Photographer, Cinematographer & Video Editor

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

A. My most common type jobs are concert venues, industrial training and those who want a quality public access television program. I do music videos after a complete understanding from the artist as to what is involved. If they expect to be at a bar and do the song 3-5 times, I don't work for those types. Music videos are short films and tell a story like the song. I also will note that music videos are shot with one camera in my book. Plan on performing the same song up to 50 times, 3-8 days of filming. Every angle that fits, individual players, reverse angles. I love a shot sheet, but its called safety.

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

A. The customer has to consider their time frame and the amount of time for the project. I specialize in multi-camera tapings. I also run a switcher during the tapings, for multiple angles and focusing. This reduces the turn-around time, cuts way down on post production and saves the customer time equaling saved money.

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

A. In order to due a project correctly and professionally it takes time to prepare, set up, make adjustments, test the lighting, audio, mark positions, educate the talent on delivery. It takes time and if someone 'just shows up and are ready to work', it is going to look the efforts they put forth, half way and not quite.

Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?

A. Samples. Then you can ask about various angles, reasonings for certain captures. Will they direct the production or will you the customer direct? During a presentation or power point will they want inserts prior or for post? Do they prefer a simple photo overlay during cuts if the taping involves multiple takes using a single camera?

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

A. Are you looking for an organized production that runs smooth, has preplanning involved, has a time line and time frame? Or, are you looking for someone who has an idea and a belief they can 'make it happen'?

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

A. I specialize in multi-camera tapings. Broadcast quality for use online or for training. I prepare for what is going to take place. Pre-taping meetings are important. You need to have the presenters comfortable and conversational and willing to not perform. You will also want to know what the end product should be understood to be. Planning.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. The information. Every taping is different even when you cover the same subject matter such as interviewing musicians for a documentary or line workers training new employees. The information and willingness to share and educate is amazing. I learn something every time and I have an up-close front row seat.

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

A. Is there anything I can do to help you set up? No thank you, I have a routine but I appreciate the offer. I often have a third party come up and want to ask questions during a taping. My standard response is, "I'm sorry, I need to concentrate. Please come back during a break period or you can leave a card over here (tapping the table). Thank you. I don't want you to think I am rude. I just need to concentrate. Thank you.

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

A. Yes. I was taping a television show on a regular basis for a cable access client. The talent became an ego. I left the director/editor duties and was told how easy I would be to replace. One show later, I was asked to come back. I did not for reason. The show is no longer airing. The ego found out that behind the scenes to make someone come across as professional takes planning, hard work, and knowledge of what the industry standards are, what the rules are and of course when you can and what rules to break.

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. Taping a program can be done by anyone these days. Professional continuously learn and stay up to date on industry news and technologies. The person with a consumer grade camera who has no clue of contact points, cheats, perceptions, angles, lighting, interviewing, audio, bounce, ambient, can not come close to the quality a professional will deliver.

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

A. I was a radio personality for nearly 15 years, writing, editing and producing audio commercials. I moved into television editing for news and commercials. I started editing documentaries then feature films. It was a progressive move and a natural progression from my degree in mass communication and broadcasting.

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

A. I love green screen work. The talented 3D artist who composed the background as we measured shot distances and really went through the entire process with a fine tooth comb, ranging from shadows and depth to jib and dollying. It was just a great day on set.

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

A. Constant education and learning is a key in making your work stand out and taking it to the next level of quality. This is not a job, its a life style. I am what I do and the separation is not possible. I look at things and think , what a great story, look at the lighting, the list just goes on.

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. Developments are expensive. The up grades and learning of the equipment is mind blowing at times but as with everything when you get into that comfort zone you are likely to start loosing clients and opportunities.

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

A. I would suggest start with a foundation of basics. Learn the basic rules like the 180, angles and why, interviewing questions because you will usually want B-Roll, organization skills, contracts, labor law, know everyone's job and know how to do it; you will hire someone who bluffed their way into the business. This is a business not an artsy field. You have artistic times however, its a business first. Its more informing to listen and learn which clients you can and cannot work with. Don't be afraid to turn down a job. Some things will end up costing you money if the client is not a fit for you and your business. Don't do half way. Spend the time, money, energy and effort to learn and then go work for someone who is going to have you around for awhile and not just a one time thing.

Q. What is your greatest strength?

A. Control on numerous levels and aspects. I work with clients to achieve results. I know how to get those results. I know how to handle the difficult talent and yes even replace them in a timely manner. I control the shots, the angles, the atmosphere on set and the time frames, number of takes, work arounds and determine what is acceptable and cut-a-ways and have the final word in accordance to the clients wishes and professional results.

Q. What are you currently working on improving?

A. It is a constant process of updating equipment, software, and studios. I would have to also include employee(s) for simple fact that it seems with the learn how to video tutorials on line and the people who took a starter class somewhere, a typical new hire is someone who knows everything and is not humble enough to learn. They just want to be on set or experience a setting one time before they start their own business for 1/4 the price you charge and you end up re-doing the project.