I’ve met a lot of photographers who are adamant about being “technically correct” when it comes taking photos. But you know what? Sometimes, being technically correct – sometimes just DOESN’T DO IT.
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…
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!
Ashley Goodwin - Seriously interesting, for real! I have often wondered if I should go more “event” processing than “me” processing sometimes, and this totally worked. Especially love the italian place, you really thought about that one! & who in the heck has a VIP reception and then broadcasts it to the other patrons that can’t get in? I’d love to hear a little bit more about that one, not sure if I’m sold, but I’m sure you’d sell me on the tactic. :)
xoJune 22, 2011 – 9:59 am
s h e r r y - Awesome stuff. The post-processing you chose definitely fits each of these events! I find myself being more consistent than daring. I really should challenge myself to change it up a bit. I have a preset that I use to gently tweak each image, and then I’ll mess with them individually some more. I’ve been thinking of doing more b/w lately too! Gotta try it! :)June 21, 2011 – 10:21 pm
Megs - YES! Amen, amen, amen. Here is to letting your eyes choose. :) LOVE THIS POST.June 21, 2011 – 4:03 pm
Ben Nash - Yeah man, I hear ya. I like to use LR presets a lot! And I like making an image unique. Photography is always changing, so I think for photographers, a lot of what they produce will be changing. Maybe not a lot, but some. Unless your old school, and take the same kind of shots and edit them the same every time, I think inside of creativity you can have a lot of change. I agree that it’s probably good to stay consistent, but also creativity will create change and inconsistency to some level. Sweet pics man! I really like the Italian restaurant pics. Keep em’ coming. I admire your work.June 21, 2011 – 8:08 am
Lisa - Wow! Way fun. I’m not a photog but now I want a hat!June 21, 2011 – 7:20 am