"Don't Hate The Photographer, Hate The Game"

     These past few weeks I have been shooting non-stop. In and out of the studio. I feel my photography is progressing on the business side and the my technical. No, I have not purchased the new body or lenses. Just finding my niche in the business and trying to perfect that side of it. Keeping the camera with me everywhere I go. Doing simple jobs and some free jobs. Getting the name of the business out there. ER Photography is starting to taxi toward the runway. Can't say that it is taking off yet. Man, I feel like I am still reading the how to fly manual as the plane is taking off sometimes. It is alot of work in a saturated market, but I am seeing it is about 15 percent knowing how to take a good picture and about 85 percent hustle. Just getting out there showing people that your business exist and that you offer a great product.

Actress Brianna Gould at the Old Goat Farm in Atlanta, GA

     I was talking to a photographer friend today, who went to a high school reunion awhile back. The photographer at the reunion had an old canvas backdrop, a flood light on the floor pointing up to ceiling, and a point and shoot, charging fifteen bucks for 8x10's. And we were wondering how did he get that job. Don't hate the photographer, hate the game. It's all about the hustle. Now don't get me wrong. I don't have the newest cameras out there. I have my Nikon D200's and still have my ED lenses, with my own studio (sharing with two other photographers). And I am begging people to let me take there picture everyday. Maybe I don't look like your typical photographer. I am passing out cards, working facebook and twitter. Trying to the ER Photography out there everyday, and been doing this for about four years now, as a legitimate business. And I am just now feeling like I am gaining momentum with ER Photography. 

Actor Michael Gladden head shot session at ER Photography Studio

     So what has changed? Why am I feeling so good about this photography business that is so hard to keep going? After four years barely making it. Just making rent for the studio every month. Four years of my wife telling me you're not spending enough time at home. Four years of always having to buy used equipment. Why? Because I am still in the game!!!!! My pictures are getting sharper!!!!!! And damn it, I like myself!!! LOL. But really even though I have some old equipment. I still have better stuff than most in this business. I am making money in a terrible economy. And still willing to learn about the biz. Still willing to learn how to take a better picture. When I first started I would take a lot of pictures and converse less with the client. Now I spend most of my sessions getting to know my client and taking less pictures.  Wow!!! What a concept, right? But, it is easier that way to get the shot the client wants. Instead of me thinking I know what the client needs.
     Just one thing I have learned in business in general. Not just photography, in any business. It is all about the client. Now I am starting to get some referrals and growing a clientele list. I just love taking pictures. I am not really a hustler or the business man of the year. I just like clicking that camera and looking at that viewfinder and saying, "That is a good shot". What a feeling!!!

Model Jasmine at ER Photography Studio Meetup

     Don't really know why I am writing this blog. It started out to be something else, but I got all of track as I usually do when I write. Just feeling good about myself and this is only way I can get it out. So I am going to keep doing what I do. Keep learning. Keep learning how to  hustle. And most importantly keep taking pictures. Can't win the game if you don't play. I put some of my recent pics of up. Check'em out. So keep clicking that camera yall. Don't let nobody discourage you from your dreams. Because photogs see the world different.

Yes, I Want To Be A Photographer

     I have embarked on a journey late in life that I always wanted to do. No, I am not an old dog learning a new trick. I am a middle age man putting the college minor into practice. Photography has always been a passion but I could never afford to get it going. Now that my freelance videography business ( The Edit Room, LLC) is bringing in a little money. I can afford to expand and add photography. Now that it is in it's digital form, it is very affordable for someone like me to start up.

Model Shacoya. ER Studio meetup. 1 AB800 camera right with large softbox. Westcott reflector camera left close to model

It is going quite well actually. I am a year in on the business side of things, gathering all the legal licenses and gear for the photography side. I have a separate photography website setup and open for business but constantly revamping the images. Nothing ever seems good enough to put out there. I have leased my studio space with two other photographers and clients are coming in slowly but steady. Learning every day about the business side of photography. I have yet to find my niche in the business. I am offering head shots and portraits on the website, but now leaning more towards fashion and beauty.

Model Randal head shot. 2 AB800's with shoot through umbrellas left and right, Westcott reflector at her waist. 

  

Model Karisma head shot. 1 AB 800 with softbox behind camera. Westcott reflector waist high. 

     Being in my mid 40's, married with two kids, does not leave me much lead way as far as disposable income and free time. I really don't know how I am doing this but I can see growth in my business every day. Not only income growth by growth in knowledge. Mostly from reading, learning from other local photographers here in Atlanta, Zack Arias, Drexina Nelson, Derek Blanks, etc. Got to give it up to them for making it in the industry. A common thing I hear from all people who are in business for themselves. They say do what you are passionate about and the money will come. Words of  inspiration, but in the real world, I have a stay at home wife, kids that need health and dental benefits and a mortgage.

     Enough of that, back to the photography, I am a Nikonian shooting with the old D200. I love shooting with prime lenses mostly Nikon 50mm 1.4G, Nikon 35mm 1.4G, & Nikkor 85 1.8. I have my trusty Alien Bee studio lights, 3 AB 800, AB 1600, and a ABR 800. Enough to do some damage and work on several lighting schemes. As a professional, I still try to learn all I can from others. I have met quite a few area photographers in that area that are willing to help and give some priceless advice. A great group of photographers in the Atlanta area, Atlanta Photography Guild, gives me the chance to run ideas by other photographers to see if I am headed in the right direction or ideas on how to shoot a project. Great group to meetup with and shoot, for professionals on down the beginners. It's like going to the Shalin Temple and getting advice from the master, but not having to grab the pebble to leave. If nothing else I am having a lot of fun growing the photography business along with the videography,  they complement each other greatly. Don't get me wrong, much work is involved. Not to say I am going to leave my full time job, but the feeling you get seeing something you brought together on your own is a great feeling. Maybe one day I will be up there with the big boys.