When it rains…
….you must know its October in North Idaho.
But that’s only a part of the story. As anyone that has ever read my blog before, you know I’m an avid photographer. I don’t consider myself great yet, or probably ever, but I’m learning. Lately the photo gods have been very kind to me. A few months ago Mike turned down some photo work for a co-worker that’s starting up a tee shirt business. He gladly referred said co-worker to me and I proceeded to take some shots of his product. Nothing really fun or challenging, but I made a few extra bucks off the deal. Well, a couple of weeks ago he wanted to take some shots of people wearing his product to use as advertising. I have to admit, I was a bit nervous about jumping out so much as most of my photography thus far has shied away from people except the occasional shot of the kids or family. But I made the decision that if I ever want to make any money at photography I’m going to have to start taking shots of people.
Well, I showed up looking like quite the pro. I was able to borrow Mike’s gear and gladly used his 580EX flash, but had his body and other gear for backup in case mine didn’t want to play nice. I was also able to borrow a 17-40mm f/4 L from a co-worker, as I knew I was going to be working in tight conditions and my kit lens leaves a bit to be desired. I also had my laptop, tripod, reflector and all of my other gear, so I was packing heavy. But I didn’t want to be unprepared. I had also in my many months of listening to photography related podcasts, knew that I should probably bring a bit of legal protection with me. I was smart enough to print out some model releases and had everyone sign a copy for me and the client. Talk about the looks I got as none of the people I was shooting had any idea what these were for. But I felt like such a pro knowing that the images could never be used for commercial purposes without them.
All in all, I felt things went well. The lighting outside was tough as it was an overcast afternoon and the shirts everyone was wearing were black. So, lots of fill flash and exposure compensation had to be used. But even with that, I was able to figure out the proper settings after only 2 tests shots of my camera bag and away I went shooting. I did find the hardest part of shooting people was to get them to not like straight into the camera, but just slightly off, and to be natural. Some of the shots came out looking like they had something stuck somewhere and they didn’t want to be there. Then we got to joking and go them loosened up and the best shots came just after the laugh started to go away.
I spent many hours processing the images due to the lighting and finally turned over my work the other day. To my surprise, he was very, very pleased with the outcome and is already thinking about wanting more. Yay.
Opportunity number 2 started a couple of weeks ago with a couple of the guys that work in the photo studio here at work tried to get me to sign up for iStockPhoto.com. I submitted my pictures as part of the application, and after getting one of them turned back due to the fact they already had lots of images like that one, I got my approved application today. So, as soon as I can upload my first shots, I can start selling some of my work.
Opportunity number 3 came to me just the other day. My son’s school is having a fund raiser next weekend and the PTA member in charge of the event called my wife and asked if we’d be willing to put up a booth and take shots of all the kids in their Halloween costumes for the event. The money we make goes to my son’s Cub Scout Pack. I gladly took on the challenge as the last time I did catering at the school, it was a great opportunity to advertise. So, we’ll see if I get any business off of that, but at least I was able to order some studio umbrellas and stands to use for lighting. Long time on my list of photo gadgets. Still couldn’t quite take the plunge on another flash for the setup, but maybe if I get some business from it, I’ll drop the $400 on the new 580EX II.
So, I’ll be setting up my scene in they gym, hooking the camera to the laptop and doing on-site printing for an evening. I’m really looking forward to it.
I was also invited to take a photography class every other week here at work. It’s taught by one of the studio guys. It’s very basic, but it’s really nice to get the more typical college presentation of photography. So far we’ve talked about light and the structure of light. It brought back memories of my high school physics class. The others in the class seem overwhelmed, but I’m really enjoying it.
I guess good things can come in groups. I’m hoping the good things keep coming as it’s nice to start making some money and a reputation doing something I really enjoy doing. I always thought this would be just a hobby of mine and I never thought I would get to a place where other people would want my work. I hope I learn lots and get better as I go.
If you want to check out some samples from my model shoot the other week, go here. His site isn’t up and running full speed yet, but I’m sure if you want to buy a shirt, I could make sure one gets to you. 
1 comment October 18th, 2007