SideBar (Giving Back)

I am going to take a different approach with this blog entry and take a sidebar. A few weeks back I had the opportunity to help a fellow photographer and friend with a studio shoot that included a very bright and beautiful young lady. I was on hand to lend a creative voice and assist with lighting. You might not know this, but the photography community is very gracious and helpful with their knowledge and always willing to assist or answer a question. It’s our way of giving back. I would be nowhere if not for the help of so many others, and the Internet is a huge tool in that as well. As we set up at Beowulf Studio, we went through the first stage, which was pure dialog and getting to know everyone. Before every photo shoot, I ask my clients a very important question: “What is beauty to you?” Their response helps me figure out what type of shoot we will have. It’s something that started as a way to break the ice, but it has become my M.O. and has yet to fail me (knock on wood). My friend Craig performed, as always, in a very professional manner, and the shoot went well. The young lady needed a few head shots, and as the session went on and during one of the wardrobe changes, I stole a quick shot, forever frozen in time…I so love a candid shot.

But my true pleasure was giving my time and knowledge to assist a fellow photographer and good friend. I always try to remember those times I needed an assistant and one of my comrades stepped up if they could…but the first step was asking. Photographers ROCK!