There must be a better way, there must. Right?

Things are broken in a lot of markets. The photography market isn’t immune. As we transition from a product business model into a service model things are going to get ugly. If you need proof just look at the music industry, the journalism industry or any other product turned service in the 21st century.

I’d rather it be better than it be fair

I’m going to be making a lot less money (at least initially) for two reasons.

First I’m fully transitioning into a commercial service– meaning that when clients hire me they own my work. No copyright, no royalties, no terms of use.

Second because my goal isn’t to have the most money, it is to have enough money and have great client experiences. This will mean I’ll say no to projects more often if they don’t fit well with my goals.

I’m working for something bigger

I’m an artist. I produce annual series of fine artwork, this is my contribution to the community and the world. It also happens to be my drive and gives meaning to my life. I’m working commercially to reach a certain monetary goal so that I can work on these art projects that will become my legacy. Once I reach my goal every year I’ll stop taking commercial projects.

Betterness

I owe a lot of my conclusions and decisions to Umair Haque and his work on the Betterness Model.

Better than competition

It isn’t the camera that defines the quality, if so technology could eat what I do.

It isn’t the cost of prints or rights that defines the value, if so I’d be far more expensive.

It is not the studio that defines what is possible, if so I’d pay more rent.

Portraiture

I have mastered photography, I don’t worry about f/stops or lights or execution anymore. I think about how light travels, about human behavior and stealing souls. I can see the right moments projected before they happen. I anticipate the right fraction of a second on the infinite line of moments that crystalizes who you are. In this I am no different from almost any other professional portrait photographer.

Different

My style is recognizable and is what sets me apart. It is a little loose, candid, authentic and real. In contradiction the style is also classic, clean and technical. It is a controlled chaos and I like to approach portraits as powerful documents rather than staged eye candy.

An authentic portrait just feels better and your clients can feel it too.

Work with me.

Payment.

Payment is always due in full at the time of services. Check or Google payment invoice are my preferred methods.

Be prepared to talk about what kind of style you want to portray.

Want strong traditional photos for professional uses? Or more casual images that will help others relate with you on a more human level?

Show up groomed.

I have a mirror and a comb, and I’ll do the best to make you look your best. Still, it is likely I will not know the difference between a good and bad hair day for you.

Bring a change of clothes.

I don’t mind how many times you change in the hour. However, an hour can go by really quickly when you add changing time. The majority of the time we only shoot 1 or 2 looks in a session. I’m happy to give my opinion about what looks best for your style.

Cancel if you are: Sunburned, sick, or get in a car crash earlier in the day*.

Remember these are photographs and I can only do so much photoshop magic before it just looks like photoshop mud. (Rescheduling is free the first time and $50 each after).

*Yes, all of these have really happened.

Relax.

Nearly everyone I’ve ever photographed has expressed that they do not like having their photo taken. Many have been very nervous at the beginning of the session. The nature of my shooting style is casual and conversational and found that by the end of a shoot my clients were relaxed and many even enjoyed the session.

Evaluation

It’s been a wild ride this year for my business. I’ve spend a good deal of time trying to refine and evaluate my strengths and weaknesses. I think this process is a good one for any business. I’ve certainly discovered many ways to improve and remembered some values I’d lost along the way.

Back in the game

I’m starting up the studio again with an unbelievable value and the simplicity in pricing that I started with 2 years ago. I’m playing to my strengths as a stealer of souls and am available for portraits of all kinds:

• corporate headshots
• editorial
• avatars
• actors
• high school seniors
• kids
• couples

Tuesday and Thursday

When booking a Tuesday or Thursday session enjoy this special rate: $200/person portrait session.

Commercial day rates available — contact me for more info.