Checking the laptop? Nope...

Tenba is my favorite case/bag/backpack manufacturer. I use their stuff for most all my photo bags. They have introduced a bag that is supposed to make dealing with your laptop at the airport a little easier:

www.tenba.com/Content/Tenba-Checkthrough-Brief.aspx

Trey and Danny invade my space...

Fans of Dallas music already know who Danny Balis and Trey Johnson are. I was recently asked to shoot them for the current issue of Quick, and a video crew tagged along to capture this:

Mark Seliger on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon...

You obviously know who Mark Seliger is, because you are - like him - a Texan who loves photography (if you don't know who he is, take this moment to slap your hands with a wooden ruler and then Google his name... you should be embarrassed, by the way).  

In case you missed it, like I almost did (I just happened to be flipping through the channels, when i noticed his name pop up), you can still see Mark's segment/interview/photo shoot online.  One of these links should work:  

www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com  

www.hulu.com  

The first single is out...

I'm not really sure how you put something like this on your resume...  I did all the photography for the band's upcoming album, singles, press kit, etc.  Of course, the first single off the new album has to involve a giant costume of... well, just click the link to see what I'm talking about (warning: it is a PG-13 style video/song)  

www.mywena.com

That's Rough...

As a Dallas photographer, you may already be aware of the DSVC. However, you might not be aware of their publication: Rough Magazine

They have a pretty cool collection of Rough's various covers on display here: http://dsvc.org/dsvc-museum/100-rough-covers

I always like viewing stuff like this, especially when it reaches back several years. It usually helps inspire me to create new photos, new designs, new art. Sometimes, when I'm wanting to get inspired for a band/album shoot, I'll dig through all the old Rolling Stone covers or flip through some of the many books I have on interesting album covers. It's good to look at what's been done before. It can be a great springboard, helping to create something new.

Superficial, or just super?!?

I had to post this link:

http://superficialsnapshots.blogspot.com/

It's a link to my friend's blog. Her name is Allison, and she takes great pictures. If you don't know her, you obviously don't know much about Dallas photography. Seriously. She is one of THE names people know in town. Don't believe me? Go to any photo gallery or trade-related event... any place that other people in the photo and art industry would hang. Ask if they know who Allison V. Smith is, and wait for the "duh" look they give you for asking such an obvious question.

Anyway, you might want to jump on her bandwagon. She is cool. And her blog posts are always fun to read.

A portrait...

 

I think this is some sort of Cicada, like a locust.  Whatever it is, I find it fascinating.  I would like to photograph a living specimen at some point, but there is something interesting about this image, as well.  I took it on July 1, 2009...  I might eventually do a whole series of insect portraits.  I know it's been done several times before - by some really amazing photographers - but, I would hope that my portraits might bring a new viewpoint to the subject?

Keep your W-9 handy...

As a freelance photographer, you will be asked for a W-9 to be filled out and faxed or emailed over.  I get that ALL the time.  Not only from new clients, but also from regular clients who are updating their records.  Just store this PDF right on your computer's desktop and you'll be ready to print it, fill it in, and fax/email it at a moment's notice:  

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf?portlet=3

Why do you need to submit a w-9 in the first place?  In real simple terms, if a client hires you to do work, the government wants to keep track of that money.  They want to tax you on it, so they get their fair share.  The w-9 allows your client to send you a piece of paper that comes in real handy around tax time, called a 1099.  Nothing too fancy, just a statement of what you were paid throughout the year.  This gives you a better explanation:  

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-form-w-9.htm

The new frugality in cover shots...

I'm sure that, as a pro or aspiring photog, you've already seen this story about the $30 Time Magazine cover photo.  There's been a LOT of talk about it already, so I'm not going to beat a dead horse.  Instead, I'm going to point out this blog at PBN&F regarding the issue.  They have a real thought-provoking viewpoint, and many of the follow-up comments made by readers are worth scanning (though, some posts are moronic).  

photobusinessforum.blogspot.com/2009/07/real-new-frugality-time-style.html

Are they really precious?!?

I'm not sure that even my photography skills can make these things look "precious" in the least bit. We had to sell these as part of an estate sale (my wife's grandmother), and I was enlisted to do the photos. But really, is there any possible way to make these things look interesting?!? Who buys these things, besides my wife's grandmother?

Abu Dhabi and me...

It's strange to see where some of my photos pop up.  One of my clients syndicates my news images all around the world.  Often, I can see where they are being used by doing a quick Google search.  Besides showing up in publications like the New York Times, the Boston Globe, and USA Today, I just found my images in a few more cool places.  

One publication called The National just ran one of my semi-conductor images that I took at Texas Instruments this year.  The publication is located in Abu Dhabi of all places.  It's odd to think that people in Abu Dhabi are looking at my pictures...  Very cool.  

NIght light and sky...

I'm not sure what exactly caught my eye, but I had to snap it:

Beat it...

Here's a fun video I did on an international marching band competition:

lakehighlands-dallas.blackwhiteread.com/view/article/12278

The drum lines were simply amazing! The beats were spot on, like a metronome. The brass sounded smooth, yet powerful. And there was a lot of excitement in the air. It was a fun assignment to document.

For wedding pics...

In case you didn't know, you can keep an eye on my wedding activity here:  

www.janikphoto.com/blog2   

That blog corresponds with my wedding and portrait website at www.jasonjanik.com and is filled with weddings that I've photographed.

Finally, a shortcut I can love!!!

I just noticed that Photoshop CS4 FINALLY has a shortcut for Canvas Size and Image Size adjustments. Why did it take them so long to add this?!? I've been using Photoshop since 1996 or so, and they just now add this?!? It may be late to the party, but it's still a welcome sight! Thank you Adobe...

Gel your flash...

I used to gel my strobes and flash head to get perfect color balance. I slowly stopped doing it, just because you could color correct in Photoshop with a little effort. For the flash head, you could just pick up one of those Lee Filters gel sample packs and pull out the ones you needed most. You know, I probably still have a couple of those sample packs stored in one of my old bags/cases, if I dig around and look for one.

Anyway, I think I'm going to start gelling my on camera flash again. I think I'll get a better picture in-camera, instead of messing around in Photoshop. Why bother spending a few minutes trying to select and balance different parts of an image on the computer, when I can spend about three seconds taping a gel to my flash and calling it a day?!?

I found a good blog that describes the process better than I could, so I'll just send you all here for more info:

lightingmods.blogspot.com/2007/11/flash-gels-for-correcting-color.html

Photopol.us

Sometimes I forget to check in on the photopol.us website, which is a great photo-related blog with a heavy Dallas focus. Every Friday, they spotlight another area "art star", so to speak. It's an interview with a local photog - usually a seasoned pro - who can provide a bit of inspiration to the readers.

They also have some great images, guest bloggers, and tips of hot/cool gallery shows. Pretty much anything you might want to know, relating to North Texas photography! Try to do better than me, and check it out every day. I usually remember to check it once a week, and then I wind up going through an entire week's worth of posts in one sitting. Either way, make sure you don't miss a thing...

I'm a star!!!

I just received this nice little star-shaped award at the most recent IABC function. I've been volunteering my photography services to the group, in an effort to help them grow their online presence. In exchange, I obviously put my name and face in front of a bunch of new corporate clients.

The group is the International Association of Business Communicators, and - as the name suggests - it is made up of people in corporate internal/external communication, marketing, public relations, and investor relations. What better group to help out, if you're looking to network with corporate clients?!?

I'm glad they appreciate what I'm contributing to the group, and the award was a nice way of showing it! I don't even remember the last time I received an award. It's so cool...

Wanna be a BRAVO star?!?

I got this off a friend's facebook link. If I was more confident about my fine art pieces and didn't have a family or busy work schedule at home... I might just go try out:

From Bravo's Website:

UNTITLED ART PROJECT

How do you go from struggling, emerging or even semi-established artist to selling a complete show for $198 million? It’s a big art world out there, but maybe this is one place to start!

Magical Elves (Peabody Award-winning Project Runway, Emmy Award-winning Top Chef) and Sarah Jessica Parker (Golden Globe- and Emmy Award-winner) and her production company, Pretty Matches, are teaming up for an hour-long creative competition series among aspiring contemporary artists who will create and compete to conquer the art world!

If you’re an emerging or mid-career artist with a unique, powerful voice that demands a bigger stage – well. . . Here. It. Is.

We want contemporary artists. Your medium could be one of many (or several of many) – painting, sculpture, installation, video, photography, mixed-media – we want voices that believe in their art and want the world to know.

Attend one of our four regional casting calls around the country and we will consider you for participation in this groundbreaking show.

Casting Calls for The Untitled Art Project are as follows:

LOS ANGELES
Saturday, July 11 & Sunday, July 12, 10 AM – 2 PM
LAXART
www.laxart.org

MIAMI
Tuesday, July 14, 10 AM – 2 PM
Fredric Snitzer Gallery
www.Snitzer.com

CHICAGO
Thursday, July 16, 10 AM – 2 PM
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Sullivan Galleries, 33 S. State Street
www.saic.edu

NEW YORK
Saturday, July 18 & Sunday, July 19, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
White Columns
www.whitecolumns.org

I feel so stupid...

I hope I didn't screw myself out of a nice gig. It would suck to lose a few grand, just because I didn't read through an email. I was finishing up business with a band's management and held an email in my box, so I could reference their billing info when I had more time to type up an invoice. I didn't immediately print up an invoice and let it sit on the back burner for a week.

Well, I finally got around to it tonight and noticed there was more in that email besides the billing info. The second paragraph said how much they loved working with me and was wondering if I was available to shoot another album cover for a different artist. Oops. Not very professional to take a whole week to answer back, huh?!?

I feel so stupid for not checking through the email for a whole week. I've been so behind and playing catch up for the last several days, and was prioritizing the images before I messed with invoices. It IS the professional thing to deliver a finished product before sending a final invoice, but not so professional to inadvertently ignore client questions and requests. I am hoping this didn't just cost me a nice gig...

Water aerobics, anyone?!?

My most current video covers the topic of water aerobics. Sound exciting? Well, believe it or not, it was!

lakehighlands-dallas.blackwhiteread.com/view/article/12016

Burger surprise...

It was kind of funny getting this door hanger on the front door of my house the other week. I pulled it off the handle of my front door to see what kind of deals were being offered me, and I spotted a hamburger. My hamburger. Well, not mine, as in one that I cooked or ate. No, it was my photo. See it below:

OK, so it's not a photograph that will wind up in the MOMA or The Louvre. However, it was still fun/funny to see it hanging on my front door. And by the way, the food at 1st & 10 looked and smelled amazing! I plan on going sometime soon to see just how great it tastes... maybe I'll even take my coupon in there!

Warped Tour 2009...

My coverage of the Warped Tour 2009 in Dallas, TX:

www.dallasnews.com

It was hot and humid, but fun...

Art you a pro photog?

At what point do you get to call yourself a professional photographer? Is it when you decide that you WANT to be one? When you buy your first semi-decent camera? When you get your first paying gig? When you have enough gigs to be considered a part-time or weekend pro? When you quit your "other" job and are only taking photo gigs? When you can actually support yourself with your camera and only your camera???

Seriously, what do you think? A lot of people call themselves a photographer - as in professional photographer. They don't say it's their hobby. They state "I'm a photographer!" like it is their life, their soul, their sustenance... their everything.

You wouldn't want a weekend warrior doctor trying to save your life, or hobbyist lawyer jumping in and exclaiming, "I'll take the case!", so why is the photography industry so much different? I was talking with the wife about it, and I think it is simple: You only need a pack of ten dollar business cards and a camera that looks halfway professional to feel like the real deal.

It's like cooking. Someone can make a satisfying meal for their family, be an armchair quarterback while watching Top Chef, then suddenly they think that becoming a professional chef is the way to go! They just need a stove, pot, knife, and spatula. Now they are ready to serve the royal family!

So, what do you think makes a professional photographer? Is there a line that can be drawn in the sand? Where can you look to differentiate between pros and hobbyists? I'm not trying to be elitist or exclusive here. I want people to achieve their dreams... their goals. That's one reason why I offer so much info on this blog. It's geared towards people trying to make it in the industry. A seasoned pro doesn't need to read a blog on how to invoice clients. He's been doing that just fine for years.

No, I'm not trying to be negative. It was just an interesting point that was brought to my attention. People think they are a professional photographer at all skill and experience levels. What point is the real, defining moment that makes a pro?

Everything is running smooth...

I'm very happy that everything is running smooth at the moment. I like easy days. That's not to say I'm not busy - because I am... I'm just not dealing with drama. No broken gear, no complicated shooting schedules, no mess.

I just booked a couple new shoots for the month, and my new powermac seems to be plugging along just fine. All very good news!

Carter Albrecht video...

My video from the Carter Albrecht CD release show is finally up. View it here:

lakewood-dallas.blackwhiteread.com/view/article/11848

I try to keep all my video pieces pretty simple, partly because my style is stripped and simple, and partly because I'm still learning all the bells and whistles in Final Cut Pro. However, I think this is my most complex video to date, just because the audio transitions are more advanced - with flowing fades and other little tricks, as opposed to just cutting and pasting things together.

Vibe is no more...

Want to shoot for one of the nation's premier magazines for Rap and Hip Hop? Forget about it. Vibe is apparently shutting down:

mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/30/

And let's not even discuss the newspaper industry. USA Today is supposedly cutting more jobs this month. The Tribune Company, the parent company of The Star Tribune, is now officially bankrupt. The company that owns the Philadelphia Inquirer is bankrupt. As a matter of fact, a whole string of newspapers are shutting down or scaling way back. I just gave up on reporting it, because there were just too many every month.

This doesn't mean there isn't any newspaper or magazine work out there. Last month I shot a few thousand dollars worth of print publication assignments. And I'm only hired by a handful of publications. Considering there are thousands of newspapers and magazines around the world, there is still a decent living to be made as a freelance photojournalist and editorial shooter.

Plus, you don't have to be strictly a newspaper or magazine shooter. I supplement my monthly income with a wedding every month, corporate/event shooting, and other misc photo gigs (like music album covers, bridal shoots, etc). If you diversify like that, you'll make sure to stay afloat and pay all your bills.