Author Archive
In the trade
Those of us in “the trade” can readily rattle off lists of great photographers. The average viewer, though, will likely not recognize most of them. Show a random person the image of “Migrant Mother” and they will likely recognize it. Ask them who made it, and you’ll be lucky to find one in a hundred who recalls Dorothea Lange. It is easy to blame general apathy towards art, lacking education, or any number of reasons outside the photographer’s control, and surely these are all contributing factors, but I contend it is us – photographers – who are the chief contributors to such ignorance. Most photographers, when presenting their prints, will meekly sign their names on the mat, rather than the work itself, and in pencil! Are they ashamed to put their mark on their own creation like any other artist? Why?
Many photographers also consider it an offense, to knowingly and deliberately make copies of others’ images and pass them as their own, thus blurring or completely erasing the due creative credit to the original artist. This leads to the belief that if I am capable of making a copy, it means the original was not truly worthy, is misguided at best. It is the kind of perverse thinking that makes some photographers destroy their subject after making an image, or hold secret the location of certain places. They do so because they know other photographers will be the first to disrespect their vision. Can you think of Gauguin stumbling on the same sunflower field painted by Van Gogh and thinking to himself “hey, I can make the same painting”? Or, how about Hemingway duplicating passages form Melville when writing about the sea? To quote Pablo Picasso “A good artist borrows and a great artist steals.”
How do you gather ideas for your photography? It would be impossible for anyone to say that they don’t gather inspiration and ideas from the imagery around them.Those of us in the trade know that there’s no pose or style that hasn’t been done before, newcomers to the field attempt to emulate the styles they see, adding their own creative twist. I keep a file on my computer called ‘inspiration’. It’s divided into sub-folders for all different categories I feel they best belong to. When I’m preparing for a session, I go into the folders and pic a couple (and ONLY a couple:) shots which inspire me. Those of us that use image editing software such as Photoshop, Photopro X3 or the free to download program, Gimp which is similar in many respects to photoshop utilize many tools to craft an individual and unique image, such as layers, masking, brushes, textures….the list is endless. There’s many many books on the shelf’s of a bookstore on post edit techniques, thousands of tutorials 0n the web, each one ready to educate you on how to create that ‘unique’ look.
Bear this thought in mind for a moment. Each of us in the trade has an iconic photographer or artist that we find inspiration from, there are several photographers working today that have mastered a unique style and look, that’s instantly recognizable, such as David Hill, Annie Leibowitz, and so on. We have several colleagues also in the trade, and whilst we are competitive in the work arena, we also admire each others work. The question becomes if we draw inspiration from the imagery we see around us, even though we are manipulating our photography so that it becomes digital art, if all the poses have been shot before, landscapes have been shot by several photographers, how truly unique is the work that we produce ? Arguably, no two will envision the scene and finished product in the same way. I, for one, have been on several shared photoshoots with fellow photographers, shooting the same model on the same set or location, yet the finished works produced are entirely different. That’s not to say that on occasion, images shot wont be very similar in nature, that’s unavoidable in some circumstances. If however, we are emulating the poses, the content, the styles and the post edit styles we see around us, does this amount to us blatantly copying other peoples work? or are we just interpreting an image, recreating something with our own vision inspired from that?
Here where I live, the photographic community is tight knit. That’s not to say there’s no new photographers starting out, the college churns out many graduates from their photography courses each year. With a highly competitive workplace, where some of the time its dog eat dog, it seems relatively few of them remain in the field a few years down the road. Those of us that are established here in town respect each others work, ethics and work practices. An even more pleasant aspect of it is that we have a network of photographers that are willing to help each other out, from simple business advice to editing skills, above all, maintaining a healthy friendship and working relationship. Perhaps a somewhat idealist wish, but if this attitude in our community could be more widespread, the arts and culture community would benefit as a whole.
some recent work…..(click to view larger size)
Forest Broken
Playing Pin-up
Amanda
Edit to add; I had published this blog and missed a reply post from fellow photographer Steve Locke (Locke photography) that Chase Jarvis had written on this subject as well…as Steve says, its also an interesting read http://blog.chasejarvis.com/blog/2010/08/is-inspiration-killing-creativity/
Why Professional Photographers charge so much
The following article has been re-posted with permission from Shawn Richter of Caught on Film Photography (www.caughtonfilmphoto.com)
In this digital age where everyone has digital cameras, scanners and home “photo printers”, when people upload their photos to a local drug store website and pick them up a few hours later, we hear this all the time – How in the world do Professional Photographers charge $55 for an 8×10 when they cost just $1.50 at the drug store?
Here’s why.
Simply put, you’re not just paying for the actual photograph, you’re paying for time and expertise. First, let’s look at the actual time involved. If you don’t read this entire page, at least read this first part.
For a two hour portrait session:
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one hour of travel to and from the session
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two hours of shooting
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30 minutes of setup, preparation, talking to the client etc.
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30 minutes to load the photos onto a computer (2 – 4 Gb of data)
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30 minutes to back up the files on an external drive
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3 – 4 hours of Photoshop time including cropping, contrast, color, sharpening, saving a copy for print and a copy for the internet and backing up the edited photographs
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2 – 3 hours to talk to the client, answer questions, receive their order and payment, order their prints, receive and verify prints, package prints, schedule shipment and drop package off at Fed Ex.
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For local customers, we also print a set of all of their photos, and meet them at our studio to review the photos and place their order. Meeting and travel time averages 2 hours.
You can see how one two hour session easily turns into more than ten hours of work from start to finish. So when you see a Photographer charging a $200 session fee for a two hour photo shoot, you are not paying them $100 / hour.
For an eight hour wedding:
I won’t bore you with the details, but an eight hour wedding typically amounts to at least two to three full 40 hour work weeks worth of time. Again, if they are charging you $4,000 for an eight hour wedding, you are not paying them $500 / hour.
Now for the expertise.
Shooting professional photography is a skill, acquired through years of experience. Even though a quality camera now costs under $2,000 taking professional portraits involves much more than a nice camera.
Most Professional Photographers take years to go from buying their first decent camera to making money with their photography. In addition to learning how to use the camera itself, there is a mountain of other equipment involved, as well as numerous software programs used to edit and print photographs, run a website etc.
And let’s not forget that you actually have to have people skills, be able to communicate, make people comfortable in front of the camera – and posing people to make them look their best in a photograph is a skill all by itself.
Think of it this way – the next time you pay $X to get your hair done, a pair of scissors only costs $1.50. But you gladly pay a lot more to hire a Professional.
What about the cheap studios at the mall?
Please don’t compare us to the chain store studios. But if you must, consider all of the time and work that we put into our photographs, compared to what they do. Good luck getting a two hour photo shoot at a chain store. Not to mention they won’t come to the beach! And of course, look at our work compared to theirs. You get what you pay for.
The truth is, most of the mall and chain store studios lose money. In fact, in 2007 Wal-Mart closed 500 of their portrait studios because of the financial drain they were putting on the company. What the chain stores bet on is that you’ll come in for some quick and cheap photos, and while you’re there, you’ll also spend $200 on other things. They don’t have to make money, they are just there to get you in the door.
Conclusion
We hope that those who have taken the time to read this page will have a better understanding of why professional photographs cost so much more than the ones that you get from your local drug store.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Mrs Brown
This past week I had the pleasure of seeing Brendan Carroll and his ‘crew’ that form Mrs Brown’s family live on stage at the Canon theatre. Brendan as one might deuce from his name is Irish, as are the rest of the actors.
This particular show is the fifth in a trilogy (I did say he was Irish, right?) centring firmly upon the character of Agnes Brown, “born, starved and raised in an area of Dublin known as “The Jarro”. Agnes, widow, mother of five boys and a girl, is an assertive, f-word-wielding matriarch. The rest of the family — from long-grey-haired and much-put-upon grandpa to gay son Rory and his partner Dino and from only daughter Cathy to penguin-suited Dermot — are totally under her thumb. Agnes is expecting her youngest son, Trevor, to visit them from the States where he is serving as a priest. But all her children know Trevor has said he isn’t coming and none of them are brave enough to break the news to their formidable mother.Rory and Dino have a falling out; grandpa jumps out of a window every time the word “fire” is mentioned. The children overhear a phone call between mother and a firm of solicitors that specializes in adoptions and all are immediately certain they were the one who was adopted. It all ends happily, of course. And while the writing is certainly waspish, there is always an underlying current of affection, a note of humour to cut through and soften any possible nastiness. This particular type of broad comedy may not be everyone’s cup of Irish Breakfast but there’s considerable pleasure to be had watching O’Carroll weave his magic, whether it is putting the star on top of the Christmas tree, staggering and jittering around the stage after giving himself a blast with a Taser, or ad-libbing an action reply so one of the others on stage can repeat a line and get it right. The talents of the rest of the cast are decidedly more modest but they seem to be enjoying themselves mightily, cracking up at O’Carroll’s jokes, hardly able to contain themselves when he goes off script and improvises.
The Canon theatre is resplendent and a gorgeous place to behold. One can just only imagine what famous names those walls have seen, and what stories they could tell.
Canon Theatre
Canon Theatre
Canon Theatre
Brendan Carroll as Mrs Brown
and finally a short video clip of what you can expect to see when you watch Mrs Brown……
PIE Magazine……on shelves near you!!
Pie Magazine Issue 3
PIE Magazine is a full colour, lifestyle publication targeting evolving men and women. Published tri-monthly, its available at local bookstores and Chapters with features including food, music,fashion,travel, celebrities and much much more. With over 144 pages packed into issue 3, you’re sure to find hours of reading and enjoyment, why not go out and get your copy right now!!
Pie Magazine and its many contributors work year round to bring you the high quality content, and work on issue 4 has already commenced. The PIE media team work closely with each other and at times, it just feels like having an extended family. Although the contributors to the magazine each have their own respective businesses and associated projects, shoots with the team are always energetic and fun. Much of the custom advertorials that the magazine features are shot on location in the store premises, so you get an advance look before you visit them. Here’s a few that we had published in issue 3…click on any image to view larger
A little fashion featuring Chris Thompson, wardrobe by Slavin Agency
Vibra Gym
Interior Design ad shot for Bady Designs
gems by Jael
Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes at a PIE shoot? Check out various behind the scenes videos here from each issue…also on our main website athttp://www.odriscollimaging.com/video.html
As a little teaser, here’s a look at the fashion show from Bradford Greenhouses earlier this year
Fitness Star Model Search World Championships
Come and see us there….International Centre, Toronto … Saturday November 6th 2010!! Doors open at 12, show begins at 2pm
Model Search Championships 2010
Style with Awkward Stage
Awkward Stage is a concept shop located on Barrie’s waterfront, on Lakeshore Mews. Featuring independent Canadian made clothing, accessories, jewellery & gifts plus a contemporary art gallery, Awkward Stage has a mandate to show off beautiful things made close to home. A visit to this store, owned by local Alana Sproule, will leave you in no doubt that the arts and culture is very much alive and thriving in Barrie. If you’re looking for that special item of clothing or accessory that you wont find in any other store in town, maybe its time you checked out awkward stage. If it doesnt fit right away, Alana can help with a little nip and tuck. Check them out on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=202634&id=19390209593&saved#!/stayawkward?v=wall&ref=ts We also had the added pleasure of hatwear provided by Meagan Armstrong of Le Petite Chapeau, which is right next door to Awkward Stage. If you have a special event or occasion coming up and you need a hat, check out the hat lady, many many different styles, I’m sure you’ll find something to suit.
Last evening, Meagan (Astrum Studios) and I were guests of Alana’s for a photoshoot. Caitlin Martin did a stellar job with hair and make up creating truly unique looks for each of the models that we had. Meagan and I had visited the store recently and fell in love with the awesome green wall in Alana’s art gallery. As artwork changes regularly, we timed our shoot in between gallery showings. Here’s a few teasers from the shoot……click on a photo to view larger size
Catherine
Karissa
Robyn
Kyra
Jen
Beaches and the Hazy days of summer
Yesterday I headed to downtown Toronto in the company of fellow photographer, Meagan Slater (Astrum Studios) and Bryan Beard. Toronto, with its busy streets, tall buildings, and a melting pot of cultures offers a multitude of photographic opportunities. With much of the old architecture preserved, and a blending with the new and modern styles…it provides a pleasant contrast. I feel too many of us pass by these unnoticed features of our towns and cities every day, not appreciating the beauty that’s there to be seen. Our everyday lives have become so busy that we become focused inwards on our needs, and no longer lift up our heads and look around. Some of the aspects of Toronto from yesterday….
Financial District, Toronto
Union Station, Toronto
Union Station, Toronto
Following a quick exploration of our surroundings, we met up with Amanda Costa, and headed for Hanlan’s Point for a photoshoot. I always enjoy working with Amanda, shoots are relaxed, fun and lively, and the time just flies by. I’ve known Amanda now for more than a few years and it was great to meet up and catch up on whats been happening. Some teasers from Amanda’s shoot….
Amanda Costa
Amanda Costa
Another busy week of shooting lies ahead…and once again, the final stages of planning for Help Portrait 2010. A final teaser? O Driscoll Imaging may be opening soon in downtown Barrie, and watch out next month for some fabulous model packages!! If you haven’t already joined our special offers list (these offers do NOT get posted to any other site), now is the time to do it!! Check out our main website at http://www.odriscollimaging.com/ and sign up….you can unsubscribe at any time and your information remains private.
A sincere thanks to Meagan and Bryan for yesterday!!
Latest shoots
It’s been a busy week, many shoots plus other projects on the go such as the upcoming photo scavenger hunt here in Barrie, and Help Portrait 2010 is coming up fast also.
So…lets start with some of the latest photoshoots. Jen Bothello had been in touch asking about doing a witch themed photoshoot, based around the book Shadowland by Alyson Noel. Having worked with Jen recently, I jumped at the chance to work with her again, in collaboration with Meagan from Astrum Studio’s. Of course, doing a candlelit shoot required darkness for optimum results, we opted to go walkabout in downtown Barrie and shoot while waiting for darkness to fall. Jen’s cousin Amy came along to watch, and inevitably, also ended up modeling for us as well.I’m not sure what anyone else thinks, but it seems to me that Jen bears a little resemblance at times to Jennifer Love Hewitt, who plays Melinda Gordon on the TV show ‘Ghostwhisperer’, so I shot my interpretation of the theme
Jen & Amy
Jen
Jen as the Ghost Whisperer
Following hot on the heels of yesterdays shoot was Josh McAree today. I met Josh about a year ago through model mayhem when I was looking for a male model for a dirty dancing themed shoot. It was pleasure to have him back again today and catch up. Josh had a few ideas he was keen to shoot, so along with Meagan from Astrum studios, we decided to head over to Minets point. Mother nature teased us a little with the weather, but looking over the results, we couldnt have asked for better lighting and shooting conditions.
Josh
Josh
As always, to see a slightly larger version of any of the photo’s here, just click on it. There’s lot of more shoots planned over the coming weeks so posting on the blog will remain a little sporadic.
As I mentioned earlier, The first annual photo scavenger hunt will take place on October 3oth, and O Driscoll Imaging is proud to be counted amongst the planning team, alongside Astrum Studios and Baker Photography. With different skill levels and categories to shoot, there’s prizes to be won….so for more information please visit http://www.photoscavengerhunt.ca (you must register in order to enter). The main idea of the event is to both showcase the incredibly strong arts and culture presence that we have here in Barrie, as well as promoting the city we live in.I would like to extend a sincere thanks to Danielle Reeder, store manager at Henrys, Mark from Snap Barrie, and Gary Owen, custom framing for their generous support.
Help Portrait is an event that took place in Barrie for the first time in 2009, and I’m proud to once again be the coordinator for it again this year. The primary aim of Help portrait is the coming together of professionals in our city; photographers, make up artists, hairstylists not forgetting the many volunteers we have, plus the strong support from both local and national businesses. We don’t use the event to promote our individual businesses in any way, its our way of giving back to the community we live in, by providing a completely free make over session and portrait session to those that normally could not afford a professional portrait sitting. Help Portrait was a tremendous success in 2009, lets make 2010 even better. Right now, I’m looking for hair stylists and make up artists for the event this year, so if you’re interested in helping out, even if only for a few hours, email me at chris@odriscollimaging.com – it takes place on December 4th, approximately from 9am until 6pm. If you know somebody that may be interested in helping, please let them know.
Barrie Speedway August 21st
A short night of racing at the Barrie speedway last evening which was sponsored by Dave Wood, Mazda dealership at Moffatt’s Northwood as anxious eyes continually looked upwards as the ominously dark black clouds rolled in quickly. The officials kept things running smoothly however and at least half of the races were done. Unfortunately for the drivers (and the photographer too who had managed to forget his umbrella in the car), the rain did eventually begin to fall and the racetrack became a washout, despite a short wait to see if the rain would pass over.
