Enjoy the Ride

I saw "Cuff the Duke" at the Horseshoe Tavern tonight. It's one of my favourite venues to enjoy music because they have no issues with camera's brought to shows (in fact, they didn't even check my bag when I went in - next time, I'm packing water!). But it also has a host of fantastic bands any night of the week - and you can practically stand on stage you get so close to them!!

Cuff the Duke is a fantastic Canadian indie band. They've released 3 albums since 2002, with the latest released this year (their 4th) produced by Greg Keelor of Blue Rodeo. They have built quite a following across Canada, and the show was packed with fans. I was surrounded by no less than 5 cameras in the front row capturing the great spirit and music of this band.

While I was admiring all the 5d Mk 2's around me I noticed a really disturbing trend amongst the shooters. Everyone spent way too much looking at the LCD screen after they shot a set of photos and failed to just enjoy the show. As much as I was there to take photos, I was mostly there because I admired the music and had never seen them live before. There is nothing like a live show when the musicians are talented, and the crowd sings along. I admit, I did glace at my LCD periodically, but I was not about to scroll through all my shots while the show was going on.

Digital cameras have created amazing advances and access to those that might not normally have invested in this art-form. However, I think people need to stop using the LCD like it was key to taking a good photo. The only thing I rely on my LCD for is a quick check that my exposure is correct (to a degree) and that my framing is on. I definitely don't rely on it, nor check it constantly, like some of these shooters were.

People need to peel away from the LCD, take note of their surroundings, and enjoy what is around them. We are blessed to live in a city where world class musicians can share their talent 2 feet from us. We, as photographers, need to enjoy the ride we are on.

On the Web

Today is a big day on my career path as a photographer. It's something that, I feel, solidifies me as a pro, and gives me something to share and be proud of.
My website went live today.
My business cards are printed and ready to hand out.
I have 2 new jobs booked in the next couple of weeks.
People are starting to take me seriously as a photographer.

But now, the real work happens. I begin to really market myself to those "key" clients and accounts that I want to land. Those that might not otherwise look at me, with just a flickr account. Flickr has been fantastic for my education and career thus far, and will continue to be. But there is nothing like a professionally designed website to really represent what I am currently as a photographer.

I have big plans for this site in the future. More sections, integration of this blog, and perhaps a bio. But for now, it shows what I am capable of doing and represents the jobs I want to book.

I am thankful and proud of the steps it took me to get here, and I can't wait for the next steps to come.

Baby Steps

I've been very fortunate over the last couple of weeks to have a few of my photos included in some great online sites. One was due to pure luck (and my love for music), while the other attributed to a concentrated effort to promote myself and shoot daily.

1) Fazer Magazine - At a recent show for God Made Me Funky, I had the pleasure of meeting one of the writers who had reviewed their new CD. My photos ended up accompanying Alex's article on the show and the new Disc: Photos/Article Link here.

Lesson #1: ALWAYS have business cards on you. I had run out the day before and forgot to replenish my stock, luckily I was able to get the writer's email but I missed a valuable opportunity to market myself properly to a future collaboration-partner.

Lesson #2: There is nothing like capturing a live show! It's definitely becoming one of my favourite photographic pursuits. I have made it a rule to learn how to photograph artists with no-flash, however stage lights are a killer! My new rule is to shoot a LOT - sometimes stage lights give unbelievable effects, but the moments are fleeting.

2) BlogTO / Nuit Blanche. At the annual overnight arts event, here in Toronto, and a perfect opportunity for photography. My main focus was to photograph using off-camera flash work (strobist style), however I also managed to get some nice shots of the artists at work with available light.

BlogTO is a fantastic site that supports local photographers through their Flickr group site, from which they populate their articles and reviews. My photos were used in a review of the Distillery District. I've been contributing steadily over the last few months and finally, I see my photos on their site. Thanks BlogTO!

Lesson #3: Never delete any photos in your camera. I had actually taken a series of the above photo. My finger hovered around the delete button with this one, when I was distracted by a phone call. I don't know why I was about to delete it, other than I had a lot of the same shot. But this was the only one in which the artist was pointing at his work (which I think ads to the charm of this shot).

Lesson #4: It's nice to have a game plan, but don't ever let it distract you from any event that materializes before your eyes. Although my goal that night was to experiment with off-camera flash, most of my best shots were available-light.

FYI - my favourite "strobist" shot of the night was this one (it's also really nice to have friends that are patient and willing to model over and over and over again):

Dancing in the Streets

One of the hardest parts about committing to the art of photography is constantly challenging myself. It is such an emotional ride, from the effort it takes, the thoughts and then the intense concentration needed for each shoot.

But then comes along a day when the stars align, the emotional ride is enjoyable, and every time the shutter closes I get a rush of happiness because I know the feeling I have will translate to the frames. The shot to the right was taken on just such a day.

I was taking a 1-day photo workshop that focused on capturing the movement of dance. This area of photography has been a focus of my portfolio development due to my love of the art. Although I do dabble in dance, the talent that these dancers/models brought to the set was inspiring. And the energy was unbelievable! You could just feel the exchange of creativity circling the photographers as the dancers performed.

Photography can sometimes be brain-scratching, frustrating and hard work, but when you get rewarded with days full of joy and creativity, it makes it all worth it. And the great thing is, every time I look at these images, I get that same rush of happiness that I did the day I shot them.

Now the trick is to try and repeat that happiness and rush every time I take photos!

Strobist Boot Camp - Assignment #2

Just completed the second installment of the Strobist Boot Camp (here).

I had just under a week to prepare for this shot. Which, in hindsight, is a ridiculous amount of time. However like all good photographers, I waited till close to the deadline to finalize my approach.

The hardest part of this shot was deciding on WHAT to shoot, but after spending 5 hours watching Federer and Roddick work out their frustrations on grass, I thought representing this tournament was a good start.

I had to restrain myself and think "simplicity". I started with a table full of Wimbledon accessories: a tennis racket, purple and green cloths, photos of Federer, even a trophy. But then I remembered some advice I received a long time ago: start with 1 item and add slowly - only what necessary.

I approached the lighting with the same thinking. A single strobe (430 EX) placed high-right of frame. In addition 2 reflectors used to highlight the left/front sides of the white bowl (to add details in the shadows).

I think this shot was a lot more successful than my first assignment.
1) I simplified the shot as much as possible. Tried to eliminate all the was not necessary to convey the message. I think I could have gone even further.
2) I like the lighting. I am happy with the texture on the strawberries.
3) I wish I had a food stylist. I just couldn't get the berries to lay the right way. It looks a bit haphazard.

See the group shots here.

Gangs of Kensington Market

Spent my Sunday wandering a local Toronto mainstay for downtown dwellers: Kensington Market with a group of amateur photographers. I am not normally a good "group" photographer. I usually run away from those gathering en-masse with cameras in hand (see earlier post), but this type of event does offer some really great perks:

1) My photography becomes more cerebral rather than reactive. I look harder for that unique shot, because 5 other photographers are following behind me taking in the same sights. (Today, I approach the day with "detail" in my mind. I forced this by only shooting with a 50mm lens, that allowed me a limited range of what I could capture. It also forced me to walk up to what I was shooting and become more involved in my subject).

2) I took a lot of time to watch my fellow photographers to see what they focused on. It amazed me to see what caught our attention.

3) Patio Beers. What's better than sitting on a warm patio, having a cool beer, talking about our experience?

Check out all our photos here.

Even if you can only get out with 1 other photographer, I think it's a great chance to expand your view of what makes an interesting photo.

Can't wait to set up more shoots like this in the near future.

Tell All Your Friends

Part of the struggle in becoming a professional photographer has nothing to do with getting jobs, figuring out how to light a scene, or looking for inspiration. The biggest struggle is much closer to home: self-doubt. However it's very easy to overcome. Live it out loud, everyday.

Tell everyone you know "I am a photographer". Tell people you don't know. Strike up conversations with people in a coffee shop and introduce yourself. But most of all, believe it everyday. It may have been a SNL skit with Stuart Smalley, but Daily Affirmations are powerful.

Wake up everyday with "I am a photographer". Leave self-doubt at home.
And remember to tell all your friends (you never know where you next job will come from).