Miscellaneous
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.
The Voice Within
It’s 1:30 AM. The voices in my head won’t stop and I feel as though I am going insane. My mind just won’t let up. So many things replay themselves over and over and over again. Everything I need to get done. Everything I should have gotten done. When’s the next big job? How do I compare to other photographers? Am I good enough? Does my work matter? How am I going to find the time to shoot all these portfolio ideas I have floating around in my head. The list goes on and on and on and on. Sleeeeeep. I desperately need to sleep
Why do I torture myself? Why can’t I just close my eyes and drift off into a happy little world? Will it ever stop? I don’t know. Sometimes on the surface I desperately hope so. Deep down though, I know it can’t and that I don’t want it too. Although the voice within is a constant plague, its the driving force that keeps me moving ahead. Its what reminds me that I have passion, fire and the drive to grow. It makes me feel ALIVE.
Role Reversal – A mountain biking and portrait shoot with renowned adventure photographer Michael Clark
Last week my good friend and fellow adventure sports photographer Michael Clark was in town for the Outdoor Retailer Show here in Salt Lake City. He commented on how great the Salt Lake area was for adventure sports photography due to its proximity to a wide variety of shooting locations, and expressed an interest in shooting mountain biking while in town for the show. Knowing I was an avid mountain biker myself and extremely familiar with the area, he invited me out on a shoot as his model. We ended up shooting on the ubber-classic Wasatch Crest trail at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon. As someone who spends his time making a living behind the camera, it was a great reminder of what’s it is like to be a model or athlete on the other side of the lens.
The following morning I asked Michael if he could shoot a couple portraits of me using his killer high-contrast B&W technique shot on white seamless. Having virtually no photos of myself I thought they might come in handy for self promotion. And who better to capture your personality than a close friend?
© Michael Clark
Both experiences got me thinking about an often overlooked role of a professional photographer — directing models/athletes and other professionals involved in a shoot while on location. It is an essential skill that has a huge impact on the final outcome on any given project. A photographer must be able to effectively communicate with everyone involved to get them to do what it is you need to get the shot. One must also make the environment fun and welcoming. Below are a few tips I have found effective over the years:
- Be specific – describe in detail what it is you are after and what it is you want your models/athlete to do. Give direction on body position, facial expressions and the general mood you are after.
- Observe – this is specific to action sports but watching the athletes you are photographing will give you an understanding of their abilities and specialties.
- Talk to your subjects – this is more specific to lifestyle and portraits but conversing with your models will help them get their mind off of being photographed. It will help them to loosen up, relax and forget there is a camera on them.
- Be open – although having a clear vision for a shoot is critical, remaining open and ready for unexpected moments can yield results that surpass what you pre-visualized
- Keep the environment professional but fun. Nobody likes being around people who are difficult and hard to work with.
- Be patient – Michael reminded me of this one. I am not at all comfortable being in front of the camera, and it took awhile for me to loosen up and get comfortable with being photographed. The portrait above was one of the last frames Michael took.
If you are not familiar with Michael’s work check out his website at www.michaelclarkphoto.com. In addition to outstanding work he produces a quarterly newsletter that is top-notch. It is full of information and stories that appeal to both creatives and anyone interested in photography. You can check out the back issues here. You can also subscribe by e-mailing Michael at mjcphoto@comcast.net. Tell him I sent you.
Social Media
It’s been a long time coming but I have finally jumped on the social media bandwagon. Yup. Some of you might have noticed the recent links added to the sidebar of the blog. My intent with each one is to offer something a little different. So . . .
Facebook. If you haven’t done so already check out the new Mike Tittel Photography Facebook Page and become a fan. My goal is to offer something more to the greater photographic community and those interested in my work. On my page you will see more of my latest work, get updates on the happenings at MTP and be able to interact in ways not possible elsewhere. Comments, dialogue and questions are welcome and encouraged. Check it out.
Twitter. The concept “What’s are you doing?” is brilliant, and I think has the potential to give greater insight into the workings of a professional photographer . . . behind the scenes, if you will. Not only how I work but also what I am doing, where I am at, and other random news, thoughts or observations. Of course, I am a working photographer and not a professional “Tweeter”. There will be times when I am off the grid or focused on certain projects but I will do my best to keep “tweets” relevant and frequent when possible. Follow me at www.twitter.com/miketittel.
Finally, LinkedIn. If you are a potential client and interested in hiring me I would encourage you to check out some of the recent recommendations on my LinkedIn profile. If we have worked together and you are interested in joining my network send me an invite. I’d love to hear from you.
The Anticipation Begins…
Anticipation, excitement, energy. What is it about travel that heightens the senses? In a few hours I leave for my next big assignment. For me it will be a new country, a new culture and likely completely new experiences. The unknown pushes me outside of my comfort zone and rekindles my passion for exploration and creative endeavors. Just thinking about the trip makes my heart beat a little faster and my mind real at the possibilities. Anticipation builds for the experiences I am about to encounter. Scenes start playing out in my mind, and I start to pre-visualize the images I might come home with.
I believe pre-visualization and planning are fundamental in making things a reality. Without vision, thought, time and effort how can you expect to succeed? You cannot go into something blind without an idea. This is so important beyond just making great photography. Sure–it is critical towards making great images a reality. However, it is also imperative as a way of living. How can you create a life or achieve a goal without first knowing where it is you want to go?
So, how do we do this? How does one pre-visualize while remaining open and flexible without losing sight of their original idea? Once the anticipation of a shoot turns into an unanticipated reality, do we abandon our original ideas? Or do we allow reality to help shape and morph our thoughts and ideas into something new — something better than we ever could have imagined? Are the unforeseen moments welcome friends or shunned enemies?
Personally I cherish the unknown and revel in the adversity that affects life. I am a firm believer that all things happen for a reason and have their place and purpose. For me, getting outside the box pushes, expands and moves my creative soul. Whenever I travel to some place unfamiliar and face new experiences, I am forced out of my comfort zone into a whole new world or way of thinking. Is it always a comfortable process–not necessarily, but I welcome it because that is where the growth takes place and the milestones are met. So it is with an open mind that I head out today. But my most valuable tool will not be the equipment I take or even sketches of possible shots in my bag. The anticipation of what’s to come and the flexibility with which I meet it–that is what I know from experience will make all the difference.
Blog Roll
Pretty much every morning I’m not out on a shoot, I make the long trek to my office (about 10 steps from our kitchen) with my cup of coffee in hand, sit down at my computer, and commence my daily reading of my favorite blogs. I’ve grown to really love this part of my day; it’s a chance to connect with the photo community in a different way, gain new insights, and keep up on the buzz of my profession. Plus it’s a good excuse to linger with my java and put other, less fun tasks off for a few minutes. Since I love when I stumble upon new finds, I thought I would post links to the blogs I read on a regular basis. Some are personal favorites; others are inspirational or educational, but I think all are worth checking out.
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