The other part is to help you stop acting like a dumbass.

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So in my time as a photographer, I often run into scenarios where I’m either:

1.  Already booked on a date that someone has inquired

2.  Out of the price range of a prospective client.

In both of these situations, I want to help everyone as best I can and create a symbiotic relationship so everyone wins.  The client gets a quality photographer, the photographer gets new work, and I get to retain good customer service by connecting the two.  WIN WIN WIN.

However, I can’t begin to tell you the amount of stress that I’ve gone through in trying to find reliable photographers that I feel comfortable referring.  Like it or not, whoever you vouch for is an extension of your brand – and how they perform is a reflection on YOU!

So with that – I try to find photographers that I can stand behind and feel comfortable referring on a regular basis.  (Some might not know this, but I actually follow-up with those potential clients to find out how the experience was.)

If the photographer messes up, it’s a hard conversation to have to tell them what they need to work on.  A lot of times they take things personal, and it’s really unnecessary drama that I don’t really need.  Especially considering that I’m the one offering them work.  So most often now, I’ll just stop referring work without telling them why – and move on to another photographer.  (Or if it’s in an inquiry for an area of photography where I don’t know anyone that excels, I hate to say this…but I’ll actually just respond with a “sorry but I’m not available email” instead of referring them to a photographer that has shitty work/service.

I decided to create this post for my future/past 2nd’s to consider, and also to communicate my expectations for my referral circle – so that everyone can be on the same page.

(PS – if you’re a photographer who used to receive a lot of work from me and is now reading this, I will gladly explain why I don’t refer to you anymore – AS LONG AS YOU DON’T TAKE IT PERSONAL.  Sorry for yelling, but it just seems ass-backwards for someone to get upset at someone that’s trying to give them work.)

13 Reasons you’re cutting yourself short from getting more business

1.  Ego – I can’t even believe that I have to include this as it’s so ridiculous - but it’s also the most prevalent.  A photographer will communicate with the client in a way that comes across as pretentious or as if they wont take direction.  While you may very well know which shot may look better, or if the client suggests an idea that may not be the best…it’s important to make them feel like you’re on the same team.  Never come across arrogant.

2.  Ego (again) - However this time I’m referring to 2nd shooters at weddings.  1st shooter makes the call.  You listen.  That should be enough said already – but I’ll elaborate because I like you.  Don’t ever question the 1st shooters ideas/techniques (ESPECIALLY in front of the bride and groom) – and if you’re to make suggestions, do so in private and don’t come across as if you “know it all”.  Ideally, you want to bring it up so it comes across as if it were THEIR idea in the first place.  I know you want to show them how great you are, but the best way of doing so is to find what it is they particularly want out of you – and FOCUS ON THAT!  You can bet your ass you’ll be hired again, and maybe even referred a wedding that’s under their price range.

3.  Bad Product – This really should have been first, but it’s really a given.  A big lesson I’ve learned is not to judge a 2nd shooter’s ability by their portfolio.  Or ANY photographer at that.  While they may have some awesome shots on there – it’s more important to see consistency.  I’ve recommended photographers in the past that I thought were on top of their game, only to find out that they weren’t quite there yet – and were most likely just using some “lucky” shots on their portfolios.  Don’t be offended if I ask to see a few complete galleries or full weddings that you’ve shot.

4.  Bad Service – It’s like getting the wind knocked out of you when you hear that someone you referred has taken months to deliver someone’s images.  I vouched for you!  It’s like the scene in Tony Montana when he fails to kill the mark.  Sosa tells him “there’s not going to be a next time”.  And look what happened.  Point is, I’m going to expect reasonable turn-around, and reasonable communication.  Be professional on the phone, don’t answer just waking up at 11 AM, and don’t answer in a crazy party.  Make sure they know you’re attentive and alert, and they have your full attention.

5.  Unprofessionalism online – If you’re doing any of the things listed in #1 on this post, I’m probably not going to refer you.  But that’s just me.  Others might be different, but I hold online presence to a high standard – and I’d be embarrassed if a client I referred found you online and you had some alarming personality traits that would cause a client to question your stability.

6.  Being socially awkward - If you’re quiet in person and can’t make clients comfortable around you - that’s a deal-breaker.  Like I mentioned above, referring you to my potential clients is an extension of my brand.  My brand is fun, upbeat, outgoing, and ON TOP OF IT.  Be comfortable in your own skin, and I’ll be comfortable referring you.

7.  Unwillingness to try something new – I’ll actually use a specific time in the past for this one, since I still refer him.  About 6 months ago, I asked my friend Mark if he’d be down to shoot a PR event (awards ceremony/speakers/grip & grin) and he felt he wasn’t equipped for it.  I knew that he had the gear, he was just worried that he wouldn’t be able to get the right images.  I have no doubt in my mind that he would have done great, but he didn’t think so.  And often times I’ve been completely willing to bring them along on one of my events so that they’re comfortable with expectations – and THEY’RE STILL SCARED.  So in the end, their fear has gotten the best of them, and have missed out on growing and gaining more work as a result.  Their loss.

8.  Being a pain in the ass – I’m guessing this one is going to be bias on my end, but I really don’t prefer working with people who stress me out.  You’ll get paid.  Rest assured.  But if you’re constantly bugging me about $50 or something insignificant like the cost of valet at an event you shot for me, I’m going to remember it.  I haven’t *not paid* a single photographer in my entire career.  It’s bad business.  But I also believe it’s bad business to leave a bad taste in someone’s mouth and be remembered as “the annoying one”.

9.  Bad Presentation – You don’t dress professional, you’re unkempt, or your breath stinks.  Okay, I know the last part was a little harsh – but it stems from an experience I had in a nightclub one time.  I was talking to another photographer who’s work I respected, and his breath was terrible (you have to talk close because the music is so loud).  It was so bad, that while I had intention of talking business with him, I was more eager to end the conversation so I could get away from him!  It’s silly to think that something that trivial could affect an entire relationship, but it did.  (From then on, I made sure to bring gum with me whenever shooting nightlife.)

10.  I don’t like you -  I’m a part of an online forum based in San Diego, and I’ve had conversations with photographers who’s work is GREAT – but they argue with me and take things personal.  And while I don’t doubt they’re on top of their game when it comes to their business…if I don’t like them – I’m not exactly excited to help them “win” in a symbiotic relationship.  I know, it’s messed up – but I’m being real.  Also, if we come from different backgrounds (age group, lifestyle, perspective on life) – odds are I won’t be inclined to bring you on as a 2nd.  I like to vibe well with who I shoot with, as I just feel it helps the energy gain momentum and the process of the day flow smoothly.

11.  Price point – This is an essential factor, but one that’s expected.  To help ensure I’m sending you the right leads, if you change your pricing or just want me to be familiar with your costs, I’d love it if you would send me an info sheet.  I don’t want to mismatch clients with photographers outside their range – in the same way I don’t want to refer gigs to photographers under what they’d be willing to accept.  While this one isn’t surprising, it’s definitely one to consider.  And flexibility is always a benefit, as I’ll be more inclined to send more referrals your way.

12.  Style – Another given, but it’s important to make the distinction that it’s not something personal.  You might be a GREAT portrait photographer, but I’m looking for someone more photojournalistic and familiar with candids.  Nothing wrong with that, just not the right fit.  My friend Brett reminded me of this point, thanks man!

13. Biting business – This applies to both referrals AND 2nd shooters.  What an idiotic thing to do…bite the hand that feeds you!  There’s a certain photographer that I specifically wont refer to even though he is great at photography because he has a reputation for stealing clients, and never referring out.  When it comes to 2nd shooters – NEVER EVER EVER pass out your own business card when associate shooting or 2nd shooting.  This shouldn’t even have to be written – and it’s really unfortunate that people do this.

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6 Reasons that Cause Me to Keep Referring to You!

1.  Awesome personality - My roommate has told me he’d hire someone that has a better personality but not as good quality of photos for 2nd shooting a wedding merely for the effect that their energy has on the day.  Pretty crazy huh?  Well, I agree.  Although I’m VERY picky with who I choose to come on board, so both better be on point.  I’ve got about 3-4 guys that I love working with regularly, and I’m so stoked that I’ve connected with them.

2.  Make it easy as possible for me - A 2nd shooter of mine in San Francisco arrived with coffee in hand when she met me to shoot a wedding last year, and it made a big impression!  I love things like that, and when a photographer makes the process ‘enjoyable’ rather than just ‘good’, it goes a long way.  That goes with payment too.  Accept Square?  Awesome.  Paypal?  Even better!

3.  Create amazing images I wouldn’t recognize on my own - This is actually a big factor in my thought process to hire 2nd photographers.  I’ll pay a higher price point for someone as experienced as myself or MORE experienced so that I can be assured good imagery from them.  If they impress me and show me something that fits with my brand but is something I’ve yet to try out – they’re “IN.”  Mark (who I mentioned above) really wowed me with some images at a wedding we shot last year, which led me to book him as my 2nd photographer for a Cabo wedding that I have this year.

4.  Being flexible in price, or willing to invest in themselves or ‘our relationship’ - There are times when I’m doing a shoot that I don’t necessarily have a budget for an additional shooter, but recognize that there would be a ton of value in bringing one on.  As I’ve done with some consistent clients, I really appreciate it when photographers will just opt to “help out” without worrying about payment.  Sometimes you have to take a step back, think about how much business someone is bringing you – and show them you appreciate it.  *Take note*

5.  Returning the favor - Another illusive obvious – but when someone regularly refers me work – I always think about what gigs I can send them to help them out.  I referred about 5-6 weddings to a photographer last year with no reciprocation.  Well, guess what…my referral circle has now changed.

6.  Going above and beyond when 2nd shooting - My friend Jeff Youngren wrote a great post about ALL of this kind of stuff, and really – he hits the nail right on the head.  Check it out if you wanna learn how to get in a photographer’s good graces.

If you got a lot out of this post, and think other photographers can get value out of it as well, I’d be stoked if you shared this.  And as always – love/hate mail is always welcomed in the comments below, would be glad to talk about any of these topics with you!

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(PS – this photo above is of my friend Jason Kirby when we were making our ridiculous holiday christmas card portraits last year.  And so you know – Jason currently gets a good portion of my on-site printing corporate clients.  He avoids all 13 points mentioned above very well, and I’m happy to refer him business.)

It ALSO happens to have earned me a lot of attention on social media, a STRONG relationship with the venue I shot it at, and of course – it’s one of the main images my prospective clients always mention when meeting up at a consult.

I love doing this kind of photography, and I feel it stands out as some of the most compelling styles of imagery you can achieve with your work.

So I’ve decided to entertain the idea of holding a mini-workshop for up to 4 individuals while at WPPI this year.  The conference is timed to be perfectly set for optimal conditions for this kind of photo (new moon) – and the desert outside of Las Vegas will provide for some pretty clear skies.  I think it’s important to have a small group in order to ensure that everyone gets the individual attention they deserve – and it also helps a lot with scheduling.  For now, I’m thinking either Sunday (the 10th), Tuesday, or Wednesday night – whichever works best for the group will dictate it.

The cost would be $200 per person, and here’s what that would cover:

-Transportation to & from the location in the desert during the night of the shoot

-Model male and female provided to create silhouette & various posing options

-Off-camera lighting and tripods provided so you don’t have to worry about bringing your own or having to rent

-Explanation of technique and strategy to achieve this shots – and the conditions that affect how good the shot might be (moon, location, etc) so you’ll know how to prepare yourself in the future

-You’ll leave with a badass shot you can put smack-dab on the front of your portfolio, and if the conditions don’t allow us (clouds, weather)- you’ll get your money back.  I want you to win, and I’m on your team.   If you lose, I lose.  We’re in this together.

I feel strongly about the value in this kind of shot – and I don’t want you walking away feeling like you wasted your time/money on this conference.  I have no doubt in my mind that if for nothing else – this little workshop will give you a huge boost in marketing and helping your brand image.

If you’re interested – please get in touch by sending an email to tim@timkingblog.com

And as always – if you know someone who might be interested in this post – I’d love it if you’d “share” this with them.

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I was a harsh critic of my photography and my attempts to get better weren’t working.  I had been to a few workshops in the past, and was unsuccessful in regards to improving the quality of my photos.

In 2012, I’ve incorporated a few of the following techniques and have seen my work improve vastly from what it has been in the past.  I hope these help, and if you have any experience with using these ideas, I’d love to hear from you in the comments.

1.   Shoot everyday. 

Doesn’t matter if you use your 5D MK III or iPhone.  Maintaining the mindset of constantly thinking about light, framing, and moments keeps your mind tack sharp so that you’re in your best shape when it’s go-time.  The most important aspect being able to recognize how certain types of light affect your shot – and how to work with it or around it.  I’m planning on writing an extensive post on ‘this idea’ alone in the coming week, so check back later on for more in-detail discussion.

2.  Shoot film.

This is more of a “karate-kid” approach towards things, but it helps.  When you only have a certain number of frames to work with, you can be sure you’ll put more thought into each shot.  I know, I know – “But Tim, how does this improve my photography?  I can just take a zillion shots on burst mode and choose the best later!”

In my opinion, this technique helps your mindset.  It helps you anticipate moments, and also subconsciously helps you focus on what’s MOST important.  Not spending time shooting countless photos of a minor detail just because you want to have options to choose from later.  Avoiding any distractions that may affect your workflow come game-day.

3.  Personal projects

I’d suggest this for those that are feeling burnt out and/or bored with their work.  Another karate-kid approach, but I truly feel making photos purely of your own vision helps rejuvenate your motivation to be a photographer, and consequently – opens up your style and allows it to truly blossom into other areas of your work.

There has been a destination in New Mexico I’ve wanted to shoot for a couple years now…happy to say that I’ve booked a flight solely for the purpose of shooting it.  No people to see or places to visit.  Just to shoot.

Have something you’ve wanted to shoot?  Go after it.  You’ll notice a change in your style once you return to your normal work.

4.  Take workshops from photographers you admire

I’ve taken a few workshops in the past, I’ve attended WPPI and other trade shows, I’ve watched popular skilled photographers on CreativeLive…but nothing compared to the 2 hours of time I spent with a certain photographer.  I admired his work, and pursued him to offer a mini-session while he was in town on a short visit.  While he’s not the definitive style of photographer I aspire to be, meeting him led me to discover several other VERY resourceful photographers who’ve propelled my skills.

Recognizing what style you aspire in your own work is key to recognizing it in others.  Also, recognizing a photographer that can relay their approach and help you gain an understanding on how to achieve that look.

5.  Hire 2nd shooters that see things differently than you do

In 2011, I worked with several 2nd shooters who shot the same way I did.  They gave me great quality, but I didn’t really learn from them.

In 2012, I decided to pay a higher price point for my 2nd photographers and contract others that were more established than myself.  OR, some weddings that didn’t opt for a 2nd photographer – I brought on someone (out of my own pocket) whose style was different and new, but not necessarily as established.  Just to see how they worked and if I could use them again.  This approach ended up with a win-win-win.  Both scenarios brought more variety to the final product, I was able to gain knowledge from the more experienced photogs, and real-time discussion of how we saw things differently helped immensely.

6.  Shoot with one lens for an extended amount of time

On a recent trip, a friend of mine let me borrow his 14mm lens.  I’ve tried it in the past and really disliked the distortion on the edges.  In conversation, he assured me that I have to “really get to know it” before I judge it.

He couldn’t have been more right.  While 90% of the shots I took with the lens I won’t end up using, I discovered the situations in which it creates KILLER photos.  It’s a rare breed of shot, but the 14 nails it.

Point being, get to know your lenses REALLY well – where they excel and where they fall short.  It will help refine your thinking in terms of creating the shot, and anticipating what you’ll need ahead of time.  Less experimenting on-the-go.

7.  Shoot something for free. Under the condition that you shoot exactly how you want.  

No exceptions.

I’ve worked with a ton of clients for my event work in the past, and the more and more I express my own vision, I find the more they’re satisfied.  Might be a confidence issue, but when I was first starting out – I had 5 people telling me how to shoot a certain shot or what I need to focus on.

By doing things entirely your way and gauging the reaction from someone experiencing your vision – it may just give you the boost you need to start shooting from the gut more often.

(Here’s a shot of me in Berlin, feeling frustrated that I couldn’t achieve any growth)

Hope this helped!  If you think other’s might benefit from this, I’d be thrilled if you shared this with them.

I figured it would make a good resource to be able to have a side-by-side comparison of the different options for video blogging, as well as some recommendations for some specialty-type effects that can add value and distinguish your blog as a professional presentation vs an average computer/PC user.

To start off, we’ll introduce the most cost-effective & ease-of-use options:

1. On-board computer camera/web camera.

Advantages: The video is already loaded on your computer when done, no additional expenditure on equipment. If you’re on a budget and don’t have much time to spend loading/editing video – this is a cost efficient & quick option.

Disadvantages: Lacking quality & versatility. Your videos will have a level of quality anyone can achieve – no distinguishable difference than the average person. Also isn’t convenient to travel, pack, or use in an outdoor or rugged environment.

Cost: No additional purchase required

2. iPhone. (I’d include android phones, but I’d suggest using a webcam/computer video over an android device – my experience with those phones have proved to be some of the worst quality videos I’ve seen)

Advantages: Extremely portable, no additional cost if you already own, and easy to email/upload. Take it on the go, record video while walking or in between appointments. Immediately upload to your YouTube or Vimeo account straight from your phone with no processing – quickest amount of time from record -> vlog post.

Disadvantages: Same as above, with additional limitation of difficulty to set up to do a self-recording session. You’ll often have to hold at arm’s length and might not be able to get the frame you want without additional help from others.

Cost: No additional purchase required

3. Flip


Advantages: Extremely portable, easy to use. Fits in your pocket, upload straight from the device.

Disadvantages: Quality isn’t the best or the worst, many average consumers own one for personal use. Additional cost & investment, reported issues with inconsistency in recharging.

Cost: $89

4. GoPro


Advantages: Very portable & small, obtains a fish-eye perspective which includes more of the settings/background in the video. Has the ability to capture extreme clips, such as underwater, attached to helmet/car/cycle etc. Simply designed camera with less than a handful of buttons.

Disadvantages: No viewing of screen capture without an additional extension purchase. Quality isn’t amazing, sound quality can be extremely sensitive to wind. Better for catching action shots than someone talking straight to the camera. The HD Hero 2 is much better quality than the original.

Cost: $299

5. Canon 60D [RECOMMENDED FOR PROFESSIONAL ON SOMEWHAT OF A BUDGET]


Advantages: Pro-sumer SLR quality video. With a great lens, you can have a professional appearance that stands out above the average consumer/technology user. Rotating viewing monitor so you can see yourself while you are filming, ability to film at lower light than cameras listed above. Sound quality isn’t the best, but much improved from options above. Ideal for the individual business owner looking to make their own high quality video blogs. (Also great to have for personal vacations) Significantly lower cost than professional SLR. Would recommend pairing with a Sigma 30mm 1.4 – which would give a similar look & feel to the 50mm 1.4 shown in the video above.

Disadvantages: Cropped sensor, which means you only get a portion of the frame that you would get from a full frame camera such as the 5D. To read more about what this means, check out this article. Will not fit in your pocket. Adventure/outdoor rigs are considerably more expensive than the GoPro.

Cost: $900 new, $800 used on ebay

6. Canon 5D mk ii


Advantages: Professional level SLR. Many commercial videographers use this for high quality production, quality is outstanding paired with top-level editing software (final cut, premier) Sharp imagery, several options of focal length and aperture, excellent in low-light. Full utility of lenses compared to the crop sensor of the 60D

Disadvantages: High cost, will not fit in your pocket. Adventure/outdoor rigs are considerably more expensive than the GoPro. No flip monitor to see yourself while filming.

Cost: $2200

SLR Lenses

Sigma 30mm 1.4: Great to pair with the 60D to achieve the shallow depth of field, low-light availability, and accurate portrayal of appearance with no distortion.

Cost: $490 new.

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II : Awesome landscape lens. Captures the most amount of your atmosphere/environment around you in your frame. Significant distortion towards the sides of the frame at 16mm. Has the ability to zoom to 35mm. Easy to use in a tight space.

Cost: $1589

Canon EF 24mm 1.4: Great at capturing a wide frame/environment & setting of the background. Ability to have a shallow depth of field and concentrate on the subject. Easy to use in a tight space.

Cost: $1629

Sigma 50mm 1.4: Great lens for a great price. Works great with the 5D mk ii (shown in video above), great shallow depth of field, low light capabilities. Will be a bit tight of a frame on a 60D camera, would need more space between camera & subject. I actually prefer this lens over the canon version – much sharper & great value for the cost.

Cost: $499

As for the other lenses I demonstrated in the video, I wouldn’t recommend them for video blogging as they would only really be used for very specific needs which aren’t exactly the most practical for vlogging. If you have any questions about them, feel free to email me at tim@timkingblog.com. To give you the technical info so you can research them, they were the Canon 85mm 1.8 and Canon 100mm 2.8 macro.

AUDIO EQUIPMENT

1. Audio Technica Wireless Lavalier System: What Jason was using in the video with the waterfall. I prefer the quality, super targeted and clear even in harsh conditions. Limited a bit in terms of interviews as the mic is set up for one person initially – needs to clip on to belt and has a lavalier attached on the collar, appears in video if not covert. Good value for the price.

Cost: $129

2. Sennheiser Shotgun Microphone: Minimal set-up on camera, no lavalier appearing in the frame. Directed towards the individual, can be useful for interviews as opposed to a single lavalier. Picks up ambient noise more than the lavalier. Ideal for interviews.

Cost: $199

So that’s everything I have for you guys as far as my experience with vlogging gear. If it came down to it – what I would strongly suggest for the best investment for your video blogs – get the 60D camera used on ebay or craigslist (if you get it from Craigslist, have a photographer check it out with you to make sure it’s legit). Use the Sigma 30mm 1.4 lens to pair with it – versatile lens that will get you great quality and allow you to take some awesome personal/travel photos if you’re considering that as an additional incentive. Add on one of the audio set-ups mentioned above (depending if you’re planning on doing interviews or vlogging from loud environments) and you’ll be all set with a top-notch vlog system that will cost you around a grand.

I’d love to hear any of your favorite set-ups or additional tips from you guys in the comments – I always welcome alternative perspectives and different preferences :)

PS – stay tuned for a lightroom 4 video editing tutorial come Tuesday. I’m planning on video taping a April fool’s prank for tomorrow’s vlog. Let’s hope it all goes according to plan :)

Now that THAT’S out of the way, let’s get on with the fun, shall we?

This past Halloween, I was brought in to cover Fluxx Nightclub‘s annual “Fetish” themed Halloween event.  While originally hired to coordinate a photobooth for the event, they opted last-minute to have me cover the event in its entirety as it allowed them to maximize their potential to bring in revenue from bottle service sales.  (Bottle service is having dedicated cocktail servers bring you grey goose, champagne etc to your table in the club & pour you and your friends drinks all night, along with helping you celebrate with sparklers [pictured] and a fun and energetic vibe)

BTW – could you imagine the props I had lined up for this photobooth?  Maybe next year.  ; )

Since I was going to be doing crowd coverage, I decided to give them their money’s worth (still at a holiday photobooth rate despite the change in plans) and get creative with the photography.  Since Halloween has more of the ghostly/exotic/eery vibe, I made the effort to bring on a different look to my regular style of photos using a creative use of off-camera flash.  I wanted to convey the feeling of a crazy night full of subtle sex & intoxication –  colors everywhere – and the memories of the night in a total haze.

It’s important to bring value to your client and never make them feel like they were “shorted” in anyway, so I think by making the extra effort to help them out in whatever situation results, they’ll look at you and recognize that you’re not just there to make money off of them – rather to help them achieve something noteworthy, regardless of the scenario.

If you have questions about this style of photography or what my settings were for a particular shot, email me at tim@timkingblog.com & I’ll get back to you in private.

The calm before the storm…

The storm.

The costumes.

For the most part, I like to think of my style as clean, fresh, fun, and modern. At times though, I think it can be called for to alter that style a little to suit certain clients needs, or rather, tell the story of an event with an element possible only through…

POST PROCESSING.

Woo!

A few photographers I know criticize others at times based off their post-processing techniques. They’ll say “make a photo black & white and you’ve got yourself some art“. And while they’ll tout the technical know-how of properly exposing an image, I think at times…properly exposed skies can actually look CHEESY. And when it comes down to it, I know of some photographers that have some really strange processing techniques, but still manage to roll in the dough.

Point is – there are no rules when it comes to being a pro photog.

*Except one. Consistency. I feel that in order to successfully market yourself and your photography, your work should display a strong level of consistency so that there are no surprises when the client receives the images. People should know your work, recognize your stye, composition, color etc from a mile away.

I decided to make this post today because this past weekend, I shot 3 separate events at which I think others might criticize me for “breaking the rules”.

1. Grand Opening of Goorin Bros Hat Company in LA – the company started back in 1895, and has maintained an old-time feel in all of its stores throughout the States. With each new store, it customizes it’s details and decor to fit the certain culture in the surrounding area. In LA, there were old-style movie projectors hanging from the ceiling along with vintage radios and televisions placed along the shelves. To emphasize the theme, I decided to make an additional edit for the company to use for any social media/promotion in addition to the standard PR photos I was initially brought on for. Sepia-tones + vignettes=old time classic feel.

2. VIP Reception at the Viper Room – the idea behind the event was to make it super secret (guests were brought in through the back door of a venue, through the kitchen, and into a secret secluded room to enjoy complimentary hors d’oevre and cocktails. The photos of the event were to be streamed into the next room, so that the regular patrons of the venue could see what was going on, but weren’t able to get in (invite only). In the back room, they were featuring a local artists’ showcase along with a live tattoo exhibition. Since the event had such a speak-easy type feel, I decided to do the photos on-the-spot black and white. (You can do this in-camera and it makes a great impression on guests)

3. 20 Year Anniversary of Panevino – if you know Italian culture, you know that the people are very warm, welcoming, and hospitable. To convey that element of the culture, I decided to keep the color temperature of the photos warm, and add in a little bit of vignetting to make the photos more personal rather than commercial.

PS – this restaurant was amazing. If you go, get the ravioli. Trust.

PPS – when do you use presets, excessive post, black/white? I’d love to hear your take on things!

When I first came around to the idea of doing wedding photography, my initial inspiration was Jasmine Star. (pictured below) She has an awesome online presence, and made weddings sound fun to me. Her ideas on marketing, self-promotion, and a go-giving attitude towards photography are spot-on, and I can’t think of anyone who does a better job at all those things at once. I took a workshop with Jasmine Star earlier this year, and while I feel it was the most pivotal weekend of my work-related life, the ironic thing was that I realized her style wasn’t what I wanted out of my own photography.

Along-side Jasmine, one of my main initial inspirations was (and still is) Jay Reilly. I love the variety in his work, and he does an awesome job on capturing that “so-cal” vibe in all his shots. Really talented at telling the story when it comes to ‘lifestyle’. I’ve worked with Jay a few times in the past, and not only is he a great photog, but a really cool guy as well. Maintains a laid back approach towards things, but still manages to stay on top of his game and produce some stellar stuff for his clients.

On another note, one of my favorite photographers to keep in touch with is Bobby Earle. While his style is quite a bit different from mine, I really respect the genuine approach he has in regards to his attitude towards the wedding industry. Solid guy, through and through. While I feel a majority of the wedding industry is a bit on the feminine side, Bobby keeps things real and isn’t ashamed to talk about South Park, skateboarding, and Jujitsu. Having a guy’s perspective on things is a nice balance when being surrounded by a strong presence of feminine energy. (And I’m willing to bet his brides recognize & appreciate that about him) *And not to mention his “Photo Trips” – I can’t help not to like the guy because of these – seems to have had as much of a travel bug as myself!

Another person I get inspiration from is Priscilla Gragg. Her fun, positive, and up-beat attitude shines through her work, branding, and blogging – and I think it’s awesome. She does a great job of showcasing her branding & attitude with each blog post, composition, colors, and post-processing she does with her work.

While I’m on the whole “attitude” tangent, I think it’s important I mention a couple other guys on this post. While they’re not photographers, they’ve definitely inspired me in a way of thinking which affects my approach towards work ethic. Bruce Lee & Michael Jordan. With Bruce, his ideas about “taking what works for you, and discarding the rest” is right on. Looking back on my path in photography, I can’t stress how important it is to understand “you” as the main ingredient to your brand, and not try to build up an imposter photography business. I’ll admit it – for awhile, I thought I needed my work to look like Jasmine’s in order to get the demographic I want. Now that I know I don’t, (and that I don’t want her demographic) I can see my direction crystal clear and understand what I need to do to attract my ideal client. In the next few months, you guys will be seeing a new portfolio, new shoots, and an original outlook towards my approach at weddings & couples.

Now we can’t forget Michael Jordan. I think I’m including him in here because I feel it would be wrong not to. His persistence, drive, and determination are unlike anything I’ve seen in pro-sports. (Go watch the Bulls-Blazers NBA playoff series in the early 90′s to understand what I mean) The guy was an incredible leader, and understood what needed to be done to get the win. And knew how to manage his team. None of the players in the game are doing that right now, and I don’t see anyone coming close to what this guy achieved in the near future. I love Kobe, but he’ll never be as good as Jordan, and it’s not even an argument. So don’t even try.

PS – Another recent inspiration – more like a spark to start the fire – was Promise Tangeman of SiteHouse design. Awesome girl (was bummed to hear she was married) and an amazing talent at branding/concepts. Her talk at the recent PASS presentation really helped clarify what I wanted to pinpoint when it came to identifying key characteristics of my brand & ideal client.

PPS – If you might have noticed, I didn’t mention any magazines, collective blogs, or pinterest. I’ve never felt ‘moved’ by any of that sort of stuff, but I’m interested to hear what works for you! What gets you going – what motivates YOU to get off the couch and get things going, or to make the effort for a certain shoot? And do you have any fun shoots planned to showcase your brand?

Needless to say, I’m excited for things to come. Can’t help but feeling a little *inspired* today.

(PS – if you want to see the images from the wedding I shot while I was in St John, click here)

While I’d LOVE to do a full post on all of these, I don’t think I’d really have the time/spread in days to display all this content unless I did it in a jam-packed post like this.

So here we go! (If you have any questions about any of these, feel free to holler below!

Wall St. Journal – “how we built it”

Shot an interesting event for the WSJ downtown a few weeks ago, and it was actually a pretty interesting event! The morning hosted a dialogue between 6 multi-millionare entrepreneurs on how they intially broke the barriers into getting their business of the ground & rolling.

Susan G Komen Race for the Cure

Wow. This event hit me on a personal side. While I have to admit, – I’m usually a very philanthropic person, but during this event…I was thinking of it as *exactly* that. “Another event.” However, later in the day…it really hit me – there are SO many people fighting their own personal battle with cancer, illness, or some sort of life deficit. When you think of the big picture, all our problems seem pretty small! It was a blast to hang out with these guys, not to mention go and walk the field at a major ballpark!

SOLO Sunglasses Shoot

Craig Stern is one of the owners of a new company called SOLO Sunglasses, which is geared towards helping those in need of medical services. Specifically, those affected by a corrupt or disadvantaged economy that prevents them from getting the eye-care they need to manage to see. Not only are these for a great cause, but they’re actually really cool too! They’re made out of wooden frames…really gives off that “SD” vibe if you know what I mean.

Hotel Amenities

I’ve actually done this same thing for a few hotels now, which is to provide them with imagery to use internally & assure standards are met for preparing a special room order for guests staying at the location. Basically, a guest or a friend orders up a special plate of cheese, or old vintage sodas, or cocktails, or random assortments of food/gifts that can be waiting for them to arrive.

Studio Booth Round 2!

Did another photobooth for the Ivy Hotel’s Saturday campaigns. On certain weeks, the hotel and promotion teams decide to bring special recording artists that will help make a name for “Ivy Saturdays”. The DJs produce live mixes in the club and offer free mixtapes for any guests present that night.

Intervention Photo booth

It’s back! We’ll be doing it every couple weeks or so, make sure to come by and check out SoCal’s best pool party.

Cocktails!

‘Nuff said.

Photobooth for private party.

Was a huge hit, great company, this guy did his bday right!

Old Globe Theater Open House Performances

DJ Promo Shots

PR shots for Chefs preparing food for “canning”.

Photowalk with Maria Maltseva!

Harney Sushi 10 Year Anniversary Party

If you’re ever in San Diego – this place is a must. Best sushi you’ll ever had – forget Nobu. Go Harney!

Cinco de Mayo Photobooth

Andaz hosted an awesome Cinco de Mayo party, and the crowd had a blast (and I did too). I find myself wearing the mexican wrestler masks while skyping these days.

PR Photoshoots for online marketing

Bianca Jaime of SoDiego Tours got in touch to get her branding images done for her company. Lower in the blue, Jordanne strikin’ a pose for her team’s press shots.

Art in Fashion

The San Diego Fine Art Society hosted a night of wine & appetizers while guests enjoyed viewing these works of art based off 1950′s hollywood glamour. ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS a good time at these events. Ooooh the people you meet!

Hope your Tuesday’s going great! If you have any questions at all, hit me up in the comments below!

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