One of the most unpredictable barriers for a location photographer.....is weather. I don't care how much equipment you have or the extent of your preparations......Mother Nature will still show you who is boss.
I have tangled with her a time or two. She loves tossing reflectors, knocking over make-up kits and plotting the demise of our cameras.
We even had the pleasure of her company on what was "supposed" to be a stunning garden shoot.
All that being said, I personally LOVE to shoot in all kinds of weather. Just wish I knew ahead of time....so I can plan around it.
Oh and no offensive to the meteorologists.....but you guys are absolutely no help at all. Think I will still to researching and "winging it" on my own.
Note: Some of our most amazing shots include a little rain!]]>
Let's start with black and white. EVERYONE and everything looks fantastic in black and white. I repeat, EVERYONE and everything looks fantastic in black and white. People look younger, fresher, even toned skin......etc. My favorite pictures are always flipped black and white and offered to the client.....usually without additional cost.
I want people to see the beauty in each person, place or thing....outside of the saturated colors adding to their beauty.
Axial Photography shoots in all three......color, sepia, blk/wht......sometime we shoot all color and flip some selections after the fact.
If you really want to see the the multiple views of "YOU", just hire us and ask for all three formats.
Then hang on for one heck of a ride!]]>
The owner and head photographer is NEVER, I repeat NEVER sick......so where is he?
There are always those unplanned for events.....like......being involved in a car accident. It does little good to say.....it wasn't your fault when everything hurts and your car is gone.
Hands are ok......but everything else hurts.
Life gets put on hold. Are you ready for that? Can you handle not being in control?
Reschedules? Empty calendar? Employees without work?
Thank goodness for recovery and.....the often spoken of "light at the end of the tunnel". Where would we be without hope?
No worries......he is healing nicely and will be back behind the lens in no time.
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I love some of the requests from our clients. Of course everyone wants to be thinner (myself included).
But you just have to love that fact that NONE of us looks like ourselves once a picture has been retouched. Retouched? Perhaps we should call it redone.
I am not mocking those that do it.....I never....ever....release a picture I am in without removing the dark circles under my eyes....and "slightly" altering my butt.
I know someday I will have wrinkles to remove....(been lucky in the department so far) and cover some gray that I didn't have time to take care of....someday.
I just find it interesting that our lack of satisfaction in ourselves has found a new outlet. No surgery required!
I do love making people feel good about themselves and proud to show their pictures. It is a part of the job that leaves me satisfied.
I do so enjoy the extremes......putting a model on the moon.....or floating in mid air.
I just have to remind me that, at the end of the day.....those darn circles and big booty will still be there.... *sigh*
To our dear friends, colleagues and clients:
We wanted to take a moment and thank you for a very productive and fascinating year. Here is to 2012 being much more of the same....and better.
We appreciate each and every one of you!
Happy New Year
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The seasons bring different clients to our door. April and May is filled with young people clutching their cap and gowns, ready to face the world. May, June and July bring the brides... anxious and excited. September and October for some reason are both filled with new models ready to make a name for themselves. Then we have the holidays.....a sprinkling of the above mentioned....as well as family after family after family. We seem to do more family portraits in those last two months, than any other time of year.
By January, we are ready to start all over, but we love the hustle and bustle of happy families...straightening ties, smeared lip stick and crying babies. Perhaps this is one reason we still practice multiple areas of photography. There is always something new and exciting going on.
Can't wait to see what happens next.
Merry Christmas from Axial Photography to you!]]>
Photography is ALWAYS a lot of fun.....as well as work. However Certain themes make it much more of an adventure, zipping the creativity to an all new level. One of our favorites is the spooky atmosphere of October. Even those among our staff members who claim to have been birthed prior to receiving any creativity.....get into the groove rather quickly. What a magical time for all involved. We must admit to requiring more from the models, almost as if we truly believe they can fly.
Take advantage to the extra boost of fun and excitement, as well as the perfect weather.
Who says you need an extra sunny day to take a good picture? Besides, great pictures come from within.]]>
Anywho, the best advice I received is passed along to you with all my best intentions. Wear comfortable shoes....BUT take heels everywhere you go and never interview in anything other than your heels. Shop for clothes that thin you out. Stay in shape. Find a fantastic hair dresser and get a hair cut / style that fits your face and body style...NOT the cut you think will work. Most importantly, draw attention away from your flaws:
It won't matter how pretty/handsome you are....if you have any of the following....that is what we are all staring at.
1. If you have a big forehead.....wear a bang or side sweep. I have given this advice, only to be ignored.
2. If you have cellulite cover it. Those size 2 chicks who sport daisy duke shorts and have cellulite....guess what the guys are looking at? Hint: It is NOT your lovely behind.
3. Pimples? Get products that treat them.....wash your face and put down the fries. Then, find appropriate makeup to diminish them when working.
4. Thighs. Say goodbye to the couch, fast food, skin tight clothing and get out there walking. If you still can not lose them.....DRESS APPROPRIATELY!
5. Yellow teeth......there are affordable products out there and for goodness sake.....use a STRAW!
The biggest mistake potential models make is ignoring their body types. We now have petite models and plus size models.....but there are still standards.
Everyone is beautiful or handsome.....we just do so much to destroy that. You may not be able to adjust your height, but everyone can improve their appearance.
I accept my new pear shape and who knows, maybe someday I will LOVE IT!
~Cat (CFO of Axial Photography)]]>
The purpose of this blog is not really to vent....but just hopeful that those reading it....will learn from it.....make smart, sound decisions with your career and dwell in the reality of each moment......no matter what part of the industry you end up in and long after you leave.]]>
Discount]]>
And that...... ladies and gentlemen is what a GREAT team is all about.]]>
Family owned and operated......with a goal toward excelling client expectations.......topped with skills and passion.....what more could you ask for?
Welcome aboard.....enjoy the ride.]]>