I’m no expert but it appears the economy is improving. The first two months of 2014 were the busiest I’ve ever had. I know it’s a small sample to base the year on but other photographers have told me they’re off to a good start also. If photographers are working, businesses are marketing and looking to growth. That’s what we do, we help our client market, sell and grow their business.
I spent a lot of the month on the road. Several trips to Orange County surrounded a couple San Diego projects and then I went to the Bay Area for a couple shoots up there. After a quick respite back home and starting a new local project, I went to Alaska for a quick shoot. I know, why send a San Diego photographer there, it’s because my client trusts me to get what they need. Maybe an idea for a future blog.
Well I need to wrap this up. I have another couple projects in Orange County and LA this week. I hope everyone else is busy.
About my image gallery: All images shot with my iPhone while traveling. Post was in Snapseed.
32.715329-117.157255
Lumihana Beach in Kauai. My wife’s favorite beach. Last Thursday it was mine. Lumihana as the beach Hollywood used for the old WWII movie the South Pacific featuring Lana Turner. Normally there is a gentle surge in the beach area but this day a western swell hit creating 12 – 20 feet waves. As we were walking about 100 yards down a secluded path we could increasingly hear the roar and pounding of the waves on the volcanic rock ledge surrounding the beach. I’ve never heard anything so intimidating and violent at the beach. We sat down in our beach chairs and just watched the show nature played out for us. Needless to say we didn’t go into the water.
techy stuff: shot with the Iphone5 on the regular camera mode and processed in the Snapseed app.
32.715329-117.157255
(Above) My client specifically asked that I get images of the water feature between the two building. Much to my chagrine there were white strips at the bottom the the pools. If I was shooting this on an editorial job I would have to shoot it the way it was. Being that this was for a commercial client I did a quick sample and emailed it to them. They opted for the retouched version and the additional expense. Communication with the client got them what they wanted and a more profitable day for me.
Fortunately most of my clients and I have some history. Although most of my assignments come in by email we generally know what each other needs. If you’re working with a new client, don’t assume. You know the old saying. Not only is it true but it can cause you more time on the project and even grief. Ask what the final product is so you know how to shoot, are you going to have time to do it right, light it right or have to shoot ambient and minimize the impact on the tenant/subject? In other words, get in, make great images and get out quick. Here’s a short list to get you started.
- Make sure you have a contact # while on site.
- know in advance if this is the only day/time you can shoot if the weather is bad.
- Security. Make sure they know you’re there.
- Shot list. Make sure you know exactly what they need. Anything else is cake, i.e. additional income.
- Be prepared. Scout the location to know what you’re getting into.
- Deadline. Know when the need it and get it to them early.
- Communicate. To be successful you have to learn to talk their language.
- Make your own list. But do it and constantly review it so you will do it right and enjoy the process.
More of my work: www.zwink.com
Techy stuff: Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop 6, Nikon D800
32.715329-117.157255
Creative Views of a San Diego Photographer
