FAQs
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
First step is to make contact outside of Thumbtack. That can be a phone call, email, or even text message depending on what the client is most comfortable with. At that point we'll determine if an in person consultation is needed or if meeting for the photoshoot is sufficient time to discuss the client's expectations and how I can deliver products to meet those expectations.
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
My passion for photography comes from a seed that was planted as young child. I was given my dad's old camera at one point before I was even a teen. Unfortunately back then film was very expensive and I was not responsible with it, so I didn't get to shoot a lot. Not getting many pictures from my effort allowed it to fade to the back and other interests to move forward. Then in 7th grade I was able to get another taste by taking Yearbook as a class. I even got to experience the darkroom at that time. I continued with that in high school working on the school newspaper. Despite access to most of the tools of the trade I learned very little about the art or even the technical side of it. Fast forward many many years and my wife and I were expecting our daughter. As most expectant parents do we got a camera. At this time I was able to really jump in and learn a lot about photography. I've spent the last three years documenting way too much of our daughter's life and learning at every opportunity. This personal practice led me to photograph friends and extended family also. Eventually I felt my skills were good enough to pursue it as a career. Once I made that mental shift I've been assisting on commercial and portrait shoots and working on building my own clientele base.
- Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
I recently did a senior photo shoot and enjoyed the creativity it offered. We tried lots of ideas trying to get her personality to come through. She's very reserved so getting something to shine through on "film" was quite rewarding. We shot two different days for about an hour but that was because she wanted to try different outfits and different locations. Normally this type of session could be done in an hour long shoot even with a quick outfit change. This recent one was fun because of the added challenge presented by someone not fond of the camera but very critical that the images be amazing.