm. I said I’ll go ahead and get a hair cut too.

I turned to leave and a woman walked out with me that just happened to be the one that shoveled the sidewalk. She inquired about my portfolio and we struck up a conversation.

As the snow fell, I wasn’t sure what to take of her interest in me. She mentioned that she had tried her hand at photography many years ago, back in the film days. As we talked, words turned into personal conversations and eventually to God and salvation.

I think we talked for about an hour and even a little more culminating in her reciting the Lord’s Prayer for me. It was weird. I had done some street ministering back in my high school days. But I was the one putting it out, not receiving it. We continued to talk and she kept mentioning “blessings” and that perhaps it was meant to be that we met at that time.

Things sometimes happen for a reason.

I can say I wasn’t opposed to the ideal.

(to be continued)

Timing is everything (pt.1)

PART I
A little over a week ago the snow flew and we actually had some accumulation.

I joked with my wife saying I should go offer to shovel snow off peoples sidewalks for a few bucks so we can pay our gas bill.....

I said it half jokingly. But in all honesty, I was too embarrassed to do it. Sure we could use the money, but I wasn't sure I could do it by shoveling snow.

Last Friday, the snow came with a little more gusto. I did actually grab the shovel and threw it into the van and drove down to our main street to shovel a few business sidewalks.

Why the change of heart? Well, economics my friend. I received a letter the day before saying my unemployment will end SIX MONTHS before I expected. The claim can be open for 1 year, but you only get six months of compensation.

SHIT

It takes a year to eighteen months to get up and running in a photo studio. Weddings are 12 months in advance and seniors are all during the summer. Most seniors book their sessions at the end of their junior year to shoot over the summer. I had missed the boat on both of those. Bad timing.

So, I parked the van and grabbed the shovel. Not really having a destination I decided to walk down the opposite side of the street to where I was parked then back to the van on this side. As I walked, some of the sidewalks had been shoveled but the snow quickly covered it again. I passed several businesses some open some not. Near the end, there was only two left. A restaurant with their own labor and a stylist. I set my green shovel on the corner and contemplated my next move. Watching others shovel. Alternately watching the snow flakes. Realizing that my gloves won't keep me warm if I am out here too long.

I decided to ask the business if I could shovel her sidewalk......

I stepped in and stumbled through what sounded like I was asking a girl out for a first date. But it must have been somewhat coherent. The woman replied with "we already paid a girl to shovel it."

Hmm, okay. Thank you.

There was a little bit of banter between us and I offered up that I was a photographer that was trying to stay busy in this slow season.

She took my card and asked if I did animal pictures.

"YES, I did."

Then we talked for a bit more and I left.

I stopped at a few other places, but none would let me shovel. Much less pay me.

I went home, slightly rejected, yet joyed because I was able to talk about photography with a potential client.

(to be continued)

Shooting a tiger

I was bored tonight so I thought I would set up a quick portrait session with my daughters stuffed tiger.

All images were sharpened and the last couple had a little brightness and black levels adjusted.

Uncorrected (over head lights only)


White balance (selected a white area on the tiger to use as a reference white point)


Added light/umbrella to camera right, black reflector camera left


Adjusted light output down


Put a small white reflector in front of the black reflector to add more light to face


Added 2nd Vivitar 285 to camera left at full power to overexpose the background. The light was bare, no umbrella but it was higher than the black reflector and the light spilled over and exposed the tiger.


Dropped the height of the light so it's behind the black reflector


Here is the setup.
(Left to right)
Bare Vivitar 285 HV flash (full power)
40" x 60" Black foam board folded in a "V"
12" x 24" white foam board to add light to face
bean bags with black crushed velvet over them
Stuffed white tiger with black spots
Vivitar 285 HV flash shooting through a white umbrella (1/16th power)
White cloth background
camera on tripod in foreground