July 21, 2013

I like to make photo lists and cut tear sheets from magazines and list potential concept shots that I want to work on.  This list expresses for me a certain amount of interest in these subjects.  I have a curiosity to explore their potential.

When we go out to shoot, (even if we have a tight list of potential subjects) we are always looking for serendipity to play a roll in our ability to create a better image.   

When we get to our location we find many things that will interfere with our image making goals.  The terrain is not what we expected, it is the wrong time of year, the light is too contrasty for your image goal, it is stormy, time of day is wrong, you're thinking to much about an argument you had with your companion, your interest is waning etc...

This invariable leads to a doubt of your subject choice.  We are always thinking of someplace with better opportunities.  Our time is precious and we can't just sit and wait.  This is not the nature of man.  We are impatient to the detriment of our ability to create great images. Our minds want it all and we don't want to work hard to get it. So we start to doubt our location and the image goals we set for ourselves.  Maybe we should move to a new, better location and see how the light is there and not have to waste time in this location where nothing is working for me to get a great image.

But if we wait and look at the scene before us and are patient, the subject will reveal worthy images to us.

The real issue is light and subject.  We all wish for better imagery.  What makes better images is dramatic light, dramatic subject and composition and the relationship the viewer has with those choices you made to create that image.

But how realistic is it to have every element line up so that all you have to do is step out of your car, set up your tripod, click the shutter and then move on because you have captured that perfect dramatic image.  Or better yet, why even get out of the car, set your ISO at 400 and shoot the scene while keeping a consistent speed of 60mph. 

What stops you from experiencing the true revelations of this world? 

Over thinking can be a barrier.  It becomes a process of abstraction leaving you unprepared to experience the here and now, the deep beauty that lies in front of your eyes just within your grasp, if only you would open those eyes and see, really see what is in front of you.  

Any layers you put between you and your subject can dull your perceptions. Doubting yourself and your image intention is one of those barriers.

These layers can hamper your ability to see old as new again. You are blinded by image stereotypes and mundane self observations to see your surroundings you walk by every day as subjects worthy to photograph.  Get out of your box and notice and see the new subjects (that were always present) of beauty that abound right in front of you. 

Once you have opened your eyes to a new world of wonder and possibilities it is time to express your new found observational skills.

Any place you choose to shoot from has the potential for great imagery.  It is letting go of your inner barriers and just open your eyes. Take in the light, its quality, direction, its motifs.  

What is illuminating this scene that has finally caught your attention? Now that you see it, will you be able to make an image worthy of your seeing.  Can you make a transition of seeing the subject in only one way to seeing your subject in many different lighting situations.  Maybe this overcast light is good for less contrast, maybe this harsh sunlight is telling me to wait for sunrise or sunset light, maybe using a different lens and getting low to the ground will bring the viewer suddenly into your new perspective and a connection will be made.

Take in the light and the paradox of timing and being there. 

How many times have photographers found the perfect spot to shoot their subject from only to have the light fizzle and their patience tested.  And how often is the opposite true, you are in a bad lighting situation but you have had the patience to wait , knowing that if the light breaks through you will have a dramatic image and suddenly the light comes and this beautiful light hits your subject and all is good and your rewarded with great images.

Trust your instincts.

June 23, 2013


I was shooting at Queen Anne Hill a few weeks ago at Kerry park.  This park has one of the most iconic views of the Seattle Skyline.  You get all the beauty of the city with the Space Needle and the downtown corridor and Mount Rainier as a back drop.  You also get the Seattle waterfront with the new Ferris Wheel and Ferry boats leaving and coming into the city as the sun sets on a warm summer evening.  It is truly magical.  It was packed with photographers and tourists visiting from other cites.  Tour buses will pull up and crowds of people will get out and come and stand with us (photographers) and take quick photos of the city and then leave for the next tourist destination.

What made this day even more special was the Moonrise.  During the summer months the moon moves south along the earths horizon line while the sun moves north.  Because of this, you get a perfect storm of sunset light reflecting off the glass buildings and a moonrise that will go over the city at twilight. What fun.

I got there early knowing it was going to be packed. I brought an extra tripod to put up next to my working tripod to save a place for a photographer friend that was going to be late.

I do make the effort to update my image files with the newest Seattle skyline imagery. I still make some sales of these images. But not as I once did, in the heyday of Stock.  There are just too many images being taken at any given moment to make it a worthwhile, constant job to concentrate on skylines only or any subject that is easily accessible. This doesn't mean you don't shoot these subjects but you balance shooting with markability, interest and light.

June 29, 2013

I have to ask myself if some of the older generation of photographers are upset about their ego's being bruised by a new wave of imagery being presented by an ever younger generation of shooters?  There is paradigm shift from a knowledge based art-form to a new manufacturing model, replacing the older photographer's concepts of image creating.  The learning curve for new photographers is becoming shorter and shorter.  Cameras are put on auto pilot and selling imagery has never been more efficient.   What this means to the older generation of shooters is that it takes less time to become capable of producing a usable image.  And with new smaller high pixel range finders and cell phones the amount of imagery being produced is mind boggling and scary if you plan on making a living in the future taking photos.

Small camera photography is the big attraction for amateurs and professionals alike. Today, you shoot on the fly and don't necessarily care about having a picture perfect image. As a matter of fact having an image that is real with flaws is exactly what the new breed of editors are looking for.  In the old days Stock Photography was a glamour magazine.  Picture perfect imagery that entices it's viewer to travel to these beautiful locations and see for themselves how they could have it all by just stepping off the plane and missing all those piles of crap. But now people want more of the nitty gritty, a real life experience. 

Downsizing to a smaller camera just makes since for this very reason. Let me give you a few examples of why a small camera is useful in some circumstances. It seems wherever I go,  I am asked if I am a professional photographer ( I admit sometimes I carry alot of gear).  I normally say no, I am an amateur and I just enjoy taking photos.  If I were to say yes it could open up a whole can of worms.  For one thing I might have to answer alot of questions that are distracting me from why I am there in the first place, to take photos.  Secondly you never know who this person is and maybe the subject you are shooting is somehow restricted and you might need a permit or permission to take pictures.  But by being a gullible amateur just having fun more often than not you get the images and move on.  

By shooting with a small camera you can take photos anonymously,  especially when you are shooting in foreign lands or in sticky situations here at home.  Why would you draw attention to yourself by having big lenses and a motor drive humming away when that could get yourself arrested.  By keeping a low profile you are able to get a more intimate portrait of the scene.  That's a bigger reward than showing off your latest and greatest. Small cameras beg to be shot from the hip with no set up time because you want capture the action when it is happening at break neck speed.

Another plus is sparing your shoulder and back the heavy weight of your photo gear.  Small camera's are easy to carry and have ready at all times.  I know we all have been there and saw a spectacular scene unfold before our eyes but didn't have our camera with us.  But now you have no excuse for not getting the image.  

Ultimately it is not whether you are a novice or professional, use a big camera or a small camera what matters is quality imagery.

If a photographer approaches a scene with reflective intent and finds a purpose present in the subject then the image will be a success no matter his age or his camera preference.

June 22, 2013

I get requests from people all the time asking if they can use one of my images for their particular project.  I always respond by thanking them for their interest in one of my images.  I then ask, what will the image will be used for.  Once I know what the image will be used for I then can give them a fair license fee.  I usually have to explain the difference between personal use and editorial/commercial use.

I am friendly and appreciative of their interest in my photography and I want them to know that.  So I respond quickly and professionally.  It is important in running a stock business to respond to all stock photo requests no matter how trivial you may think they are, because you never know when a large sale can occur from the smallest inquiry.    

June 2, 2013


We want to be seen, heard and witnessed. We live in this world longing for companionship, love, a caring touch, our inner music we can share with someone.  Photography gives us that connection to our busy lives, a history of our existence.  Social media gives us a platform to show that history to the outside world.  Our days seem better when we can share our lives with others and have them respond in a positive, sympathetic way, validating our daily grind.

May 26, 2013


Our family would like to thank all our military families for their service on this Memorial Day.  We will never forget your sacrifices.

May 26, 2013


I find it overwhelming the amount of social media sites that drain any enthusiasm you might have for image creation.  Before I know it, an hour, two hours have passed and all I have accomplished is reading all the inbox notifications that I really don't have to respond to in the first place.  Besides most of them I have to delete anyway because they are spam.  All of this saps my energy and keeps me away from my true goal.  Creating great images and getting them out onto platforms that can sell them to potential buyers.

Making the best use of your time.  Friday we went over to Eastern Washington to get our daughter at college and bring her home for the Memorial Day weekend.  This also gave us a chance to pack up some of her stuff and not have to wait for the end of the year mad dash.  I brought my camera along and was able to shoot a couple of subjects on the way back.  I try and shoot at least one or two times a week. You have to discipline yourself to work at your craft and create new imagery every chance you get.

I have begun uploading some of my images to a print selling website.  I am testing the waters.  What I didn't like was the fact that when I uploaded my first gallery of images I immediately got a like comment from a viewer.  My mind works this way.  Why, when the ink is still wet so to speak did I get a positive comment so quickly.  I feel it was a plant, a person connected to the site, getting the newbie excited.  I have been around the block a few dozen times and I don't need an ego massage.  Anyway we shall see. I am always looking for new outlets for my work and I rarely give up on a potential money making photo site.

May 4, 2013

Good editors cont...

A good editor will not force his photographers to shoot subjects that they have no interest in just to follow the money train. Without interest in your subjects you will be shooting from a conveyor belt only getting glimpses of your subject.

Good editors will allow the photographers decision to take a photo be at the forefront. His decision to create this image deserves an edit consideration.  

Styles change, technology advances, taste become fads, fads fade, run and gun images explode on the market scene, editors are under pressure to get with it, get hip and join the movement.  But a good editor knows that a powerful image is still the best way to express an emotion that can connect with the audience.  And clients know this too.  Sure, there is alot of new devices that make photography easy and fun but that doesn't equate to quality intent image making.  

A good editor can look at an image submission and immediately know if the photographer took the easy way out in his approach and interest in the scene.  Did he go with the herd mentality and take images from the pedestrian location and perspective and didn't see or dig deeper into the subject and find something of interest, something more personal that expressed his own unique style?  Will the editor, under these circumstances, automatically reject the submission?

The simple answer is NO! A veteran editor will look at a new submission from his photographer and even though it is a scene that has been shot a million times before, will still respect and have confidence that the photographer looked under the surface of the scene and photographed the homogenized subject in a new an illuminating way.

The photographer didn't allow the lure of pedestrian imagery to deter him from finding gems in the rock garden.

May 1, 2013

What can a Good Editor Do For You?

I find that a lot of photographers who have a good relationship with their stock photo editors blossom under their tutelage and make a better living doing the thing they love to do, create great photos.  I think the reason for this is that they feel more committed to do the real work of photography by first understanding that his/her editor has information that can guide them in producing images that are needed by clients.  And that is key to Stock Photography.  Images that are needed.

Some photographers always have a knack for creating contemporary imagery that will sell.  Especially photographers that are commercial shooters.

A good editor will:

Be honest with you on how the market works.  Give you the low down on the different pricing models RF, RM, RM Exclusive, Micro Stock,  etc...  He might suggest that certain types of images would do well in the Rights Managed arena or in Royalty Free licensing model depending on your volume output and subject matter.

They give their photographers the best advice on where the image market is heading and where you can get the best return on your time, travel and money.

They can help you recognize a style in your work and then push you to expand your horizons which will increase your image base.  As you try different lighting techniques, photograph different subjects, this experimenting builds confidence as you advance through your career.

An editor knows that some image buyers are looking for a certain style, maybe a more straight forward approach to capturing their subject needs. Sometimes an image that was rejected by one editor and picked by another editor sells because the latter saw a clients need being fulfilled.  I have submitted images that were rejected by one editor, but were picked by a different editor/agency and  ended up selling.  I trust my editors to know more than me what their clients needs are.

And finally, the great thing about editors is that they become friends.

I had someone e-mail the other day asking for more information on a lighthouse image I photographed along the southern Washington State coast.

This wasn't your ordinary e-mail.  The photographer was having problems finding exactly where I took the image.  So he sent me a google map of the area showing in fine detail an overhead view of the lighthouse and surrounding areas.  I was able to e-mail him back, giving him real time info on how far north he needed to go to connect to a back road to get to the trail head and the bluff where I took the photos.

We used to enjoy the ride, finding images and letting serendipity change our shooting schedule and just enjoying the journey of taking images.  Now, you can zero in on any location, anytime and know the exact place you need to stand and shoot from with apps that will tell you where the moon is rising and the sun setting.  If you are on a tight schedule as I believe this photographer was, then the new location finding apps could be well worth it.  But, sometimes you must get off the beaten path to find your own personal imagery.

April 20, 2013

Dandelion or Irish Daisy

Just the name dandelion brings out an automatic negative response from people.  But why is that?  In photography we shouldn't allow previous influences to determine a potential subject or eliminate others as not worthy of our time and effort.

Is a dandelion a weed to be scorned or a flower to, be embraced.  It is both.  The dandelion greens have a lot of medicinal purposes.  The dandelion is high in calcium, rich in iron, loaded with antioxidants, and is rich in protein.  Native cultures through recorded history have used the dandelion as food, and as a healing herb.

Today we make dandelion wine and dandelion coffee.

The problem with dandelions is its ability to rapidly colonize the soil. This quick infestation damages crops worldwide and causes significant economic damage. So we can see that there are minuses to any plant that spreads quickly and overwhelms a cultivated field.

But I think one of the greatest complaints from people when it comes to the dandelion is when the flower attacks a pristine, green, manicured lawn.  We take comfort in our structured well kept residential lawns as a symbol of our ability to control nature.  When an alien weed such as the dandelion begins to take hold, we freak out and use all sorts of chemicals to kill the surly beast.

I prefer to look at dandelions as great photo opportunities.  I will not allow a negative connotation to keep me away from exploring any potential subjects.

Reflections on Photography

Photography has a interesting way to describe what it does.  When I say to someone, that I am going out shooting this weekend, they look at me as if I have gone off my rocker.  Or they say, what gun range are you going to.

Or someone would ask me if I got the shot?

In the old days we would get together and discuss our negatives.  Some people would respond, "Jim I don't think you have many negatives" ??  While looking at me funny.

We would talk about scratching on the film not an itch.

We used to go into a photo lab to blow up the image.  Nowadays if you talked about blowing something up you get arrested.

We talk about capturing an image.  As if we are stalking  prey.

There are more quirky expressions but they escape me at this time like some images I missed.

How do you protect your business interest in this crazy giveaway of the Stock Photo market? Do you shoot hi-demand lifestyle imagery?  Are you finding yourself constantly sleep walking through your shoots?  Can you ever keep up with the proliferation of imagery that hits the web on a second by second basis?

I find that I enjoy and have an interest in shooting a variety of subjects.  For me it doesn't matter if it is a studio concept shot or a close-up of a lady bug.  I enjoy photography period. By shooting a variety of subjects I don't put all my eggs in one basket but keep my portfolio open to a variety of potential clients.  Nowadays a photographer has to be aware that imitators are all over the world and a subject that sells will be copied and exploited.  You have to keep looking and shooting new work and personal work to keep your creative juices flowing.

This doesn't mean that you shouldn't photograph a subject in depth and become an expert on the subject you are shooting.  By having in depth coverage of a subject you will get a valuable reputation and clients will come back to you for more images because they trust your ability to know the subject and have detailed information attached to each of the images that you send them.  But I think nowadays it is important to branch out and shoot a variety of subjects and just maybe create another niche for your photo income.

I enjoy shooting abstract images and patterns.  I am always looking for nature's patterns or patterns that I create in the studio.

I had some left over paint from another photo shoot I was doing so I decided to drip paint on my subject and to my surprise the paint didn't adhere to the surface of my subject but instead peeled away from it and created unusual colorful patterns.  I was in photo heaven.

April 6, 2013

Photography is paying attention.  I enjoy the moment better because I am paying more attention to the details and not being distracted by external forces. When you pay attention you will find yourself looking deeper into the scene, subject and light. 

Your Photography is better when you have an interest in your subject.  Wanting to take images of your subject is a lot better than being bored and just going through the motions.  Photography shouldn't take away from your interest in your subject it should enhance your interest and make you more willing to take your time and explore the scene.  For me, photography enhances an experience of environment not distract from it.  With interest your images will be better.  

Do you go out looking to capture imagery or do you go somewhere and bring your camera along just in case something interests you?  I don't travel and then shoot.  I think about what I want to shoot before I travel.  Of course it never works out exactly as planned and that is the beauty of an empty memory card, so many possibilities.

The unexpected moment is why we love image making.  Let go and just take the photo, don't think.  We have all experienced moments where we just pushed the shutter and didn't even think about exposure, composition and light.

March 23, 2012


In the late 80's I went down to the American Southwest with a photographer friend who was showing me places he had visited the proceeding year. One particular subject always stood out in my mind and that was Antelope Canyon on Navajo Land near Page Arizona. My friend and I had to walk a mile or more to get to the Upper Canyon and when we got there a large bull was guarding the entrance.  He was looking for shade and wasn't going to give up his spot easily.  Eventually the bull moved on and we entered the slot canyon.  The light was amazing and I felt like we entered some ancient ruin and the stillness in the air was like a silent prayer to the spirit gods.