Adventure Photography by Michael Clark

I recently found out my good friend Michael Clark’s new book Adventure Photography is now available through Amazon. As a small contributor to the book and a close friend of Michael’s, I had the privilege of getting a sneak peak at the book. It is packed full of information on shooting a variety of adventure sports and life as a freelance photographer. In addition it showcases loads of Michael’s award winning images making it ideal for both aspiring photographers or anyone with a passion for adventure sports.

Here is the book description from the publisher, Lark Books:

This beautifully produced guide by Michael Clark is the newest entry in the Digital Masters series, as well as the first book on a fast-growing photographic genre: shooting today’s popular extreme outdoor sports, from mountain biking and ice climbing to surfing, kayaking, and more.

Clark is one of the world’s most respected adventure photographers, and he offers sage advice—gained from years of hard-earned experience—on equipment, techniques, and the specific skills required to get in on the action. Learn to capture fast-moving subjects and deal with harsh conditions and horrible weather—even when you’re hanging from ropes and riggings in a squall. Of special interest is the Portraiture and Lifestyle chapter, which covers increasingly in-demand techniques.

The book can be ordered through Amazon here.

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New Blog and Website

Welcome to the new blog. I hope you dig the new look and feel of Mike Tittel Photography. If you haven’t done so already, please check out the new and improved www.miketittel.com as well since new work has been added throughout the site. Finally, if you are a subscriber to this blog please update your RSS readers with the new blog address: blog.miketittel.com. Enjoy!

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Graphic Design for Photographers – Part 1, The Logo

As I mentioned in my last post, I recently hired Brian Hoff, a freelance graphic designer, to help me refresh the look and feel of Mike Tittel Photography. Up until now I had done all of my design work myself, and, like many photographers, I believed I was qualified since I was a “creative” myself. I realize now the wrongness of my assumption! Brian has taught me so much about good design and opened my eyes to a new way of looking at things. His vision has been so beneficial that it inspired me to share some insight I gained from working with a professional. (And give you a sneak peak at the new logo.)

Before I hired Brian I felt my website looked a bit dated and needed some refreshing. I envisioned a cleaner and more contemporary look. The new logo had to fit well with how I viewed myself as a photographer, as well as the direction I hope to head in. That’s where Brian came in. In addition to discussing these things with him, I also filled out a questionnaire on his website which you can see here. He used my responses as inspiration and got to work.

After a fair bit of bouncing ideas back and forth I chose the following logo, which in the end, turned out to be the very first concept Brian provided.

Although we are still implementing the logo into other projects (more posts on that later) I have already learned a ton of valuable lessons.

First, the font can say a lot. For the base of my new logo we used a font called Knockout by H&FJ font foundry. Brian chose this font based on it’s weight and thickness which play nicely with the adventure and action sports I photograph. It also has an extreme feel which I believe makes it more memorable. After deciding on the font, Brian modified the “M” by creating an implied, yet contemporary-looking camera to give further insight into what it is I do. This subtle element was critical to my logo since I decided to drop the “Photography” that previously had followed my name from my main website. The emphasis now is more on my name. Since most photographers are recognized by their names, my new logo helps make “Mike Tittel” more clear, while still subtly implying the “Photography.” Being this calculated in my logo design was a huge change for me. In the past I simply chose a font that looked pretty.

Second, tone down the color. Logos are a lot like good photographs . . . sometimes less is more. This is especially true when it comes to colors. To bring a modern, fresh feel to my new logo Brian very selectively used a new toned-down burnt orange, replaced the old black background with a lighter, slate grey and introduced white into my new color scheme. Very slick, if you ask me.

Third, versatility is key. As Brian says, a good logo should be extremely flexible. It should look good and remain readable at various sizes and work as well in black and white as it does in color. You should also be able to use it both horizontally and vertically. Again, this was another big change. I had never given the versatility of my logo any real thought before working with Brian.

Finally, a good designer provides more than what you thought you needed. Brian’s professional guidance has encouraged me to think about things I would have never considered. For example – the favicon. It’s small, simple and nice way to add a little something extra, and make my website that much more memorable. Furthermore Brian has provided every possible variation and coloring of my logo. Moving forward I am covered no matter what need may arise.

My refreshed website and the new blog should launch around the end of the month. When it’s live I’ll put up another post with the considerations that went into each of those projects as well. In the meantime pay a visit to Brian’s website, The Design Cubicle. It is an amazing resource for information on graphic design and inspiration. Check it out, and tell him I sent you.

**Update – October 5** Brian just posted his own write up on the design process for my logo from his perspective. Check out the article on his blog here.

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Changes

Whew. I can hardly believe that summer is almost officially gone. Today is rainy, bluster day here in Salt Lake City, and autumn is definitely in the air. With the turning of the seasons will come some big changes at Mike Tittel Photography. Yup. Last month I hired a great designer, Brian Hoff, to help me refresh the look of MTP – new logo, updated website, new blog, business cards, printed promos . . . the whole ball of wax. We’ll be rolling things out towards the end of the month so make sure you are subscribed to the blog, a fan on Facebook and following me on Twitter for the latest updates.

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I Need Your Help

This week I received the e-mail below in response to my last blog post:

— “I’m 16 and take pictures. The outdoors and the different sports that bring you there are more like a home to me rather than something I simply enjoy. Two years ago I moved to Oregon which unleashed countless possibilities. When I’m able to bring my camera on different trips and really live in the moment and capture the faces of others enjoying the same experience, well… its great.

That is why I follow photographers like you, who are able to convey not only the beauty of the world but the moment and emotion behind it, in one image. I hope someday to be able to follow in your footsteps and bring the same inspiration to others and hearing their stories along the way. That is were it turns into a struggle for me, building a career on this. It doesn’t appear to be the clearest and steadiest path. However, here I am approaching the end of high school… it’s time to make something happen. So today I came across your latest blog entry. It seems as if this struggle is the job, the adventure, and what I want so badly. I just need to find a beginning.

Now to answer some of your questions. Your photographs make a difference and I can’t be alone in thinking this. On that rainy day when the trails are not ridable, when I’m low on money for the rock gym, or am simply stuck inside for a day, I turn to your website or open a magazine with photos by you and others and find a little piece of home.

Thanks for doing what you do,

“T”

“T’s” e-mail had more of a reverse effect than I am guessing he was expecting. It left ME feeling inspired and motivated to do more. Life as a freelance photographer is not without challenges. It has taken me over 10 years to build my career and there are still days that shake me to my core and make me question why I do what I do. That said, photography is in my heart, and I know without a doubt it is what I was put on this earth to do.

“T’s” email reminded me of the importance of giving back to the photographic community, something I have always had a desire to do. I’d like add additional content to this blog containing insider info on the photo industry. But in doing so, I’d also like to have your input. What type of information do you need? What topics or posts are most helpful to you? Do you want to see more behind-the-scenes, or how-to articles? Tips on running a business and being a freelancer? The door is wide open for your questions and suggestions.

I would like to ask everyone who reads this blog to leave a comment. If you are a photographer (no matter what genre), share with us your story of how you got your start. If you are like “T” and wondering where to begin, let us know what questions you have. Perhaps we can all help each other on our own journeys.

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