..Since I last put together a blogpost. April was pretty busy and as I sat at my desk a few minutes ago planning out some blogpost topics to write out and publish over the next few days, I realized a general summary of my latest activities was in order.
Showing posts with label Going Pro. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Going Pro. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Friday, December 19, 2014
Just Ask!
Great opportunities start with very simple conversations.
"Hey man, is that a film camera you're using? I used to print in the darkroom all the time!" was the observational introduction volleyed by Robert Romano as I motored past him while out shooting with my rangefinder a bunch of month's ago. After some follow up in the form of meetings, chats, and collaborations we finally teamed up to do some fun headshots for a company earlier this week. And that's how opportunities come to fruition.
"Hey man, is that a film camera you're using? I used to print in the darkroom all the time!" was the observational introduction volleyed by Robert Romano as I motored past him while out shooting with my rangefinder a bunch of month's ago. After some follow up in the form of meetings, chats, and collaborations we finally teamed up to do some fun headshots for a company earlier this week. And that's how opportunities come to fruition.
 |
| Multiple Exposure Portrait of Rob, taken by me |
 |
| Multiple Exposure Portrait of me, taken by Rob |
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Meetings Meetings Meetings
I have had some very cool photo opportunities over the past couple weeks (DC Mayoral Candidate David Catania even used one of my accidental double exposures from the Adams Morgan Day Festival as his new Twitter banner)
..and I have organized a few meetings for this week about photography projects that I have been conceptualizing for a number of months. Projects that will test me in new shooting scenarios and introduce me to the topics and stories that I want to be focusing on for a number of years now.
I have already come to the realization that these meetings are the key to gaining access to the types of photos I want to be shooting, and properly communicating my vision in a way that's mutually beneficial to all those involved will make it possible to undertake the projects that made me want to quit my job in the first place.
This approach and mentality has been working through my mind endlessly for the past few months once I first started to consider the possibility of leaving my job and pursuing photography as a full-time endeavor. "If I were to take a crack at full-time photo, what would I want to work on, be associated with, be known for, make a living out of?"
I am a firm believer in David Hobby's Ecosystems 101 on the Strobist Blog, which generally revolves around the theory that if you go out of your way to photograph the themes, topics & subjects that you wan tot be involved with, those efforts will open doors to even greater opportunities in the future. But this doesn't necessarily mean shoot a bunch of things for free in order to get publicity/views (the go-to justification of all people looking to exploit a photographer for free photos), but rather start to build relationships with the people that are associated with the subjects and stories that I want to be involved with and see where these new threads lead to.
Working on these projects are going to introduce me to a whole new collection of scenarios, subjects, shooting conditions and expected outcomes, so I will be learning A LOT while I do them. Some are way outside of my comfort zone too but I guess that's how you start.
 |
| David Catania Double Exposure |
I have already come to the realization that these meetings are the key to gaining access to the types of photos I want to be shooting, and properly communicating my vision in a way that's mutually beneficial to all those involved will make it possible to undertake the projects that made me want to quit my job in the first place.
Envision.
Communicate.
Execute.
Share.
This approach and mentality has been working through my mind endlessly for the past few months once I first started to consider the possibility of leaving my job and pursuing photography as a full-time endeavor. "If I were to take a crack at full-time photo, what would I want to work on, be associated with, be known for, make a living out of?"
I am a firm believer in David Hobby's Ecosystems 101 on the Strobist Blog, which generally revolves around the theory that if you go out of your way to photograph the themes, topics & subjects that you wan tot be involved with, those efforts will open doors to even greater opportunities in the future. But this doesn't necessarily mean shoot a bunch of things for free in order to get publicity/views (the go-to justification of all people looking to exploit a photographer for free photos), but rather start to build relationships with the people that are associated with the subjects and stories that I want to be involved with and see where these new threads lead to.
Working on these projects are going to introduce me to a whole new collection of scenarios, subjects, shooting conditions and expected outcomes, so I will be learning A LOT while I do them. Some are way outside of my comfort zone too but I guess that's how you start.
Envision.
Communicate.
Execute.
Share.
And repeat. Like, a million times.
Monday, August 25, 2014
The Last Two Weeks, Today
What an absolutely amazing two weeks.
Over the past few days I have; hosted a fundraiser in support of Action Africa's efforts to send a 40ft container of medical supplies to Sierra Leone. Highlights include my friend donating his locks of hair for the cause;
Organized a viewing of the street photography documentary "Everybody Street" at The Leica Store DC and photographed a great night of awareness for Jennifer Tress's #NotPrettyEnough project;
Took some photos of one of the best Story League shows at Busboys and Poets I have seen;
Made a few portraits of my amazing friend Jamie Corley;
Joined a band (first show is September 5th at The Pinch!) and shot some very special rolls of TMAX400 at muralist/artist Eric B's going away party.
Oh yea, and I quit my day job of the past four (4) years. An eternity in young professional terms. I had the chance to work with some great people in order to deliver practical training courses to government representatives from a diverse collection of emerging market countries. I traveled to Africa a few times and learned A LOT about an unquantifiable number of things, but it's time. Time to start devoting more energy towards photography and collaboration with likeminded folks similar to those listed at the top of this post, and most importantly, work for myself.
I will cherish so many memories from that job though:
Up until this point my life has been a constant experiment and I can't wait to see what the odd-ball variables of running my own business has in store for me.
YIKES!
Over the past few days I have; hosted a fundraiser in support of Action Africa's efforts to send a 40ft container of medical supplies to Sierra Leone. Highlights include my friend donating his locks of hair for the cause;
 |
| "Chomp" - Special Thanks to @wiseowlclub for the buzz |
 |
| Jennifer Tress with her panel |
Made a few portraits of my amazing friend Jamie Corley;
Joined a band (first show is September 5th at The Pinch!) and shot some very special rolls of TMAX400 at muralist/artist Eric B's going away party.
 |
| Edy Blu performs with some keys |
I will cherish so many memories from that job though:
Up until this point my life has been a constant experiment and I can't wait to see what the odd-ball variables of running my own business has in store for me.
YIKES!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)