Sal Shoots, LLC

Introduction: Nothing brings a product, concept or people to life like well-executed photography. It’s what makes images jump off the page, demanding attention; or preserves a precious memory. At Sal Shoots, I use a trained eye and a creative flair to put your product, concept and even you in the very best light. I create images for advertising, editorials, events, portraits, and other documentation. “Business or personal-whatever your photography needs require-you’ll appreciate experienced Sal Shoots photographer, Sally Sanders”. Collaborating with her photography, Sally Sanders also offers skills as a writer, experienced in editorial pieces, biographies, social media and blogs; including interviewing and research projects. Understanding Photography, by Sally Sanders Photography is illustration, an amazing form of art. It captures the essence of the subject, shaping it with light, creating a mood and stirring emotions. Photography makes a statement with meaning, purpose. It documents a life, a moment in time and grasps a memory for the archives. A true photographer knows design, composition, can create a moment and is able to find the right place and time. Our eyes see light unlike others and understand it. We excite in the knowledge of the endless potential of images to capture. We remember every click of our shutter. Food: Admittedly photographing food is a favorite, what can I say? It’s the attention to detail that’s required; eagle eye Sal, Don Rutt, my former employer, used to say. Plus food can be a challenge to conquer. I like a challenge that results in a perfect image, even for a tomato….on a juicy burger, topped with crispy lettuce, special sauce oozing out just right, all surrounded by the perfect golden bun. Hungry yet? It is not recommended to view these images on an empty stomach. I've had hands on experience for clients like Subway, Albies, Harvey’s, Kilwins, IGA, and Eagle Family Foods. At Don Rutt Photography we had years of producing wonderfully yummy food photos. I’ve attended Food on Film courses, assisted the talented Diane Long, Long on Style, and several top chefs. The chefs are artists, and it’s a blast to shoot their work. I would be thrilled to produce the images for a cookbook! I also offer services as a food and prop stylist. It’s great working with other photographers, videographers, and for clients like Brauer Productions. Towards the end of this portfolio you will find images photographed by Don Rutt, I was his stylist and assistant, we were quite the team! The “Hosemaster” fiber optic lighting technique, which gives the ability to paint with light, works wonderfully for food photography. As you look through my portfolio, see if you can figure out where it was used. Commercial: The goal is to capture the essence of a product or business; to find its marketing appeal through images. Commercial photography documents uniqueness, design, quality, purpose; while creating a desire, setting a mood; with photos that send a message. These are the essentials and the challenge I love about advertising photography. Commercial Photography experience includes high quality studio and location shooting. I find Industrial Photography fascinating; construction documentation too; and like shooting architecture. Although I've been in the business since the “film” days, I kept up to date with the ever-changing “digital” technology that the industry demands. I’m fluent in Photoshop, photo viewing and editing software, Microsoft Office and general computer knowledge. Editorial: Telling a story with images, it’s what photography’s all about, documenting something with visual meaning and takes the viewer beyond what words cannot capture. I strive to produce a photo that speaks to the viewer, informs and entertains. Collaborating with my photography, I also offer skills as a writer; experienced in editorial pieces, biographies, social media and blogs; including interviewing and research projects. I've been a Reporter and Photographer for events and newsworthy activities; able to generate stories, conduct interviews, research and write. One of my favorite writing experiences was a featured column for the Buffalo Gap Round Up Newspaper out of Texas. Larry Brookreson, owner and editor, and Denise VanDaele, editor, were awesome. Not only was I a reporter, I had a column that was totally my work. I generated the ideas, did research, interviewed people, and did creative writing too. Plus produced the photo’s to go with it! How cool is that! Events: Not all photographers are cut out for shooting events. Social-people skills are a must; being outgoing and personable a necessity. The competence to capture the moment is essential. I really enjoy this type of shooting, the people are awesome, their lives and businesses are fascinating. I began doing event photography back in the days when corporations had amazing retreats, outings and conferences; awards banquets too. I've shot for clients such as Mersen, J. Walter Thompson, Mutual of Omaha, Michigan State Police, Optometrists and other Associations. I had a blast shooting Bay Cities Pig Gig; I've been the event shooter for numerous motorcycle rallies, music events and let’s not leave out all the weddings; anniversaries, retirement and birthday parties too! Portraits: Portraits are a documentation of a life, whether for promotion or an important event, place or time. I have delighted in all the wonderful people, families, young and old. To capture their uniqueness, personality and spirit is a joy to this photographer. Photographing children is so dear to my heart. Capturing their natural essence is such a joy. We have so much fun, so do the Moms and Dads. I really pride myself in my environmental style of portraiture. Everyone is unique, so should their portraits be. It is so important to produce a portrait that portrays you, particularly these days of getting lost in the crowd, especially on the World Wide Web. And dating site photos of people, yikes, let’s not even go there! Professional Business Portraits are another specialty I offer. I work skillfully with natural, available lighting, or with studio strobes, sometimes I combine the two. All the people I've photographed over the years are still envisioned in my mind; and archived of course! "You were all very special, thank you". Entertainment Promotion: Entertainers and musicians have the moves; looks, grace and style. I enjoy promoting your talents and admire your gifted soul. Your discipline and dedication have earned my respect. To find the essence of you and your talents within the images produce for you will be my goal. Dance and theater performances have always been a favorite. Portfolio shots for Models I've done many times, some have had successful careers, and photos by Sal helped them get there. I tell the musicians “I've been shooting bands since big hair and spandex!” Really, I have the negatives to prove it. I’m and experienced photographer for all styles of bands, reggae, rock, acoustic, blues, folk, county….Recently I found the perfect location for a country band. I've been excited to shoot there, any of you country bands game? Stock: I have a stock library containing a large variety images; food, products, people, farming, nature. Travel photos throughout beautiful Michigan, Traverse City, Bay City region, Texas, Colorado and much more. This is only a sample of my work so be sure and check with me. I may have what you’re looking for! Expect the library to grow continuously and I’m open to ideas you may have for a stock imaging project. Some of these photos were produced for an upcoming book titled Landmarks of Leelanau, by Anne Littlefield. Others were preservation projects for Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy and Almira Citizens for Preservation. Publications such as Midwest Living Magazine, local convention and visitors bureaus, and The National Cherry Institute; either contracted for shots, or utilized my stock images. Many were shot simply because I felt like it! Testimonials: Over the years growing as a photographer I’ve gotten to know Sally, her persona is unlike any photographer I know. She is somebody you feel extremely comfortable around and is one of the friendliest people I know. Wow does she know what to do with a camera too. Her portfolio amazes me. Tovis Bratsburg Bratsburg Photography Member; PPA, WPPI Thank you for your participation in the grand Pre-Thanksgiving dinner affair at which you took many candid shots of happy and satisfied friends of the Foundation. It pleases me to no end to be the recipient of your thoughtfulness and generosity. Everyone and especially I just love the photos (you are awesome). I thank you again in the name of the Foundation and pray that the special favors the God gives to those who love Him will be countless. Very Gratefully, Father Fred We know we can rely on Sal for all aspects of project management – from pre-planning a photo shoot to the actual photography to managing or editing digital files.” – LindyLazar Marketing Communications, LLC This letter concerns Sally Sanders who has worked for me for since 1987 at my commercial photography studio, Don Rutt Photography. After losing her job at Bob Jacksons studio due to a fire, I hired her immediately. I had seen some of her award winning work in Print Magazine and was aware of her other skills, so I knew the fit would be perfect all the way until I sold the business in 2006. Sally skillfully carried out many jobs for me. She was studio manager, which involved all the scheduling, paper work, customer contact, but also did much more. When I needed an assistant she handled that, when I needed props, models and locations, she found them, when I needed a food stylist and the budget didn't allow one, she artfully handled that. She learned the difficult task of styling from years of assisting stylists at my studio and also from formal training in Minneapolis. Sally never lost her shooting skills, as she shot many jobs alone while I was on location. Sally is unusually well rounded in all aspects of photography and related support services, so recommending her is easy. Sincerely, Don Rutt “I have worked with Sally for over six years and one thing I really notice, whether it be lighting or food styling, is her attention to detail. Having her skills available as contracted labor for my studio adds value and services for myself and my clients.” Dave Speckman Speckman Photography, LLC “I recently had the opportunity to work with Sal on a large food shoot. She made a huge complicated shoot a lot easier. Her styling ideas and food preparation made the project a success. Plus she brings energy to the studio that helps when the job is almost done and you need that extra boost to get finished. Sal certainly has invaluable assets that make the photographer look good.” Mike Meleski Meleski Productions Inc. "Working with Sal was an amazingly comfortable and exploratory experience. She was extremely open to ideas and extraordinarily capable of achieving innovative results. In hoping to capture life, energy and personality, a picture can speak a thousand words. Sal has the skills and sensitivity to get inside her subject and bring out their best. It was a treat to work with her." Peace, Robin Lee Berry Peninsula Construction has hired Sally on two special occasions. Retirement parties for very important people with our organization. Sally is very caring and professional with her work. We were very pleased the first time around, so it only seemed natural to have her photograph the retirement party for the owner and founding father of our company, Ron Reffitt, Sr. The photos were very nice again, of course! Karen S. Wierenga Peninsula Construction and Design, LLC Thanks for the excellent work on the Great Lakes brochure. It made my job a lot easier in the photo department. Great Lakes Hybrids feels it is the best brochure yet and I agree. Ramon Hutson Design Company I think you are a great photographer! I was very impressed with the way you handled our rather large band and made us all feel comfortable with your “fun” attitude. I would recommend you to anybody that is looking for a photographer with a knack for capturing the “essence” of her subjects. I’m glad we came to a pro as the results were stunning. Thank you, K. Jones of the Benzie Playboyz Cajun and Creole Music (additional testimonials and information available at salshoots.com and salshoots.zenforlio.com) History of Sally Sanders Photographer: After working for many years in commercial photography studios Sally has decided to use her experience and creative talents as Photographer for Sal Shoots. She began her interest of photography in High School and studied at Delta College in photography, art and interior design. Subsequently producing fine art photography and working as a freelance photographer she has also had the pleasure to work side by side with two very gifted commercial photographers. First, with Robert Jackson as his second photographer, assistant and dark room technician. He expanded her knowledge of photography with all formats of cameras, lighting, film processing and printing. During that time she won scholarships and attended courses at Winonah School of Photography in Chicago. She enjoyed working with Robert for five years until one tragic day his studio was lost in a fire. Then she began her career with Don Rutt Photography. She has been Dons right hand as photographer, assistant, stylist, planner, coordinator and manager. Again fortunate to work with one of the best in the business Sally has expanded her knowledge to the whole realm of the industry and gained more experience with photography, lighting on location, and “Hosemaster” fiber optic lighting. Sally excels as a food and prop stylist with hands on experience for clients like Subway, Albies, and Eagle Family Foods. She has attended Food on Film courses, assisted the talented Diane Long, Long on Style, and several top chefs. Although she has been in the business since the “film” days, she has kept up to date with the ever-changing “digital” technology that the industry demands. Sally is fluent in Photoshop, Imaging software, Microsoft Office, general computer knowledge and fluent with social media and blog content. Her excellent skills and experience with public relations, planning and managing will be a major asset to those who hire her as their photographer. Don Rutt has sold his studio, moving on to other interests. Sally is now offering the public her years of experience as a professional photographer and yes; Sal Shoots too!