That Place I Went and Took Photos
That last post I wrote back in March was about how one of the places people should consider going and taking photos is Cataloochee Valley in the Smoky Mountains, and interestingly enough, now 7 months later, I just got back from a mini-vacation with my family to that very place. I also took photos.
Places You Need to Go (and take photos) -- Cataloochee Valley
Although visiting this magical kitsch-free sliver of land with its herds of wild elk and surprisingly low human traffic is not recommended for timid motorists or the easily carsick, if you're planning a trip to the Smokies to enjoy the natural element, you seriously need to consider adding Cataloochee to your agenda.
For as long as I can remember, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the Smoky Mountains have been my family's default locations for a quick and affordable getaway. Growing up, my perception of this area was in constant evolution ; from "Woot! Go-carts, bumper-boats, and miniature golf!" to "OMG, mom and dad... this place is sooooo lame!" to "This place really needs more bars"... and so on.
A few years ago, however, my general apathy towards Appalachia was drastically altered by stumbling onto a part of the park we had never visited, or for that matter, had even heard of: Cataloochee Valley.
Although visiting this magical kitsch-free sliver of land with its herds of wild elk and surprisingly low human traffic is not recommended for timid motorists or the easily carsick, if you're planning a trip to the Smokies to enjoy the natural element, you seriously need to consider adding Cataloochee to your agenda.
Below are some shots I've taken over my last couple of trips, including some of my son enjoying, then quickly NOT enjoying, the mountain stream that runs the length of the valley :)
*Oh, and in case you were wondering, this post has not been paid for by anyone or any entities related to Cataloochee Valley, the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, the states of Tennessee or North Carolina etc-- but it probably could have been had I thought about it sooner :)
How to Tackle a Newborn (figuratively speaking, of course)
Since I had never photographed infants, with the exception of my own kid, I was pretty surprised (and hugely honored) by the request. Realizing this could be a good opportunity for me to expand my range, I accepted the challenge ... but, I knew it was going to be REALLY important to make sure their expectations were in line with my abilities if I wanted to avoid disaster.
Not long after I first began taking photos of people for money this past fall, I received an email from a buddy's wife asking if I'd be interested in capturing images of their son, who they were expecting in late December. Since I had never photographed infants, with the exception of my own kid, I was pretty surprised (not to mention a bit honored) by the request. Realizing this could be a good opportunity for me to expand my range, I accepted the challenge ...
... but, I knew it was going to be REALLY important to make sure their expectations were in line with my abilities to avoid a total disaster.
There are some incredible photographers, like our friend Rachel, who dedicate much of their work to newborn photography, and I immediately let my clients know that I just wasn't capable of delivering images of their little dude holding up his own head while sleeping. For one, I fully understand that newborn posing is an art that takes A LOT of practice (I had zero) as well as a capable assistant ... which I also lacked.
Thankfully, this was okay with them, and we agreed to approach it as a lifestyle session -- just them interacting naturally with their boy while I kept my finger firmly on the shutter-release.
When they brought their little man home from the hospital I met them at their house as they arrived (even after wrecking my jeep). They got settled, did their thing, which included a lot of nursing, and I did mine: taking photos while trying to be as invisible as possible. Ideally, we would have had a little more variety in the shoot, but we worked with what the kid was able to offer us and I think we're all pretty happy with the results.
If you're considering taking on a newborn session for the first time, please PLEASE, take the following words into consideration:
1. Be crystal clear with the parents about your lack of experience and comfort level, or you'll be risking a really awful session experience and angry/disappointed clients.
2. Do NOT attempt to pose the baby without any prior experience or training. Period.
3. Clear your schedule. Newborns really only care about two things: eating and sleeping. They will do these things when they want, regardless of your schedule. If you prevent them from doing these things when they want, the kid (and possibly the parents) will be very angry and your session will suck.
4. Be on the same page about posting images online. I initially jumped the gun on posting images from this session to my Facebook page, and had to quickly pull them back down. While you may technically own the images, you'll likely incur the wrath of your clients if you post images of their baby online before they're ready -- blowing any chances they'll be coming back to you for the six-month shots.
Ok, that's it. Thoughts, questions, or comments? Let me know :)
JW
A Little Assist to my Fellow Dudes
If you're anything like me, the idea of finding that perfect Mother's Day gift freaks you out a little bit. In an effort to save you guys some major sweat and moments of self-doubt, I'm offering to help make your gift decision an easy one.
Here you go, fellas.
If you're anything like me, the idea of finding that perfect Mother's Day gift freaks you out a little bit. In an effort to save you guys some major sweat and moments of self-doubt, I'm offering to help make your gift decision an easy one.
On Saturday, May 9th, I will be posted up at a yet-to-be-determined location capturing some unforgettable lifestyle photos of moms and their kids. And, for ONLY $60, you can add the amazing woman in your life to that list!
Problem solved!
In addition to making your wife/mom/other important lady friend feel like a supermodel in front of a camera for 25 minutes, here's what else you can expect to get for your $60:
- 10-12 edited images worthy of prime real estate on the walls of your home
- A third-party print release, so you can have these images turned into prints/canvases
- The satisfaction of knowing you just gave your special lady a gift she will be able to gaze upon and appreciate til the end of time
- Brownie points for being super thoughtful.
Space is extremely limited, so the sooner you book, the better. Just click here and you're on your way. Since this is first-come, first-served your non-refundable (except in the most extreme cases) $60 will be due upon booking and time slots will be filled in the order reservations are received.
Keeping Sharp During the Lull
So, what's a photographer to do when business is so slow he's afraid he might forget how to work a camera?
Ugh. Winter in Indiana is gross. Anyone else ready for Spring?
Not surprisingly, it's pretty slow right now in regards to client sessions. I don't own/rent studio space, so my indoor shoot locations are limited to clients' homes or places with public access.
So, what's a photographer to do when business is so slow he's afraid he might forget how to work a camera?
Why, break out the macro lens and capture images of (mostly) dead stuff in my yard, of course!
Exciting right? Actually, in all honesty the different textures/colors made experimenting with exposure & focus settings and the editing sort of fun, so it wasn't that lame.
Oh, yeah -- I've still got some open dates for photos this Spring and it's beginning to look like I'll be significantly LESS available than I previously thought ... so ... uh ... no pressure or anything :)
Happy Hump Day!
-jw
Seriously, people... I am NOT a Photographer!
Nevermind that DSLR and serious look, that dude is definitely not a photographer.
Ok, so that title is a bit misleading. Please do me a favor and read it again, but this time add a dash of obvious denial to the voice inside your head.
Whether traveling to different mission projects through the Presbyterian Mission Agency or capturing Red Cross aid workers during disaster relief operations, photography and videography have played a large role in my life for the past several years. But, whenever someone in the past has asked me about my job, I would always find a way to avoid labeling myself a photographer.
Nevermind that DSLR and serious look, that dude is definitely not a photographer.
In fact, I still get a bit flustered (irrationally, I admit) when I have to tell someone what I do, because it seems anyone armed with a DSLR and the ability to press the shutter-release button can claim to be a photographer and that's only a small part of what I actually do .. blah.. blah.. blah.
Ok, so... I understand how absolutely elitist and cynical that sounds, trust me. And since I don't want be forever labeled "a cynical elitist" upon my inevitable death, (and because, seriously who cares?!) this is my coming-out moment; it's finally time I accept that I've been a total butthead about this issue, swallow the bitter pill of pride, take a big step into the light, and say once and for all: I'M A PHOTOGRAPHER, DAMNIT!
Now, whether or not I'm any good at being a photographer, that's up to y'all. But, I feel better already..haha.
Have a great weekend, everybody :)
-jw