High-End Commercial Photography

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. People, Food, Products, Clothing (Fashion), Homes, just about anything!

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Check for references also. I have dozens of clients who will vouch and love to share stories of working together with me.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. What are the best rates for services? Is it better to invest in a large project at once or go in small pieces?

Packages should always be negotiable with the client. I never will have the same price across the board. Different projects will require more/less work and can be flexible on pricing.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. Think about the big picture and then take that and break it into small pieces. Often clients feel like they can't commit to projects because there is much work that needs to get done.

It's best for us to start small and build a foundation to work upon. Let the photographs slowly build up and develop a personal brand identity for you the client.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. I have over 10 years professional experience in the field. And I also have a Masters Degree in Photography from Columbia. I have photographed hundreds of tear sheets and dozens of magazine covers over the years.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. Meeting new people! Working on new creative projects! Seriously you can make ANYTHING look fantastic with some attention and love.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. Can you work within my budget?

Of course! I never ever turn a client down. Why? Because I know good work will have them call me in the future to work again. That is how you flourish as a business provider. :)

Q. Do you have a favorite story from your work?

A. I have a ton of great stories from all my experiences over the years. There have been so many adventures and mishaps and challenging shoots. But honestly at the end of every shoot I have always came out knowing that some terrific photographs were created.

Hopefully someday (when I have time) I will be able to sit back down and write about all these great experiences!

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. I always had a love for film and cinema. I wanted to work in the film industry when I was in college. It was not until I took a photography course as an elective that I realized I could implement what I loved about film (lighting, composition, set design, directing) into a photograph. From there my photography took on a new role and I realized this way my true calling in life.

Q. Tell us about a recent job you did that you are particularly proud of.

A. My latest project was a huge fashion spread for an international photography fashion magazine. It was a beautiful spread with nine different models shot over the course of 12 hours in the studio with my amazing team of hair/makeup and wardrobe artists.

I have examples of this spread posted on my profile currently. And would be happy to talk more if you have any questions about it.

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. I do have a Masters Degree in my field. And I am constantly trying to keep up with all the new versions of Adobe software that comes out. I am also trying to learn new techniques on mastering my lighting skills which has taken many long years to get to where I am at now.

I also on occasion attend seminars and workshops on new technical aspects of photography.

Q. What are the latest developments in your field? Are there any exciting things coming in the next few years or decade that will change your line of business?

A. I think we are in for some new developments in the years to follow. I just switched from shooting medium format film to digital about 5 years ago.

Now I see the new influx of HD-video and 3D imaging becoming a factor with photography. It will be interesting to see if my business model will change to adapt to these new features that can be offered for clients.

Q. If you have a complicated pricing system for your service, please give all the details here.

A. My pricing system is not complicated. On the contrary it's customized for EACH individual client that approaches me.

I have a basic rate that I base all projects off of. From there the price will go or down depending upon a multitude of factors.

From years of experience now I am yet to have a client not be able to work with because of budget constraints.

Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

A. Schooling and proper education is critical. Real world experience is important also. You must also have great customer relation skills. This is a very competitive field and only the strongest survive. But if you have a true passion for your work then it will help finish ahead.