How did you get started doing this type of work?
When I was 14 years old and I watched my first Black + White print develop in front of me I was hooked. Standing in that darkroom, watching the magic of the print emerging in the tray I decide that photography was something I could spend a lifetime doing and I would never get bored doing it.
Over forty years later I still hold that reverence and derive satisfaction from the creation of photography. The camera has gotten me around the world, has connected me with thousands of people and it is the vocation of my life
What types of customers have you worked with?
My most common project for my small business clients is executive headshots and editorial portraits. Those images are used in social media profiles and client press kits.
For larger enterprises my most two common assignments are either live event coverage or a location photography session.
My corporate event photography is used to illustrate public relations and social media, often in real time. Essentially I am working as a hired photojournalist getting shots out to the media to illustrate press campaigns.
Location projects tend to involve creating a complete archive of images for corporate communications. I will photograph the client facility, products and personnel (formally posed and candidly) to make an inventory of images that can be used across a full spectrum of media.
For individuals my most common project is the creation of a custom portrait.
Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
In 2013 I spent six months working on a project for NH Catholic Charities. I was chosen for the job specifically for my reputation for working with people and for shooting candidly. The goal was to observe and capture the range of agency activities and personnel, to create a portfolio of images that tell the story of this charitable enterprise.
The work had meaning and I had the pleasure of working with an impressive collection of individuals that do the day to day work of helping those in need. This assignment just confirms the power of images to affect change in a positive way.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
Have a clear communication objective in mind and a budget to match. Be realistic in what you want to accomplish with the assignment and invest accordingly.
Quite often hiring a photographer is an afterthought or an event detail that is left to the last minute. Images are an increasingly vital part of corporate communications and their creation should be a priority consideration in your marketing plan.
Comparing photography and video providers only on the basis of price will shortchange your business. Invest in a quality professional photographer to guarantee ROI.
What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
My customers need to know just how experienced and capable of a photographer I am. When you hire a photographer you have to take that level of expertise into account. You can always find someone that is cheaper than me but you will be hard pressed to find a photographer that is more capable than me.
That means I consistently produce great images, I just dont get lucky. It means I have technical and artistic ability that ensures quality and deliberate results. It means I can handle pressure and direction. I dont rely on attitude, I am confident because of my ability. No excuses just results
