Category: Finding Solutions

Getting Strangers to Open Up.

Anecdote, Editorial, Expression, Finding Solutions, Finding your Zen, Portraiture

I had just taken a job with a new studio that was experimenting with adding short video interviews to the studio photography session. It was a brand new idea at the time, and the photographers were given a chance to improvise and scrip their own interview questions. My first customers were a young couple from Brooklyn who had this amazing chemistry together. I sped through the photo session, giving them a nice session of images to choose from. When it came to creating a video that would bring in some extra cash to the studio. I was in new territory. For Christ sake. Aside from the training. I had never held a video camera before. However, having seen the couples chemistry throughout the photo session. I was ready to give it a try. Besides, both of us were new to this. Finally, lights, camera, action and they’re introducing themselves. Who they are and where they came from. Then it happened. Boom. My first question. “What was it that made you fall in love with one another?” Click, click, boom. As the woman started her response. Tears began running down her cheek.I knew, then and there they I had not only made a sale, but I made a connection. One that taught me how to communicate with complete strangers in order to get them comfortable enough to not even notice the camera.

Learning from the Past.

Beauty, Communication Breakdown, Finding Solutions, Finding your Zen, Studio Photography

Earlier this week, I came across some photos from a session I often refer to as, the worst due to the lack of communication between myself and the model. Regardless of the fact that she was, by all means, beautiful and a great canvas to work with. Much of the hour we booked was marred by her insistance on looking tough and making what would most be considered a gas face. Luckily, my friend and mentor was willing to step in to make some suggestions that really turned things around. Shortly after her departure, we shared a deep exhale, grateful that the worst part of our day was over. Looking back, I’m thankful for both. The model for testing my patience and pushing me to become a better communicator. My friend for stepping in and showing me how a true professional gets things done.

Travel Light.

Commentary, Downtown, Exploring, Finding Solutions, Location Shooting, Street Photography, Travel, Travel Photography

Partially due to my wives complaining, I’ve been trying to lighten the load in my camera bag when we go out. While this definitely took a while to adjust to. I’m beginning to open up to the idea of leaving all the surplus gear home and heading out with the basics. For a recent trip to Fredrick, MA. I left the extra lens, flash and usual bag of tricks behind and concentrated on just enjoying the trip. The few images I took, including this one. Received positive feedback from both my mentors and interested friends. So, unless, and even if you’re planning a serious photo trip. My advice is to bring the essentials. The weight you left behind will thank you.

Finding Purpose

Finding Solutions, Finding your Zen

One more review. One more interview. One more trip to the record store. One more photo. One more unnecessary thing to purchase. It never ends until the day you… well, you know. I’ve been a lot more mindful of this in recent years. Focusing more on health, diet and finding a disconnection from the things that bring on stress and anxiety. Not that I’ve dedicated my time to building a doomsday bunker or burying my proverbial head in the sand. It’s more of a dedication to prioritizing and, focusing on the truly important things. This morning we ventured out to the city and battled pigeons for land and food rights. That’s the kind of happiness I seek. Finding those little moments.Ones I might soon forget, but surely revisit in future times. It’s as simple as that, Simon. Find your inner peace. Wherever it might be.

Refueling For a Day That May Never Come.

Damion Photo, Finding Solutions, Marketing, Studio Photography

Over the last month and far before that. I’ve been working on putting together a new website and photo-included business cards to give out to prospective customers, friends, and whomever I might run into during my excursions to the outside world. Considering my last batch of cards read that I live in Seattle and list a website I long ago lost the password for and a no longer active email account. I’m overdue for an update. Considering I left Seattle in 2021. I can’t help but wonder, wtf was I waiting for? Ultimately, this will all cost me. A monthly fee for a website. Money for new business cards and that studio light set I’ve had my eyes on. All for what? Will people be lining up for studio time? Will I find new faces for an upgrade to my portfolio? Will I lose my often overthinking mind trying to book clients? Who knows. Choosing a few images and a suitable template sounds and probably is easy. But it hasn’t been for me. So with a self-imposed deadline looming. I wonder, will it get done? Wait. Let me overthink this.

If I Only Knew Then, What I Know Now.

Beauty, Editing, Finding Solutions, Finding your Zen

As I review and often delete old files from my desktop and external hard drives. I can’t help but lament over mistakes I made when I started out. Whether it be bad lighting, busy backgrounds or blemishes. I often wish I had known more. Whereas in the past. I didn’t spend much time in post production and my studio lighting was often flat. Through listening to better photographers and putting their teachings to practise. My skills improved and I gained confidence. These days, my enjoyment of post production has grown to where I’m beginning to notice that shooting and editing play on an evener keel. Still, I often find myself wishing I could get another chance to capture the beauty and soul of many of the people I met along the way.

Helping Hands

Canon R6 Mark II Mirrorless, Commentary, Finding Solutions, Finding your Zen, Happiness, Self Analyzing

Somehow, this recently captured image reminded me of how important it is to stay open-minded and open to advice and criticism. As someone whose bread and butter has always been writing and critiquing others’ music and product. I wholeheartedly admit to not taking criticism of my work or the backlash on my opinions and beliefs very well. As of late, however, I’m trying to become more open to criticism while being more helpful when applying my views of other people’s work. It’s not easy. However, we can all benefit from listening to and accepting other people’s views, critiques, and advice. As the future quickly becomes the now. I aim to learn and apply the knowledge and criticism from those who think well enough to help. Luckily for me, many do.

Windshield Moment

Canon Lenses, Finding Solutions, Finding your Zen

No matter what the situation, chances are, I’m thinking of or indulging in the art of photography. So much so that I firmly believe that we would never get to our intended destination if my wife stopped the car every time I spotted something I wanted to photograph. As my camera is often in its bag snuggled far out of reach, whatever photos taken while driving are done so with my phone. While this practise has produced a number or worthy photos, for me, it’s just not photography. So today I kept the camera with me in the front seat and did my best to avoid the dirt and smudges on the windshield As expected, results varied. I did, however, like this particular shot.

Reaching Out.

Communication Breakdown, Finding Solutions, Finding your Zen, Friendship, Narrative

As of late, I’ve been doing my best to reach out to long-time friends and loved ones. With the advent of social media, many of us, myself included, have overlooked the importance and joy of hearing a friend’s voice over the telephone or opening a handwritten note or card from someone you once shared frequent exchanges with. Just imagine if one of your hundreds of friends on Facebook ever got a call from you. Don’t worry. You’ll be struck by lightning while accepting your lottery win before that ever happens.

No matter how much time has passed, there will always be a place in our hearts for friends, family and loved ones — sharing memories and getting updates on their current or recent doings. In contrast, exploring a new way to see one another. Although, those first words, “Hey …, this is …” might take a little courage. There is almost always a reward on the other end of the line.