Is the Portrait Lost?

I had a moment tonight to reflect on the industry over the past decade. It’s pretty much been ten years since I started shooting. In the early years, I would take the time to set up a tripod to photograph a client and get a few strong emotion evoking portraits on a roll of 120 that would tell their individual story. When you had 15-16 frames to capture a vision, you took your time to compose and properly address any potential issues. A professional was efficient and thorough.

Today, photos have seemingly overpowered our senses. Social media such as Facebook and Instagram are photo driven. Many photographers have become lazy relying on editing to elevate their images. Through the desire to post new photos daily I have witnessed the landscape change but with thousands of images blurring our vision daily I feel a strong still-photo maintains its power. A photo can freeze time. When you stop in front of a well thought out image you can't help but pause and take it all in. A thousand words? Perhaps, but I think some can tell so much more - some a lifetime of stories.

More imagery is not always better. I challenge each of you to look at photos with added purpose. Visit museums and galleries and take a deep breath - look past the snapshots that are overwhelming in our day to day activities. Life takes on a new meaning when you are drawn to a portrait that tells a story and this can never be lost.

David

Beautiful

Beautiful.

We each have a vision of what “beautiful” is. When we look at a set of photos, there are always a few that jump out at us isn’t there? The truth is, every single person has a beautiful side and someone that can find it can capture it.

I feel in many ways beauty shines most brightly through those that love themselves but I also feel that those lacking self-confidence and worth are equally as beautiful in their unique way.  It can take time to reverse the thought patterns a person has locked in place. When someone looks in the mirror and doesn’t feel they are good enough to have their photo taken, that is a challenge I thrive on. I often receive emails from girls who are timid asking to book a shoot. They start off revealing their nervousness and the thought that I likely only work with experienced models. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The majority of ladies I work with are regular people, many with the same fears and insecurities others experience. I have had the honour of traveling around North America working with hundreds of first time “models”. I have worked with victims of domestic abuse who feel worthless. Each person is beautiful when they see themselves through my eyes. Does the camera have the power to undo years of negative self-image? You bet it does!! A quality portrait can be the foundation to a new life. That’s exciting!!

(2011 David Ford Choice Award winner Chelsea is one of the most beautiful athletes I have photographed.)

Each of us has friends that battle inner demons daily. How often do we reach out and share a positive word?  One simple word can make all the difference in a person’s day. I challenge each of you to say one kind word a day to someone on social media. Together we can make a difference in the lives of those around us.

Thank you for reading,

David

Investing for Maximum ROI

The past month has been incredibly hectic, but at the same time, very rewarding as I invest some quality time into learning and networking outside the fitness industry. How many times do we take the initiative to focus on ourselves from time to time? Not many right? I for one am guilty of neglecting myself. My recent trip to Vancouver to attend the Professional Photographers of Canada Canadian Imaging Conference was the first "holiday" I have taken since a trip back to Newfoundland for Christmas in 1998. 

On Saturday I had the opportunity to return to my alma mater where I graduated with my BBA. This time, it was my brother’s girlfriend who was walking down the isle with a cheek-to-cheek grin. It’s something to be proud of - all those years of study culminating with a mortarboard and a graduate diploma - it means something. I reminisced and thought about the years since - wow!! I have concluded that as long as you do everything to the best of your ability you are never wasting time. Sure we may switch directions in life, but that is a part of growing. Over the years I have managed a gym and a construction business - but it took me a few years before I settled into what I loved doing the most - taking photos. A camera gives me an opportunity to leave a little of myself with each client I work with and that friends is profound and rewarding.

Although I receive a lot of “Thank Yous” and compliments regarding my work, I get emails at times that catch me off guard – in a good way. On Friday I received a message from a girl I photographed at the Canadian Nationals in BC in 2012. Here are a few combined exerts: “David, I just want to thank you for your blogs... the topics you write about are what individuals are thinking and wondering about. Your blogs have guided me and given me a different perspective. When I started in the industry in 2007 I was very naive and wish I had had some proper guidance. I hope you continue to blog and pass on your knowledge and perspective of different things that occur out there. When I met you in Aug 2012 you exceeded my expectations, I heard many great things and from chatting previously I knew you were going to be an "ok guy" lol, but your personality and now your blogs... well all I have to say is you are doing exactly what you should be doing... you make a difference David in many lives when it comes to self esteem and self confidence. Thank you!”

On Saturday, Hope Channel Inc President Bradley Thorp shared at the Baccalaureate a talk titled “Investing for Maximum ROI”.  In it he encouraged every graduate to find their gift, regardless of how small they perceive it to be and share it with the world. He reiterated we all have something we can share with the world. Perhaps it’s our caring personality, our ability to teach, clean floors, drive a cab, or concentrate on doing a life saving surgery. In society most skills are rewarded differently, but the fact remains we each have the capacity to do good for those around us and make a significant difference. Think about it. Whatever we are doing this moment in our lives we need to be doing it to the best of our abilities. It is likely something we excel in and it does make a difference with those around us regardless if we reap the thanks.

As a photographer there used to be a time when I questioned the good I did with a camera. There are so many people in the industry for the wrong reasons and at times it’s near embarrassing to say “I’m a professional photographer". However, when I receive a little special “Thank You” like I did on Friday, I feel like I am making a difference. I’m not the only one that is though. You are too.

I challenge you to keep working hard at what you’re doing now and continue to make a difference. Take pride in your work and in yourself. Invest your energy wisely and it’ll show in the final product which I consider maximizing your ROI (Return on Investment).

Until next time,

David

Creating and Chasing Goals

It's been a while since I have last added a Blog - a year come Mother's Day it looks like. After my last Blog, I realized life is meant to be lived and enjoyed. As much as I enjoy the friendships of the net - I have to ensure I put myself first when possible - which is what I started to do over the past few months - in a professional sense. I have long been interested in joining a prestigious professional photographers group and there isn't any more acclaimed in Canada than the Professional Photographer's of Canada. This group consists of true professionals who abide by a strict code of ethics which includes consistently producing the highest quality of work in a very professional and timely manner and respecting fellow artists.

Over the past few months I have worked towards and have been Accredited in four important categories including Editorial Portraiture, Fashion, High Key Portraiture and Modelling Portfolio. Accreditation means a photographer has shown consistent high quality work that has passed the scrutiny of National level judges. It's exciting to set goals for myself and meet them on my way to making myself a better photographer.

This week I have had the opportunity to attend the Canadian Imaging Conference in Vancouver, BC, and attend many exceptional workshops and seminars including those of two very impressive professionals - Gregory Heisler (Pictured with me) and Steve Simon. Both have made a lasting impression on me and I look forward to sharing many insights through my new work in the future.

(Meeting renown portrait photographer Gregory Heisler of NYC.)

I encourage each of you to set personal goals and make them happen. Life is short and if you aren't doing something you love, you will quickly regret not taking action.

Until next time,

David

Happy Mother's Day

 "This is your best picture of any fighter." - college hockey teammate and friend - Eldon Jamieson.

"This is your best picture of any fighter". These words from a friend, Eldon Jamieson, really made an impact on me. I have photographed the top UFC fighters in the world. I have photographed Georges St. Pierre a half dozen times, Cain Velasquez, Jake Shields, Quinton Jackson, Lyoto Machida... the list goes on. But, I had never photographed someone, precious to me, that was fighting for their life... until now. This image taken in the emergency room as dad prayed for God's healing hand tells a strong story, especially to those that know my family.

On May 9, I decided to step away from work and watch a little of the NHL play-offs. I'm a big hockey fan and have enjoyed a number of the series this year. My phone was a few feet away charging on silent mode.

At 8:01pm on Wednesday, May 9, I received a text from my brother saying, "Dave call me... Mom is in the hospital". Life stood still as my mind went into over-drive. I called my brother in law who was at the hospital with my family. He said, "it looks like mom's had a heart attack and is in serious condition." A person in their 20s would have a hard time sustaining a heart rate hitting 180 BPM so at 77 years old, and having battled cancer with chemotherapy treatment, everyone knew the seriousness of what my mom was going through. Fluid had been consuming her lungs as her frail organ did it's best to pump life giving oxygen throughout her collapsed body. Defibrillator paddles were brought in.

On Saturday, May 5th, I had visited my family to celebrate my brother in law's birthday. It was a fun day. As Cecilia and I were leaving, I asked her if she would take a photo of mom and I. Mom pulled me close and gave me a tight hug like she always does. The smile on her face said it all. She was proud of me, and I of her. She told me "this is the first picture of just you and I since you were 4 months old." I had no idea. We've had a lot of family pictures, but I hadn't posed with just my mother ever in my life. How insane is that?

 (My mom and I on May 5 just 4 days before her heart failure.)

I came home from the hospital on Wednesday night not knowing if my mom would be alive the next morning. She had stabilized but you never know. I came home and wrote this short Mother's Day Poem around midnight.

 Happy Mother's Day

the life i knew

tucked in

safely

reassured

by a kiss

by stories

at bed time

love

pure

tonight

i was able

to return

the favor

you didn’t know

but as i tucked

your feet in

in er

your heart hurting

beating irregular

fighting

for life

memories

of days gone by

were front

and center

your smile

stays with me

a photograph

by impulse

remembering

a great day

this weekend

mothers day

i’m thankful

for you

you will

be with me

no matter what

i want

to tell you

i love you

one more time

I want you

to know

you’re not alone

you’re loved

as you loved me

forever

mom

happy mother’s day

always

 

I have spent a good part of every day since May 9 beside my mom at the hospital. She's been diagnosed with heart disease and goes for tests early this coming week. I want to take a moment to thank everyone for their continued prayers and positive thoughts. It means the world to me and I know it's making an impact on bettering my mom's health. Thank you and keep them coming.

Growing Opportunities

There have never been so many opportunities for photographers as there are today. 

Not even ten years ago visibility of a professional photographer's work was limited to four or five reputable publications. If you weren't being published, you would only be seen in your local area. Without the magazines there was no opportunity for extended exposure and the demand for business was limited to local athletes and models.

Today's photographers still aspire for the prestige of being published regularly in print media. I see hundreds of submissions weekly from published photographers and new photographers looking to break into the business. I get requests to be featured in our magazine and receive many inquiries asking what a photographer can do better to have a chance of getting printed. I'm regularly told that unless they are getting published in print, their perceived level of expertise is limited and it actually affects their potential income. Photographers realize that being published in print means you "have arrived" and your consistent quality of work is at a respected level.

 (Consistent Quality In A Set Style And Format Is What Print Magazines Look For - Kyle Clarke Performing Pushdowns)

Unlike the situation photographers found themselves in ten years ago, the cycle of creative growth, with an increased audience, no longer stops at the edge of your city limits. Today there are countless ways for your work to be seen. Sure, the print magazines still represent the most prestigious opportunity but the internet is also presenting opportunities for those trying to make a mark for themselves. Webzines/websites are springing up by the dozens daily. Today, it seems everyone is pursuing their dream online with only a few sites following the high road to quality through professional conduct and use of good business ethics. 

With the increased number of fitness websites, the downside is that it's becoming harder to find reliable sources of information. It's very difficult to find sites with admin that conduct business ethically and professionally. For as little as $100 a year a person can launch a decent looking website so it's becoming more difficult to quickly differentiate who is professional and who isn't by a quick glance. Not all exposure is created equal. Far from it. Photographers and models alike need to be picky on who they associate with on the web.

(Top Supplement Companies Pay For Quality Photographers For Ad Campaigns - Model James Ellis)

A cause for concern among photographers is that there are there are hundreds of websites that illegally use photos. No credit and no payment. Some sites go so far as to crop off or mask photographer credit. This is blatant stealing. Heck, some sites hold model contests and enter anyone they want WITHOUT permission and secretly choose the winner to best benefit them. How can sites like that be taken seriously? The sad truth is that the general public doesn't realize the illegal practices and frankly, many of them couldn't care less as long as the site has new content that includes "hot models". Sadly, "models" themselves don't seem to care either and then wonder why they are not being published regularly in print media. It's a small industry and everyone takes notice of models conduct - both business and personal.

Today is the age of social media, albeit the genesis. Photographers are operating businesses based on shoots for social media outlets. Photographers, continue to aspire to grace the pages of Facebook and select websites and webzines. It's a start and your business will grow provided you produce consistently decent work. Remember though not to sell yourself short for what seems to be quick exposure. It can be a difficult decision whether or not to post that great photo you have. Posting it may bring in more business. Saving it and having it printed can elevate your career more rapidly. Neither is wrong, but please don't try to do both with the same image or from the same series. Magazines want exclusive images that will help them sell their product. Bottom line. If your photo, or one similar has been seen by a few thousand people on Facebook, then it has little value to a publication.

Photographers, when looking at webzines/websites to showcase your images, try to choose wisely and look for sites that act professionally towards yourself and fellow photographers. The value you give to your work is the value print media, as well as top models, will show you. Be selective on where your photos go, who you photograph and how.

 (Photographers Build Strong Reputations Through Professional Conduct At All Times - Model Martine Gauthier)

Today, there is absolutely no reason why you can't pursue your dream of photography regardless of the style you wish to shoot. The opportunities are seemingly endless and as the internet continues to expand and technology leads the way, it feels exciting to be at the crest of the wave - to be a leading photographer in today's world of possibilities. I encourage you to develop your own unique style and through the means available to you, show your vision to the world in an ethically professional manner.

Pure Photography

The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines Photography as "the art or process of producing images by the action of radiant energy and especially light on a sensitive surface (as film or a CCD chip)." The same defines Pure as "having exactly the talents or skills needed for a particular role".

 Yoga Pairs - Unedited Photo

I spent the past week in the Ottawa-Gatineau region of Canada and had the opportunity to visit with a number of the local photographers. Of course conversations varied but consisted primarily of photography related subjects. It was refreshing to talk with fellow professionals so I wasn't inundated with questions about gear and technology. Honestly, give me any camera and I'm happy. As long as I can record my vision and interpretation of a subject on to an effective CCD chip I'm ready to make an impact. 

There were a few things that stood out about the conversations - things which I guess I hadn't really dwelt on since I have been doing this a while and have followed, for the most part, the path of least resistance. Finding the efficient workflow path is vital in today's work environment.

I consider myself a photographer by definition. I'm not a graphic designer. I'm not a digital artist. I like to take pictures. I create scenes, set up my lighting, and meter according to the end result I picture in my head.

In some respects, I feel sorry for today's photographers who have learned their art in digital. Learning in the days of slide and light meters was considerably more difficult but had its benefits. Having learned and perfected the art of lighting and composition means little has to ever be done post shoot. There are lighting tricks to enhance muscle definition, to soften or flatter the face, to create glamour or more impacting imagery. You name it, it can largely be done with lights and lighting control accessories. This allows me more time spent being a photographer and less time being a photo editor or a digital manipulator or image creator. I pride myself on being a purist and the less time I have to spend editing means I do my job well. Something I'm very proud of.

When photographers hear I'm a purist, the first question often is, "Do you use hot lights?" Never. When I commented that I rarely use Photoshop I was asked if I used Lightroom (another photo editing program apparently). I said never. I wouldn't have the first clue about using Lightroom. In fact, until recently, all I used was Photoshop 7 until I upgraded to CS2. A program now about seven years old and in the world of technology is relatively ancient but it does all the simple tasks I need a program to do - adjust the contrast, resize and add my logo basically.

Speaking with several photographers on my Ottawa trip and locally in Alberta, they were astonished that most of my photos are unedited. Not just photos given to clients, but 95% of my printed material as well. I have known photographers that will spend anywhere from 10 minutes on every photo to a few hours. I have a hard time fathoming it. My knowledge of Photoshop is minimal but I can distinguish an edited shot from a pure shot quite easily. I know some photographers go to great length to provide quality, edited images, and I totally respect that. It's their approach and it's their time.

Knowing how to choose a film until 2006 was important knowledge and now, knowing lighting and in-camera settings is really all I need to know to produce compliment generating, creative photos. As they say, great portraits and photos aren't created in the camera but on either side of it.

Side note: My idea of an unedited image, as seen above, is simply resized. No contrast, sharpening, colour correction etc whatsoever. Straight out of camera into article.