If you do photoshoots in public areas, it’s gonna happen. The dorks who whistle at the model or ask a trillion questions and don’t understand that you aren’t there to be bothered….and they may have never seen an attractive female before without an air valve on their backs, LOL!! Here’s the thing…..they don’t see a photoshoot being done every day, they don’t understand our business, photoshoot etiquette, and probably have a lot of misconceptions. There are good and bad ways to deal with that…..here are your options.

Find a more secluded location, just deal with it if you need a populated location, or if the shoot is commercial and the budget warrants it, buy a permit and have a closed set. Any model worth their salt will know how to stay working despite a normal distraction, as should the photographer….in the event a secluded location isn’t an option, or there is no budget for a permit, you have to choose your battles wisely, and it never hurts to have a large assistant or two to help with gear and guard belongings.

Should there be gawkers, the worst thing you can do is be rude to them or try to make them leave, as it’s public, and why incite them? Be polite but brief, and go back to your business. If they ask what the shoot is for, or for a website or magazine, I just politely tell them it’s nothing special, and we are only doing the shoot for fun and portfolio use. That way it’s played down and less interesting to them, and they are less likely to harass you or the model that way. It’s called discretion. Do what draws the least attention to yourself, you’re always better off. Large assistants and reflectors to block the subject area somewhat also help. In public, you are still a representative of your business, and the business of modeling and photography….put a positive taste in someone’s mouth and avoid needless drama.

My photography interest was rekindled with street photography, and that began my transition into digital 7 years ago. These days yo do have to be careful of that, after 9-11 everything looks suspicious to a degree. The trick is to get interesting angles, architecture, and human subjects, capturing real candid moods, but to blend in to your environment, rather than make subjects uncomfortable. Here is why it’s good to hone your photography skills, especially the technical aspect of photography, and utilizing natural light. It’s the most demanding (and constantly changing)condition, where you have to think on the draw, and get your camera settings right, quickly. It helps you become very familiar with your camera and lenses, selecting proper shutter speeds and fstops, etc. Also you learn to make any subject interesting, it’s all in how you capture them, it helps you be in tune to people and surroundings, which will help you in any aspect of photography…..as will all the other factors I mentioned.

I have to say I’m a little old school about certain things, I enjoy record shops and video stores sometimes, and liked Blockbuster for the most part. The one that used to be down the street always had nice friendly people working there….I never rented movies super often, but one time I talked to a girl in there and had no idea what to get, but wanted to watch a good movie. She recommended a personal favorite of hers, an indy film called “me and you and everyone we know” so I rented it, and it turned out to be one of the most brilliant, yet somewhat controversial movies I’ve seen…..I couldn’t have gotten that tip from Netflix

So when they closed, Redbox didn’t have the movie I was looking for, this was over the winter. So I went to a local Hollywood Video. They offered me a free trial of a power play membership, which I didn’t understand to automatically renew and bill my credit card……I called the store to try to cancel it and voice a complaint, the lady who was actually a manager told me she couldn’t help me, and that I’d have to call corporate, and after some banter exchange, actually told me it wasn’t their fault I didn’t listen to them. well, let’s just say my reply to her wasn’t exactly kind and then Mr. Click was introduced…..so after calling corporate to resolve the issue, I had to hold for 15 minutes but the guy at least cared enough to work with me and not argue. So now I see signs on that store, store closing. My usual reaction is sorrow to see a business close, especially a smaller one……but my first reaction was that it couldn’t happen to better people. They were into gimmicks and were rude to their customers, good riddance. Exactly the opposite of how I intend to run my business

I went to Atlanta earlier this week to shoot some lovely intimate style natural light photos, and bridals. I didn’t know any hair and makeup artists down there, so she suggested we try Aveda, which is a stylists academy, with students performing the work. http://www.avedainstitutesbb.com/ They did a great job, the stylist was very friendly and eager, and to have her hair styled was only like $23.00, no cutting! Great value and really nice work, it held up to a rather hot weathered photoshoot! We didn’t know they offered makeup services, but now we do. We had an appointment for makeup at the M-A-C counter (mineral based makeup) at Macy’s in Lenox Square Mall in Atlanta…..I’ve gotta say they did a really awesome job as well! Photos of this lovely bride are coming soon, but just wanted to pass along my positive experience!

To me, it’s a great and valuable tool, but it’s a seasoning, not a main course…..I use it to enhance, not take a weak image and “fix” it. I think it’s worth taking your time while shooting the photos to get the technical aspects as right as you can, in camera, and notice details while shooting that can strengthen a photograph. That’s what separates a photograph from a picture or snapshot. With that being said, no one can claim to be trying to master their craft, if photography, if using Photoshop as a crutch, in that sense, of correcting laziness. I enjoy it for flaw fixes, etc. but don’t want to spend all day at my desk and cost myself more time in the long run. Everyone’s photography, and retouching skills varies. So making your best efforts to me, are worth taking time to do.

Photoshop does some amazing things, and even Photoshop wizards can’t possibly know everything about that program. Most of my retouches consist of some contrast / curves adjustment, black and white or tonal adjustments (some of which I do in camera raw except creative tonal adjustments) and basic skin repair, yet keeping texture. Some re-proportioning, teeth whitening and straightening, wrinkled clothing repair within reason. Sometimes highlight and shadow adjustment, etc. Even those basic things can be very time consuming, which the average person hasn’t personally witnessed. Most of my clients don’t want to be unrecognizable by too much retouching, but rather appreciate the improvements to the photo I do make

I remember on several occasions hiring, or working with a model that showed up with an unexpected tattoo, or something that would be a detriment (to that particular shoot, relax people lol) and I mention it slightly annoyed…..their response, can’t you just fix it in Photoshop? Those are words used together that are irksome because they say it as if it’s that simple LOL!!! My response, yes, I sure can, but why should I have to, who’s gonna pay me to sit here and do that? Room goes quiet, so…..are you ready to shoot? Details like well maintained wardrobe, nicely done nails and makeup, hair, etc. are always best done manually, and is most time effective for all parties that way. So, in short, Photoshop is a valuable tool that I use every day, but it’s not a substitute for doing things right in camera, but it sure compliments a well done photo.

I’m really excited to have found a great abandoned barn in the country, and a horse farm to shoot at, thanks to help from the bride! I am as excited as she is, that she is beginning a new life and to bring out every bit as much beauty as her future husband sees in her, in photos….that’s one of the toughest challenges about photography. It’s a very intimate service, as far as connectivity and mood, bringing it out of the subject, without being personally or romantically involved…..sounds near impossible? Not if you know the art

The trick with bridal sessions, of course only one man in their life can bring out personal intimacy with her in actual life, but I can bring it out in photos that he can’t, so it’s a professional service that requires a lot of trust and real discretion between client and photographer. I look forward to bringing out her happiness and letting it shine in photos, using the fence lines and vanishing perspectives, tall grass and different depths or field, use of light and ambiance, and textures of the old buildings, and hopefully old furniture……definitely different from what’s available in my immediate area, it’s an adventure! Here is an outdoor bridal from last month as a preview for what’s to come

Well by now most all of the streets are open, school is starting again tomorrow to finish out their year, and most of the standing water has receded…..people are rebuilding and assessing damage and there has been a great turnout for kind donations of goods and monetary contributions. We are still urged to conserve water and car wash’s are still to remain closed for the time being. People here aren’t laying down, they are fighting back and getting things done, and really stepping up to the plate to help their fellow Nashvillians! This reminds me of one reason I am glad to live here! In fact I went through my closets and bagged up any clothes I could spare, I really want to do more, but it’s more about giving what you can.

Tomorrow I have a location photoshoot, which is great to get back to business, but I wanted to use this time not to patronize the city I live in by talking business while others here are still fixing their damages, if that makes sense. Now I have to wonder if the locations I’d normally think of using are accessible, I want to pick a good location for the shoot but also don’t want to be in the way of those working. Which is one reason why I didn’t go out and photograph flood damaged locations when it was at it’s peak last Monday and Tuesday especially. This will make me appreciate the great locations available here once things are full speed again….this particular client prefers location shooting over studio, but this is my mission I choose to accept, I like the challenges especially when results are surprisingly good for an impromptu idea! Well, I’m off to location scout while there is still daylight and then have a cookout with a fellow photographer friend. It’s always good to talk shop, critique and evaluate one anothers’ work and enjoy good food, cooked over charcoal of course

Oh, other places to donate are Hands On Nashville, Second Harvest Food Bank, American Red Cross, many different local churches and radio stations and non profit organizations, and local grocery stores.

Well, we’re a long way from recovery, but we’re making strides each day…..people are working very hard to try to go on with their lives, and rebuild the damage…..the water has begun receding in most areas, allowing cleanup efforts and power restoration…..there are water restrictions, including car wash’s remain closed until the damage at the water treatment plant is repaired. It looks like Opry Mills Mall and the Gaylord Hotel will remain closed for 6 months or so……most roads are back open. This week there has been a lot of repairing and assessment of damage going on.

I’m very impressed with the unity of the Nashville people working hard to restore order and help their fellow Nashvillians, who weren’t as fortunate. And most people I’ve talked with seem to have a positive outlook through it all, rather than the woe is me negativity. That’s admirable for sure, because it’s the only way to get things done. Yes, it’s a horrible and costly tragedy, but now we have to stay focused and rebuild, and help our neighbors. I am trying to get a donation together for Dream Row, who I mentioned in my last entry. I always want to do more, anything seems inadequate, but anything really helps, this is about giving what we can. not one upmanship. Many companies and organizations are working hard to provide for the victims, as well as radio stations. Please keep our city in your thoughts and prayers, and donate if you can. Nashville’s fighting back, hopefully we won’t see this happen again!!

Of course here in Nashville, we have it good…..and situations around the world, like the Haiti earthquakes and the Iceland volcanoes, but this is the worst flooding I have seen here. Roads are flooded, many peoples’ homes / basements have been flooded or lost, cars have been damaged or lost, rivers and streams running so high, the force of the water flooded streets and did substantial damage to parking lots, businesses, streets, bridges, many roads and interstates are still closed due to flooding. Many homes and businesses are without phone service or credit card servers, or closed due to water damage, parking lot destroyed, etc. I am very fortunate to not have flood damage at my home, but many are not so lucky unfortunately.

I was out today some, saw the Cumberland River so high, it has a truck stop and steel plant, both a good 300 yards from the river bank, almost completely submerged in water. The underpass from James Robertson Pky. to Rosa Parks Blvd. has a van almost completely covered in water…..downtown under water in places…..Opry Mills Mall remains closed due to river flooding, so you know it’s serious LOL!! My friend, who runs an entertainment company and publication, has been working with Kroger to get supplies and cash donations to flood victims….of course Red Cross is another option, but here is the information he sent to me.Thanks for your prayers and support!

Due to the floods in the Nashville,TN area many are in big need of blankets, pillows, toothpaste, toothbrushes,bottled water, toilet paper and towels to help those in shelters. 100% of all donations will go to those in need with ZERO overhead to get it to them.  If sending supplies please nothing perishable and make package as Flood donations and leave at door if no one in office.   Everything helps.

To help you can send supplies or money to

Dream Row

6213 Charlotte Ave, Suite 111
Nashville, TN 37209

website http://plugs.dreamrow.com/

I really wish they’d put one here in East Nashville, but then again maybe I don’t LOL!! Might be a little too convenient…..I try not to get too much fast food, but you know how it goes, sometimes you just have to because of time, and where you are at the time, etc. Though when I do, I try to be careful about where I go…..now that I think about it, Chick Fil-A is about the only one I really like to go to and not worry about getting old crappy food, or some rude indifferent employee. The times I’ve been there, I’ve gotten good fresh food, very seldom have they gotten an order wrong, they are polite, and they’ve remembered the little things, you know, straws / napkins, etc.

It may be unpopular with some people that they close on Sunday, but I gotta give them kudos for putting their moral beliefs and employees’ needs first, with how they run their business. I’m sure that helps employee morale…..and they seem to run their business with a higher standard than many of their competitors, which is the most important thing in my eyes……I strive for the highest quality of imagery and customer service in my own business, and tend to be intolerant of those who don’t provide the same to their customers! Enjoy your Sunday, but sorry, you have to wait til tomorrow to enjoy Chick Fil-A