On hiring a professional

In this age where everyone has some sort of device to capture images it's easy to forget the fact that simply pushing a button on an automated computerized device that will record an image and process it out for you doesn't make one a professional.
A professional is a trained and skilled visual communicator who uses his or her unique "point of view" to tell a story about the person, product, place or thing in front of their camera.
A professional is also able to do it on a deadline, work with a budget and collaborate with fellow professionals to produce the best end result.
Creative collaboration is key in my opinion.
As wonderful as digital camera's are, they are tools one uses produce a creative piece.
As tools, the user must have the skill, training and vision to use them in the best way possible.
Without a "minds-eye" viewpoint they are worthless.
There are billions of low cost and even free images out there to be had.
Are they professional? Are they even good? If a tree falls in the forest does anyone hear?
A skilled professional can cut through the worlds visual clutter with a unique voice.
It takes years of skilled practice to do that effectively, there are no shortcuts to great creativity in my opinion.

A must read for everyone- " What matters now"

A collection of mini-essays hosted by Seth Godin.

Check it out!

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/files/what-matters-now-1.pdf

Is it all work and no play?

How great is it to work in a creative profession? Is there anything more fun than making photographs? For me, it's what drives everything else, the hard work of doing business about 90% of what we do, pales in comparison to the time behind the camera.  I'm sure it's the same for all other creatives too.  Need another meeting anyone?

The value of the authentic image

In this era of Photoshop the viewing public has never been more skeptical of the images they see.

The power of imagery has never been stronger but does it matter anymore one wonders.

When a cell phone image from the Abu Ghraib prison shakes up the world, it matters.

Images of desperation of the suffering of Darfur matter.

There are many more examples.

What about the use of commercial images?

When generic istock photo's are used to depict business owners who support the coal industry, even John Stewart notices.

The widespread use of cheap and generic images to sell both image and products for companies makes me wonder about the real value of photography.

If I see a 50 something couple enjoying life because of a Viagra dose I wonder if the models even knew what they where supposed to be selling.

In times like these, I think that it's time to cut the crap. literally and figuratively.

Maybe advertisers could  find some real users of their products to make endorsements. I , for one might  take notice of an ad like that.

But if your going to sell a product, service or company at least make the imagery you use unique and original to your company and not recycle photographs that  hundreds, perhaps thousands of others have used.

Nothing sells like great photography. All of us our inundated with thousands of images every day, millions per year. What will make one stop and notice something whizzing by? Not a shot thats been seen many times before I bet. Make it real, original and vivid and you'll set yourself apart from the crowd. After all, how can a competitor use the same images if you have commissioned them and you have the rights to use them exclusively?

If your going to make the investment in branding your product or company and that's not an inexpensive proposition, make sure that includes photography thats original too.

Before you call a photographer Part 1.

The following post is my response to the large number of inquireies I have received lately from people looking to buy photography for the first time.
It is intended to be an aid those new to the experience…here goes:

I got a call recently that went something like this.

Hi, my boss told me we need a photographer tomorrow, are you available?

My response: Possibly, yes, would you please tell me more what your needs are, budget and usage?

Buyer: not really sure, he told me to get someone to photograph our facility,
not sure how or what it should look like, it'd take an hour right?