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Got an Interest in Commercial Photography?

2/25/2019

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Intro by Skip Cohen
​
Welcome back to a new "Insight," content-rich posts to help you build a stronger business, and be more diversified in your photographic specialty.  At some point in many photographer's careers, there's an interest in commercial work. This article out of the PhotoShelter archives by Deborah Block has a lot of solid information and insight into getting more established with commercial clients. 

I also like it because she put it together in an interview format and the questions she's asked commercial photographer Jason Thompson are the same many of you might ask. Check out more of Jason's work with a click to his website. The complete interview about working with Patagonia is on the PhotoShelter website, but I wanted to share three of the six questions he asked. 

 
PhotoShelter never slows down in their efforts to help you not only present your work the very best way but in helping you turn 2019 into your best year yet!  
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The Garhwal Himalayas of India. Chamonix, France. The Republic of Georgia. ​These are all just a few examples of places photographer Jason Thompson is lucky enough to travel for work, shooting for brands like Patagonia. His early love for the mountains and the outdoors, plus his love for photography, put Jason down the path to combining these passions — and making a living while doing it. Says Jason of his photography, “I want my work to inspire others.”

We caught up with Jason to hear how he started shooting for brands like Patagonia, plus get his best business tips for adventure photographers hoping to follow his footsteps.
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Anne Gilbert Chase, Expedition in the Garhwal Himalayas of India. Photo by Jason Thompson
1. Tell us how you ended up shooting for brands like Patagonia. Did you pitch them? Or how did they discover you initially? 


​I grew up looking at Patagonia catalogs and knew that I wanted to make images that were good enough to be published someday. I submitted sheets of slides back in the day. I admit I’m embarrassed now by the pictures I submitted. But fast forward some years and I guess my work had improved enough for Patagonia to take notice.
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Traveling and skiing in Peru outside of Huaraz in the Cordillera Blanca. Photo by Jason Thompson
2. Tell us about your most recent assignment for Patagonia. What was the vision and direction for the shoot? And what is the collaboration process typically like? 


In my experience so far, the creative direction for different projects for Patagonia has been pretty wide open and free range. But to an extent, of course. Obviously there are some shots that need to happen to feature certain products, but direction is loose. It’s very oriented towards making sure the shots are original and authentic. And authenticity can’t be directed.
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For the last couple of years, the trips I’ve been involved with were to shoot their High Alpine Kit. We went on two major expeditions to Alaska and India. Both trips had the same creative direction — to document our climbing objectives. This journalistic approach includes not only photographing the rad summit, but also the in between moments of traveling. It’s my job to visually document the whole experience that helps bring the story to life.
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Adam Fabrikant and Tyler Jones traversing along the boarder of Yellowstone National Park. Photo by Jason Thompson
3. For commercial shoots on location, what are some challenges you can run into? How do you prepare? 


I stand by the 6 P’s: Proper Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance.

​You know, I do very few “commercial” shoots in the traditional sense where there are 20 people on location and you’re working alongside hair and makeup stylists. Instead, I’ve been more involved with collaborations around shorter film projects.

When shooting for brands, regardless if I’m shooting alone or working with others on a project, I believe that doing your homework and envisioning how things may play out is key. You need to be prepared for what you think might happen, while also having a plan B and C. This kind of preparation will help to have things run as smooth as possible. There will be challenges that I can’t control, but I do what I can to “control the controllables.”
Click to read more...

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"Insight" - Copyright Misconceptions in Photography

2/19/2019

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© MR
Intro by Skip Cohen
​
Welcome back to a new "Insight," a series of content-rich posts to help you build a stronger business and in today's post, protect your images. Working together with PhotoShelter we want to make 2019 your best year ever and as I've written in the past, thrive, not just survive. 
 
There's an incredible amount of outstanding content in PhotoShelter's archives, all directed to helping become a successful artist. I ran across this article by Allen Murabayashi, and he's writing about an issue critical to all of you - copyright! 
 
PhotoShelter has a reputation for helping you create the very best presentation of your work, but also help you run a stronger business. You've got to protect your photographs. So often I'm surprised how many photographers have so little understanding of copyright.  Check out the post below and start protecting your images - you've worked too hard to develop the skill set to capture and create them. Don't they deserve to be protected?

5 Common Copyright Misconceptions Held by Photographers

by Allen Murabayashi

The most recent version of the 
Copyright Law of the United States (December 2016) weighs in at a whopping 354 pages. And while there are areas of ambiguity, the basics and benefits of copyright registration for photographers are well-documented. Unfortunately, well-documented doesn’t mean well-understood, so we asked attorney (and former photo rep) Leslie Burns to weigh in on a number of common copyright misconceptions that still persist, and why you should register your copyright.

Disclaimer: The information herein does not constitute legal advice. As always, consult with a lawyer for your particular circumstance!

1. If I publish a photo without registering my copyright first, I can’t sue for damages.

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U.S. Copyright Law has two forms of damages: 1) actual, and 2) statutory.

The moment you take a photo, (unless you are an employee or signed a terrible work-for-hire deal) you own the copyright and have some protection. But without registration, you are only eligible for actual damages which means the “market value” of the image’s license, plus the defendant’s profits directly connected to the infringement, if any. If someone uses your image on their Instagram account, the actual damages might be so low as to make it impractical to sue.
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The main benefit of registering your images is the ability to sue for statutory damages. If a person or organization willfully infringes your photo, you can sue for up to $150,000 per infringement image. Non-willful has a maximum of $30,000. You might get attorneys’ fees, too.

“Publication in copyright law,” says Burns, “is not what most people think. Online use may or may not be published—if you offer the work for others to license or use or if you provide it to a client for its use, then it is published; but if you just display the work online (or in a gallery) it probably is not published.” If it is published, then you have up to 3 calendar months to register the copyright and it is as if you registered it on the date you first published the work, so any infringement after that can get the statutory damages. If you wait, then only infringements that start after you register the copyright can get the statutory damages and attorneys’ fees. For unpublished work, only infringements that start after registration can get statutory damages and attorneys’ fees.

Click to read more...
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"Insight" - Photography, Business and Tips to Thrive

2/11/2019

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© EtiAmmos
by Skip Cohen
​
​Welcome to "Insight," a new series of content-rich posts to help make 2019 the year you do more than just survive. We want you to thrive!

Dozens of times over the last few years I've written about all the great content available on the Internet. It's filled with ideas and topics to help you build a stronger business. Wandering through the PhotoShelter blog recently I ran across this gem about the importance of freelance photographers understanding the importance of knowing their costs.

It's a great article by Allen Murabayashi, but in all honesty, whether freelance or a full-time photograph/business owner, the issue of understanding your costs is critical. You've got a choice to make, and it could make the difference between macaroni and cheese every night or mixing it up, and being able to get out to dinner now and then! 

For years I've said photographers are typically one of the worst business groups on the planet. It's not all your fault, most of you are right-brain creative types, and you have little interest in the left-brain operational side of the business. But, you have to understand and respect the operational side because it controls your profitability and revenue!

PhotoShelter not only has a reputation for helping you create the very finest presentations of your work, but their blog is loaded with content to help you build a stronger business and brand. Check out the post below for help in developing a better understanding of your costs to do business!

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Why Freelancers Need to Know Their Cost of Doing Business

Unless you’re phenomenally wealthy, you probably maintain a budget for your finances. For freelancers, budgeting (and cash flow management) is crucial because the lack of steady income and hefty capital requirements (e.g. a new camera) can require a bigger financial cushion.

During a PhotoShelter Third Thursday event, I queried the audience about whether they had used a Cost of Doing Business (CODB) calculator. A participant answered:

“I did it once, and I don’t know what the hell you guys are talking about. I just found that it was totally unrealistic. I added it up, and I still was like, ‘Where did this number even come from?’”
​

It’s true that the first time you calculate your CODB, the result can be shocking. Many people find that they’ve severely underestimated what it costs for them to run a business (or they don’t have an accurate accounting of their expenses).
Click to read more

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"Beyond Technique" with Adam Mowery

1/30/2019

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Click on the banner above to listen to this podcast.
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​At the start of each Beyond Technique podcast, my co-host, Chamira Young, always shares the same opening line..."Welcome to Beyond Technique, a podcast empowering photographers to bring their businesses to the next level."  I've been thinking about that statement and defining the next level.

As artists, all of you are working to raise the bar on your skill set and the quality of images you capture and present, but there are so many choices in goals for the next level, and that's what I appreciate about the team at PhotoShelter. They're helping you present your images in the best way possible, but their dedication doesn't stop there - the next level for one photographer might be to build stronger brand awareness, while another needs to diversify or share better content. All along the way the PhotoShelter team is there to help, right down to live phone support with the best customer service team in the industry!

Adam Mowery joins us in this new podcast, and he's an artist constantly striving to hit that next level. His passion couldn't be easier to understand - it's all about life. There are a couple of lines in his bio I want to share:

Adam is an adventurer, creative thinker, and constantly pushes life to the limits. He will never be caught "status quo."  To Adam, creativity is a lifestyle not just a means to an end. 
  
One look at Adam's galleries and you're immediately hit with his love for the outdoors, people and photography. His images capture the look of fine art, lifestyle and here and there even a whimsical moment. Obviously, there's nothing Adam can't photograph, but his images are mostly about his passion for the outdoors and people.
 
Lots of people are doing podcasts these days, but we couldn't be prouder of the quality of artists sharing their insight into their journey in imaging. A BIG thanks to Adam for sneaking in the time to join us on this new episode of Beyond Technique, and sharing a lot of great insight into relationship building, pursuing your dreams, diversity in imaging and lessons he's learned along the way.

Visit Adam's galleries with a click on any image in this post, and make sure you look at his collection of tear sheets. It's one thing to capture great lifestyle and adventure images, but another to see the diversity in how they're used in editorial and advertising.  

And, we always love to thank the team at PhotoShelter. Every day they set a standard for the services and products they offer each client. They never slow down in their dedication to the artists they support and their focus on customer service. 

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Images copyright Adam Mowry. All rights reserved.
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"Beyond Technique" with Julie Dermansky and Photojournalism

1/14/2019

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Click to listen to this insightful podcast. Julie Dermansky shares a lot of great insight into her life as a photojournalist.
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With each new podcast in the Beyond Technique series, our guests have shared some remarkably candid insight into their life as a photographer.  For my co-host, Chamira Young and me it's been an incredible experience as each photographer has given us a tiny peek into their life as an artist. It's all thanks to PhotoShelter and their never-ending quest to help photographers raise the bar on the quality of their presentations and their business. 

Julie Dermansky joined us on this podcast. Although there's nothing, Julie probably can't photograph, her passion is story-telling and capturing the reality of life. She shares her thoughts on how she connects with her subjects, captures the emotion they're feeling at the time and builds each relationship. 

Years ago I attended an awards ceremony where the legendary portrait photographer, Monte Zucker, received recognition for his work. On the same platform, that day were several photojournalists who had captured images from 9/11.  I remember Monte paying tribute to the photojournalists by saying, "I have the best job in the world. I capture the fantasy of life, the way it should be. But you guys capture life the way it is."

Well, Julie captures life the way it is and has developed a style where she builds relationships and uses her camera to tell each story. Her images tug at our heartstrings and create awareness for life most often outside the one many of us live.
 
A huge thanks to Julie for joining us on this podcast. You'll notice when you look at her galleries she spends a great deal of time traveling from one crisis to another. However, she also manages to capture the beauty of wherever she is and the personality of her subjects.  She's developed the ability to tell each story in a way her subjects appreciate. Check out Julie's PhotoShelter galleries with a click on any of the images in this post. 

Thanks to the team at PhotoShelter, the services and products they offer each client, and their incredible focus on customer service, Julie, along with her peers are presenting their work in a way that leaves each of us wanting to see more!  

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All images copyright Julie Dermansky. All rights reserved.

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Photography Products and Support - We're Down to the Wire

12/27/2018

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© David Carillet
We're down to the wire on a list of special offers in photography. I don't want to waste time or space with a lot of text, so everything below is linked to the appropriate program and manufacturer. There are some terrific deals out there right now, but it's a narrow window, and the opportunities are closing fast.

From Profoto Ending December 31

Profoto's promotion on the incredible A1 ends on December 31, 2018. Just click on the banner below to link to the product and find out what all the buzz is about!
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From Marathon Press Ending on December 31

​Every professional photographer is looking for ways to increase their profitability and Marathon Press is always there with great promotions. Their Buy-One-Get-One (BOGO) offer on holiday cards ends on December 31. Here's your chance to cut your costs per card literally in half! And, even if you no longer need cards, check out their various products and programs, so you don't miss out next year!
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From Tamron USA:

You've got two different promotions worth checking out. Their holiday savings program ends on January 5, and includes other lenses beyond what's shown below. And, registration for their VIP club, which is pretty remarkable. You've got until January 15 to register. 
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Click on either banner for more information,
​and finding the Tamron dealer nearest you!

From the SLR Lounge

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Photography is one of those skill sets where you can never slow down on your education. No matter how much you feel you know and understand about the craft, there will always be more to learn. With that education comes a need for a continuous supply of creativity as technology keeps pushing the envelope and giving you more tools and concepts to help you capture outstanding images! Just click on the banner below and check out SLR Lounge Premium. It's an annual membership fee providing outstanding content to help you stay on track to becoming the very best...all year long!

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From Panasonic on LUMIX Cameras

,Just about every Mirrorless Monday a member of the LUMIX team has shared a great image and insight into their passion for photography. Right now Panasonic has some outstanding offers on a variety of LUMIX cameras and it's well worth the time to take a scroll through their online store. Just click on the banner below.
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From PhotoShelter

​It's not really down to the wire, because PhotoShelter has this program ongoing but concerning timing, it's the perfect solution for so many of you. Just because we're headed into the slow season, doesn't mean it should be quiet for you. 

NOW is the time to clean up your website and raise the bar on your presentation to your target audience. PhotoShelter makes it so easy and with downtime coming up for many of you, it's time to stop procrastinating and clean up your website and galleries!
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"Beyond Technique" with Brad Mangin

12/11/2018

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Click to listen to the podcast
All images copyright Brad Mangin Photography
​Sports photographer, Brad Mangin was our guest for this eleventh podcast in the Beyond Technique series. Without question, PhotoShelter is home to some of the most talented and diverse artists in photography. We all know the expression, time flies when you're having fun. Well, each podcast seems to go by in a flash as each guest shares so much insight into their careers and the challenges of being in business today. 

Just like the artists who have joined us on Beyond Technique, PhotoShelter never compromises on the tools they provide for outstanding presentations. Living in an Internet world, each photographer we've interviewed has stressed how much they depend on their website and how the team at PhotoShelter has never let them down.
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Gregor Blanco, 2014 World Series Champion Giants
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Brad Mangin was a kick to interview because he was so candid about his love for sports, the importance of the relationships he built over the years and even a few of the frustrations of dealing with the publication world today. 

What I enjoyed the most, besides getting to know Brad, was wandering through his portfolio. Although baseball is obviously one of his greatest passions, there's nothing he can't photograph. And, if you take the time to wander through his portfolio, it's like taking a walk through a sports Hall of Fame and following the history of so many iconic moments.

I pulled a few of my favorites, but they represent the tip of the iceberg in a lifetime career of one of the finest sports photographers in our industry. Every image of Brad's captures the emotion and action of each game.  

Interested in seeing more of Brad's work? Click on any of his photographs in this post to visit his website, blog and store. You won't be disappointed in any of the images he shares. And, follow him on Instagram as he regularly shares great images!

A big thanks to Brad for joining us.  And, a big thanks to PhotoShelter for the services and products they offer each client, and their incredible focus on customer service.  

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Adam Wainwright, Yadier Molina, and the St. Louis Cardinals win, 2006
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Derek Jeter and the New York Yankees win, 2009
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Baseball strike, 1994
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Francisco Lindor, Rajai Davis and the Cleveland Indians win Game 4, 2016
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Michael Jordan and the Bulls win, 1991
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"Beyond Technique" - Photography with Jeremy Horner

10/22/2018

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Images copyright Jeremy Horner. All rights reserved.
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This is our tenth podcast in the Beyond Technique series and what a kick it's been working with PhotoShelter and these artists. Each artist has shared so much insight into their journey along with their passion for imaging and people. 

Jeremy Horner joins Chamira Young and me on podcast number ten. We caught up to him while he was visiting his parents in the UK. Jeremy is all about people and different cultures. I picked a few of my favorite images from his galleries, but it wasn't easy! You'll see what I mean if you click on any of his photographs in this post.

It became very obvious early in the conversation that a big part of Jeremy's success is about relationship building. It's a topic we talked a lot about, and it's so important in capturing great images, especially when you're outside your element in other countries.
 
A BIG thanks to Jeremy for making time for the Beyond Technique podcast. You'll notice when you look at his galleries he spends a great deal of his time traveling all over the world. And, thanks to the team at PhotoShelter for the services and products they offer each client, and their incredible focus on customer service.  Jeremy's a big fan of what PhotoShelter has done to keep his presentation always looking its very best. 

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"Beyond Technique" - Photography with Christian Vizl

9/24/2018

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Click on the banner to listen to the podcast
When Chamira Young and I were asked to consider doing a podcast for PhotoShelter, while we knew it would be fun, we had no idea what we'd learn, or the incredible artists we'd meet along the way.  Each artist has had a different background and story to share about their journey. They've also shared some incredible insight into ideas to help you build a stronger business and brand awareness. 

Christian Vizl joins us in this new episode, and it's special for two reasons. First, he's our first overseas guest being interviewed while in the U.K. and proving that between the Internet and Skype the world is getting to be a tiny place! Second, I got hooked (obsessed) with scuba diving in the 90's and learned early on; it's not a hobby but a sickness. LOL At the time Hasselblad had an underwater housing, so I convinced myself there was a logical connection between my career and underwater photography. As a result, I have an incredible appreciation for Christian's images as both a diver and an artist. His work is remarkable.

There's one more fun aspect to this podcast. The photographic industry is very small, but even smaller when you specialize in underwater photography. Christian just recently returned from a trip with Ernie Brooks, who many of you know from Brooks Institute, his speaking engagements over the years, his books and images. I remember Ernie telling me years ago, I should learn to get every image I wanted underwater with one A-12 magazine rather than the seventy exposure rolls where I was struggling to get a handful of acceptable images.

As I wandered through Christian's galleries, I had a difficult time picking out my favorite images. Each one was stunning, so I did my best to give you a good representation of his work and hope you'll visit his site and check them out for yourself. Click on any image below to visit Christian's website.

A BIG thanks to Christian for taking the time to join us on "Beyond Technique." And, these podcasts would not exist without the support of  PhotoShelter. As Christian mentions in the podcast, the PhotoShelter team makes it so easy to show your images the way they deserve to be seen! ​
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Images copyright Christian Vizl. All rights reserved.
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"Beyond Technique" - Photography with Jamey Price

8/16/2018

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Click on the banner to listen to the podcast
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Chamira Young and I have had a lot of fun interviewing some of the most respected artists in professional photography, all thanks to the support of PhotoShelter.  Each artist has had a different story to share along with a lot of insight into ideas to help you build stronger brand awareness for your own business.

Jamey Price joins us on podcast number eight. He's the first motorsports photographer we've had on as a guest, and as you'll hear in the podcast, so much of his success goes well beyond his skill set. He's a storyteller with his coverage of a race, but at the same time, he's a relationship builder.  He's also an incredibly patient and fun artist to talk to. You'll pick up on his style in the interview, but I've had several conversations with Jamey following this podcast, and he couldn't be more sincere in his love for the craft.

Just a couple of weeks ago, one of Jamey's favorite images was featured on "Why?" It's just a click away if you'd like to hear the backstory on one of his most remarkable images.  

A BIG thanks to Jamey for taking the time out of his crazy schedule and joining us on "Beyond Technique," and PhotoShelter for the services and products they offer each client. Jamey's a big fan of the PhotoShelter team and has visited their offices. The PhotoShelter team makes it so easy to show your images the way they deserve to be seen! 

Images copyright Jamey Price. All rights reserved.
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It's not easy picking a few favorites from Jamey's galleries. He's made it a point to be diverse in his ability to capture the images that best tell whatever story he's working on. Check out two interesting categories on his website, "Published Work" and "Outside." Click on any of his images above and you'll see what I mean!
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"Why?" with Jamey Price

7/31/2018

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Images copyright Jamey Price. All rights reserved.
This series is a perfect example of that old expression; time flies when you're having a good time. This is the 105th episode of "Why?" And, in all honesty, I'm amazed how fast two years have gone by!  "Why?" is about the favorite images of some of the most respected artists in photography, and while you might not recognize their names, so often you'll recognize their images. 

Jamey Price joins me today on "Why?" and he's the first artist whose work I've shared who specializes in motorsports. He shares a lot of insight in this new episode with the backstory about one of his most favorite images. While motorsports is his passion, check out his website. Jamey's made it a point to keep his skill set diverse and stay focused on relationship building with his clients. As a result, some of the most respected names in motorsports trust Jamey to tell their story. 

Jamey's images have been published around the world by Top Gear, MAXIM, Car & Driver, CycleWorld, Road & Track, RACER, MotorTrend, Autosport, F1 Racing, Motorsport Magazine, Blackbird Automotive Journal, Popular Mechanics, Sports Illustrated, ESPN and many more.
 
I wanted to share a couple of additional images of Jamey's, and he sent me the two below. They're perfect examples of his passion as an artist and the diversity and pure joy he has with a camera in his hands! And, if you think it's all glamour watch the video on his website, Frames, as he shares the challenge of photographing a 24-hour endurance race!
 
Check out more about Jamey with a click on any of these images. You'll see an amazing body of work on his website. And, stay tuned - Jamey was our guest recently on "Beyond Technique" sponsored by PhotoShelter and well be sharing that new podcast later in August. 
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"Beyond Technique" - Photography with Jay Watson

7/19/2018

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Images copyright Jay Watson. All rights reserved.
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Click to listen to the "Beyond Technique" Podcast
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There are now seven podcasts in this series, all thanks to PhotoShelter and their never-ending focus on education and helping artists build a stronger business. Like so many of you and your experiences over the years, we tend to move towards things we like doing. Well, Chamira Young and I have had a fantastic time talking with respected artists about their experiences in building their brand and recording each of these episodes.

Jay Watson joins us in this new podcast. Jay's an editorial and lifestyle photographer based out of San Francisco, and he shoots advertising, entertainment, auto, apparel, corporate and sports assignments - although I'm not sure there isn't anything Jay couldn't photograph. He shows a lot of great diversity in shooting people and their environment and over and again demonstrates his ability to tell a story, often with just one environmental portrait.

On this new podcast, he shares a lot of great insight into his passion for photography, business and working with people. I wanted to share a few of my favorite images from Jay's galleries for this post, but it was hard to choose. To see more of his work click on any image and you'll link to his website.

A BIG thanks to Jay for joining us on "Beyond Technique," and PhotoShelter for the services and products they offer each client. The PhotoShelter team makes it so easy to show your images the way they deserve to be seen - in an excellent presentation. ​ 

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Spotlight Profile with Ron Wash

7/18/2018

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Starting this past January, working together with PhotoShelter, Chamira Young and I have been hosting a great little podcast series called Beyond Technique. While the response has been terrific with each new episode, the real fun of the project is meeting new artists and introducing you to their work; how they got started, and their insight into imaging and business.  

At the same time, I started running a PhotoShelter spotlight series featuring a new artist with each post. I've found a whole series of hidden gems in their 
New Member Shoutouts.  Each Shoutout features a new member of the "family," and it's the perfect reminder of how much they all share the passion for the craft.

One of the things I've enjoyed the most is talking with every photographer I've featured and reading/hearing about their backgrounds. This week I found Ron Wash. Based in Los Angeles his passion in photography is about people and fashion,  but there's a twist.

Ron came out of the fashion industry as a designer. He's an apparel designer turned photographer. Photography was his first love, graduating from USC with a BFA in fine art specializing in photography. So, from fashion to photography, spend two minutes on the phone with him, and there's no question about his love for the craft but it doesn't stop there. He's also an educator and designed a course for college students interested in fashion to develop a more real-world approach to the garment industry.

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In his "About" section I found one of my most favorite quotes from a contemporary photographer to date:

                                            " You don't need to reinvent the wheel...just create a better one".
To see more of Ron's work, check out his website with a click on any of the images above. And check out PhotoShelter.

PhotoShelter is the leader in helping artists present their work. Every website is clean, functional and always easy to navigate. The PhotoShelter team never slows down building relationships with their members. When you have questions, the PhotoShelter team is just a phone call away at 212-206-0808. There's always a live body to help if you can't find the answers in their extensive Q&A. No robots in this house - just a group of people committed to help answer your questions - LIVE.  

​Click on the banner below to find out more and best of all, start your free trial and take PhotoShelter out for your own test drive! 
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"Beyond Technique" - Photography with Bob Coates

6/20/2018

1 Comment

 
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Click to listen to the "Beyond Technique" Podcast
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It's definitely true that time flies when you're having a good time! The new year is already half over as we share the sixth podcast in the "Beyond Technique" series. These podcasts are thanks to the never-ending passion for helping artists build a stronger business by PhotoShelter. On every episode, my co-host, Chamira Young, and I have learned a little more not only about our guests, but insight into business, marketing and photography. 

Our guest today is Sedona-based photographer, Bob Coates. I've worked with Bob on a lot of different projects over the years and each time I think I know his work well, he surprises me with a new direction. His passion for the craft is unmatched, but it's his quest for education that's as remarkable as his work. 

He never stops attending workshops to further develop his skill set, experimenting and pushing the edge of the envelope. Without question, when it comes to his work he follows that famous quote by John Burroughs:

                                                  Leap and the net will appear!

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Individual images copyright Bob Coates. All rights reserved.
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Besides his work ethic, integrity, diversity and skill set, there's another quality I've always appreciated - he believes in being involved. He's active with PPA both in Arizona and nationally. He's a print-judge and educator, just to name two of the hats he's worn. He's also a NILMDTS (Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep) volunteer photographer. And, his blog, Successful-Photographer is loaded with information to help photographers build a more effective business model.

Check out Bob's work on his PhotoShelter website with a click on any of the images in this post. You'll also find him along with the other LUMIX Ambassadors sharing great content on the LUMIX Photographers Facebook page.  They're always sharing great "how to" content, taking many of us on a creative journey into new techniques, styles and technology.
And, PhotoShelter needs to be on your radar. They set the standard for Customer Service and being accessible.  They're just a phone call away at 212-206-0808. There's always a live body to help you if you can't find the answers in their extensive Q&A. No robots in the PhotoShelter house - just a solid team there to help answer your questions - LIVE.  

What good is working hard to capture and create the finest images of your career if they're not presented the best possible way?

Start your 14 Day FREE trial of PhotoShelter with a click on the banner below,
​plus 20% off a Standard or Pro Account for a year. 
​Use the coupon code PHOTOFOCUS20
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Missed a past episode of "Beyond Technique?"
​Each one is just a click away.

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"Beyond Technique" Photography with Leah Nash and Christopher Onstott

5/17/2018

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Click on the banner above to listen to this new podcast!
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All images copyright NashCo Photography. All rights reserved.
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This is the fifth podcast in the "Beyond Technique" series thanks to PhotoShelter's never-ending passion for helping photographers raise the bar on their business, especially how they present their work. My co-host, Chamira Young and I had a great time with guests, Leah Nash and Christopher Onstott.

Based in Portland, Oregon, they specialize in commercial, editorial, corporate, education, portrait, and travel photography. I hope you'll take the time to wander through their galleries because every image tells a story. In the dictionary, next to the word "storyteller" there should be a picture of the Leah and Christopher!
 
​While I usually like a more formal "About" section, there are two sentences that give potential clients an idea of the fun they're going to have working with this dynamic couple.

Not averse to dancing (her), telling bad jokes (him) or listening intently (both), their goal is to leave their subjects a little bit better than they found them.  All the while creating a wealth of images that look and feel spontaneous.

They share a lot of terrific insight into their business in this new podcast. It's obvious they love being artists and storytellers. I love the way they build the relationship with each client as well as their subjects.

A BIG thanks to not only Leah and Christopher for joining us on "Beyond Technique," but PhotoShelter for the services and products they offer each client. The PhotoShelter team makes it so easy to show your images the way they deserve to be seen - in an excellent presentation. ​Check out the NashCo.com website with a click on any of their images. You'll not only see great images, but another exciting and high-impact way to present your work.

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PhotoShelter sets the standard for being accessible. They're dedicated to helping artists build a stronger business, and just a phone call away at 212-206-0808. There's always a live body to help you if you can't find the answers in their extensive Q&A. No robots in the PhotoShelter house - just a solid team there to help answer your questions - LIVE.  
Start your 14 Day FREE trial of PhotoShelter, plus 20% off a Standard or Pro Account for a year.
​Use the coupon code PHOTOFOCUS20
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Missed an episode of "Beyond Technique"?

Click on any link below!
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Spotlight Profile with Mariah Tauger

5/10/2018

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Images copyright Mariah Tauger. All rights reserved.
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Chamira Young and I, together with PhotoShelter, for the last four months have been hosting a podcast series called Beyond Technique. The response has been terrific, and there's a new episode each month. In a world where great content is "King," each guest has shared some remarkable and candid insight into their careers, the industry and the challenges of running a business. 

About the same time as the launch of Beyond Technique, I had some fun of my own and started wandering through the websites of PhotoShelter's members. I found a hidden gem in their 
New Member Shoutouts.  Each Shoutout features a new member of the family, and it's the perfect reminder of how much they all share the passion for the craft.

This week I was looking at the work of Mariah Tauger, a Los Angeles  based commercial/editorial photographer with amazing diversity. In fact, I had a hard time picking just one representative image, so I picked three!

​But it wasn't just the variety of work she shared that grabbed my attention, but the quality of the images themselves - whether being whimsical or serious, photographing people, food or still life Mariah never compromises on the final presentation.

​I especially liked the simplicity of her "About" page, which surprised me. She's completely moved away from the usual background information or exclamations of passion for the craft. Instead she shares a piece of her soul with the following poem by Rupi Kaur, followed by a small list of impressive clients.

You tell me to quiet down
cause 
my opinions make me less beautiful
but i was not made with a fire in my belly
so i could be put out
i was not made with a lightness in my tongue
so i could be easy to swallow
i was made heavy
half blade and half silk
difficult to forget but
not easy for the mind to follow 
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Click on any one of Mariah's three images to see more of her work.

And check out PhotoShelter's website!  They're the leader in helping artists present their work. Every website is clean, functional and always easy to navigate. The PhotoShelter team never slows down building relationships with their members. They've grown to be a pretty remarkable resource helping artists build a stronger business model and in turn a more powerful brand.  


When you have questions, the PhotoShelter team is just a call away at 212-206-0808. There's always a live body to help if you can't find the answers in their extensive Q&A. No robots in this house - just a group of people committed to help answer your questions - LIVE.  

​Click on the banner below to find out more and best of all, start your free trial and take PhotoShelter out for your own test drive!
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Start your 14 Day FREE trial of PhotoShelter with a click on the banner above.
Plus get 20% off a Standard or Pro Account for a year.
​Use the coupon code PHOTOFOCUS20

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"Beyond Technique" - Content and Insight for Photographers

4/19/2018

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Click the banner to listen to this new podcast with Kristina Varaksina
Welcome to our fourth podcast in the "Beyond Technique" series. Working together with my co-host, Chamira Young, we're very excited to be sharing some terrific content thanks to great guests and PhotoShelter's never-ending passion for helping you raise the bar on your business.  

​Kristina Varaskina joined us on this new episode. She's all about people and capturing human emotion and the psychological impressions of her subjects' mind – permitting the characters to project their internal reality. Works undertaken are keen to explore a female and child perspective, evoking their thoughts, dreams, and hopes.   

In this new episode, Kristina shares a lot of great advice/insight, especially about being your own art director, developing a unique style, professionalism and communication with clients. A big part of the fun of this series has been each guest's willingness to share their experiences and some of the key points of their journey as a professional artist. 

Kristina also talks about how her PhotoShelter website has played a role. Click on any of her images to look at her website. Pay attention to how clean the site is. It's easy to navigate, and right from the beginning, she's sharing her images!

A big thanks to not only Kristina but PhotoShelter for the services and products they offer each client. The PhotoShelter team makes it so easy to show your images the way they deserve to be seen - in an excellent presentation. 
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Start your 14 Day FREE trial of PhotoShelter with a click on the banner above.
Plus get 20% off a Standard or Pro Account for a year.
​Use the coupon code PHOTOFOCUS20
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Missed an episode of "Beyond Technique?"

Click on any link below!
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With Stacy Pearsall
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With Christina Peters
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With Todd Spoth
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"Beyond Technique" - Content and Insight for Photographers

3/22/2018

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Working together with PhotoShelter in January, Chamira Young and I launched "Beyond Technique" a podcast that's quickly becoming extraordinary.  What's making these podcasts so worth listening to is the insight being shared by each guest. Each photographer has shared different aspects of their journey to date, and always with relevant topics to think about. 

​Todd Spoth joined us on this new episode. While Todd is all about people, one scroll through his galleries and you'll see a variety of work. On his website, he's described as...a photographer and multimedia producer based out of Houston, Texas, USA. He specializes in editorial, corporate, and advertising photography with an emphasis on creative portraiture. One look at Todd's work, and it's obvious how much he enjoys what he's doing.

In this new episode, Todd shares a lot of great insight into relationship building, paying attention to the details of your business, education, networking and how PhotoShelter has helped raised the bar on how he shows his work. 

Pay close attention to the layout and how clean his site is. Your website today is the equivalent of a bricks and mortar location just a few years ago, but with the potential reach of a magazine or newspaper.  Your site is all about the services and products you offer, and the PhotoShelter team makes it so easy to have an excellent presentation.

Click on any one of Todd's images in this post to link to his website and see more of his work.  
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Start your 14 Day FREE trial of PhotoShelter with a click on the banner above.
Plus get 20% off a Standard or Pro Account for a year.
​Use the coupon code PHOTOFOCUS20
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Images copyright Todd Spoth. All rights reserved.
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Missed an episode of Beyond Technique?

Just click on either link below...
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Spotlight Profile with Steve De Neef

3/15/2018

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Image copyright Steve De Neef. All rights reserved.
In January Chamira Young and I, together with PhotoShelter, launched a new podcast series called Beyond Technique. The response has been remarkable, and the third episode in the series will air next week. Each one has been loaded with substantial insight thanks to our guests.

Working with PhotoShelter, I've been spending a lot of time on their website.  One of my favorite features on the website and blog is their 
New Member Shoutouts.  Each Shoutout features a new member of the PhotoShelter family, and it's the perfect reminder of how much we all share the passion for the craft.

Meet Maine-based, Steve De Neef. His work is especially near and dear to my heart. Going back to my Hasselblad days, and introducing the H38 underwater housing, I have a deep appreciation for just how difficult underwater photography can be. Shooting mostly before digital, I used to be happy when I got a handful of good images from hundreds of bad ones, and all on film. So, I never knew if I got the shot until my film came back from the lab. 

But there's another aspect of Steve's work I love and if you're not a diver, it's hard to appreciate. Because of the way the spectrum of light breaks down underwater, you see no color except for the fish. You're swimming in one giant monotone world until you flip the switch on an underwater light or fire your strobes. Then the undersea world comes alive with color. Notice the background color beyond this image of Steve's three cuttlefish.

While Steve is new to PhotoShelter, he's certainly not new to imaging. He's got an incredibly diverse bio, and you'll see this diversity in his galleries.


Steve De Neef is a photojournalist, filmmaker and cinematographer who specializes in conservation, documentary, underwater and aerial photography. He often works with scientists and NGO’s in the hopes of inspiring positive change and getting research and conservation efforts seen by a broader audience...Steve’s images and films have been shown and won awards in numerous competitions and film festivals like Nature’s Best Photography, Outdoor Photographer of the Year, Beneath the Sea, Beneath the Waves film festival, Wildlife Conseravtion and Film Festival, San Fransisco Ocean Fim Festival, Ocean Art, ADEX (Asian Dive Expo) photographer of the year, Oasis and more.

Click on his image above to see more of his work.
​

Check out the PhotoShelter website, and find out what all the buzz is about. They've become a leader in helping artists present their work that's always so clean and easy to navigate. They never slow down in building their relationships with their members and have become an incredible resource covering so many different aspects of business and imaging.  

And, they set the standard for being accessible. They're dedicated to helping artists build a stronger business, and just a phone call away at 212-206-0808. There's always a live body to help you if you can't find the answers in their extensive Q&A. No robots in the PhotoShelter house - just a solid team there to help answer your questions - LIVE. PhotoShelter always walks the talk! 

Click on the banner below to find out more and best of all, start your free trial and take PhotoShelter out for your own test drive!
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Start your 14 Day FREE trial of PhotoShelter with a click on the banner above.
Plus get 20% off a Standard or Pro Account for a year.
​Use the coupon code PHOTOFOCUS20
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Podcasts for Photographers? "Yeah, we got that!"

3/13/2018

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I know I'm dangerously close to Staples' tagline, but the other day a good friend asked me "What's new?" and it took me ten minutes to explain. I'm pretty proud and honored to be a part of a diverse collection of new features, plus maintaining a series of solid standby topics supported by videos and sound bites. 

So, here's what's new? Click on any image in this post to connect to the individual podcast or series.

"Beyond Technique"

Sponsored by PhotoShelter, we're having a blast with this new series. There's a new episode every month, with our goal always being the same, creating content that not only supports your need to better define your business but podcasts that are fun too. Remember the word "fun?" It's a word too often lost under the stress of business today. We've posted two episodes so far this year with a new one coming up on the third Wednesday of each month.

We're excited to be working with PhotoShelter and creating content in line with their philosophy as a company who does an outstanding job of supporting the industry. They're one of the few companies in professional photography which not only supports artists but encourages them to call and talk to somebody directly when needing help!
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"Why?"

"Why?" started out as a way to introduce you to the movers and shakers in photography, but it's grown into so much more. Adding a 5-10 minute mini-podcast gives a post another dimension as each artist shares the backstory about one of their favorite images. Each backstory has also given us some incredible insight into another artist in photography. Plus, each image links to the artist's website, giving you a chance to explore their work on your own.

We're coming up on 100 artists in the series since it started April 22, 2016, with dozens more coming in 2018. I pulled a few to share the diversity in the subject matter in the rolling slideshow below. Click on any one of them to visit that photographer's "Why?" episode.

"Mind Your Own Business"

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Working together with Photofocus, "Mind Your Own Business" has kicked off a whole new season with amazing guests and terrific content. At a time when great content is King, we're out to keep the momentum going throughout the year.

In this newest podcast, celebrity and rock artist Lynn Goldsmith shares some incredible insight, especially about copyright and protecting your images. In February Sarah Petty shared a list of great marketing ideas, while the year kicked off with NY Times best-selling author, Shep Hyken talking about Customer Service.
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"EDU10" is all about lighting with experiences from some of the most recognized artists in professional photography.

There's a new episode each month with JP Elario kicking off the series, followed by Justin Marantz. And, we've got Ana Brandt coming up next month.

Each artist has been asked to share things they're able to do today, that just a few years ago would have been impossible or at the very least difficult. It's all thanks to technology and Profoto's Off-Camera Flash systems.
This is a remarkable industry we all share a love for, and programming like this doesn't happen by accident. While I'd love to take credit for these new features, the truth is they wouldn't happen without photographers who believe in our industry; companies who keep providing us with the tools to exceed client expectations and build stronger businesses, and all of you! 

​Thank you!
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    "Why?"

    Check out "Why?" one of the most popular features on the SCU Blog. It's a very simple concept - one image, one artist and one short sound bite. Each artist shares what makes the image one of their most favorite. We're over 100 artists featured since the project started. Click on the link above and you can scroll through all of the episodes to date.

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