boating

Commercial Work

What is commercial work when it comes to photography? For me, it means anytime the work is used for advertising something. This may be a magazine, billboard, or maybe a web page. Since my start in photography, this is an area I have enjoyed. My style is more of a photojournalist like I do for weddings. I guess I like things that appear natural.

I was recently hired to take pictures for a company website. We sit down, and they tell me what they are interested in or have in mind. This could be done verbally, using Instagram pictures they have in mind. After I hear or see, I do what I think they are looking for. Let’s face it, competition is everywhere, and trying to get someone to buy from you may come from on professional picture. Your company is only as good as it looks, and I am sorry, the selfie will most likely not do it. Look at the picture below; what are they trying to sell?

Yes, if you said she was trying to sell her podcast, you would be correct, and I did my job by taking the vision of the podcast. She is not a professional actor, but by having her do what she was comfortable with (podcasting), I waited for moments and then took the pictures.

The reward (other than getting paid) is seeing your work in a magazine or on their web page. Maybe when you are driving and seeing your image on a billboard. That's the reward for me. I did my job, and hopefully, they are making money with the pictures they used. Over the years, I have done a lot of commercial work. I have done Medical, teaching, many products, Political campaigns, and companies. What's next? I don't know, but I look forward to whatever it will be. A boating campaign would be one that I would like to do sometime on my bucket list. I love water and boats or possibly do a vacation spot.

The Tall Sails

Wow, it's been some time since I have done a blog. I have been one busy photographer. Wedding, Commercial work, and having my kids from Wisconsin have kept me a little busy. I know, no excuse.

Last week, I was in Cleveland, Ohio, to see these great Sailboats for the first time. I have always seen them on TV but never live. We were advised to arrive early because parking for this event is very hard. I showed up 2 hours before the ships were to show up and barely found a spot.

The weather was great, and you could finally see these great ships in the distance. I was going to use a tripod, but because it was a very sunny day, I could hand hold my 400mm with a 2.0 extender and keep the speed at 1500. ISO was 200. The challenge I had was not holding the lens, but all boats were blocking our view. Most of these boats felt they needed to be right on their side and follow them for 10 min. But with some patients and help with Photoshop, I could eliminate them. I waited for an opening and then took the pictures. It is defiantly a challenge and very disappointing.

It was great seeing these ships and the work they have to do to improve our look of the past. Here are a few pictures that I came up with that day. I enjoyed looking at the past. Now off to Bermuda this weekend for a week.

Boating Season

Some of my favorite things are water and boating. The combination equals photo time. My wife just got done eating at a restaurant outside. While eating, I was looking around for a possible photo. When we were done eating, I knew that the sun would look great, and great it did.

Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island

This boat caught my eye, color, and light. Boating has been in my blood since I was a little kid. My father was a boating pilot, and he shared his love with us. Water is always my comfort place, for I have no fear when it comes to water. Not that I don’t respect it, I do but seeing it, being in it, brings me happiness. Maybe that is why I enjoy Florida so much. Especially the Sanibel area. You are surrounded by water. The locals the tourist are so friendly. The food is excellent along with the views. If you have never been there and enjoy the water, this is your place. Thanks for a great time.

Life of a Pelican

Vacation time for a photographer means time to shoot different things. While down in Sanibel, I decided to spend time videoing Pelicans and put the story together. After about 8-10 hours every day for 5 days, watching out and learning from these birds. I had the info I wanted for this documentary. Here is my story of the Pelican. I like to do something with Dolphins. Saw them, but only the fin. Maybe next vacation.